Project Feasibility

Before embarking on a project, it must be determined that the project is feasible—that it actually can be done. Whether or not a project is feasible depends on whether enough information and data exist so that a project team can fully plan the project, and whether the people available to do the project have the knowledge and skills necessary to plan and execute it.

Designing and developing the first jet engine to perform at and above the speed of sound (MACH-1) raised feasibility questions. The characteristics of airflow change dramatically as the airflow speed reaches the speed of sound. However, in the early 1950s, jet engine design did not deal with this “shock-wave” phenomenon. This brought up the question of whether it was feasible to create a MACH-1 engine design. Significant wind tunnel testing had been done on critical engine elements. This testing led to the conclusion that the necessary information and data for the project existed. The contractor project team then was able to demonstrate that they had and could combine research information and create the engine. The project was deemed feasible, and the jet engine was produced.

Projects like this one which advance the state of the art, must be judged carefully as to their feasibility. Analysis may show that more research—more mucking around gathering data—is needed before it is possible to attempt a project's execution. (Research is not pursued with on-time objectives as is a project.)