๐ ๏ธ 1. Technical Feasibility and Resource Availability
๐น A. Technical Feasibility
This assesses whether the technology and infrastructure required for the project are available, proven, and implementable.
Key Questions:
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Do we have the technical know-how to deliver the project?
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Are the systems and tools required readily available?
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Is the technology mature or experimental?
Examples:
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A solar energy project requires assessment of panel efficiency, storage technology, and grid integration.
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A software platform launch may depend on available APIs, cloud scalability, and cybersecurity readiness.
๐น B. Resource Availability
Projects also need to assess the availability of tangible and intangible resources, including:
| Resource Type | Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Human Resources | Do we have the right skills internally? Will we need to hire or train? |
| Physical Resources | Is space, machinery, or equipment available? |
| Time | Can we realistically complete this on schedule? |
| Supply Chain | Are materials or inputs reliably sourced? |
๐ A technically feasible project may still fail due to resource bottlenecks.
๐ 2. Market and Demand Analysis
This evaluates whether there is sufficient demand and market opportunity for the project’s success.
๐น Key Areas:
| Factor | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Target Market | Who are the customers? What segments are we serving? |
| Demand Forecasting | What is the expected uptake or usage over time? |
| Competition | What alternatives exist? Whatโs our competitive edge? |
| Market Size & Growth | Is the opportunity large and growing? |
| Customer Needs | Are we solving a real, validated problem? |
๐ Tools:
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SWOT analysis
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Porter’s Five Forces
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Customer surveys, focus groups, and trend analysis
๐ Example: A health-tech app might be viable financially, but fail in a market where user trust in digital health is low.
โ๏ธ 3. Legal, Environmental, and Social Considerations
These factors often determine whether a project is permitted, ethical, and sustainable.
๐น A. Legal and Regulatory Feasibility
| Consideration | Examples |
|---|---|
| Licensing and Permits | Construction, data usage, emissions, etc. |
| Compliance Requirements | Labor laws, data protection (e.g., GDPR), taxation |
| Intellectual Property | Are patents or trademarks required/violated? |
| Foreign Regulations | For international expansion or exports |
๐จ A profitable project may be halted by a permit denial or regulation breach.
๐น B. Environmental Impact
Increasingly critical for project approval and public support:
| Evaluation Area | Example Impact |
|---|---|
| Carbon footprint | Energy-intensive operations |
| Waste and Pollution | Manufacturing byproducts |
| Ecosystem Disruption | Infrastructure near sensitive habitats |
๐ Many companies use Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) as part of feasibility.
๐น C. Social and Ethical Factors
| Issue | Importance |
|---|---|
| Community Impact | Will the project create jobs or displace communities? |
| Labor Practices | Ethical sourcing, fair wages |
| Cultural Sensitivity | Are there religious, linguistic, or cultural risks? |
โ Social feasibility is essential for brand reputation, especially in industries like mining, real estate, or public services.
๐งญ 4. Strategic Fit and Organizational Impact
Even if a project is profitable, it may not align with the companyโs long-term goals, values, or capacity.
๐น Strategic Alignment
| Factor | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Vision Fit | Does this support our mission and values? |
| Core Capabilities | Are we building on what weโre already good at? |
| Portfolio Balance | Does this diversify or concentrate our risk? |
๐ Misaligned projects can drain focus, confuse brand identity, or conflict with other business lines.
๐น Organizational Readiness
| Area | Key Concerns |
|---|---|
| Change Management | Can the organization adapt to new workflows, tools, or markets? |
| Stakeholder Buy-In | Are internal teams (IT, HR, ops) supportive or resistant? |
| Leadership Commitment | Is there executive sponsorship and accountability? |
๐ง A sound project may fail if internal teams resist the change or lack capacity.
โ Summary: Non-Financial Feasibility Matrix
| Area | Key Question | Risk if Ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Feasibility | Can we build/deliver it with current tools/tech? | Project failure |
| Resource Availability | Do we have the people, time, and materials? | Delays, cost overruns |
| Market Demand | Will customers actually buy or use this? | No ROI despite capability |
| Legal & Regulatory | Is it allowed by law and regulation? | Fines, shutdowns |
| Environmental/Social | Will it harm the planet or communities? | Protests, bans, PR crises |
| Strategic Fit | Does this align with who we are and where weโre going? | Internal conflict or distraction |
| Organizational Impact | Can we execute this internally? | Change resistance, failure |