Key technical Guidelines for successful Feasibility Studies. Brian Masson

Transcription

1 Key technical Guidelines for successful Feasibility Studies Brian Masson Thessaloniki Workshop 11 September 2012

2 Structure of Presentation The role of Feasibility Studies within EPTA Why do we carry out Feasibility Studies? The importance of data collection The EPTA approach to Feasibility Studies Discussion

3 The EPTA Feasibility Studies As part of Component 4 (Good Practices in to Action and Policy Tools) all sites are required to complete a Feasibility Study (Task 4.1). These should address the functions contained in the EPTA Pillars and there should be an emphasis on demonstrating how the FS will help them develop and improve their role as local PTAs. An essential element of preparation for the Feasibility Studies has been the completion of D3.1 which has identified good practices for the implementation at partner sites Feasibility Studies should clearly highlight how local actions have been achieved

4 Identification of Existing Practices in EPTA Task 3.1 has been concerned with the identification of good practices which correspond with each of the 7 EPTA pillars Each partner is, or intends to become, a PTA. Thus their task in EPTA should be to find appropriate measures in the relevant pillars to improve their action and PTA, bearing in mind local characteristics. This will help them to ultimately build their own PTA model. A spread sheet has been produced and circulated to partners to allow each to select existing practices that will assist them to develop local actions EPTA is required to select 16 practices in total that cover the 7 pillar topics and to demonstrate transferability of actions

5 Why do we carry out Feasibility Studies? 1. Establish facts about our proposals (e.g. Legislative, Operational, Financial, Social, Environmental, Political impacts) 2. Aid justification to attract support for planned actions 3. Aid the ability to attract funding based on FS results 4. Provide benchmark to measure success or otherwise of our actions

6 Vision and Objectives of a Feasibility Study One of the key aspects of any FS is the ability to promote the expected outcomes of the proposed actions. A clear vision of who, what, why, where and when will be affected and the results expected should be clearly stated should the FS be implemented. The main objective of a Feasibility Study is to verify or otherwise the viability of plans to ensure they meet their established objectives (e.g. political, social, environmental, sustainability or financial).

7 Feasibility Study Stakeholder Involvement When carrying out any FS it vitally important that stakeholders feel involved in the process, otherwise the results may not be as good as you would wish. Consultation is key. This can include focus groups, user groups, political groups, transport operators, local authorities etc. The use of the media at an early stage is important to get them to fully understand what is being planned and why. Results should be transparent and reported to all stakeholders to ensure support

8 Feasibility Study Data Collection The success of any FS will be influenced on the data received from stakeholders. A clear specification of data requirements is essential What information is required? Who will be required to provide information? How will data be collected? Why are these data required? When are data required?

9 Things to remember about data collection The subject of data collection usually means one thing to stakeholders more work!!! It is important that stakeholders are aware of the importance and relevance of the data requested. Supporting literature should highlight that the outcomes of the FS will be dependent on the support of stakeholders and that the FS actions are designed to benefit stakeholders etc.

10 Who is responsible for data collection? One of the most difficult tasks is identifying who will be responsible from each stakeholder for the completion of data requirements. It is important that the names and contact details for each stakeholder are identified to ensure that actions can be completed within the agreed timescales. When dealing with operators and authorities it may be more efficient to provide online reporting documents that will filter results automatically.

11 The EPTA Feasibility Study Approach The EPTA approach is characterised by the following actions: 1. Identification of 7 pillars 2. Identification of existing practices 3. Knowledge exchange between partners 4. Aid to decision making process 5. Exploring potential transferability of results to aid other areas 6. Consistent evaluation of results across all sites The Feasibility Studies should address the functions contained in the EPTA Pillars and there should be an emphasis on demonstrating how the FS will help sites develop and improve their role as local PTAs.

12 EPTA 7 Pillars Each FS site will be working to the EPTA structure using the 7 pillar topics to focus their actions.

13 Requirements of the EPTA Feasibility Studies Description of the current transport/mobility situation and framework of the site (region, municipality) Problem statement to be addressed in the FS Main Objectives of the FS Definition of the actions to develop in the locally chosen EPTA Pillars to address in the FS

14 Evaluation The results of FS will be evaluated in Component 4 using identified performance indicators that will allow consistent reporting of results. This will allow the project to report the success of the approaches used and aid understanding of issues raised to benefit potential other sites

15 Discussion Any questions?

16 Contact Details Brian Masson Research Assistant University of Aberdeen John Nelson Steve Wright