5 Steps to Develop a Solid Business Case
How to Develop a Solid Business Case
WRITTEN BY
6-1-2023
What is a Business Case?
As organizations and companies become more focused on delivering real business value, it becomes increasingly essential for the board of directors and senior executives to focus their attention on investments that deliver true value. Initiatives throughout the organization, including new products and services, innovations, CAPEX proposals, IT projects, investment opportunities, new business ventures, and factory relocations, are either accepted or rejected based on their business value.
To gain the approval of the board, the executive team, or external stakeholders and investors, it's crucial to construct a robust business case using a well-structured business case template that demonstrates why the project is needed and what the benefits of the project will be when it is finalized. The reasons and benefits of a project may seem perfectly obvious to you and others intimately involved with it; however, they may not be so apparent to stakeholders and other decision-makers. Often, they deal with a myriad of business units, objectives, and tasks that need to be done. Therefore, a well-prepared business case can help your project stand out amongst the competing priorities within the organization and may be the key to getting approval and finances for the project.
The business case is a process of critically examining the business opportunities, alternatives, project stages, and the financial investment involved in developing a business case document.
To gain the approval of the board, the executive team, or external stakeholders and investors, it's crucial to construct a robust business case using a well-structured business case template that demonstrates why the project is needed and what the benefits of the project will be when it is finalized. The reasons and benefits of a project may seem perfectly obvious to you and others intimately involved with it; however, they may not be so apparent to stakeholders and other decision-makers. Often, they deal with a myriad of business units, objectives, and tasks that need to be done. Therefore, a well-prepared business case can help your project stand out amongst the competing priorities within the organization and may be the key to getting approval and finances for the project.
The business case is a process of critically examining the business opportunities, alternatives, project stages, and the financial investment involved in developing a business case document.
Business Cases Help Organizations Make Better Investment Decisions.
A Business Case is Different to a Business Plan
Unlike a business plan, which outlines long-term goals and strategies, a business case is a detailed argument that justifies a specific investment. It combines strategic insights and financial analysis to make a compelling case for project approval.
Consider your business case as a sales pitch with robust analysis and justification. The business case is one of the most powerful decision-making tools available to the organization's leadership team. It is a decision-making tool that provides the leadership team with an assessment of a particular decision's investment, benefits and risks.
A business case answers the question: What will happen if we proceed with this investment decision? The justification for the business case is presented in a carefully constructed document detailing the rationale for convincing a decision-maker to approve the investment recommendation.
The business case process helps organizations formulate innovations, projects and changes. The business case document is a crucial building block of project success with senior-level involvement. It explains the project's business value to enable the stakeholders to make decisions.
The fundamental questions to consider in developing the business case are:
The practical question must also be addressed: Can the business proposal be implemented as planned, delivered on time and within budget and produce the expected benefits?
Making a business case will carefully examine the benefits and risks involved in proceeding with the recommendation, the alternatives and the benefits of the recommendation, and the risks of not proceeding. A strong business case will make a compelling recommendation for implementation.
In comparison, a business plan is a documented set of business goals, objectives and strategies that an organization aims to achieve over the next three to five years. The business plan includes market information, customer segmentation, products and services, sales forecasts, cost estimates, and financial forecasts.
Consider your business case as a sales pitch with robust analysis and justification. The business case is one of the most powerful decision-making tools available to the organization's leadership team. It is a decision-making tool that provides the leadership team with an assessment of a particular decision's investment, benefits and risks.
A business case answers the question: What will happen if we proceed with this investment decision? The justification for the business case is presented in a carefully constructed document detailing the rationale for convincing a decision-maker to approve the investment recommendation.
The business case process helps organizations formulate innovations, projects and changes. The business case document is a crucial building block of project success with senior-level involvement. It explains the project's business value to enable the stakeholders to make decisions.
The fundamental questions to consider in developing the business case are:
- Which alternatives should we invest in to generate the most value for the organization?
- Are other alternatives more profitable?
- Will this investment deliver benefits of high value?
- Is it strategically the best approach?
- Should the organization consider investing at all in this proposal?
The practical question must also be addressed: Can the business proposal be implemented as planned, delivered on time and within budget and produce the expected benefits?
Making a business case will carefully examine the benefits and risks involved in proceeding with the recommendation, the alternatives and the benefits of the recommendation, and the risks of not proceeding. A strong business case will make a compelling recommendation for implementation.
In comparison, a business plan is a documented set of business goals, objectives and strategies that an organization aims to achieve over the next three to five years. The business plan includes market information, customer segmentation, products and services, sales forecasts, cost estimates, and financial forecasts.
Why Create the Business Case?
Preparing the business case enables you to take a disciplined approach to critically examining the opportunity, the alternatives, the project stages and the financial investment to recommend the best course of action to create the business value.
When the time is taken to develop a solid business case, the investment proposal is much more informed. In turn, this will increase the project's benefits and value and reduce the risks. As a result, there is a much greater likelihood of securing support to proceed with the investment.
A solid business case is required when you need to:
By well-documenting the business case, you can proficiently present the recommendation to stakeholders whose support is required for approval. In addition, the documented business case will provide confidence and a level of certainty that the considered proposal will be successful.
When the time is taken to develop a solid business case, the investment proposal is much more informed. In turn, this will increase the project's benefits and value and reduce the risks. As a result, there is a much greater likelihood of securing support to proceed with the investment.
A solid business case is required when you need to:
- Demonstrate the value a proposed product or service would generate for your organization.
- Obtain board approval for the investment.
- Decide whether to outsource a particular function.
- Relocate business operations and manufacturing facilities.
- Prioritize projects within your organization that are competing for funding and resources.
- Secure the financial funding and resources to implement the project.
By well-documenting the business case, you can proficiently present the recommendation to stakeholders whose support is required for approval. In addition, the documented business case will provide confidence and a level of certainty that the considered proposal will be successful.
Advantages of Business Cases
Creating a business case helps you clearly communicate important information needed to make crucial decisions and secure project funding. Here are the main benefits:
- Better Planning and Decision-Making: Business cases help you compare different options and their costs and benefits, making it easier to plan and make smart decisions.
- Detailed Project Outline: They provide a clear plan, including risks, expected returns, needed investments, timelines, and other important details.
- Stakeholder Agreement: Business cases ensures everyone involved understands the project’s goals and benefits, increasing the chances of success.
- Smooth Project Planning: A well-prepared business case can easily be turned into a project plan, showing important milestones and how resources will be used.
- Clear Justification: They explain why the project is a good investment, breaking down costs, expected revenue, and overall impact in a convincing way.
- Understanding Risks and Opportunities: Business cases help identify potential risks and benefits, allowing you to address any issues before they arise.
- Stronger Foundation for Success: Projects with well-developed business cases are more likely to succeed because they provide a solid starting point and clear guidance.
Using structured business case templates to develop the business cases ensures you cover all important aspects, leading to better project outcomes and overall growth for your organization.
The 5 Steps to Develop a Solid Business Case Framework
Here is our Five Steps Business Case Framework. It’s 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.
By meticulously following these 5 STEPS, you ensure a comprehensive and persuasive business case that addresses all key aspects and stakeholder concerns.
By meticulously following these 5 STEPS, you ensure a comprehensive and persuasive business case that addresses all key aspects and stakeholder concerns.
- Identify and align the business opportunity with strategic objectives.
- Secure stakeholder buy-in.
Set the business case up for success.
- Evaluate alternative approaches and develop a shortlist.
- Approve the shortlisted options.
Options that strategically fit.
- Quantify benefits and develop financial projections.
- Select the preferred option.
Justification for the investment.
- Define project objectives and develop an implementation plan.
- Identify risks and formulate mitigation strategies.
How to deliver the long-term benefits.
- Finalize and document the recommended option.
- Present the business case to decision-makers for approval.
Approval from decision-makers.
Step 1: Confirm the Opportunity
Identify the Business Opportunity:
Align with Strategic Objectives:
Secure Stakeholder Buy-In:
Identify the Business Opportunity:
- Start by clearly describing the current situation and the business opportunity your proposal aims to address.
- Project background.
- Investment logic
Align with Strategic Objectives:
- Develop the strategic logic for your business case by demonstrating how the project aligns with the organization’s strategic goals.
- Connect to strategic objectives.
- Highlight benefits.
- Confirm the business case opportunity.
Secure Stakeholder Buy-In:
- Involve stakeholders early in the process to gather insights and support.
- Secure approval from your business case project sponsor to move forward.
Step 2: Analyze and Select the Shortlisted Options
Identify Alternative Approaches
Gather and Analyze Information
Develop Shortlisted Options
Presenting the Shortlisted Options
Identify Alternative Approaches
- Start by identifying a range of alternative approaches to address the business opportunity.
- Generate a Long List.
- Establish clear criteria for evaluating each option.
Gather and Analyze Information
- Gather detailed information on each alternative.
- Conduct a thorough analysis of each option based on the established criteria.
Develop Shortlisted Options
- Narrow Down the List.
- Based on your analysis, select the top three or four options.
Presenting the Shortlisted Options
- Create a comparison matrix to present the pros and cons of each shortlisted option.
- Clearly state your recommendations for the shortlisted options, supported by your assessment.
Step 3: Evaluate the Options
Objective Alignment and Benefit Quantification
Develop Comprehensive Financial Projections
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Comprehensive Evaluation and Selection
Recommendation and Justification
Objective Alignment and Benefit Quantification
- Evaluate how each option aligns with the organization's strategic objectives. This ensures that the chosen solution supports the business's long-term goals.
- Quantify the each option's benefits, including both financial and non-financial benefits. Use metrics such as ROI, cost savings, revenue growth, and operational efficiency to measure the impact.
Develop Comprehensive Financial Projections
- Develop detailed revenue projections and operational cost models for each option.
- Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Analysis: Create a cash flow statement and perform a DCF analysis to assess future cash flows' present value.
- Confirm that the financial projections meet the minimum acceptable internal rates of return (IRR) and hurdle rates.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Identify the risks associated with each option.
- Develop strategies to mitigate identified risks.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Selection
- Create a comparison matrix to evaluate the options based on strategic alignment, financial benefits, risks, and other relevant criteria.
- Conduct scenario analysis to understand the impact of different assumptions on the outcomes.
- Gather input from key stakeholders to ensure the evaluation considers diverse perspectives and insights.
Recommendation and Justification
- Based on the evaluation, select the preferred option that delivers the highest value and aligns with strategic goals.
Step 4: Develop the Implementation Strategy
Create a Comprehensive Implementation Plan
Establish Roles and Responsibilities
Risk Management and Mitigation
Cost Estimation and Budgeting
Implementation Timeline and Monitoring
Communication and Change Management
Create a Comprehensive Implementation Plan
- Define Project Objectives and Milestones
- Identify and allocate the necessary resources. Ensure that each resource is aligned with specific tasks and milestones.
- Detailed Project Timelines.
Establish Roles and Responsibilities
- Project Team and Accountability.
- Stakeholder Engagement.
Risk Management and Mitigation
- Identify Potential Risks.
- Develop Mitigation Strategies.
Cost Estimation and Budgeting
- Confirm and document the total project cost.
- Provide a detailed breakdown of costs for each milestone. This will help you track expenses and ensure that the project stays within budget.
Implementation Timeline and Monitoring
- Establish a comprehensive implementation timeline that outlines all project phases, tasks, and milestones.
- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the implementation. These should align with the project objectives and clearly show progress and performance.
Communication and Change Management
- Develop a communication plan to ensure consistent and transparent communication among all stakeholders.
- Develop a change management strategy to smoothly handle scope changes, resource adjustments, and other modifications.
Step 5: Develop the Recommendations and Get the Approval from Decision-Makers
Objective: Securing Approval for Your Business Case
Framing the Business Case Recommendations
Addressing Key Questions from Decision-Makers
Strategic and Persuasive Presentation
Engage and Involve Stakeholders
Follow-Up and Next Steps
Objective: Securing Approval for Your Business Case
- Your primary goal is to obtain approval for your business case from the board, executive team, external stakeholders, or investors.
- Confirm the recommended option and create comprehensive business case documents that effectively present your proposal for approval.
Framing the Business Case Recommendations
- Clear and Structured Recommendations.
- Comprehensive Financial Analysis.
Addressing Key Questions from Decision-Makers
- Anticipate and address critical questions from the board, executive team, and stakeholders, such as:
- What are the risks associated with this project?
- What are the potential benefits and upsides?
- What is the cost of not proceeding with this investment?
- How does this investment align with our strategic goals?
Strategic and Persuasive Presentation
- Begin with a concise executive summary providing a high-level overview of the business case, including key recommendations and expected outcomes.
- Our article How to Present a Winning Business Case has all the details to help you.
Engage and Involve Stakeholders
- Develop a stakeholder engagement plan to involve key stakeholders throughout the approval process.
Follow-Up and Next Steps
- Clearly outline the next steps following approval, including immediate actions, timelines, and responsible parties.
- Maintain ongoing communication with stakeholders to keep them informed and engaged throughout the project's lifecycle.
The Critical Importance of Following All 5 Steps
You must complete all these steps to create a solid business case.
Our Five Steps Business Case Framework helps you write a robust business case that helps you obtain the approvals, resources and funding required, develop the implementation strategy to implement the project and deliver the long-term value successfully.
Our Five Steps Business Case Framework helps you write a robust business case that helps you obtain the approvals, resources and funding required, develop the implementation strategy to implement the project and deliver the long-term value successfully.
Writing the Compelling Business Case Document
What Should Be Included in the Business Case Document?
A compelling business case outlines the expected benefits of this investment decision.
The business case document should explain the following:
The investment decision.
Key objectives for the project.
The business needs.
The project definition. Provide necessary background and supporting information to put the investment into context.
Describe how the investment aligns with the organization's strategic business plan.
Describe the different options explored and why you recommend this option or solution.
Provide a robust budget, an estimate of the investment's whole-of-life costs and financial benefits and projected financial statements.
The business benefits include an estimate of the non-financial benefits.
Explain how sustainability is core to the recommendations and outcomes.
Describe the implementation approach, including timelines, resources, the procurement strategy, project governance, and how to embed sustainability practices.
Rigorously assess the inherent risks, different scenarios and sensitivities, including how they are likely to affect the investment and outline strategies for mitigating them.
Convey the level of uncertainty surrounding the proposal.
Provide options for the board and management to consider when reaching a decision.
In large organizations, there are often guidelines defined for the business case writer to help them write an "investment appraisal" for their business case.
What’s the Level of Detail Required in a Solid Business Case?
The depth of analysis documented to support your case will be based on the size and complexity of the investment decision. For example, the business case for an investment of $5m or less is much simpler than the business case for an investment of $500m or more.
The business case sets out a justification for the investment that a potential investment would require.
Preliminary and Full Business Cases
A preliminary business case is often prepared for large investments and high-risk projects as the first step in preparing the full business case. Then, it is used to decide whether the potential project merits being investigated in more detail. For example, the preliminary business case may include cost estimates with a 20% tolerance, whereas the full business case would include costings with less than a 10% tolerance.
The business case should be prepared early in the project before any decision has been made to initiate. It allows the organization to explore high-level options for meeting business requirements. This may include an assessment of comparable projects.
Experienced organizations may have in-house expertise allowing them to prepare a business case. However, some organizations will not have the required skills and may wish to appoint an independent management consultant to assist them.
The business case sets out a justification for the investment that a potential investment would require.
Preliminary and Full Business Cases
A preliminary business case is often prepared for large investments and high-risk projects as the first step in preparing the full business case. Then, it is used to decide whether the potential project merits being investigated in more detail. For example, the preliminary business case may include cost estimates with a 20% tolerance, whereas the full business case would include costings with less than a 10% tolerance.
The business case should be prepared early in the project before any decision has been made to initiate. It allows the organization to explore high-level options for meeting business requirements. This may include an assessment of comparable projects.
Experienced organizations may have in-house expertise allowing them to prepare a business case. However, some organizations will not have the required skills and may wish to appoint an independent management consultant to assist them.
Who Prepares the Business Case?
Any leadership or professional role may assume responsibility for producing and writing the business case if the decision-makers trust that individual. Thus, executives, business leaders, project managers, business analysts, internal and external consultants, and IT managers are included.
The project sponsor or project manager may lead the development of the business case.
The goals of the recommended project, the project customers, users and stakeholders, and the business outcomes and benefits are more important than technology, domain knowledge, or deliverables in a robust business case.
The business case lead or writer focuses on evaluating, analyzing, quantifying and delivering the business value. Poor project results can result from insufficient attention to the details of a business case and accompanying analysis.
Before You Start Writing Your Business Case: Key Components and Considerations
If you want to be sure that your business case is the best that it can be, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:
To get funding for your opportunity, you need a strong business case. It will help you get up and running as soon as possible.
Our free Business Case Guide explains the 5 Steps to Developing a Solid Business Case.
- Think of your business case as a sales pitch with robust analysis and justification - you are creating a compelling business case.
- In the process of developing a business case - use our Five Steps Business Case Framework.
- Use the proven business case templates to start your business case quickly without all the headaches.
- Utilise AI Tools like the My Business Case Generator to write your business case draft.
- Write the business case for decision-makers to approve your recommendations.
- Present the business case as a persuasive presentation.
- Consider getting business case help.
To get funding for your opportunity, you need a strong business case. It will help you get up and running as soon as possible.
Our free Business Case Guide explains the 5 Steps to Developing a Solid Business Case.
Successful Business Case Examples
Chase Consulting's Business Case Examples
Chase Consulting has been developing business cases for over twenty years. A common characteristic of our successful business cases is that we followed the Five Steps Business Case Framework for developing business cases and used a comprehensive set of business case templates. This approach ensured we created high-quality business cases, saving us time and increasing productivity.
A robust business case is at the heart of all new initiatives and significant business decisions.
Here are six successful business case examples:
A robust business case is at the heart of all new initiatives and significant business decisions.
Here are six successful business case examples:
- Improving the customer experience (CX)
- Business expansion to enable revenue growth
- Accelerated investment to enter new markets - Government grant business case
- Equity investment to scale up the business
- Customer service improvement
- Service planning to meet population growth
Business Case Success Factors
These six business case examples were successful because we clearly articulated the following:
The Recommendations and the Investment Decision.
The Strategic, Financial and Societal Benefits.
The Options Analysis and Scenario Analysis.
The Project Financials.
Deliverability and the Implementation Plan.
The Risks.
The Recommendations and the Investment Decision.
- We framed the recommendations for the decision-makers in a way that clearly communicates the value of getting the approval to proceed.
The Strategic, Financial and Societal Benefits.
- We used an evidence-based approach to recommend the preferred option.
- We focused on business benefits realization.
The Options Analysis and Scenario Analysis.
- We strategically evaluated the shortlisted options.
The Project Financials.
- We strengthen these business cases by including solid financial analysis, such as Net Present Value, Rate of Return, Profit to Investment Ratio and Discounted Pay-Back Period.
Deliverability and the Implementation Plan.
- We developed a feasible project plan, planning each milestone and addressing the implementation risks.
The Risks.
- We identified, analyzed and evaluated the major risks, recommending mitigating actions to increase the project’s overall success.
For a deeper exploration of business case examples, visit our comprehensive Business Case Examples article showcasing 18 Diverse Business Case Examples. Here, you'll find detailed examples that provide insights into various business cases' strategic applications and benefits, from new product launches to complex infrastructure projects.
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