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Understanding the likelihood of a project succeeding isn’t just about having the resources; it’s about whether your team can actually *make* it succeed. That’s where operational feasibility comes in. In this article, we’ll be diving deep into answering the question: What Is Operational Feasibility Example, providing a clear understanding and practical scenarios to illustrate its importance.
Understanding Operational Feasibility
What is operational feasibility? Simply put, it assesses how well a proposed project aligns with the existing operations and organizational structure of a company. It examines whether the organization has the capacity, skills, and expertise to effectively implement and sustain the project. It goes beyond just having the money or the technology; it focuses on the human element and the logistical challenges. It’s about determining if the project is actually doable within the current operational environment. A critical question to answer is whether the team possess the skills needed or whether new team members are needed. Also, it is equally important to figure out if there are new operations that need to be put in place, and if it will be able to handle the project smoothly. Here are some consideration points:
- Skill gaps within the team
- The requirement for new operational processes
- Integration challenges with existing systems
Operational feasibility considers aspects such as employee morale, organizational structure, management support, and the ability to adapt to new workflows. A project might look great on paper from a financial or technical standpoint, but if the staff is resistant to change, or if the existing infrastructure cannot support the project’s demands, it is likely to fail. For example, consider a small retail business planning to launch an e-commerce platform. They might have the budget and the website designed, but if they lack the personnel to handle online orders, manage customer inquiries, and process shipments, the project’s operational feasibility is questionable. The table below shows the general types of questions one should ask during operational feasibility:
| Area | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Skills | Do we have the right skills in house? |
| Processes | Do we need to put new operational processes in place? |
| Morale | How will this project affect the team? |
Ultimately, a strong operational feasibility assessment identifies potential roadblocks early on, allowing for adjustments to the project plan or even a complete reassessment of the project’s viability. Ignoring operational feasibility can lead to significant disruptions, decreased productivity, and ultimately, project failure. Therefore, operational feasibility is an important factor to consider before kicking off any project to avoid unnecessary operational risks.
Want to explore further into operational feasibility? Reach out to a trusted project management resource today for detailed guidance and templates that can significantly improve your project planning process.