Business Case

A business case is a document that justifies an investment or business decision. Its purpose is to demonstrate the value that a proposal will bring in relation to its costs and risks, and it serves as a basis for making informed decisions.

Definition:

A structured document that presents the cost-benefit analysis, risks, impact, and alternatives of an initiative, project, or investment.

Benefits:

• Informed decision-making: facilitates the approval of projects with solid arguments.
• Prioritization: helps compare proposals and choose the most profitable or strategic one.
• Transparency: clarifies objectives, resources, and expected returns.
• Change management: aligns stakeholders around a common vision.

Typical content:

• Description of the problem/opportunity
• Project objectives
• Alternatives analyzed (including doing nothing)
• Financial analysis (costs, benefits, ROI, NPV, IRR, etc.)
• Risks and mitigation plan
• Timeline and necessary resources