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Value for Money and Risk Relationships in Public–Private Partnerships: Evaluating Program‐based Evidence

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  • Michael Opara

Abstract

Value for money – VfM (the provision of improved public infrastructure and services at lower cost) – is a central rationale for the deployment of public–private partnerships (P3s). However, it remains unclear how VfM is actually created in P3s. There are several issues that surround the ex ante evaluation conducted during P3 assessment, including: transparency of the process, engagement of stakeholders, potential restrictions on current and future public sector flexibility, and political influences that call into question the legitimacy of the process. This study examines these issues using Alberta's P3 projects executed since 2003, and interviews 35 key participants and stakeholders. The findings suggest that while the transfer of risk from the public to the private sector is a key driver of VfM, it may overstate the extent to which planning related risks can be transferred. This paper recommends enhanced VfM component disclosures and transparency as the evaluation process evolves. Furthermore, a more rigorous approach to risk conceptualisation and valuation should be adopted. Risk allocation should be about managing not only occurrence, but also impact of the risk factor. Finally, political interference must be moderated to allow for the optimal realisation of the best possible choices presented by P3 deployments.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Opara, 2018. "Value for Money and Risk Relationships in Public–Private Partnerships: Evaluating Program‐based Evidence," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 28(3), pages 391-404, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausact:v:28:y:2018:i:3:p:391-404
    DOI: 10.1111/auar.12194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zhao, Jianfeng & Greenwood, David & Thurairajah, Niraj & Liu, Henry J. & Haigh, Richard, 2022. "Value for money in transport infrastructure investment: An enhanced model for better procurement decisions," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 68-78.
    2. Zhao, Jianfeng & Liu, Henry J. & Love, Peter E.D. & Greenwood, David J. & Sing, Michael C.P., 2022. "Public-private partnerships: A dynamic discrete choice model for road projects," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 82(PA).
    3. Hartman, Paul & Ogden, Jeff & Jackson, Ross, 2020. "Contract duration: Barrier or bridge to successful public-private partnerships?," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    4. Hongqiang Wang & Qiaoyan Lin & Yingjie Zhang, 2022. "Risk Cost Measurement of Value for Money Evaluation Based on Case-Based Reasoning and Ontology: A Case Study of the Urban Rail Transit Public-Private Partnership Projects in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-22, May.
    5. Michael Opara & Colman Kelechukwu Ozor, 2023. "Public-Private Partnerships in West Africa: A Policy Comparison of Nigeria and Ghana," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 18(2), pages 158-158, June.

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