Why is a business case critical?

If you’re a project manager, you’ve been asked to assemble a business case at some point. But what is a business case, and why is it important?

A business case is simply a document that outlines the justification for undertaking a project. It sets out the expected benefits and costs of the project and provides decision-makers with the information they need to assess whether or not to go ahead with it.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Table of contents

• It can also help assess a project’s feasibility and guide how to proceed.
• A business case typically analyzes a proposed project’s costs, benefits, and risks.
• A business case ensures all stakeholders know the project’s potential impact before it proceeds.
• This helps ensure that everyone is on board with the decision and that the project has a higher chance of success.

Many elements can go into a business case, but it should answer three key questions: what problem are we trying to solve, what options are available to us, and which option is the best?

Investing time in a strong business case can pay off big time down the line, and it forces you to think about all aspects of the project before getting started and can help secure buy-in from key stakeholders. So if you’ve been asked to assemble a business case, don’t sweat it – follow these simple tips, and you’ll be on your way.

It can also help assess a project’s feasibility and guide how to proceed.

When undertaking a new project, having a feasibility assessment is essential to ensure it can happen. It’s crucial to look at the full scope of the project, understand if it is realistically achievable and then determine if parts of the project need to be modified or scaled back. It can also guide how best to proceed and which resources will be required throughout the process to reach completion. A feasibility assessment is an invaluable tool that saves time and money, so include it when embarking on your next journey.

A business case typically analyzes a proposed project’s costs, benefits, and risks.

A business case is a handy tool as it comprehensively analyzes a proposed project. These cases outline a venture’s potential costs, benefits, and risks to make informed decisions. A well-built business case can help determine whether or not to go ahead with the project based on its potential Return on Investment (ROI). Additional information within the case, such as long-term effects or the effect on other departments, can be included for deeper consideration if needed. Ultimately, having a thorough business case benefits any individual or company wanting to properly assess their project before committing resources to it.

A business case ensures all stakeholders know the project’s potential impact before it proceeds.

A business case is a wise preemptive move for any organization or business planning to take on a project. It provides an overview of the project’s potential impact, risks, and cost so that all stakeholders are on the same page and can make informed decisions. It fosters communication and collaboration among everyone involved to ensure time and money are well-spent. By creating a business case, organizations can identify potential issues ahead of time, allowing them to course-correct as needed and ensure the project moves forward smoothly.

This helps ensure that everyone is on board with the decision and that the project has a higher chance of success.

When attempting to take on a new project or initiative, getting everyone in the organization on board is essential. By ensuring that all relevant parties weigh in and agree with the decision, there’s a much greater likelihood of success because everyone will be working towards the same goal. Gathering input from different perspectives brings creativity and clarity to any project, so gaining consensus and ensuring everyone is prepared to work together toward achieving your objectives is important.

In conclusion, a business case can be an invaluable tool for assessing the feasibility of proposed projects and initiatives. By outlining the costs, benefits, and risks associated with the project, everyone involved can make an informed decision on how to proceed. Developing a business case helps ensure that all stakeholders know the potential impact, which increases the chances of success before they even start. A solid business case is essential for getting projects off the ground.

Although this blog post covered several aspects of creating a business case, other factors may also be worth considering. This can include legal costs or staffing resources required to implement it. There are countless possibilities to explore when building a business case; each approach will be unique. What other reasons did I miss? Let me know in the comments below!

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PMO, program management, project management