Business case

Definition

A business case is a document that outlines the justification for a proposed project or initiative, including the benefits, costs, risks, and potential impact on the organization. It serves as a critical tool for decision-making, helping stakeholders understand the rationale behind a project and evaluate its alignment with strategic goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A business case typically includes sections such as an executive summary, problem statement, proposed solution, financial analysis, and risk assessment.
2. The primary goal of a business case is to persuade decision-makers to approve funding and resources for the proposed initiative.
3. Business cases can be used for various types of projects, including new product development, process improvements, and sustainability initiatives.
4. Effective business cases often incorporate data and analytics to support claims about potential benefits and outcomes.
5. A well-prepared business case enhances accountability by providing clear metrics for evaluating the project's success after implementation.

Review Questions

• How does a business case contribute to effective decision-making within an organization?
  • A business case contributes to effective decision-making by providing a structured framework that outlines the justification for a proposed project. It includes key elements like benefits, costs, risks, and alignment with strategic goals. This clarity helps decision-makers assess whether the project is worth pursuing based on its potential impact and return on investment.
• In what ways can stakeholder analysis improve the effectiveness of a business case?
  • Stakeholder analysis can enhance the effectiveness of a business case by identifying key individuals or groups affected by the project and assessing their interests and influence. By understanding stakeholder perspectives, the business case can address concerns proactively and include strategies for engagement, which can lead to greater support for the initiative during implementation.
• Evaluate how incorporating data analytics into a business case can impact project approval and success rates.
  • Incorporating data analytics into a business case significantly impacts project approval and success rates by providing concrete evidence to support claims made about potential benefits. When stakeholders see data-driven projections of ROI or risk assessments grounded in analytics, they are more likely to feel confident in their investment decisions. Additionally, clear metrics allow for more accurate post-project evaluations, fostering continuous improvement in future business cases.

Related terms

ROI (Return on Investment): A performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment, calculated by dividing the net profit from the investment by the initial cost.

Stakeholder Analysis:

The process of identifying and assessing the influence and interests of various stakeholders involved in or affected by a project.

Feasibility Study: An assessment that evaluates the practicality and potential success of a proposed project, considering technical, economic, legal, and operational factors.