Browsing by Subject "project evaluation"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Application of Project Analysis to Natural Resource Decisions
    (Water Resources Research Center, University of Minnesota, 1980-06) Easter, K. William; Waelti, John J.
    This publication is intended to serve as a guide for the application of water project planning and analysis. Included are a perspective from which to review economic decisions; a brief history of evaluation procedures for U.S. water projects; a description of the Water Resources Council's procedures; the basic economics of project evaluation; problems in cost allocation; and individual applications to irrigation, flood control, navigation and related transportation, and recreation and environmental resources. Emphasis is placed on social benefits measured in terms of additions to real product and savings in terms of real resources.
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    Model Accuracy Data for Post-Construction Evaluation of Forecast Accuracy in Minnesota
    (2017-03-13) Parthasarthi, Pavithra K; Levinson, David M; ppavithra@gmail.com; Parthasarathi, Pavithra K.; University of Minnesota Networks, Economics, and Urban Systems Research Group
    This research evaluates the accuracy of demand forecasts using a sample of recently-completed projects in Minnesota and identifies the factors influencing the inaccuracy in forecasts. The forecast traffic data for this study is drawn from Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Transportation Analysis Reports (TAR) and other forecast reports produced by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) with a horizon forecast year of 2010 or earlier. The actual traffic data is compiled from the database of traffic counts maintained by the Office of Transportation Data and Analysis at Mn/DOT. Based on recent research on forecast accuracy, the inaccuracy of traffic forecasts is estimated as a ratio of the forecast traffic to the actual traffic. The estimation of forecast inaccuracy also involves a comparison of the socioeconomic and demographic assumptions, the assumed networks to the actual in-place networks and other travel behavior assumptions that went into generating the traffic forecasts against actual conditions. The analysis indicates a general trend of underestimation in roadway traffic forecasts with factors such as highway type, functional classification, and direction playing an influencing role. Roadways with higher volumes and higher functional classifications such as freeways are subject to underestimation compared to lower volume roadways/functional classifications. The comparison of demographic forecasts shows a trend of overestimation while the comparison of travel behavior characteristics indicates a lack of incorporation of fundamental shifts and societal changes.
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    Post-Construction Evaluation of Forecast Accuracy
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2009-02) Parthasarathi, Pavithra; Levinson, David
    This research evaluates the accuracy of demand forecasts using a sample of recently-completed projects in Minnesota and identifies the factors influencing the inaccuracy in forecasts. The forecast traffic data for this study is drawn from Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Transportation Analysis Reports (TAR) and other forecast reports produced by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) with a horizon forecast year of 2010 or earlier. The actual traffic data is compiled from the database of traffic counts maintained by the Office of Transportation Data and Analysis at Mn/DOT. Based on recent research on forecast accuracy, the inaccuracy of traffic forecasts is estimated as a ratio of the forecast traffic to the actual traffic. The estimation of forecast inaccuracy also involves a comparison of the socioeconomic and demographic assumptions, the assumed networks to the actual in-place networks and other travel behavior assumptions that went into generating the traffic forecasts against actual conditions. The analysis indicates a general trend of underestimation in roadway traffic forecasts with factors such as highway type, functional classification, and direction playing an influencing role. Roadways with higher volumes and higher functional classifications such as freeways are subject to underestimation compared to lower volume roadways/functional classifications. The comparison of demographic forecasts shows a trend of overestimation while the comparison of travel behavior characteristics indicates a lack of incorporation of fundamental shifts and societal changes.