Length depends on complexity and risk. Many internal business cases are 2 to 10 pages plus appendices for calculations and evidence. The key is that decision-makers can understand the recommendation, numbers, risks, and obligations quickly. Who approves a business case? Subscribe now
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It supports decision-making by comparing options and explaining expected benefits, costs, risks, assumptions, and the plan for implementation and measurement."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What should a business case include?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most business cases include: the problem or opportunity, objectives, options analysis, the recommended option, benefits and costs, ROI/NPV/IRR and payback period, risks, assumptions, constraints and dependencies, stakeholders and executive sponsor details, an implementation plan, KPIs, and governance and approval steps."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How long should a business case be?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Length depends on complexity and risk. Many internal business cases are 2 to 10 pages plus appendices for calculations and evidence. The key is that decision-makers can understand the recommendation, numbers, risks, and obligations quickly."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Who approves a business case?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Approval is usually given by a governance body such as a steering group, investment committee, portfolio board, or senior leadership team. The executive sponsor is typically accountable for endorsing the case and ensuring benefits owners and stakeholders commit to delivery and measurement."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the difference between a business case and a business plan?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A business case justifies a specific initiative and asks for approval, focusing on options, value, and risk. A business plan describes how an organisation, product, or business unit will operate and grow, covering market approach, operating model, and broader financial forecasts."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do you calculate ROI and NPV in a business case?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"ROI is commonly calculated as (total benefits minus total costs) divided by total costs over a defined period. NPV discounts future cash flows using a chosen discount rate and sums them with the initial investment; a positive NPV indicates value under the model."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What makes a business case compelling?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A compelling business case has a clear baseline, credible options analysis, transparent assumptions and constraints, realistic costs and benefits with sources, an explicit risk and mitigation plan, and measurable KPIs with named benefits owners."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When is a business case required?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A business case is often required when requesting funding, committing significant resources, changing customer-facing services, or introducing material operational or compliance risk. It is also commonly required for projects that compete for prioritisation in a portfolio."}}]}} The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. 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