Business Case Writing - The Skills in a Day World Knowledge
Price: TBA
  • Duration: 1 Day

Course details

It is generally acknowledged that the business case is probably the most critical document to be found in the project management plan. Despite this there remains considerable confusion over why it is required, its content and who should create, approve and maintain it. Accordingly business cases are all too often poorly prepared, if indeed they are prepared at all.

The purpose of this workshop is to develop a detailed understanding of this critical document. The workshop will ensure delegates can create and use the business case, in practical terms, to ensure the right projects are approved and also guide their actions in effectively managing any size or complexity of project.

The workshop is based around a ‘live’ case study project which requires delegates to work in groups to create an outline business case in the ‘concept’ phase, followed by a refined full business case created in the ‘definition’ phase. Delegates will fine tune their skills as the full business case is completed and will then use the document to help them manage the project scenario. The workshop is highly interactive with a skilled and experienced trainer taking the part of the project sponsor, to ensure delegates are directed and supported through the completion and use of the business case.

Is it right for me?

Suitable for anyone in a project scenario that needs to write, co-write, approve, maintain or use a business case to justify, run or report on a project. Those who need to learn the fundamentals of the wider range of project tools and techniques (e.g. milestones, Gantt charts, network diagrams, risk procedures etc.) should consider 'An Introduction to Effective Project Management'.

What will I learn?

By the end of this workshop you will be able to:

  • Understand how a business case is developed and used throughout a typical project lifecycle
  • Recognise the difference between an outline and a full business case
  • Appreciate the various roles that will need to be involved in a business case
  • Create an effectively structured business case containing the correct information
  • Understand the connection with the benefits realisation plan
  • Know what to do if the business case needs to change
  • Take appropriate action if the on-going justification for a project no longer exists
  • Use the business case to help run and report on the success of the project

Pre-course Activity

In order to maximise the learning, delegates are provided with some reading prior to the workshop, so they can familiarise themselves with the project scenario they will be using. The pre-course activity is accessed online on the Hemsley Fraser Delegate Learner Portal.

What will it cover?

The Business Case and the Project Lifecycle

  • Creating the outline business case in the ‘concept’ phase
  • Refining the full business case & link to the benefits realisation plan
  • How to use the business case at phase/stage gates
  • Using different business case versions for post-project reporting
  • Benefits realisation and the business case

The Different Types of Business Case

  • The strategic outline case
  • The outline business case
  • The full business case
  • Linkages to the strategic outline programme

The Business Case - Roles and Responsibilities

  • How a project sponsor should contribute
  • User & supplier representatives – their value
  • The involvement of the project manager & project team
  • Project support offices and their part in the business case
  • The other key stakeholders involved

Structuring a Business Case

  • The ‘Five Case’ business case for large and complex projects
  • A simpler format for small to medium sized projects
  • The key content and how to structure it

The Need for a Benefits Realisation Plan in Parallel

  • Benefits and dis-benefits – their importance in a business case
  • Why benefits realisation should demand more attention
  • The structure and content of the benefits realisation plan
  • Benefits realisation and the business case

Changes to the Business Case – How to Handle Them

  • Change management and the business case
  • Recording changes – why, what, when, who and where

Losing Business Justification – the Required Actions

  • The causes of lost justification – what to watch for
  • Reporting when justification disappears or is in doubt
Updated on 08 November, 2015

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