ABSTRACT
Chapter 12, “Analyses of Costs and Outcomes” presents important concepts and approaches used when evaluating the relative value of outcomes based on financial perspectives. The chapter explains how, when program benefits can be converted into dollars, ratios of benefits to costs can be calculated, whereas when program outcomes cannot be converted into dollars, programs leading to similar outcomes can be compared to learn which program is most efficient. Some of the main objections to cost analysis are noted and addressed. A case study showing both some of the substantial challenges of estimating return on investment as well as one good approach in the face of those challenges is presented.
