Option appraisal: Turning an art into a science?

This paper discusses the role of option appraisal in the decision‐making processes of government departments. The paper divides into three main parts. First, the background to the introduction of option appraisal is discussed briefly. Second, the current state of the art of option appraisal is examined. Finally, the paper reflects on the organizational constraints and political pressures which are likely to affect the impact that the technique will have on the way in which service developments are conceived and evaluated.