Workshop - Introduction to Cost-Benefit Analysis for Evaluators
Virtual Instructor-Led Workshop
We will be facilitating a virtual instructor-led workshop over two half-day sessions (Tuesday 05 August 2025 and Tuesday 12 August 2025, both 10:00 am to 1.30 pm AEST) for the Australian Evaluation Society.
This interactive and practical workshop, which has been designed specifically for evaluators (and assumes no prior knowledge of cost-benefit analysis nor economics) will provide evaluators with an understanding of cost-benefit analysis (CBA), explain how CBA can and should be used in evaluation, provide practical guidance for undertaking a CBA and interpreting a CBA, and build personal confidence around CBA.
Workshop Start Times
12:00 pm - New Zealand
10:00 am - ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria
09:30 am - Northern Territory, South Australia
08:00 am - Western Australia
Why Attend?
CBA is an appraisal and economic evaluation technique that considers the economic, social, and environmental impacts of different projects, programs, and policies, in quantifiable and monetary terms.
Widely used as an ex-ante (forward-looking) technique for appraising options and informing social decision-making, cost-benefit analysis is becoming increasingly important in ex-post (after the event) economic evaluation.
Across state and territory governments, CBA is the preferred method of economic assessment.
Learning Outcomes
Key learning outcomes will include increased understanding of:
The role of CBA in evaluation
When and why an evaluator would use CBA
How CBA compares to other types of economic analysis
Types of CBA
Key concepts in CBA
How to undertake a CBA
Practical issues and challenges associated with undertaking a CBA
How to review, interpret and communicate results of a CBA
Where to find useful resources for CBA
Workshop Audience
This workshop is designed as Foundational.
Optional Office Hours
In addition to the two half-day workshops, optional ‘group office hours’ will be offered for those participants wanting to engage more deeply with the program or ask any questions outside of the main workshop.