Equipment

Case Empty

Case Empty

A Guide for Busy Managers: Writing a Business Case

Below we discuss Writing a Business Case in seven easy steps. Specifically, we discuss:

• What is a Business Case?
• Why you should bother Writing a Business Case
• 7 steps to Writing a Business Case

What is a Business Case?

A Business Case is a document you build in order to help you get approval or financial commitment for a project or change initiative.

Why Bother Writing a Business Case?

• It will help you to organize your thoughts and test your ideas. Some things seem like great ideas initially, but after you put some structured thought into it, several questions may come up.
• It will help you clarify and focus your efforts. Just a little bit of structure can assist you in the implementation of your idea.
• It will aid you in ultimately selling your project or change initiative to stakeholders.
• It will provide the basis for more detailed project planning upon approval.

7 Steps to Writing a Business Case

1. Create a Backround (or Project Definition) Statement: The 1st step to Writing a Business Case is to explain the background of the project or initiative. In this phase, you must provide just enough information to inform the reader as to why you’re bringing the idea or subject up.

2. State the Objectives (Future State or Desired Outcome): What are your specific objectives for this project or initiative? What |are you|is it that you are} going to deliver? Try to articulate the root value of the opportunities that you are planning for. Imagine an investor sitting across the table from you: Why would he give you money or otherwise invest in your project?

3. Describe the Current Situation: Now that you have defined the future state, you need to determine where you currently are on that journey. Make sure you include facts, figures, and data whenever you can. You need to create a compelling argument that highlights the gap between desired state and current situation.

4. Provide a Recommendation or Solution: If you have followed the steps described above, you’ve created a hunger in your audience for some sort of change. Now you need to recommend what that change should be. Articulate your ideas as clearly as possible. This section could include a few different options, but ultimately you should commit to a specific recommendation.

5. Determine Your Success Criteria and Measures: How you will measure the success of the project? What will change as a result of your intervention? Note that your success criteria must be measurable. The ROI should be included in this section.

6. Determine The Support You Require: A key part of writing a business case, is to determine who you need support from and letting them know specifically what you need from them. You can’t point fingers after the fact. Indicate what support you need from outside resources to achieve your goals. This includes the resources required in terms of time, effort, tools, budget, and other resources.

7. Define Next Steps and the Timeline: Once you have approval for your business case what are some key milestones that follow? When will you commit to finish/deliver?

Improve your leadership skills! Visit www.wilymanager.com for more information about Writing A Business Case and more Just-in-Time Management Advice

Watch our video about writing a business case:

Learn More About Writing A Business CaseLeatherMouth - Murder Was The Case That They Gave Me