Scheme Prioritisation and Appraisal

SYSTRA has the capabilities to help decision-makers assess the benefits and impacts of proposed transport, infrastructure, energy and other development schemes – to support local and national objectives and deliver positive outcomes against key criteria.

cating finite resources for infrastructure projects

Determining how to allocate funds for transport, energy, environmental, construction and other infrastructure projects is a daunting prospect for decision-makers. It’s important for sponsoring agencies and other stakeholders to have access to the most relevant, fully researched and independently assessed information on the benefits and impacts of various schemes – so they can make the right decisions about where to invest for the future.

Any proposed development will have a wide range of impacts, both direct and indirect, which need to be properly analysed and quantified. This is a challenging exercise that requires specialist expertise to establish links between proposed interventions and their impacts across multiple criteria. Scheme appraisals need to advise decision-makers objectively on which interventions will best deliver against identified objectives. At the prioritisation stage, decision-makers often find there is a lack of quantitative evidence to inform their decisions.

SYSTRA has the technical expertise and first-hand experience of working with decision-makers to help prioritise transport and other infrastructure investments. We have expertise in assimilating different and often conflicting interests and priorities, and gathering objective data on the impact and effectiveness of diverse schemes.

our experience

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SYSTRA has significant experience of developing multi-criteria analysis frameworks, undertaking feasibility studies and early impact assessments to help decision-makers appraise and prioritise infrastructure investments./

Targeted multi-criteria analysis

Our experience of multi-criteria analysis means we understand the importance of carefully selecting the most impactful assessment criteria for each programme. That also means limiting the number of criteria to avoid diluting the impact of individual aspects of a proposal. We ensure that scheme assessments are based on evidence, wherever possible.

Targeted multi-criteria analysis

Our experience of multi-criteria analysis means we understand the importance of carefully selecting the most impactful assessment criteria for each programme. That also means limiting the number of criteria to avoid diluting the impact of individual aspects of a proposal. We ensure that scheme assessments are based on evidence, wherever possible.

Proven approach to scheme prioritisation

Having used the Department for Transport (DfT) Early Assessment and Sifting Tool (EAST) tool to support prioritisation exercises, we have successfully customised this tool to develop an enhanced EAST application. This has been adapted specifically to capture local benefits and assess alignment with local strategic objectives.

Strategic fit assessments

Our scheme prioritisation and appraisal frameworks focus on the strategic fit of proposed schemes with local and national policy objectives. Our assessments also consider the deliverability of schemes, as well as their acceptability and affordability – and the value for money they deliver over the long term.

We have particular expertise in the development of logic mapping, which helps to answer the ‘why’ question for any proposed scheme. Logic mapping enables us to set out the impacts of different interventions and assess their consistency with the client’s objectives and the desired scheme outcomes.

Support for scheme identification and approval

The approach we take to each scheme prioritisation and appraisal is developed in partnership with the client – ensuring they have ownership and confidence in the appraisal framework. We understand how to engage with all stakeholders, both in the development of the frameworks and in assessing the outputs of our appraisals. Our approach enables clients to make well-informed decisions about longlisting and shortlisting schemes for approval.

Ultimately, our support helps clients identify which schemes will best achieve their policy objectives, while maximising benefits for stakeholders.

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