Feasibility studies

Before starting a new organisation or a new project within an existing organisation, it is important to consider undertaking a feasibility study.  Will the planned project deliver the outcomes you are hoping for and is it the best way of achieving those outcomes? 

A feasibility study is a preliminary study undertaken to determine and document a project's viability. The results of this study are used to make a decision whether to proceed with the project, or table it. If it indeed leads to a project being approved, it will - before the real work of the proposed project starts - be used to ascertain the likelihood of the project's success. It is an analysis of possible alternative solutions to a problem and a recommendation on the best alternative.

Needs Analysis

The first part of a feasibility study should be conducting a needs analysis as it clearly defines the project outline and the clients requirements.  If there is no need for the project or the project is not going to deliver in accordance to need then the project is unlikely to be feasible. 

Conducting a SWOT and PESTEL analysis as part of coherent strategic planning will help you do this.  Creating an impact map will also help you assess whether your project will result in the outcomes you hope for children and young people.

Useful links

Forth Sector (Scotland) - A business planning guide to developing a social enterprise – see 'conducting a feasibility study', pp.62-64.

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