Approval-Ready Business Case

An approval-ready business case is a decision-grade document that enables an executive or finance leader to approve (or decline) an initiative with confidence. It clearly states the decision being requested, why action is needed now, and how the proposal aligns to strategic priorities—so the decision-maker can quickly understand what is being asked and what success looks like.

It is defensible, not just persuasive. An approval-ready business case presents credible options (including the do-nothing option), compares them using transparent criteria, and justifies the recommended option with measurable benefits, complete costs, explicit assumptions, and fit-for-purpose financial modelling (e.g., ROI/NPV/payback), including sensitivity where relevant.

It also demonstrates delivery and benefits realisation confidence. The case includes a realistic implementation roadmap, key risks and mitigations, clear governance and ownership for outcomes, and the practical constraints and dependencies that could affect outcomes—reducing rework, accelerating alignment, and increasing the likelihood of approval.

For more detail, read Approval-Ready Business Cases: The 12 Elements Executives Expect (and Why Cases Get Sent Back).