COVID-19

Introduction to benefit cost analysis

Crawford School of Public Policy

Event details

Executive Education

Date & time

Monday 16 November 2020 to Friday 20 November 2020
12.00am–12.00am

Venue

Online and distance

Speaker

Dr Kaliappa Kalirajan

Contacts

Isobella Fry
02 6125 5707

This series will develop your skills to confidently undertake a basic cost-benefit analysis or a project or policy, capably review reports prepared by consultants, and prepare regulatory impact statements.

A combination of essential concepts, case studies and practical exercises is used, without the use of mathematics. The series is suitable for both beginners and as a refresher for those with an economics background.

See related course: Methods for estimating benefits.

This course will run as an online and distance program in 2020. It is tentatively set to run for one week 16-20 November 2020. Specific dates and times, including for multiple live sessions will be confirmed soon. Contact csee@anu.edu.au to find out more.

Cost: Before 30 October 2020: $1,195 After 30 October 2020: $1,495

OR $2,195 for enrolment in the Series (saving $195 off the price of purchasing each day separately).

Group discounts available.

Apply now

Course overview A key feature of this course is an introduction to investment analysis using practical exercises such as the purchase of a house. Costs and revenues (benefits) are adjusted for inflation, for the time value of money (using discounting), for different project periods (using equivalent annual values), and for risk (using expected values, decision trees, and Monte Carlo analysis, which is increasingly used by commercial entities). Participants will conduct simple arithmetic calculations in shared learning experiences, and should bring a simple hand-held electronic calculator.

Session structure:

Basic investment analysis (a calculator is essential for practical exercises)

Timelines, flows of costs and benefits (revenues) Nominal and real values: adjusting for inflation Time value of money: compounding and discounting Discounting: adjusting for time Net present value

Basic investment analysis (continued)

· Real versus nominal values in analysis · Using present value tables · Annuities · Comparing projects of different duration · Perpetuities

Basic investment analysis (continued)

· Threshold analysis: Case Study · Types of discount rates · Adjusting costs and benefits for probability of incidence (risk) · Expected value and decision-tree analysis

Introduction to underlying principles of benefit-cost analysis

· The Pareto and Kaldor-Hicks principles · Standing · Benefits, opportunity cost, transfer payments · Financial analysis versus benefit-cost analysis · Key steps in benefit-cost analysis

Methodology: A combination of essential concepts, case studies and practical exercises is used, without the use of mathematics. The schedule is subject to alteration to suit participants’ particular interests.

Learning outcomes include: Confidently undertake a basic benefit-cost analysis of a project or policy Competently review reports prepared by consultants Prepare regulatory impact statements

Who should attend? This course is suitable for both beginners and as a refresher for those with an economics background.Simple mathematics of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and area of triangle (0.5 times the base and the height) will be used.

Online training: How it works

This is a real-time, date-specific course, in which you will join live classes, engage and connect with experts, other course participants and the Executive Education team. Here’s how it works:

  • Pre-course live session. This is an opportunity for you to grab a cuppa and join our meet and greet before the course commences.
  • Practice + Study. Set aside up to 2 hours per day – this time commitment will vary depending on how deeply you choose to engage with the material. It is up to you.
  • Course pack. Each participant will receive a carefully curated workbook, which includes everything you need to guide you through the course.
  • Live sessions with presenter. This is a specified date and time for you to come together with the presenter and other participants to consolidate your learning.
  • Post-course. On completion of the course, you will receive your post-course resources for your reference and further learning.

Why choose online training?

  • No time off work – study and practice when you can.
  • Busy schedule? No problem, you can go at your own pace, join just the live classes, and do the course work whenever suits you best. We know that work and family obligations can be overwhelming. Mix and match the schedule to fit your life.
  • No travel. This is a course right at your fingertips. With no travel expenses, this is a very affordable option for high-level training with world-leading experts.
  • Live interaction with world-leading experts. You’ll have direct access to all the best resources and trainers.
  • Working remotely? With the online and distance format, we welcome participants from around the world to join us.

FAQs

What if I can’t make a live session? No problem, we understand you are busy. Live sessions are recorded and transcribed for you to catch up in your own time.

What if I’m in a different time zone? All advertised course times are scheduled in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) otherwise known as GMT+11. Convert for your time zone here.

What if I am not tech savvy? As long as you have access to a phone or computer, you’ll have no problems. This is a low-tech course designed for everyone. If needed our team is here to help – contact us at csee@anu.edu.au.

What if I have questions? We would love to hear from you. Contact our team at csee@anu.edu.au

Updated:  30 March 2024/Responsible Officer:  Crawford Engagement/Page Contact:  CAP Web Team