Proceedings of the 13th Meeting of the
Transport and Communications Working Group
17
Finally, Mr. SMIT presented the specific recommendations, in line with the defined policy
recommendations, as presented in the room document.
Recommendation 1: develop a systematic framework to transport project appraisal
The recommended transport project appraisal framework must indicate:
 Types of project appraisal;
 The objective of the appraisal and how the appraisal is expected to inform the decision-
making process;
 Type of analysis (CBA, MCA, CEA) with specific references;
 Detail level that is used (a simple analysis or a tailor-made analysis).
One of the main aims of project appraisal should be to demonstrate the social desirability of the
project. CBA (economic evaluation) is considered the preferred methodology.
Recommendation 2: creating project appraisal manuals, resulting in standards and a
harmonized approach
Clear guidelines should be provided on how to carry out project appraisal by developing mode
specific appraisal manuals.
These manuals should provide clear guidance on how project appraisal is to be carried out,
including:
 A description of the appraisal process.
 Methodological standards, i.e. costs and benefits to be included, etc.
 Standard input parameters, i.e. project duration, discount rate, values of time, etc.
Recommendation 3: use of appraisal and applying project appraisal as part of a full
project cycle
It could be considered to broaden the use of appraisal process to prioritize projects that yield
the best results. In order to improve the quality of the appraisals it recommended to:
 Collect the project data and make the data available for monitoring purposes.
 Monitor the implementation and operation of the project.
 Carry out an ex-post evaluation of a project
Recommendation 4: improve project appraisals capacity through a system of official
certification of competences, exchange of experience, training programs, seminars,
conferences, and workshops, etc
 Developing and implementing training programs, seminars, conferences and workshops for
public officials and private sector representatives. It is encouraging to develop a system of
official certification of competences.
 Consolidating project appraisal knowledge and experience in expertise centers.
 Encourage and facilitate the exchange of good practices in project appraisal.