Objectives:1. Describe how problems brought to the

attention of systems analysts.2. Discuss the function of the feasibility study.3. Write the stages of the feasibility study.

A system study begins with recognition of a problem, willingness by the organization or the system staff to deal with it, and then delineation of the tasks necessary to solve problem.

Analysts are continually measuring, examining, studying, and comparing elements in a system.

Management approaches the systems analyst about existing problems or with a request to study the feasibility of a specific system or installation.

Complaints from dissatisfied customers are often indications of serious problems.

Systems Analyst

Management VendorsSystems

Users

Legal Department

CustomersFinancial

DepartmentManufacturing

Department

Employees

Recognize that it has come from an appropriate manager or supervisor, and want to take action.

Develop a task list that describes the preliminary steps to be taken.

1. Study request and review previous documentation and case history.

2. Meet with the Manager and discuss problem.

3. Prepare problem definition statement.4. Conduct feasibility study.5. Assign personnel to project.6. Prepare report for management,

including recommendations for dealing with the problem.

The analyst makes a brief assessment of the ways in which the problem manifests itself.

Complaint Log logs such as these record the nature and type of complaint.

Date Source Nature of Complaint

02-16-89 Shipping Repair parts delivered late

02-23-89 Marketing Shipment Incomplete02-26-89 Depot 38 Parts charged to wrong

account03-09-89 Marketing Parts shipped without

billing03-19-89 Depot 73 Maintenance not

performed

Its purpose is to gather, analyze, and document the data needed to make an informed, intelligent decision regarding a system’s practicality.

Preliminary Study

Investigative Study

Final Report

Preliminary Study – concerned with the determining whether or not the direct and indirect benefits gained from the new system will be greater that the costs involved.

Investigative Study – the problem is carefully defined and all details in the solution are specified.

Final Report – tells how and when the new system should be implemented.