Sample Short Feasibility Report

DATE: March 12, 200x

TO: Shannon O’Donnell, Vice President
FROM: Allison Myers-Whitman, Human Resources Manager
SUBJECT: FEASIBILITY OF AN E-MAIL AND INTERNET MONITORING PROGRAM

The plan calling for implementing an employee e-mail and Internet monitoring program is
workable, and I think it could be fully implemented by May 1. (Reveals decision immediately.)
This report discusses the background, benefits, problems, costs, and time frame involved in
executing the plan. (Outlines organization of the report)

Background: Current Misuse of E-Mail and the Internet. We currently provide all employees
with a company e-mail account to use for interoffice correspondence and for communicating
with outside clients. E-mail is a fast, efficient, and cost effective means of communication when
used correctly. We also allow employees full Internet access to help them perform their job
duties more effectively. However, we have received numerous reports that many employees are
using e-mail and the Internet for personal reasons, resulting in lowered productivity, higher costs,
and a strain on our network. These problems were submitted to an outside consultant, who
suggested an e-mail and Internet monitoring program. (Describes problem and background).

Benefits of Plan: Appropriate Use of E-Mail and the Internet. The proposed plan calls for
installing e-mail and Internet monitoring software such as EmployeeMonitoring
(http://www.employeemonitoring.net/), UntraView Plus (http://www.awarenesstech.com/), or
Spector CNE (http://www.spectorcne.com/). We would fully disclose to employees that this
software will be monitoring their e-mail and Internet activity. We will also conduct training to
teach employees what e-mail and Internet use is considered appropriate and inappropriate. The
software will limit any liability that may result from charges of sexual harassment, workplace
harassment, or cyberstalking. It will help us avoid copyright infringement from employees
illegally downloading software. In addition, the software can help ensure our credibility and
professional reputation. (Evaluates positive and negative aspects of proposal objectively).
Problems of Plan: Difficulty in Convincing Employees to Accept the Plan. One of the biggest
problems will be convincing employees to accept this new policy without feeling as if their
privacy is being violated. However, I believe that, with the help of our consultant, we can
communicate the reasons for this policy in a way that employees will understand. In addition, if
we provide adequate training, we can help employees understand appropriate and inappropriate
use of e-mail and the Internet on the job. (Suggests how acceptability could be enhanced)

Costs. Implementing the employee e-mail and monitoring plan involves two direct costs. The
first is the initial cost of the software, which will be $200 to $500, depending on the package we
choose. The second cost involves employee training, including the cost of the trainer. I estimate
initial training will cost approximately $800. I believe, however, that the costs involved are
within the estimates planned for this project. (Evaluates positive and negative aspects of
Proposal objectively)

Time Frame. Selecting the software package to purchase will take about two weeks. Preparing a
training program will require another three weeks. Once the program is started, I expect a
breaking-in period of at least three months. By May 1 the e-mail and Internet monitoring
program will be fully implemented and showing positive results in increased productivity,
decreased costs, lowered liability, and improved network performance. (Presents costs and
schedule; omits unnecessary summary)