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Decision-Making and Investment Appraisal

Cost benefit analysis

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 2

Overview

Cost benefit analysis, difference between a private cost and an external cost and difference between a private benefit and an external benefit.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Numbers

A scheme has private costs of £4 million and external costs valued at £1.5 million. Calculate the social cost.

Key term

What is cost benefit analysis?

Key term

What is the difference between a private cost and an external cost?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is cost benefit analysis?

    Model answer

    Cost benefit analysis compares the total costs of a project with its total benefits. Costs and benefits to society are included alongside those falling on the business itself.

  2. 2

    What is the difference between a private cost and an external cost?

    Model answer

    A private cost falls on the business undertaking the activity, such as wages or materials. An external cost falls on third parties, such as noise or pollution suffered by residents.

  3. 3

    What is the difference between a private benefit and an external benefit?

    Model answer

    A private benefit accrues to the business, such as revenue from sales. An external benefit accrues to others, such as reduced congestion after a new road opens.

  4. 4

    What is social cost?

    Model answer

    Social cost is the total cost of an activity to society. Social cost equals the private cost plus any external cost.

  5. 5

    What is social benefit?

    Model answer

    Social benefit is the total benefit of an activity to society. Social benefit equals the private benefit plus any external benefit.

  6. 6

    A scheme has private costs of £4 million and external costs valued at £1.5 million. Calculate the social cost.

    Model answer

    Social cost equals private cost plus external cost. The private cost here is £4 million and the external cost £1.5 million. The social cost is therefore £5.5 million.

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