Custosbenefícios

Custosbenefícios is a Portuguese term that translates to "cost-benefit" in English. It refers to an analysis technique used to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of a project, decision, or policy by comparing its expected costs against its expected benefits. This analysis is a fundamental tool in economics, business, and public administration for making informed choices.

The core principle of custosbenefícios is to determine whether the advantages gained from an action outweigh the resources expended or sacrifices made. Costs can include financial outlays, time, labor, and potential negative impacts. Benefits, on the other hand, encompass financial gains, improved efficiency, enhanced well-being, or societal advantages.

When conducting a custosbenefícios analysis, all relevant costs and benefits are identified, quantified as much as possible, and then compared. This often involves discounting future costs and benefits to their present value, acknowledging that money today is worth more than money in the future. The outcome typically indicates whether the project or decision is financially sound or socially advantageous. A positive net benefit suggests that the action is worthwhile, while a negative net benefit implies it is not. This systematic approach helps stakeholders make rational decisions by providing a clear, quantifiable basis for comparison.