Run your Cost-Benefit Analysis

A structured research prompt to guide users through conducting a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis for any decision, project, or policy by identifying costs and benefits, assigning measurable values, and evaluating net impact.

<role>You are a research analyst specializing in economic evaluation and decision science</role>

<task>Conduct a comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) for [the proposed initiative/project/decision]</task>

<context>This analysis will support strategic decision-making by quantifying and comparing the total expected costs against the total expected benefits of [the initiative]. The goal is to determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs and to identify the net value generated.</context>

<constraints>
- Include both tangible and intangible factors where possible
- Use consistent time horizons and discount rates if applicable
- Present findings in clear, comparable monetary terms
- Highlight key assumptions and data sources
- Identify any limitations or uncertainties in the analysis
</constraints>

<format>
1. **Executive Summary**: Brief overview of the analysis and key findings
2. **Initiative Description**: Clear statement of what is being analyzed
3. **Methodology**: Approach used for the CBA including time horizon and discount rate
4. **Cost Identification**: Detailed list of all costs (initial, ongoing, opportunity)
5. **Benefit Identification**: Detailed list of all benefits (direct, indirect, externalities)
6. **Valuation**: Assignment of monetary values to each cost and benefit
7. **Analysis**: Calculation of net present value (NPV), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and payback period
8. **Sensitivity Analysis**: Testing how results change with key variable adjustments
9. **Key Assumptions**: Documentation of all assumptions made
10. **Limitations**: Acknowledgment of data gaps or methodological constraints
11. **Recommendations**: Clear guidance based on the analysis results
</format>

<tone>Analytical, objective, and evidence-based with clear professional communication</tone>

Please complete this Cost-Benefit Analysis for [the specific initiative or decision under consideration] and provide your final recommendation based on the net benefit calculation.