A methodology to estimate the benefits and costs of stakeholder engagement in a transport decision-making process

Abstract

Purpose – The objective of this paper is to propose a methodology to estimate the benefits and costs of stakeholder engagement (SE). Indeed, in the transport sector, it is consolidated that a good decision-making process foresees the involvement of the main stakeholders, but what are the benefits and costs of the SE? How to quantify these impacts and explicitly take them into account in a cost-benefit analysis? In this paper, an attempt to answer these questions is provided. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, a methodology is proposed to estimate the benefits and costs of SE. Moreover, the proposed methodology is applied to a case study with an attempt to identify direct and indirect cost and benefit drivers within the context. Findings – A range of examples of the monetary costs and benefits of SE is provided through the case study of the high-speed rail corridor connecting Bari and Naples in Italy. Research limitations/implications – Limits in quantifying all the aspects of engagement. Practical implications – To be adopted by public administrations when deciding whether carrying out a project. Social implications – Social inclusion is a must in any decision-making process concerning big projects affecting the community. Originality/value –The original value of this paper is to provide a contribution to the current literature on the quantitative representation of the impacts of SE. Indeed, a methodology to quantify and monetize the costs and benefits of SE is proposed.