100-Metodos-de-Qualidade-Total

MANAGEMENT METHODS 33
Method 7
Cost-benefit analysis
Purpose
To estimate the real cost and benefits of a project under consideration.
When to use
A problem-solving team would use cost-benefit analysis to find out if a
solution is practical in terms of cost.
How to use
This simple technique involves evaluating all the costs associated with
implementing a particular project, and comparing them with the expected
benefit. The evaluation usually covers a three- or five-year period.
The technique can also be used without actual cost figures, but using
weightings. This is particularly applicable when dealing with organizational
or 'human' problems.
Benefits
Some solutions to problems are relatively easy to evaluate, but often a case
has to be made for implementing a particular solution. Cost-benefit
analysis enables a team to make a case for a solution being adopted.
Example
A problem-solving group had discovered that key punch error was the first
major cause of incorrect data entry. They identified various ways of putting
this right, induding the purchase of a new piece of hardware costing
£5,000. The cost-benefit analysis looked like this:
Costs year 1
Machine
Re-wiring and installation
Cost of re-training
Lost time cost
Total cost
£
5,000
1,500
1,200
1,000
8,700