Conducting a Feasibility Study

Step One: Conduct a Preliminary Analysis

The primary purpose of the preliminary analysis is to screen project ideas before extensive time, effort, and money are invested. Two sets of activities are involved.

Describe or outline as specifically as possible the planned services, target markets, and unique characteristics of the services by answering these questions:

Does the practice serve a currently unserved need? (e.g., multicultural populations or age groups who are not currently being served)
Does the practice serve an existing market in which demand exceeds supply?
Can the practice successfully compete with existing practices because of an "advantageous situation," such as better design, price, location, or availability (e.g., balance assessment and rehabilitation, programmable devices)?

Determine whether there are any insurmountable obstacles. A "yes" response to the following indicates that the idea has little chance for success:

Are capital requirements for entry or continuing operations unavailable or unaffordable?
Do any factors prevent effective marketing to any or all referral sources?

If the information gathered so far indicates that the idea has potential, then continue with a detailed feasibility study.

Step Two: Prepare a Projected Income Statement

Anticipated income must cover direct and indirect costs, taking into account the expected income growth curve. Working backward from the anticipated income, the revenue necessary to generate that income can be derived in order to build a projected income statement.

Factors that determine this statement are services provided, fees for services, volume of services, and adjust-ments to revenues (e.g., actual reimbursement levels).

Step Three: Conduct a Market Survey

A good market survey is crucial. If the planner cannot perform this survey, an outside firm should be hired. The primary objective of a market survey is a realistic projection of revenues. The major steps include:

Define the geographic influence on the market.
Review population trends, demographic features, cultural factors, and purchasing power in the community.
Analyze competing services in the community to determine their major strengths and weaknesses. Factors to consider include pricing, product lines, sources of referral, location, promotional activities, quality of service, consumer loyalty and satisfaction, and sales.
Determine total volume in the market area and estimate expected market share.
Estimate market expansion opportunities (e.g., responsiveness to new/enhanced services).

Step Four: Plan Business Organization and Operations

At this point, the organization and operations of the business should be planned in sufficient depth to determine the technical feasibility and costs involved in start-up, fixed investment, and operations. Extensive effort is necessary to develop detailed plans for:

Equipment
Merchandising methods
Facility location and design (or layout)
Availability and cost of personnel
Supply availability (e.g., vendors, pricing schedules. exclusive or franchised products)
Overhead (e.g., utilities, taxes, insurance)

Step Five: Prepare an Opening Day Balance Sheet

The Opening Day Balance Sheet should reflect the practice's assets and liabilities as accurately as possible at the time the practice begins, before the practice generates income.

Prepare a list of assets required for practice operations. The list should include item, source, cost, and available financing methods. Necessary assets include everything from cash necessary for working capital to buildings and land. Although the resulting list is rather simple, the amount of effort required may be extensive.

Liabilities to be incurred and the investment required by the practice must also be clarified. These items need to be considered:

Whether to lease or buy land, buildings, and equipment
How to finance asset purchases
How to finance accounts receivable

Step Six: Review and Analyze All Data

This review is crucial. The planner should determine if any data or analysis performed should change any of the preceding analyses. Basically, taking this step means "Step back and reflect one more time."

Reexamine the Projected Income Statement and compare with the list of desired assets and the Opening Day Balance Sheet. Given all expenses and liabilities, does the Income Statement reflect realistic expectations?
Analyze risk and contingencies. Consider the likelihood of significant changes in the current market that could alter projections.

Step Seven: Make "Go/No Go" Decision

All the preceding steps have been aimed at providing data and analysis for the "go/no go" decision. If the analysis indicates that the business should yield at least the desired minimum income and has growth potential, a "go" decision is appropriate. Anything less mandates a "no go" decision. Additional considerations include: