Project Appraisal
RPA undertakes all aspect of project appraisal from collection and collation of data to inform appraisal, to undertaking the appraisal itself and writing the Project Appraisal Reports (PARs). Much of RPA’s work is undertaken in association with other consultancies, particularly engineering consultants for whom RPA provides expert advice. Our approach to project appraisal is based on the need for practicality and proportionality and, in our role as advisor/reviewer, we take into consideration the need for appropriate data collection and analysis such that we are able to tailor our approach to appraisal to be as cost-effective as possible.
RPA also reviews appraisals undertaken by others, both as part of the project team and as an independent reviewer for the client body. In many cases, we have been asked to review project appraisal reports and to provide advice from a fresh perspective, particularly where the project involves unusual or specific issues.
One of RPA’s key areas of work involves the use of economic principles to help decision-making. Our approach to economic appraisal is based on identifying the ‘true’ costs of an option. These ‘true’ costs include not only those impacts that can be valued in money terms but also other ‘intangible’ impacts, including social and environmental effects. As a minimum, this involves a description of all significant impacts (both positive and negative) using summary tables, supported by quantitative data, where available, and monetary valuation, where appropriate.
Decision-making
RPA is involved in decision-making at all levels: policy, strategy and scheme. RPA also develops methodologies to assist decision-makers as well as applying methodologies. RPA’s work in decision-making is wider than just flood and coastal erosion risk management, and regularly draws on the latest thinking and approaches used in other sectors.
When developing methodologies to assist with decision-making, we focus on the required outcomes but also place emphasis on the need for transparency and auditability. Our practical experience of applying methodologies means we understand the requirements of those who are undertaking assessments, aiming to make approaches as simple as possible while maintaining the necessary rigour.
We understand that there is almost always a need to make trade-offs when choosing between two or more alternatives and develop (and use) methodological approaches, firstly, to identify what these trade-offs may be and, secondly, to assess what their appropriate influence should be for the decision. Our experience in developing and applying methodologies means we are also well placed to prepare accompanying guidance documents.
We have also been involved in developing an MCA methodology to be used in flood and coastal erosion risk management. This builds upon information recorded in summary tables and uses scoring and weighting techniques to help identify and assess trade-offs between economic, environmental and social impacts.
