beregningseffekten

Beregningseffekten is a term used in Scandinavian languages to describe the influence that the methods and parameters of calculation have on outcomes, decisions, or perceptions in policy, economics, engineering, and related fields. The concept is not a single formal theory but a descriptive idea that calculations themselves can shape what is judged as feasible, desirable, or worth pursuing.

Mechanisms for the effect include the choice of discount rate, which costs or benefits are included or excluded, the time horizon used, how results are presented (for example annual versus total costs), and the assumptions about future scenarios or costs. Presentation and framing can also steer decisions, even when objective differences between alternatives are small.

Applications and contexts where beregningseffekten is discussed include public budgeting and procurement, cost-benefit analyses, energy efficiency programs, climate finance, pricing models, and risk assessments. The central concern is that calculation practices can unintentionally bias conclusions if transparency and consistency are lacking.

Implications for practice emphasize the need for sensitivity analysis, clear documentation of assumptions, and standardized methodologies to minimize unintended effects. By making calculation choices explicit, decision-makers can better assess the robustness of results and avoid systematic distortions.

See also: cost-benefit analysis, discount rate, life-cycle cost analysis, accounting practices, decision analysis.