Search Results

The sixth and seventh chapters that make up Part II of the book consist of one practical and much narrower application of the capability approach, namely, a discussion of how economic analysis (cost‐benefit analysis) and systematic qualitative information on human impacts can be combined in order to assess the relative effectiveness of particular development activities in expanding human capabilities. This sixth chapter on assessing capability change first gives an introduction to Part II. It goes on to defend the necessity of efficiency considerations, such as those that are incorporated in cost‐benefit analysis and in project evaluation, and then looks at capability set analysis by reviewing two prominent participatory assessment methodologies that have been developed to supplement economic considerations with social data: one by the World Bank (participatory social assessment), the other as a result of US legislation governing public expenditure (social impact assessment). Both of these lack a systematic method for identifying changes valued by participants themselves and for devolving real control over a decision to the lowest level capable of making it, and this lack increases the chance of significant bias in gathering and interpreting value judgements. In response, a novel method of impact assessment is described that would complement and improve available assessment tools; the method of impact assessment represents one way in which the framework of the preceding chapters could be used.

This chapter discusses the environmental and social consideration in the development of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) road network. The authors offer ideas for improving the balance between road development and socioenvironmental priorities

There are several strategies for advancing the transition to safer chemicals: prohibition strategies, aversion strategies, and safer chemical strategies. The safer chemical strategy relies on assessing the alternatives available for substituting or replacing chemicals of concern and adopting those that meet acceptable performance and cost criteria and are safer. Chemical action planning and alternatives assessment are new tools that can be employed to help guide safer alternative selection and implementation. Alternatives assessment can include hazard assessment, performance assessment, cost assessment, exposure assessment, material management assessment, life cycle assessment and social impact assessment.

The Right to Fair compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 introduces and places great reliance on the conduct of a Social Impact Assessment. This chapter explains and deconstructs the process by explaining how it was arrived at and how it is to be implemented.