An investigation into social cost-benefit analysis practice in the appraisal of public projects in Kenya
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Date
2008-09Author
Njihia, James Muranga
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Social Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) is a popular technique to evaluate public sector
investments. It is theoretically and methodologically sophisticated but continues to
receive heavy criticism from difficulties encountered in practice. In this study we
investigate how Kenyan project analysts undertake public project evaluation and how
they cope with CBA limitations. We find that CBA understanding is low while practice is
hobbled by methodological difficulties and complexity. Project analysts are divided
almost equally for and against CBA’s perceived utility. We conclude with a research
proposal for a complexity theory and system dynamics based approach to project
evaluation.
Citation
Odock, S. O., & Njihia J. M. (2008). An Investigation into Social Cost-Benefit Analysis Practice in the Appraisal of Public Projects in Kenya. Nairobi Journal of ManagementSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Department of Management Science, University of Nairobi
Subject
Public projectsAppraisal
Kenya
Social cost-benefit analysis
Complexity theory
System dynamics