A business case provides justifications for a proposed change and for allocating the resources necessary for the change to work. Typically, a business case is written after a group or task force meets and evaluates a specific problem or opportunity. The case may be the result of several meetings, as well as a lot of analysis and research by the members of the project team. It can be a stimulus to move forward with an idea, or it simply represents a coherent message or vision of the group.
Steps
Step 1. Determine who will write the business case
In most cases, one or two people take on the task of writing the case. With just one or two writers, the tone and style of the business case will have its own coherence. The writer should have knowledge and skills regarding the project, but must be open to input from team members for writing the case.
Step 2. Explain how the project started or how the team was formed
The reasons for starting the project could include the search for greater efficiency, greater commitment, high profits or something else that has become a problem for a company or organization. Within this section lists the members of the group and the criteria by which they were chosen.
Step 3. Work out the methods used by the group to carry out the research and engineer the plan
If the group has interviewed corporate departments, met with target individuals, met with part of a community, or simply discussed issues, include this information.
Step 4. Report the solution or project proposed by the group
Explain in detail how the proposed change addresses any problems or issues and corrects them. Include what the group hopes to accomplish with the solution.
Step 5. Indicate what is required to implement the solution or project, including items such as a budget or more human resources
Everything that is needed to accomplish this solution should be explained in this section.
Step 6. Detail the time sequences or the time schedule for the realization of the project
Start from the beginning and estimate the implementation dates for the completion of the project.
Step 7. Identify what will happen if this project or suggestion is not implemented
Explain the consequences and what can happen if you don't implement this plan.
Step 8. Write down the next steps of the program
If implementation is the next step, state it. If more research is needed, explain why.
Advice
- Identify any assumptions and constraints you can recognize at this stage.
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The justification for the project could be based on a combination of the following:
- Benefits for business operations
- Strategic addresses
- Cost / benefit analysis.
- The business case needs to be interesting, don't use industry jargon and be concise. Data can be presented using tables and graphs for visual representation.
- The project or solution to be implemented must be measurable.
- In the summary summary of the case, provide an explanation of why you should proceed to the next phase of the project and identify the impact on the business if you do not proceed.
- Make sure you work closely with key stakeholders in developing the business case. It's not enough to go and write it independently. It is necessary to have the approval of the stakeholders, so seeking their assistance and involvement from the beginning is the best way to get it.
