A method for evaluating the benefits of research projects

This report gives the results of a study that evaluated methods and data for measuring the benefits of research projects. A simple procedure is outlined for using standard benefit cost analysis, such as that developed in AASHTO's Manual on User Benefit Analysis and Charles Dale's procedure. First the benefits must be calculated for each implementation unit, such as mile of highway, location, ton of asphalt, etc. Next, an estimate is made of the cost of each unit of implementation. Third, an estimate is made of the period of time over which the research results are expected to be implemented and the rate of implementation in terms of implementation units per year. An adjustment also can be made for the lag in time before implementation begins. These inputs are then used to estimate present worth of net benefits resulting from use of the research results. Several case studies based on research studies of the Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation are used to illustrate the method. These case studies demonstrate a very high return on research, but also show the need for development of better information using before/ after studies of research implementation (A).

• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  College Station, Texas  United States 
• Authors:
  • McFarland, W D
• Publication Date: 1988-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 218p
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 1137-1F

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Case studies; Direct costs; Highway safety; Highway traffic control; Lighting; Management; Operating costs; Pavement components; Pavement design; Research; Roadside hazards; Vehicles
• ATRI Terms: Case study; Cost benefit analysis; Crash costs; Lighting; Management; Operating costs; Pavement design; Pavement materials; Research and development; Road safety; Roadside hazard; Traffic control; Vehicle costs
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Highways; Pavements; Research; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01411751
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 24 2012 2:37AM