Business case management should:
- summarise context and delivery in a single document;
- explain the desirability, achievability and viability of the proposed work;
- develop the primary document that will be used to support a ‘go/no go’ decision at all gates in the life cycle;
- update and maintain the business case throughout the life cycle.
| Indicators | Level 2 attributes |
A business case is fundamental to any project or programme, whatever the level of capability maturity. There has to be a good and demonstrable reason for investing in the work. For that reason, the differences between level 2 and level 3 capability are, at first sight, quite subtle. The principle differences are the amount of background information given (with respect to options considered but not recommended) and the frequency with which the business case is reviewed. |
Summarise and present the desirability of the work | Stakeholder requirements for the chosen solution are summarised to clearly demonstrate why the work is desirable. This always includes the ‘do-nothing’ option. | |
Summarise and present the achievability of the work | Delivery documentation for the chosen solution is summarised to clearly demonstrate how the work is achievable. | |
Summarise and present the viability of the work | Investment appraisal is performed to level 2 capability and the results summarised to clearly demonstrate the viability of the work. | |
Update the business case | The business case is reviewed, updated and used to support key decision points. | |
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Indicators | Level 3 attributes | |
Summarise and present the desirability of the work | Stakeholder requirements in relation to all solutions considered are summarised. This clearly demonstrates why the work as specified is the most desirable approach. | |
Summarise and present the achievability of the work | Delivery documentation for the chosen solution is summarised to clearly demonstrate how the work is achievable. | |
Summarise and present the viability of the work | Investment appraisal is performed to level 3 capability and the results summarised to clearly demonstrate the viability of the work. | |
Update the business case | The business case is under constant review and issues that will potentially impact the business case are forecast in advance. | |
