This timely book questions the premise that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have a performance advantage over traditionally procured projects, an assumption that motivates policymakers worldwide to enter into such contracts. Taking stock of novel research comparing the differences in performance between PPP and traditionally procured infrastructure projects and services, the chapters in this book thoughtfully scrutinise this supposed advantage. Adopting a quasi-experimental design, the book advances the evidence base on the performance advantage of PPPs. Insightful contributions from renowned scholars undertake an in-depth investigation of three key performance dimensions: cost, time, and service quality. Broad in scope, studies span countries in Asia, Europe, and South America, as well as a diverse range of policy sectors, including transport, healthcare, road safety, education, and sporting facilities. This comprehensive assessment produces several conclusions, but ultimately determines that evidence for a cost performance advantage remains mixed, while PPPs are proven to clearly outperform traditional alternatives in terms of time and service quality. Empirical in focus and spanning multiple policy sectors, this incisive book will be an invaluable resource not only for PPP scholars, but also for researchers and practitioners involved in public administration, public management and policy, and infrastructure planning and delivery worldwide.

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is an emerging research method that is highly suitable for evaluation studies. Clear and concise, this book explains how researchers and evaluators can use QCA effectively for the systematic and thorough analysis of large infrastructure projects, while also acknowledging their complexity. Lasse Gerrits and Stefan Verweij present the key steps of this methodology to identify patterns across real-life cases. From collecting and interpreting data to sharing their knowledge and presenting the results, the authors use examples of megaprojects to emphasize how QCA can be used successfully for both single infrastructure ventures as well as more extensive projects. In addition to discussing the best practices and pitfalls of the methodology, further examples from current research are given in order to illustrate how QCA works effectively in both theory and practice. Being written with researchers and evaluators in mind, this book will be of great benefit for students and scholars of evaluation studies, public administration, transport studies, policy analysis and project management. The book is also highly applicable for those working in public or private organizations involved in infrastructure projects looking for an effective, detailed and systematic method of evaluation.