Business Analysis Guidebook/Building a Business Case

Building a Business Case OUTLINE

Developing a Solid Business Case

Identify and Quantify a Problem

• Define the business need
• Define the project parameters
• Determine if there is a viable solution
• What are the merits of the problem
• Would the project be consistent with the agency’s mission and strategic plan
• Present the problem and proposed solution in a context that allows management to use consistent criteria to compare all project proposals

Parts of the Business Case

Reason Why the Project is Necessary

• Define the project parameters
• Describe the As-Is
• State the problem
• Tell a story, make it interesting, build a persuasive case,

i. clear

ii. concise

iii. factual – include all facts

iv. objective

v. minimal use of jargon and conjecture

• Create a picture of the end state

i. Show the value, financial justification

• High-level view of the proposed project that will allow all affected units in the organization to understand the purpose and be knowledgeable about the project
• Possible future state: How will the business function with and without the proposed solution
• Interview as many people as necessary to understand the big picture and desired outcome

Options

• Develop a potential solution
• Described other possible solutions, and why they were rejected

Benefits of Doing the Project

• Link issues to solutions and benefits
• Improves customer satisfaction?

Explain how that will happen, what the effects will be on the business

Costs

• Money
• Personnel

Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Value for money,
• return on investment
• show cost/benefit over a defined period of time
• will the proposed solution impact other units or processes (+ or -)

Risks

• Identify risks to project success

Evaluate the Proposal

• Why is the project necessary
• What are the top benefits
• Why is your proposed project the best way to attain the desired results

Any previous projects to solve similar problems?