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Definition of 'Cost-Benefit Analysis'
A process by which business decisions are analyzed. The benefits of a given situation or business-related action are summed and then the costs associated with taking that action are subtracted. Some consultants or analysts also build the model to put a dollar value on intangible items, such as the benefits and costs associated with living in a certain town. Most analysts will also factor opportunity cost into such equations.
Prior to erecting a new plant or taking on a new project, prudent managers will conduct a cost-benefit analysis as a means of evaluating all of the potential costs and revenues that may be generated if the project is completed. The outcome of the analysis will determine whether the project is financially feasible, or if another project should be pursued.
It is the analysis done to assess the ROI of an investment.
Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is a technique used to compare the total costs of a programme/project with its benefits, using a common metric (most commonly monetary units). This enables the calculation of the net cost or benefit associated with the programme.
Decisions are made through CBA by comparing the net present value (NPV) of the programme or project’s costs with the net present value of its benefits. Decisions are based on whether there is a net benefit or cost to the approach,
As a technique, it is used most often at the start of a programme or project when different options or courses of action are being appraised and compared, as an option for choosing the best approach. It can also be used, however, to evaluate the overall impact of a programme in quantifiable and monetised terms.
