Business Case Examples with Solutions
These 19 business case examples highlight the different types of business cases organizations are developing to grow or restructure their business.
Business Cases Help Organizations Make Better Investment Decisions.
In essence, the business case process enables organizations to develop new innovations, projects, and operational changes strategically. It is instrumental in building a solid foundation for project success, often involving senior-level engagement to ensure comprehensive oversight.
Discover how organizations leverage various types of business cases to drive growth and sustain success.
Explore 19 Diverse Business Case Applications
1) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Business Cases
AI business cases focus on the strategic integration of AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics into an organization's operations. These cases aim to demonstrate how AI can solve specific business problems, enhance decision-making, and create new growth opportunities.
Key Components of AI Business Cases:
- Problem Statement
- Proposed AI Solution
- Benefits Analysis
- Cost and Investment
- Risk Assessment
- Implementation Plan
- ROI and Performance Metrics
- Regulatory and Ethical Considerations
Explore the potential of AI for your business with My Business Case Generator and start transforming your strategic planning today.
2) Brand Strategy Business Cases
Brand strategy business cases are pivotal for organizations aiming to establish, redefine, or strengthen their market presence through strategic branding efforts. These business cases articulate the rationale and benefits of investing in brand initiatives, which are essential for enhancing brand perception, loyalty, and overall business growth.
- Brand Assessment
- Strategic Brand Objectives
- Proposed Branding Initiatives
- Market and Competitive Analysis
- Benefits and Impact
- Implementation Timeline and Tactics
- Budget and Resource Allocation
- Risk Management
- ROI and Success Metrics
Developing a robust brand strategy business case helps organizations articulate the business value of investing in their brand. It provides a strategic framework that not only justifies the required investment but also guides the execution of branding initiatives.
Enhance your brand's impact with strategic planning tools from My Business Case Generator and achieve your branding goals more effectively.
3) Capital Equipment Business Cases
Capital equipment business cases are a written justification of a proposed capital purchase or replacement, which lists the benefits and explanations of buying a particular capital item.
These business cases are a detailed recommendation of the proposed project's costs and benefits. It is used to set out the justification and the strategic logic for the capital equipment project. The business case document contains detailed financial calculations, project cost and benefits projections. In addition, the business case lists the project's possible risks and benefits and explains whether the project's benefits outweigh the costs.
These business cases are intended primarily for internal use within an organization. However, in some cases, they may be used as a basis for external funding.
The business case describes and recommends why the capital project should be approved. In addition, it outlines its intended outcomes, anticipated problems, and methods for overcoming obstacles.
The business case describes and recommends why the capital project should be approved. In addition, it outlines its intended outcomes, anticipated problems, and methods for overcoming obstacles.
4) Customer Experience Enhancement Business Cases
Improving the customer experience (CX) has become a strategic imperative for businesses across industries. The business case for enhancing customer experience explains why investments in customer service, user interfaces, or product improvements are essential for long-term success.
The Customer Experience Enhancement Business Case outlines the robust strategy for measuring and evaluating the impact of CX enhancements.
- Customer feedback and satisfaction data
- Proposed improvements or innovations
- Cost estimates for implementing changes
- Expected impact on customer retention and loyalty
- Competitive advantage and differentiation
- ROI analysis based on increased sales
- Implementation plan and timeline
- Measurement and evaluation:
- Integration of employee engagement
- Alignment with organizational goals
- Long-term cx strategy and planning
- Customer-centric culture
5) Cybersecurity Business Cases
A cybersecurity business case is a strategic document designed to justify investments in cybersecurity initiatives, focusing on addressing threats, mitigating risks, and aligning with organizational goals. It demonstrates the value of cybersecurity in protecting assets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering business continuity while aligning with industry-standard cybersecurity frameworks.
- Introduction and Problem Definition
- Strategic Objectives
- Risk Landscape Analysis
- Evaluation of Options
- Recommended Solution
- Implementation Strategy
- Financial Analysis and Funding
- Benefits and Outcomes
- Risk Mitigation Plan
- Measurement and Monitoring
- Importance of Framework Alignment
Use My Business Case Generator to create professional, framework-aligned cybersecurity business cases that secure stakeholder approval, meet compliance goals, and protect your organization's future.
6) Digital Transformation Business Cases
Developing a robust digital transformation business case that effectively delivers on both strategic and financial outcomes involves several critical components:
- Market and Internal Analysis: Evaluate market trends and internal capabilities.
- Objectives and Scope Definition: Clearly define transformation objectives and scope.
- Technology Evaluation: Assess alignment with business needs, scalability, and interoperability.
- Financial Projections: Provide detailed cost analysis and ROI, including NPV and payback periods.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Ensure alignment and proactive communication.
- Change Management: Develop strategies for training and adaptation.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks.
7) Downsizing Business Cases
Downsizing business cases is critical for organizations considering reducing their operational scale to improve efficiency, cut costs, or adapt to market changes. These business cases provide a structured approach to assessing downsizing initiatives' needs, potential impacts, and strategic benefits.
Key Components of Downsizing Business Cases:
- Objective Justification
- Scope of Downsizing
- Financial Analysis
- Impact Assessment
- New Business Model and Marketing Strategy
- Stakeholder Communication
- Risk Management
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Recovery and Continuity Plan
- Monitoring and Evaluation
8) Employee Training and Development Business Cases
Investing in employee training and development is essential for improving workforce skills and organizational performance. A business case for training programs outlines the reasons, benefits, and expected outcomes of investing in employee education.
Key components of an employee training business case include:
- Skills gap analysis and training needs assessment.
- Specific training programs, methods, and content.
- Budget allocation for training resources.
- Expected improvements in employee performance and productivity.
- Measurable outcomes and evaluation criteria.
- Alignment with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
- Long-term talent retention and recruitment benefits.
9) Equity Investment Business Cases
The business case for equity investment outlines why a company and its investors should (and will) invest in a venture.
The business case outlines how that investment will be made, the projected costs and revenue from the venture, and the expected return on investment.
The business case details the company's assets, customers, products, distribution channels, and finances. In addition, it gives information on the company's strategies and operations that convince investors that the company is a good investment. Finally, it will demonstrate due diligence and explain why the investment is worthwhile.
The business case addresses the following:
- The opportunity and return on investment for the investor or financier.
- How the business or joint venture scales up and achieves the projected growth.
- Details where the funding will be applied in the business, such as capital, working capital, operating expenses, etc.
- Explains the return on investment (ROI) from the investment.
A successful business case for equity investment will get the approval for the investment. This business case example seeks to raise an equity investment or finance a business or joint venture.
10) Expansion into New Markets Business Cases
Expanding into new markets can unlock untapped potential and drive business growth. It's a strategic move to reach new customers and diversify your revenue streams.
To make a solid business case for expansion, you must analyze market conditions, customer demand, and competitive landscape. You must identify the unique opportunities and challenges of the new market. With a well-defined strategy and thorough research, you can position your business for success in new markets. It's about seizing opportunities, expanding your reach, and staying ahead of the competition.
The business case for expansion into new markets justifies the decision to enter a new geographic region or demographic group.
Key elements of an expansion business case include:
- Market research and analysis.
- Entry strategy.
- Financial projections.
- Regulatory and legal considerations.
- Competitive landscape.
- Risk assessment and mitigation.
- Marketing and sales strategies.
- ROI analysis.
- Implementation plan and timeline.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
11) Infrastructure Business Cases
Infrastructure business cases are economic business cases to justify infrastructure projects or significant industry or sector projects.
Major infrastructure projects take many years to build and cost multiple billions. They also employ thousands of workers at their peak. Several business cases are developed along the investment journey until the final business case is approved. Multiple options are explored and analyzed to create the best possible business case. Then the shortlist options are evaluated in detail to recommend the best option.
These types of business cases also address environmental impacts.
Infrastructure business cases provide a detailed assessment of the costs of the infrastructure investment, the anticipated benefits, and the financial risks associated with the investment.
Infrastructure business cases provide a detailed assessment of the costs of the infrastructure investment, the anticipated benefits, and the financial risks associated with the investment.
These documents typically include a cost-benefit analysis, and can help potential investors understand the impacts, outcomes and benefits.
The infrastructure business case usually includes the following:
- Capital costs include the costs of acquiring land and buildings and constructing or refurbishing necessary infrastructure.
- Operating costs: This includes utility and service fees, as well as salaries and wages for employees.
- Strategic or Initial business
- Preliminary business case
- Full business case.
The preliminary business case or feasibility study can be more than 1,000 pages, including appendices costing several million dollars.
The full business case can cost many millions and take at least 12 months to develop and include significant community consultations.
12) Marketing Campaign Business Cases
You'll find all the details in the business case - from the expected outcomes to the costs involved. It's a roadmap for success, guiding you through the strategies and tactics you'll use to achieve your goals. Without a strong business case, your marketing campaign may lack direction and fail to deliver.
Think of the business case as your pitch to stakeholders and decision-makers. It's your chance to convince them why this campaign is worth the investment. By presenting a clear and compelling case, you'll increase your chances of securing the resources and support needed to make your campaign a success. So, don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted business case.
Key components of a marketing campaign business case include:
- Target audience and segmentation.
- Marketing objectives and goals.
- Budget allocation and cost estimates.
- Marketing channels and tactics to be used.
- Expected ROI and performance metrics.
- Competitive analysis and market research.
- Timeline and campaign schedule.
13) Merger and Acquisition Business Cases
M&A business cases involve detailed analyses that justify the financial outlay and align the strategic objectives of both entities involved. They provide a structured approach to evaluating the potential benefits and risks, ensuring that the merger or acquisition will deliver value to shareholders and stakeholders alike.
Key Aspects of M&A Business Cases:
- Strategic Rationale: Explains the strategy behind the M&A and how it enhances market position and competitiveness.
- Financial Projections: This includes an analysis of the target’s financial health and synergistic benefits post-merger.
- Market and Competitive Analysis: Evaluate industry trends, competitive dynamics, and the potential market position post-M&A.
- Operational Synergies: Identifies cost-saving and revenue-enhancing opportunities through integration.
- Risk and Mitigation: Details potential risks and strategies for their mitigation to ensure successful integration.
- Regulatory Considerations: Considers legal and regulatory implications and compliance necessities.
- Implementation Roadmap: Outlines steps from due diligence to complete integration with a clear timeline.
By meticulously planning and justifying the merger or acquisition through a well-founded business case, organizations can significantly increase the likelihood of successful integration and value creation. This business case serves not just as a financial and strategic analysis but as a blueprint for post-merger integration and future growth.
14) New Product Business Cases
A new product business case is a document identifying why a new product needs to be commercialized. The document outlines the business case for developing a new product or service. The business case not only presents the financial justification for a new product but also helps the organization understand the new product's marketing, management, and operations implications. New product business cases require careful research and analysis to ensure all costs are accounted for.
- Strategic positioning of the new product/service/innovation in the market.
- Market demand and pricing.
- How quickly an organization can introduce a new product to the market.
- Go to market strategy.
- The revenue growth model.
- Initial order quantities for products.
- Product and service delivery model.
- Customer service to support the clients and channel partners.
15) Program Office Business Cases
The program office is the corporate entity that provides strategic oversight of the entire organization’s portfolio of projects.
Business cases to establish the program office describe and recommend what the program office needs to do to accomplish the strategic objectives. These business cases justify a new work program for the organization's board of directors.
These documents are written from a business perspective rather than a technical one. As they are written in a business sense, they are typically constructed in two parts:
- The first part of the business case identifies and quantifies the business case objectives. The document also specifies the program office's constraints in achieving the objectives.
- The second part describes a proposed course of action that the program office will take to achieve the objectives. Finally, the document describes the benefits for the program office, the benefits for the users, and the financial costs.
Business cases developed by the Program Office
Developing a business case is an essential function of the program office, outlining and recommending the commercial justification for business and IT projects.
The program office must develop compelling business cases to create value and recommend the best option. These business cases establish the project's detailed requirements that the project must meet and cost estimates. In addition, the business case describes the commercial justification for each project. Finally, the financial justification details the financial implications of each activity within the projects.
16) Social Impact Business Cases
- Societal, environmental, and community benefits.
- Financial sustainability and growth potential.
- Impact measurement frameworks.
- Community engagement and partnerships.
- Stakeholder engagement strategies.
Ensuring financial sustainability is paramount, which involves outlining a detailed financial model that considers the cost of impact activities and the expected social return on investment (SROI). For social impact initiatives, this might mean exploring diverse funding sources such as revenue streams (the financial customer), grants, philanthropic contributions, and social impact investments.
These initiatives and projects can be initiated by non-profits, government bodies, or even profit-driven businesses aiming to address social issues such as poverty, education, health, and environmental sustainability through innovative solutions.
17) Software as a Service Business Cases
The SaaS business case recommendation is aligned with the goals and objectives of the organization. It details how the recommended solution solves some of the problems and challenges that the organization is facing.
The business case recommends the decision-makers approve the SaaS project, funding and resources. It explains:
- The business problem you are solving.
- How the client experience will be improved.
- How the solution features match business needs and align with the strategic objectives.
- How the SaaS solution will be maintained, supported and serviced.
- The strategic, financial and client outcomes and quantifies the benefits.
- The return on investment (ROI).
- The implementation approach, milestones and required resources.
18) Start-up Business Cases
A start-up business case is a document used by a company to obtain funding from an investor, a bank, or a partner. This document explains the strategic and financial advantages of the business model.
A business case is closely related to a start-up business plan, which forms a part. For example, when an investor or bank decides whether to fund your start-up, it typically wants to see a business case. This business case goes into greater detail about your start-up's business model and its goals.
A business case is a tool that entrepreneurs can use to convince investors that their start-up is a good investment. This document outlines your start-up's advantages, revenue and operating models. The business case document requests funds used to support the business. It details the financials, revenue, expenses, and any other information a business needs to know to decide whether to invest.
Potential investors will expect an in-depth account that covers all the financial aspects of the business, including projected cash flow, operating and capital expenses, and more. In addition, the financial sections of the business case detail the revenue and costs associated with the business.
19) Sustainability and CSR Initiatives Business Cases
Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are becoming increasingly important for businesses. A business case for such initiatives explains why investing in sustainability is beneficial for the organization, its stakeholders, and the environment.
These business cases begins by setting clear sustainability goals and objectives, whether they involve reducing environmental impact, enhancing social responsibility, or driving economic sustainability. It then examines the holistic impact of these initiatives, considering environmental, social, and economic factors. By quantifying these impacts, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility.
Of course, no initiative is without costs. The business case thoroughly analyzes the financial aspects of sustainability investments, encompassing expenses related to sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy adoption, ethical sourcing, and employee engagement programs. It also factors in the potential returns, including improvements in brand reputation, customer loyalty, and employee morale.
Key elements of a sustainability and CSR business case include:
- Clear sustainability goals and objectives.
- Environmental, social, and economic impact assessment.
- Costs associated with implementing sustainable practices.
- Potential reputational and brand value improvements.
- Regulatory compliance and risk reduction considerations.
- Stakeholder engagement and support strategies.
- Measurement and reporting of sustainability metrics.
- Financial analysis, including costs and potential returns.
- Alignment with international reporting standards (e.g.,EU CSRD, GRI, SASB, B Corp, etc).
- Long-term sustainability strategy and planning.
- Identification of sustainable supply chain opportunities.
- Consideration of community and societal benefits.
- Evaluation of competitive advantage and differentiation.
Business Case Solutions - My Business Case Generator
With just a few clicks, you can effortlessly create tailored business cases for 19 different types, from digital transformations and new product launches to social impact programs and capital equipment investments.
Each customized business case is crafted to align perfectly with your strategic objectives and goals, ensuring relevance and precision.
1. Rapid Business Case Creation
1. Rapid Business Case Creation
Generate a fully customized business case draft in just 5 minutes.
2. Persuasive Slide Decks
2. Persuasive Slide Decks
Craft a persuasive slide presentation in 4 minutes.
3. Fast Project Plans
3. Fast Project Plans
Maximize ROI with My Business Case Generator:
- Cost Efficiency: Achieve substantial cost reductions through enhanced efficiency and time optimization.
- Time to Value: Accelerate the journey from opportunity identification to decision and benefit realization.
- Time to Market: Reduce the time required to move a project from conception to market execution.
Say goodbye to the endless hours of meticulous work; your streamlined strategic planning process begins now with My Business Case Generator. By embracing this tool, you'll not only save time but also enhance the quality and impact of your business cases.
Ready to transform your approach to business strategy?
Building Business Cases That Drive Decision-Making and Approval
Getting Your Business Case Approved
The key to developing a solid business case is a fundamental understanding of how each of its sections fits together. Creating the business case is also a collaborative effort between stakeholders involved in project delivery and those responsible for the outcome.
Take the time at the beginning of the process to critically examine the business need and outcome, including the competitive environment, the strategic fit, the business needs and the scope.
To get the approval for your business case, you will need to demonstrate why the project is required, quantify the business value, and detail how these benefits will be realized. The project's reasons and benefits may seem perfectly obvious to you and others intimately involved; however, it may not be so obvious to the decision-makers and other stakeholders.
When the time is taken to develop a solid business case, the investment proposal is much more informed. In addition, the high-quality business case makes your project stand out amongst the organization's competing priorities; it may be the key to getting approval and the project's finances.
Our Five Steps Business Case Framework is a simple, easy-to-follow and effective way of developing your business cases for the board, the executive team, the business owners, external stakeholders and investors.
How do you justify the business case?
As a business leader or professional, you know that business cases are used to evaluate and justify projects and decide whether to accept or reject them.
Suppose you are in charge of a business case. In that case, you will need to quantify the financial, strategic and social value this project represents for your organization.
To inform better decision-making, you will need to consider the following:
- How to quantify and calculate the value of an investment.
- How to determine the value of the project.
- How to calculate the cost of the project.
- How to calculate the return on investment (ROI) for the project.
- The financial analysis and modelling used.
- How to embed corporate responsibility performance into the recommendation.
Quantifying the business benefits is central to strategic planning, cost-benefit analysis, and business case analysis. Therefore, it is critical to gain a solid understanding of the main drivers of the business case.
To develop a robust business case, you must model the business case drivers that drive the strategic and operational outcomes and monetize the financial outcomes and benefits.
The business case drivers:
- These key inputs and activities drive the business case's strategic, operational, and financial outcomes.
- They have a significant impact on outcomes & benefits.
- They are controllable by the business case.
- Before building a financial model, you will need to model the business drivers to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses to make the best choices about the business case.
Our How to Quantify the Financial Value in Business Cases article will explain how to do that.
Where do business cases go wrong?
We have reviewed and accessed over 100 business cases in the past 24 months.
So, where do business cases go wrong?
The lessons learned from these projects have identified that business cases often go wrong in the following areas:
- Poorly written business cases that fail to convince investors – It is painful when you put your heart and soul into a business case only to receive a "We're not interested."
- No business case process – The business case process is inefficient, costly and takes too long.
- Unclear project scope - Inadequate business cases with an unclear project scope. This leads to scope creep, which results in rework, cost overruns, delays, etc.
- Poor ROI - The numbers do not add up, and the case is rejected.
- No business benefits – The business cases do not contain any specific benefits. As a result, the organization fails to realize the business benefits.
- Financial analysis is underdone - The financial analysis has missed some critical investment, project or operating costs, with no discounted cash flow analysis. As a result, the business case will need to be rewritten.
- Flawed option analysis – The business case only considered one option; it did not consider other potential solutions.
- Poor alignment to the corporate plan - The business case investment and timing were not aligned with the corporate plan. The recommendations are not approved.
- No key stakeholder buy-in – The business case failed to obtain key stakeholder support before decision-making. As a result, project implementation stalls and is abandoned.
- Risk management - The business case did not apply risk management tools to identify, treat and mitigate the significant risks.
