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The value and profitability of information services can be quantified by using modern management techniques to generate numerical data. In this approach, programme budgeting derived from management by objectives exercises is used as a basis for preparing cost‐activity and cost‐function analyses, whilst alternative costs for maintenance of the programme are derived by applying some basic critical examination, activity sampling and work study principles. By difference, cost‐related benefits are obtained for specific activities and functions. The procedure does not indicate the true value of units of information per se, but ranking of the benefits immediately highlights economic and uneconomic operations. Model analyses are described in detail, supported by a number of factual results. The dynamic nature of the system and its use as a management device are illustrated by a practical application in a real‐life change situation.

This study aims to capture the views of executives about the merit of using the two segmentation approaches (quantitative vs qualitative). Furthermore, this study aimed to examine costs and benefits for two different segmentation approaches, using a minimax simple cost-benefit analysis (CBA) matrix.

A total of 16 semistructured interviews were conducted with executives within the University of Sharjah (UoS). Furthermore, a minimax approach was applied to the CBA study.

Evidence in this study found that the financial cost of quantitative segmentation approaches was higher than qualitative approaches. However, the decision-makers trusted the quantitative approach more regardless of the incurred costs. The study also found that there was a limited knowledge about social marketing and segmentation among executives.

Limitations of this study relate to the methodology applied, the sample selected and the lead research. Another factor is selection bias, which limited this study to one organization’s executives. It is conceivable that middle-level management would have had the desire to participate because they make the recommendations to top management in decision-making. The researcher did not collect precise data on time taken to design, implement and analyses the two segmentation studies, which qualified the precision of the CBA. Also, the fact that the sample includes participants from a relatively narrow range of disciplines should be noted as a limitation of the study.

The current study provides a case study demonstrating how CBA provides a dollar amount estimate permitting alternate segmentation approaches to be compared and contrasted, assisting in the value estimation of any social marketing project.

The paper draws upon two streams of the literature: social marketing and CBA. The paper focused on the understanding of the literature, CBA offers a technique applicable to demonstrating cost savings that can be derived from choosing one method over another. Moreover, CBA assists in understanding the benefits or potential opportunity cost both financially and nonfinancially.

This paper presents one of the first studies conducting a CBA to compare and contrast two segmentation approaches in social marketing. The study provides interesting insights into the perceptions of management executives over alternative research methods, although the results are limited to a case study.

It is crucial to consider the multitude of possible building adaptation design strategies for improving the existing conditions of building stock as an alternative to demolition.

Integration of physics-based simulation tools and decision-making tools such as Multi-Attribute Utility (MAU) and Interactive Multi-objective Optimization (IMO) in the design process enable optimized design decision-making for high-performing buildings. A methodology is presented for improving building adaptation design decision making, specifically in the early-stage design feasibility analysis. Ten residential building adaptation strategies are selected and applied to one primary building system for eight performance metrics using physics-based simulation tools. These measures include energy use, thermal comfort, daylighting, natural ventilation, systems performance, life cycle, cost-benefit and constructability. The results are processed using MAU and IMO analysis and are validated through sensitivity analysis by testing one design strategy on three building systems.

Quantifiable comparison of building adaptation strategies based on multiple metrics derived from physics-based simulations can assist in the evaluation of overall environmental performance and economic feasibility for building adaptation projects.

The current methodology presented is limited to the analysis of one decision-maker at a time. It can be improved to include multiple decision-makers and capture varying perspectives to reflect common practices in the industry.

The methodology presented supports affordable generation and analysis of a large number of design options for early-stage design optimization.

Given the practical implications, more space and time is created for exploration and innovation, resulting in potential for improved benefits.

Aims to show that, by using a simple step‐by‐step approach to cost‐benefit analysis, we can deal with “soft” items (such as the restructuring of organizations) so that they are integrated within the overall business policy. The conceptual exercise is illustrated on the basis of a case study on the implementation of socio‐technical work groups in a Dutch factory. First, socio‐technical work groups are defined as an example of a “soft” investment. Next, the step‐by‐step approach is described, showing that qualitative considerations can be reworked into financial figures such as those used in traditional investment analysis. Subsequently, this approach is applied to the illustrative case study. In the randomly selected case study it appeared that the decision to implement socio‐technical work groups could be dealt with as an investment. Using traditional techniques, the investment was analysed as risky but profitable. In the casuistic step‐by‐step approach, management, with or without the help of a consultant, reworks qualitative considerations into financial figures. The transparency of this approach enables them to prove the reliability of the process as well as the validity of the conclusions drawn from the calculations based on their situation. Management’s discussion of the qualitative considerations and financial figures provides a description of the future situation that is as complete and clear as possible.

Health economics is now a well‐established topic within the discipline of economics. A 5,500‐item bibliography covering material up to 1982 is available (Blades et al, 1986). Health economists write on such diverse matters as (to select at random) demand for acute care in hospitals, the costs of illness, the economics of alcoholism, cost‐benefit analysis in magnetic resonance imaging, and the pros and cons of any number of ways of financing the delivery of health services. Here in the UK the Health Economists' Study Group boasts around 150 members. Meanwhile, hardly a day goes by without the newspapers containing items concerning topics which could form the basis for health economists' involvement in analysis, evaluation and, in some cases, policy advice. The jargon of economics and evaluation is becoming familiar to a wider audience: thus articles on cost‐effectiveness and cost‐benefit analysis appear regularly in medical journals and the quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) has featured on TV. Thus a review of some of the recently published books in this area would appear appropriate at this juncture.

Mehr als andere Märkte ist der Markt des Tourismus von Emotionen abhängig. Dies zeigt sich nicht nur an der überproportionalen Konjunktur‐Reagibilität der Nachfrager; auch die Angehotsseite neigt offensichtlich zu einer gewissen Hektik. Zur Zeit ist in alten und neuen Zentren des europäischen Urlaubs‐ und Geschäftsreiseverkehrs ein Investitionsboom zu verzeichnen, der nur schwerlich mit technologischen Umwälzungen oder Gewinnaussichten allein erklärt werden kann.

In this study, an integrative approach of customer satisfaction and cost of quality has been proposed for the value analysis of products based on a cost–benefit ratio.

For the integrative approach, Kano and prevention-appraisal-failure (PAF) models have been applied. By the proposed approach, the value of products can be analyzed according to customer viewpoints and cost of quality. Four products of a home appliance company have been used to examine the new approach.

Findings indicate the priorities of the studied products as stove, TV, fridge and washing machine, respectively. Such a set of prioritized products plays a strategic role in the competitive advantage of the studied company.

In this study, the weights of the cost of quality items have been assumed as equal. Also, the costs of quality items were limited to the most important ones at the studied company. However, more cost of quality items might be considered in different case studies.

In this study, the Kano and PAF models have been considered simultaneously for product value analysis from the viewpoint of customers. In addition to the classic method of value analysis which is merely based on previous events, the proposed approach is typically proactive.

Builds on the article in Quality Assurance in Education, Vol. 5 No. 1, “Assuring quality in access courses ‐ the authorized version”, by discussing the problematic nature of applying cost‐benefit analysis to the quality assurance mechanisms of this type of educational provision.