Manageable vs. Feasible — What's the Difference?

Manageable refers to something that can be handled, controlled, or dealt with effectively, often without too much difficulty or effort. This could relate to tasks, situations, or objects that are within one's capacity to manage. For example, a manageable workload is one that a person can complete without being overwhelmed. Feasible, on the other hand, pertains to the practicality or likelihood of something being accomplished or achieved. It's about the realm of possibility and whether conditions are favorable for a certain outcome or solution. A feasible plan means it can realistically be executed or implemented.

When discussing manageability, the focus is on the capability of an individual or system to control or navigate a situation or task. This encompasses the resources, time, and effort required to keep things within a controllable limit. Whereas feasibility is more concerned with the viability of an idea, project, or proposal, taking into account the necessary conditions, resources, and circumstances that enable its successful completion.

In practical terms, something being manageable doesn’t necessarily mean it is feasible. A project might be manageable in the sense that a team can work on it without exceeding their capacity, but it might not be feasible due to external constraints such as budget, time, or technology limitations. Conversely, a project might be feasible because the necessary resources and technology are available, but it might not be manageable within the current capacity or skill set of a team.

The assessment of manageability often requires an understanding of one's own or one's team's capabilities and limitations. It is a subjective measure that varies from person to person or team to team. Feasibility, while also subject to interpretation, tends to involve a more objective analysis of external factors and conditions that determine whether something can actually be done.

The decision-making process usually involves considering both manageability and feasibility. For instance, in project planning, a proposal must be both manageable, ensuring the team can handle the workload, and feasible, confirming that the project can be successfully completed with the available resources and within environmental constraints.