The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Feasibility assessment FEAS

Defining, evaluating and describing business change options for financial, technical and business feasibility and strategic alignment.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
  • New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • generating and defining options
  • ensuring options align with the organisation’s vision, mission, objectives, strategy and tactics
  • engaging with relevant stakeholders and specialists
  • evaluating options for financial, technical and business feasibility.

Feasibility assessment is multi-dimensional. Options for change must be evaluated from several dimensions including, but not limited to: financial, technical, organisational capability and culture, strategic context, economic and/or commercial environment.

Feasibility assessment typically results in a documented business case used to support organisational decision-making about proposed investments. This skill is focused on the generation, analysis and documentation of investment options.

    Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

    Where lower levels are not defined...
    • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
    Where higher levels are not defined...
    • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

    Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

    The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

    Where lower levels are not defined...

    You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

    • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
    • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
    • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
    Where higher levels are not defined...
    • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

    Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

    Levels of responsibility for this skill

    2 3 4 5 6

    Feasibility assessment: Level 2

    Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

    Assists in feasibility assessment tasks under routine supervision.

    Helps gather information required for feasibility assessments.

    Supports the identification and documentation of options for business change.

    Feasibility assessment: Level 3

    Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

    Supports option identification and feasibility assessment.

    Selects and employs standard techniques to get the information required for feasibility assessment.

    Supports identification of tangible costs and benefits, and development of business cases.

    Feasibility assessment: Level 4

    Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

    Selects relevant feasibility assessment approaches and techniques.

    Identifies the range of possible options. Undertakes short-listing of options and feasibility assessment.

    Engages with internal and external stakeholders to get the information required for feasibility assessment.

    Supports preparation of business cases including cost/benefit, impact and risk analysis for each option.

    Feasibility assessment: Level 5

    Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

    Manages investigative work to enable feasibility assessments.

    Collaborates with stakeholders and specialists to get the information required for feasibility assessment.

    Advises on the selection of feasibility assessment approaches and techniques relevant to the business situation and options.

    Prepares business cases, including cost/benefit, impact and risk analysis for each option.

    Feasibility assessment: Level 6

    Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

    Establishes an organisational framework and standards for feasibility assessment and business case development.

    Directs and leads feasibility assessments for initiatives that will have a significant impact on the organisation.

    Engages with senior stakeholders to clarify the strategic context for investment options. Directs and leads the selection of feasibility assessment approaches and techniques that are relevant to the business situation and options.

    Presents feasibility assessments and business cases to senior stakeholders and supports decision-making regarding investment options.

    Keywords
    New level