Developing Business Case Capabilities at Cassowary Coast Regional Council

Background

Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC), located in Far North Queensland, sought to enhance its internal capacity to develop robust, strategic business cases.

Recognising the importance of well-structured proposals for securing executive and council approvals, CCRC partnered with Chase Consulting to deliver a tailored training program.

Objectives

The program aimed to:

• Equip managers with skills to construct comprehensive, data-driven business cases.
• Align proposals with CCRC's strategic goals and community interests.
• Accelerate project approvals and implementation by improving communication and enhancing stakeholder engagement.

Program Design

Chase Consulting implemented a multi-faceted, experiential learning program based on its 5-STEPs framework.
Key components included:

• Structured Methodology: Training on a standardised approach to business case development.
• Collaborative Sessions: Interactive sessions fostering peer learning and co-development.
• Quantification of Benefits: Techniques to articulate project impacts and business benefits realisation.
• AI and Digital Tools: Access to My Business Case Hub® for AI-assisted drafting and analysis.
• Executive Communication: Coaching on developing persuasive and compelling business cases.
• Microcredentialing: Formal recognition of participants' capabilities.

Outcomes and Benefits

The tailored training program provided many outcomes and benefits:

• Strategic Alignment: Managers learned to align initiatives with council priorities.
• Efficiency Gains: AI tools reduced business case drafting time by up to 20 hours.
• Improved Decision-Making: Standardised evaluation methods enhanced the quality of proposals.
• Recognition: Participants received a Business Case Microcredential, which enhances their professional credibility.
• Sustainability: Continuous access to tools and resources ensured long-term capability growth.
• Ongoing Support: 12-month access to My Business Case Hub® for continuous learning and updates.

Leadership and Expertise

The program was led by Craig Peacock (PhD), Director of Chase Consulting, a Certified Management Consultant with over 20 years of experience in innovation strategy and business case development.

Client Testimonial

"Thanks so much for delivering those amazing sessions, Craig. The training was not only insightful but also incredibly practical. Our team walked away with a clear understanding of how to build compelling business cases that align with our strategic goals. The tools, templates, and real-world examples you shared made a big difference. We're already seeing the impact of the program on how our managers approach project proposals. Thank you again for your expertise and support!"

— Donna Warr, Cassowary Coast Regional Council