Appendix D Review, evaluation and benefits evaluation

Throughout the ATAP Guidelines, reviews can be carried out of processes undertaken in each particular step. A post-completion evaluation provides key learnings in various facets of an initiative including implementation, project management, design and cost.

Benefits management is an overarching framework to ensure benefits are monitored and achieved post-delivery. It ensures that the identification, tracking, monitoring and realisation of benefits is undertaken in a structured, transparent format with accountability defined. It is a holistic approach that spans across the ATAP Framework lifecycle. Benefits evaluation forms one aspect of benefits management and provides essential information comparing the target benefits for an initiative, which are set prior to a decision to proceed, against actual performance once an initiative is implemented.

There is some synergy between benefits evaluation and post-completion evaluation. Benefits evaluation provides findings on actual benefits performance or outcomes achievement that can be used to enhance a post-completion review exercise.

Further, the data used in benefits evaluation can provide input into an ex-post CBA in a post-completion evaluation.

It is important to note that timing of benefits evaluation and post-completion evaluation can be different in some instances. In some situations, a post-completion evaluation can be undertaken 6 to 12 months following delivery and implementation of an initiative. Depending on the scale of the initiative, not all of the benefits identified may have been achieved within this timeframe and consideration needs to be given to allowing some time in benefits evaluation for the ramp-up of some benefits. Alternatively, the findings of benefits evaluation and post-completion evaluation should reflect this appropriately.

The concept and process of benefits management/realisation is discussed in T6.