Utility and neccessity: assessing costs and benefits (English summary)
Unlike previously, the CBA is not conducted twice – in the assessment stage and in the planning study – but rather once, at the end of the assessment stage, which serves as a foundation for the preferred alternative. The research load in the assessment stages is reduced, by only assessing the most promising solutions (preferably a maximum of three) which are selected based on less detailed information on costs and benefits. Time savings are also achieved by harmonising research (transport, noise, etc). This prevents double work.
This report is available in Dutch
The information that is essential for arriving at decisions quickly varies per project. A cost-benefit analysis is flexible. Depending on the particular needs, the scope can vary from a ‘back of a napkin’ calculation to a comprehensive analysis that includes substantial project-specific research. Through an early identification of key costs factors, revenues and uncertainties, a cost-benefit analysis can improve the quality of the decision-making. This way decisions are made more robust and subsequent delays in decision-making processes are prevented.