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Business Case

A business case captures the business justification for initiating a task or project. Clearly whenever an organisation plans to commit finance or resources to a task or project, it should be in support of a demonstrable business need. Organisations should make use of a business case to:

  • Demonstrate the business need for a given action;
  • Confirm that a project is feasible before expending significant funding;
  • Consider the strategic internal and external drivers for the project; and
  • Assess, compare and contrast the costs and benefits (both monetary and non-monetary) of choosing one course of action over another.[1]


Developing a Business Case[2]
The process of developing the business case is important; a well-executed process enables you to develop a solid business case that increases the benefits and value and reduces the risks. This also leads to a much greater likelihood of securing support to proceed with the investment.

Here are the five key steps for creating the business case.


Steps to developing a business case
source: Chase Consulting Group


Step 1: Confirm the opportunity: Describe the situation and the business opportunity that your proposal will impact. This will include the background of the project, the investment logic, and the high-level business requirements.

Step 2: Analyse and develop shortlisted options: Identify the alternative approaches and select three or four options to analyze. Gather information about each alternative, analyze the options and develop the shortlisted options.

Step 3: Evaluate the options: Evaluate how the alternatives will deliver on the business objectives, then select the preferred option, taking into account the strategic and financial value created and the risks.

Step 4: Implementation strategy: Create the implementation plan for the preferred option, detailing how to achieve the business objectives, who will be accountable for each milestone, and how to mitigate the project risks.

Step 5: Recommendation: Confirm the recommended option. Create the business case documents and present the business case recommendation to the board and management team for approval to proceed.


See Also


References

  1. Business Case Definition ANSEC IA
  2. 5 Steps to developing a solid business case Chase Consulting Group