Investment decision making

A guide to good practice

This good practice guide is aimed at anyone in higher education who is involved in making decisions on investments. It focuses on the principles to be followed, rather than the techniques of appraisal. The guidance is supported by case studies, and examples on the web-site.

To:	Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions Heads of universities in Northern Ireland
Of interest to those responsible for:	Investment decisions
Reference:	2003/17
Publication date:	April 2003
Enquiries to:	Tim Russell tel 0117 931 7468 e-mail t.russell@hefce.ac.uk

Contents and executive summary (read on-line)

Download

Report and annexes A-B
[ MS Word 185K | Zipped Word 60K | Adobe PDF 72K | Zipped PDF 59K ]

Annexes C-E (web only)

Annex C
[ MS Word 104K | Zipped Word 19K | Adobe PDF 42K | Zipped PDF 35K ]

Annex D
[ MS Word 148K | Zipped Word 24K | Adobe PDF 50K | Zipped PDF 41K ]

Appendices to Annex D

Appendix 1
[ MS Excel 74K | Zipped Excel 12K ]

Appendix 2
[ MS Excel 29K | Zipped Excel 6K ]

Appendix 3
[ MS Excel 20K | Zipped Excel 4K ]

Appendix 4
[ MS Excel 84K | Zipped Excel 13K ]

Appendix 5
[ MS Excel 89K | Zipped Excel 12K ]

Annex E
[ MS Word 34K | Zipped Word 9K | Adobe PDF 20K | Zipped PDF 15K ]

Executive summary
Introduction
Using this guide
Principles
Establishing the outline business case
Developing the full business case
Monitoring and evaluation
Annex A - Appraisal checklist
Annex B - Case studies
Annex C - Technical issues	Web only
Annex D - Example appraisal	Web only
Annex E - Example appraisal	Web only

Executive summary

Purpose

1. This document provides good practice guidance for anyone in higher education who is involved in making decisions on investments.

Key points

2. Sound decision-making processes are a fundamental aspect of good governance and management in any organisation. This requires a clear identification of the problem to be solved and objective appraisal of the options, if objectives are to be met and value for money secured.

3. This guide focuses on the principles to be followed, rather than the techniques of appraisal. It is aimed at everyone involved in the process, not just senior managers and members of governing bodies. It outlines the steps for developing an outline business case and then refining it into a full business case for the preferred option.

4. The guidance is supported by a self-assessment checklist (Annex A), case studies in higher education institutions (Annex B), and technical information and further examples on the web.

Action required

5. This report is for information and guidance.

April 2003/17 Good practice Guidance

This report is for information