
An analysis could also be influenced by project supporters who may be looking for data that will back up taking on a project. It may be easier to assign monetary values to costs than benefits since revenues can be hard to predict, and intangible benefits - such as increased customer satisfaction or an enhanced business reputation - may have subjective values. The more tangible the costs and benefits, the more likely it will be to get an accurate analysis. Today, a cost benefit analysis is suitable for any business setting, but the method is not without flaws. First created in the 1840s by French economist and engineer Jules Dupuit, it was widely used to measure the value of different projects (especially government projects related to public policy and infrastructure). Understanding a project’s costs and benefits can help determine appropriate objectives, accurately estimate the needed resources (and associated costs), and inform your methods for measuring project success.Ĭost benefit analysis has enjoyed a long history. In addition to comparing multiple projects or deciding whether a project is a sound investment, a cost benefit analysis can provide valuable information when it comes time to actually implement a project. This can be especially helpful for weighing decisions that have calculable financial risks and rewards, or when you need a quick way to evaluate a new initiative. No-code required.Ī cost benefit analysis weighs the pros and cons, or benefits and costs, of a project or decision in order to determine its feasibility or to compare alternatives.
