impactanalyse

Impactanalyse is the systematic process of identifying and evaluating the potential effects of a plan, project, decision, or change. It seeks to understand how proposed actions may affect stakeholders, operations, the economy, the environment, and other parts of the system, in order to inform decisions, reduce risks, and maximize positive outcomes.

Typical steps include clarifying scope and objectives, identifying stakeholders and potential impacts (direct, indirect, short- and long-term, positive and negative), assessing likelihood and significance, evaluating options or mitigation measures, and documenting findings in an impact register or report. The process may combine qualitative methods (expert judgment, workshops, checklists) with quantitative techniques such as cost-benefit analysis, risk scoring, or modeling.

Impact analyses are used across fields. In policy and planning, environmental impact assessment and social impact assessment are common. In business continuity and project management, business impact analysis focuses on critical functions and recovery requirements. In software and IT, impact analysis helps assess the effects of changes to code, data, or infrastructure on system behavior and performance.

Benefits include better decision making, improved transparency, and earlier risk mitigation. Limitations include data gaps, subjective judgments, and the need for ongoing monitoring to capture actual outcomes after implementation.