IMPACT ANALYSIS

Changing an information system or an organization can have varying impacts. One way to assess the magnitude of a change is to conduct an impact analysis.

An impact analysis involves defining a change and determining its affect on the current mode of doing business. It requires assessing a change from three perspectives: technical, operational, and economical.

A technical perspective assesses change by looking at the ways it modifies a system. An operational perspective assesses change by looking at the ways it modifies a process or procedure. An economical perspective assesses change by looking at the financial affects of the change.

Conducting an impact analysis offers two benefits. One, it enables proaction rather than reaction to change, and two, it helps in managing the introduction of a change.

for Conducting an Impact Analysis

• Define exactly what the change is.
• Determine the technical impact of the change.
• Determine the operational impact of the change.
• Determine the economical impact of the change.
• Prepare an impact analysis document.