simpler measures such as net benefit analysis are easier to calculate and present than other measures, although they do not discount future cash flows. If it can be modified to include
the time value of money, the net benefit method would be comparable to the net present value method. More complex measures such as net present value account for the time value of money but are more difficult to evaluate and present. The decision to adopt an alternative candidate system can be highly subjective, depending on the analyst’s or end user’s confidence in the estimated costs and benefits and the magnitude of the investment.
In summary, cost benefit analysis is a tool for evaluating projects rather than a replacement of the decision-maker. In real-life business situations, whenever a choice among
alternatives is considered, cost / benefit analysis is an important tool. Like any tool, however,
it has problems 1.
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