Business Case

Purpose

The Business Case is to provide assurance to senior stakeholders that the Project supports and aligns with policies and procedures and provides an efficient and cost-effective solution.

The Business Case will:

·       enable a decision to be made by the appropriate approval authority to commit and undertake the Project, and

·       detail the request for funds and resources.

Derivation and Source Requirements

The Business Case will be derived from the CPS, Estimates, Spend Profile and Communications Strategy.

Composition

As a minimum the Business Case will define:

·       Cover Sheet and Sign off Matrix

·       Executive Summary

·       Introduction and Strategy

·       Business Need  and Business Requirement

·       Options

·       Financial Analysis

·       Comparison to Business Plan

·       Implications for Future Decisions

·       Risk Appraisal and Sensitivities

·       Recommendations

·       Proposed Course of Action

·       Benefits Identification and Tracking

Quality Criteria

Does the Business Case meet the requirements of ‘Guidance for the Preparation of Business Cases’

Do the costs and spend profile in the Business Case align and support the Projects Estimate, Schedule and Spend Profile.

Does the Net Present Value (NPV) indicate a favourable, positive, outcome?  If not is the case for the Project sufficiently defined to support Senior Stakeholder endorsing the Project?

Will the Business Case be endorsed?

Quality Method and Skills

The Business Case will be developed by Project Manager.  It will be reviewed and agreed as appropriate by relevant managers.

The financial information and spend profile will be developed from the Estimates and Spend Profile.