Methodology Development

Clients have sought RPA’s assistance to develop methodologies to address a range of problems that require a systematic approach. Studies generally begin with a comprehensive literature review of relevant research from around the world, supported, if required, by consultation with government departments, statutory bodies, academic institutions, industry representatives, trade associations, and other stakeholders. The output of the project may include both a specific methodology and/or guidance on how to use this.

RPA’s clients in methodology development include the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Welsh Assembly Government, Scottish Executive and Department of Environment, Northern Ireland, the Environment Agency, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Commission (DG Environment & DG SANCO), Dienst Landelijk Gebied (Dutch Regional Authority) and private sector clients.

The following projects illustrate RPA’s broad experience in methodology development. Clients have commissioned RPA to develop and scope methodologies to:

• Assess the socio-economic impacts from chemical risk management options following from the implementation of REACH in order to assist with the development of Technical Guidance Documents.   Previously, RPA assisted with the preparation of guidance on socio-economic analysis for OECD (further information here and here)
• Explore the potential for improvements in existing project appraisal guidance to assist practitioners to make better decisions.  Read more..
• Assess the ‘intangible’ impacts of flooding, to develop a robust yet simple-to-use methodology applicable at all levels of appraisal, from policy and programme evaluation, to individual flood alleviation schemes.  Read more..
• Assess the environmental and social costs and benefits of water resource and water quality management schemes for use at desktop level by Environment Agency staff, who may have little or no experience of economic analysis
• Critically evaluate and complete existing information on employment activities related to waste management; look at the issue of opportunity costs in terms of reduced job levels in other economic sectors; and identify ways in which employment effects can usefully be integrated into evaluating policy instruments in the field of waste management.  Read more..
• Scope out and outline alternative methodologies for conducting a cost-effectiveness analysis and make recommendations on their implementation in the context of the Water Framework Directive