Summary Report "Making the PES business case"

In the private sector, business-case analysis is a management tool supporting decision-making on whether to take a particular course of action or chosen alternative. Today, business case analysis is increasingly used in government agencies, including in PES management. Based on available data and information the costs, benefits and risks of a particular course of action are systematically assessed. It serves not only as a basis for initial decision-making but also as an essential element of project management, identifying success factors and expected outcomes in terms of which performance can be assessed. It is also a form of communication and persuasion used to gain support for a particular course of action or programme.