Make your case with confidence and learn how to assess project value through cost benefit analysis.

Across all levels of government in Australia, cost benefit analysis is the preferred method for evaluating the merit of initiatives. If your project relies on government funding, approvals or regulatory changes, you may need to undertake, commission or review a cost benefit analysis.

This half-day course will introduce and practice the skills needed in cost benefit analysis. You’ll learn how to use it to assess and demonstrate the value of projects.

What's covered

Introduction to cost benefit analysis
Key steps to performing a cost benefit analysis
How to measure and monetise (value) costs and benefits
How to compare future costs and benefits with current day values
Calculating and interpreting cost benefit metrics such as Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Return on Investment (ROI)
Managing and addressing uncertainty
Incorporating social equity and non-monetised items
Understanding the limitations and how to navigate them

The course includes an overview of cost benefit analysis, plus real-life case studies covering improved service delivery, infrastructure provision, and regulatory reform.

Who should attend

This course is ideal for people working in or engaging with government, people who may need to undertake, commission or review a cost benefit analysis, and people interested in learning about Social Return on Investment (SROI) or measuring social value. An extensive knowledge of economics is not required.

Your trainers

Andrew McDougall is a Principal and Partner at SGS Economics and Planning. He has extensive experience in assessing the impacts of capital projects and service delivery programs, and preparing business cases for all levels of government and not-for-profit clients. Andrew also works with agencies to prioritise future investments using integrated decision-making frameworks.

William Boadle is an Associate at SGS Economics and Planning. He is an economist who advises on infrastructure and policy decision-making. His work spans business case preparation, cost benefit analysis, infrastructure and economic strategy development, economic impact analysis, and program evaluation. He has applied cost benefit analysis principles to projects in transport, health, leisure, cultural and education sectors, as well as broader policy initiatives.