Fordelsvurdering

Fordelsvurdering, often translated as benefit assessment or cost-benefit analysis in English, is a systematic process used to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a particular project, policy, or decision. The core principle is to identify, quantify, and compare the expected benefits against the anticipated costs. This allows for a more informed and rational decision-making process.

The process typically begins with clearly defining the scope and objectives of what is being assessed. This involves identifying all potential stakeholders and their respective interests. Benefits can be tangible, such as increased revenue or reduced operational expenses, or intangible, like improved customer satisfaction or enhanced public safety. Similarly, costs can include direct financial outlays, but also indirect costs such as environmental impact or social disruption.

Quantification is a key step, where both benefits and costs are assigned a monetary value whenever possible. This often involves employing various economic valuation techniques. However, when direct monetary valuation is difficult or impossible, qualitative assessments and rankings are used. The comparison of total benefits against total costs, often expressed as a ratio or net present value, helps determine the overall desirability of the option. Fordelsvurdering is a valuable tool in both public and private sectors for resource allocation and strategic planning, aiming to maximize positive outcomes and minimize negative consequences.