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Feasibility assessment

After brain storming and mind mapping a feasibility assessment has to be done.

Can the research be realized as outlined in the proposal plan derived from the mind map?

This analysis is conducted in the frame of the such-called SWOT approach. The SWOT analysis is a planning tool to ensure the feasibility of the planned activities. It recognizes that there are both internal and external factors that can affect the success of a project:

  • the internal factors are addressed in the Strengths and Weaknesses
  • the external factors in Opportunities and Threats).

Any internal asset which will help to exploit opportunities (or to meet demands) and to fight off threats in order to present a successful proposal to a donor and fulfill the research question.

Any internal condition that hinders the applicants’ team in meeting the demand of the donor or of answering the research question properly.

Any external circumstance or trend that favors the demand for the research topic of the proposal or the specific competence that the applicants offer.

Any  external  circumstance  or  trend  which  will  unfavorably influence the interests of the donors in the research topic of the proposal, the applicants or the area in which the research might be conducted The steps to make SWOT a strategic and operational tool involve:

  • Preparing the ground (define the planning object and the mission of the
    planning team);
  • Conduct  the  analysis  by  visualizing  of  strengths,  weaknesses, opportunities and threats on a flipchart or whiteboard;
  • Strategy discussion (relate results to the missionstatement and derive strategy elements);
  • Operational planning (results and strategy elements are transformed into planning documents).