Feasibility Reports

An explanation of feasibility reports

A feasibility report is a type of technical report that analyzes a problem and recommends a solution based on observable data or evidence.

Your assignment is to select a narrow topic related to solving a problem on the Mercer campus or in your community. For example, think of a problem or challenge facing the University, or possibly an opportunity. Your final report will analyze at least 3 potential solutions and recommend one for implementation.

For example, you might be interested in minimizing or avoiding run-off of rain water in campus parking lots or replacing the light bulbs in the dorm with longer-life alternatives.

Use any resources you can find to discover at least three ways of solving the problem. Then, follow these 10 steps:

Notify me via email of your topic choice, preferably by Wednesday, June 18, so that I can approve it.
Examine the sample paper in the sidebar on the right and use it as an example.
With your three solutions, formulate 3-4 criteria against which the solutions can be evaluated. Examples of criteria are cost, time to install, longevity, availability of materials, etc.
Using the criteria, evaluate the potential solutions and make a recommendation to the person who can make the decision to implement your recommendation. If you don't know the person, address it to me.
Determine the audiences for your report -- not only the person who can make the decision to implement the solution you are suggesting to whom you are addressing the report, but the others on whom that person might call, as well as your classmates who will be the audience for your oral report.
Write a 3-5 page feasibility report using the informal (memo) format, addressed to the decision maker and responding to his or her information needs, but also anticipating the needs of other members of the audience.
Generate a rough draft of the report for peer review.
After you receive your peer reviewed copy, finalize your report.
Create a presentation using Powerpoint or Google Presentations to be viewed by your classmates describing the problem, the alternatives, the criteria you used to evaluate them, and your recommended solution. You should use 7-10 slides.
Submit your paper and presentation in Google Drive by the deadline.