Business case writing course (Virtual classroom)

This half-day course will equip you with the tools and techniques you need to write a clear and concise business case. Suitable for anyone tasked with writing, or approving a business case, whether experienced or a beginner.

You will discover exactly what decision makers need to know, the techniques you’ll need for strengthening the business case and how best to present the business case. Our experienced trainer will leave you with the confidence to write a business case with a better chance of being approved.

Writing a business case can be daunting. Even experienced project managers sometimes find it a challenge. This course provides much more than just business case templates.

• Those involved in writing business cases including: programme managers, project managers, project support staff or business analysts; or,
• Managers involved in approving business cases.

The training course will cover the following topics:

Part 1 (90 minutes)

• Key sections of a typical business case and what is included in each
• Two things all decision makers look for in a business case
• Performing a simple stakeholder analysis to boost your pitch
• Understanding all the cost drivers to consider
• Showing quantitative and qualitative benefits
• How to perform an Investment Appraisal and building commercial confidence in doing so

Part 2 (90 minutes)

• Strategic Fitness Scorecards and Options Comparison Matrices to strengthen the case
• Making the business case visually appealing
• Writing a compelling Executive Summary – what to include?
• Checklist Template to use before submitting the business case
• Final review and comment on your completed business case example
• Summary of best practices

• A delegate pack of course notes, worked case study and exercises
• Business Case Template and Checklist Template in MS Word and Excel formats, which you can use immediately following the course
• Tuition from an experienced project manager and trainer
• Practical exercises to help you to apply what you learn
• Small class size to ensure everyone has 1:1 attention and can participate in group exercises
• Certificate of training course attendance available upon request

A business case is used on projects to justify the investment an organisation makes in a project. Before committing the funds to a project, the organisation needs to understand what it will get back in return for its investment (ROI) in the form of benefits.

Return on investment

A business case is used on projects to justify the investment an organisation makes in a project. Before committing the funds to a project, the organisation needs to understand what it will get back in return for its investment (ROI) in the form of benefits.

Cost-benefit analysis

A business case in a commercial organisation therefore usually contains a cost-benefit analysis. This weighs up on the one hand the costs of the investment (usually the project costs and ongoing operational costs), the timescales over which it will be spent, and the associated risks against the benefits to be gained on the other hand.

Non-financial benefits

Non-commercial organisations such as public sector schools or hospitals will also use a business case, but the benefits will often not be measured in financial terms. For example, investing in a body scanner to be used in a hospital will bring benefits to patients if it detects illness earlier.

You own business case

Anything which answers the question “is it worth it?” serves the purpose of a business case. For example, if you decide to trade in your old polluting, inefficient car for a new electric model you should be able to clearly answer that question. If you cannot, then you should keep your old car instead of buying the new one.

If you have to write a business case but don’t have the time to attend a course, you can get some great tips by reading this article. It even has a couple of examples and a template for you to download.

If you’re perhaps thinking that a business analyst career might be more for you, we have a few articles about business analysis.

This article explains all about the different business analysis certifications. You can also read about business analysis careers.

Emanuela Giangregorio