Agile way of working
A business case helps decision-makers judge whether an investment is worth the time, money and risk.
State the reason for the activity and ensure it aligns with organisational strategy.ContentsHow do you explain Agile to someone?
- Compare realistic options, including doing nothing, and clearly justify the preferred choice.
- Separate project costs and timescales from ongoing operational costs and benefit realisation timescales.
- Define benefits in measurable terms and distinguish outcomes from benefits so performance can be tracked.ContentsHow does Agile work?
- Include known dis-benefits and major risks, plus mitigations, to avoid one-sided decisions.
- Use an investment appraisal, such as net benefits and break-even timing, to test viability.Introduction
- How does Scrum differ from Agile?

This article explains how to write a business case. It includes 2 business case examples and a free business case template for you to Better Business Cases training

download will teach you how to apply the Five Case Model in practice.Is DSDM still used? .Enhance your skills with our expert-led courses You’re probably reading this article because you want to know how to write a business case. Perhaps your organisation is embarking on a major project to develop a new product. Or, perhaps you’re thinking of moving house so your family can enjoy a better life. In either case, you write a
business case Is Scrum Agile or waterfall? AIPGF COURSES to ensure the investment is worthwhile. Select your preferred training course below:In this article we’ll give you 2 business case examples, provide you with a simple business case template for you to use, and explain how to write a business case.Instructor-led
Enhance your skills with our expert-led coursesBetter Business Cases Practitioner (with Foundation) courseIs there a PM in Agile? AI WORKSHOPS
A business case is the justification for some activity (e.g. a project) undertaken by your organisation. It weighs up the timescales, costs and risks of doing the activity against the benefits to be gained. Think of it as weighing up the pros and cons and then taking a sensible decision. Let’s now look at each of the 5 dimensions in a little more detail.Knowledge Train is an MSP Accredited Training Organization.
A business case forms an essential component of the curriculum of the Strategic dimension
best project management coursesWhat does Agile mean in one word?The Knowledge Train is a PRINCE2 Accredited Training Organization..strategic Personal business case Knowledge Train is an AgilePM Accredited Training Organization.
You may also use a business case to justify an investment you make in your personal life. For example, when you’re thinking of moving home to another area. You and your spouse will need to understand the costs of moving, the timescales and risks involved, and weigh these up against the benefits to be gained e.g. saving time traveling to your office, or your children able to go to a better school.dimensionWhat is Agile in one sentence?
Why have a business case? of the 5 Case Model is crucial in determining the “business as usual” scenario, which provides a benchmark against which proposed changes can be compared. This understanding must be quantified and well-defined, even when continuing without changes is not a viable option. Knowledge Train is a PRINCE2 Agile Accredited Training Organization.
Projects should not just start on a whim or because of vanity – although a lot of money has been wasted over the years on such SMART objectives
projectsIn the strategic dimension, external constraints and dependencies are considered, such as legal, ethical, political, and technological factors, as well as necessary infrastructure that is beyond the control of the proposal. The proposal’s expected outcome is defined by a small number of What is Agile in simple terms?Knowledge Train is a Better Business Cases Accredited Training Organization..SMART For business organisations, justification for a project usually takes a commercial form i.e. evaluating how much money could be made from the investment. For example, investing money in developing a new software app to bring first to market, might be deemed to bring certain monetary benefits (in terms of sales) which exceeds the costs of investment. objectives, which must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-limited. These objectives drive the rest of the model, serving as the basis for option creation and the appraisal process in the economic dimension. Knowledge Train is an AgilePM Accredited Training Organization.
For government organisations, justification is probably not a commercial one, but could be based upon giving value for money to achieve certain benefits. For example, a public health campaign extolling the benefits of flu-vaccinations for elderly people, might be judged as giving greater value for money than having no campaign, and instead relying on treating patients in hospital once they have contracted the virus.RationaleWhat is Agile mentality?
With so many competing claims being made on scarce funds, organisations need the assurance that the decision they are taking is the right one. After all, there will not be enough funds to pay for all the ideas for projects which are floating around the organisation.The objectives must reflect the rationale for the proposal and be expressed in terms of the expected change in service provision, expressed numerically. This helps in refining the objectives and enables them to be monitored and evaluated effectively. The programme objectives should directly align with the proposal’s objectives, providing a clear understanding of the expected outcomes. Knowledge Train is a PRINCE2 Agile Accredited Training Organization.
Who uses a business case?Strategic assessment
Business cases can be used by many different levels of management within an organisation. Not only are they used to justify the investment in an individual project, but also they are typically used by a The first step in any proposal, whether it be strategic, portfolio, program, or project-based, is the strategic assessment. This evaluation compares the current situation, also known as “business as usual” (BAU), to the desired outcome, as outlined by the SMART objectives. The difference between BAU and the SMART objectives highlights the business needs that must be addressed. A comprehensive understanding of how these business needs can be met and the SMART objectives achieved is crucial.What is Agile vs Scrum?Knowledge Train is a Lean Six Sigma Accredited Training Organization.
portfolio managementPolicy fit office to help it decide which projects will contribute to the organisation’s strategic goals. That way, they can filter out the bad ideas for projects, and only fund projects which will contribute to strategic goals.The proposal must also consider its fit with public policy and any potential impacts on other public bodies’ operations, responsibilities, or budgets. Effective and efficient delivery of public services requires consultation and collaboration between public bodies to avoid waste and inefficiencies. BCS accredited training partner for Business Analysis.A business case is also often used by a project sponsor or project executive to help it decide if they should invest in a specific project.Early research, consultation, and engagement with stakeholders provides a better understanding of the current situation and opportunities for improvement, as well as links to relevant policies.What is Agile vs waterfall?
In all cases, the business case must be written and approved prior to any major commitment of resources.Economic dimension Knowledge Train is a Change Management Accredited Training Organization.
What form does a business case take?The
Business cases can take many forms – digital or analogue. The tools you use to create one are also many and varied. Common business tools such as Microsoft Office might be used. Rather than being a document or slide deck however, it could equally be in the form of an email.economic dimensionWhat is an Agile way of working?Knowledge Train is an MSP Accredited Training Organization.
Equally, a business case could be written by hand on a whiteboard or flipchart, or on the back of a cigarette packet! of the 5 Case Business Model plays a crucial role in analysing and evaluating proposals. It is driven by the SMART objectives and business needs identified in the strategic dimension and estimates the social value of different options. This dimension involves detailed option development and selection through appraisal, with a focus on considering the potential impact on the UK or overseas and considering any unintended consequences.
What you should always remember is that a business case does not have to be a huge long document. In fact, it should be as short as possible, and only include the most important information. That way it cuts out the noise and provides decision-makers with just the right information to enable them to take sensible decisions.Appraisal AXELOS Peoplecert accredited training organisation for ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library).
For those of you interested in The longlist appraisal and selection of the shortlist options are critical steps in the process, and the preferred option is selected based on a thorough analysis using social cost-benefit analysis or social cost-effectiveness analysis. The selection considers factors such as the net social value of the option, the costs of risk and optimism bias, the whole life cost of the public resources employed, and the unquantifiable benefits of key objectives. The overall risk to the public and the public sector is also considered.What is an example of Agile thinking?
project managementIt’s important to remember that all dimensions of the 5 Case Business Model are interdependent and must be considered in an integrated way, with the involvement of key stakeholders. Following the supplementary guidance on AXELOS Peoplecert accredited training organisation for ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library)., the project management methodology known as business cases PRINCE2 is essential to ensure that the proposal is developed in a holistic and collaborative manner.What is Dynamic System Development Model?Knowledge Train is an AIPGF Accredited Training Organization. focuses its decision-making on a project on having a viable business case.Commercial dimension Business case examplesThe Knowledge Train is an AIPGF Accredited Training Organization.
We will now give you 2 business case examples. The first example is one which you might find useful for taking decisions in your personal life. The 2nd business case example is more business focused project.commercial dimensionWhat is Kanban in Agile?
Business case example 1: Moving home of a proposal focuses on the commercial strategy and procurement of services and assets needed. It is informed by the strategic and economic dimensions, and the procurement specifications are derived from them. BCS accredited training partner for Business Analysis.
Suppose you and your spouse are considering moving to a new home. You will need to weigh up the pros and cons of moving. This is done using a business case. You might not call it that, but that’s what it is. Let’s look at an example.As the procurement process progresses, the commercial dimension provides updated information on costs,
Reasonrisk managementWhat is Lean thinking in Agile?WHAT YOU WILL GET

As you can see from the example, the first thing to be clear about in a business case is the reason for doing the project or activity. In this example, the couple has answered the question and timing, which is then incorporated back into the economic and financial aspects of the proposal. Our courses and workshops include:
Why?This continuous feedback loop helps to develop the proposal into a fully-fledged business case. Certification exam(s) where applicable In fact, there are two problems here – the local school and John’s long commute.Financial dimensionWhat is Scrum vs Agile Manifesto?Accredited training course materialsOptions consideredThe Expert, experienced trainers to support you
A business case should weigh up the competing options which have been considered. After all, there is usually more than one option. Perhaps an alternative option would have been for John to change his job to one nearer their current house. However, this wouldn’t solve the issue with the school.financial dimension Course manual where applicable.
Benefits focuses on the overall cost to the public sector of implementing a proposal, considering all financial implications and benefits. It evaluates affordability and the financial impact on the public sector, while the economic dimension evaluates the social value of the proposal.What is Scrum vs Agile?
The benefits of a project or activity are the positive things you’re going to get back in return for your investment of time and money. In this case, the kids will get a better education, and John will save time each day.Management dimension SELF-PACED ONLINE TRAINING COURSES
TimescalesThe Self-paced online training courses (e-learning) include:
It’s also important to understand how long the investment of resources will take. This is so that the organisation (or family in this case) knows when the resources will be freed up to work on other management dimensionWhat is Scrum vs Kanban?Certification exam(s) where applicable
projects of a proposal focuses on the practical implementation plans. It ensures that the chosen option can be executed effectively and covers the resources required, budget management, and responsible organisations. It outlines the timeline for reaching agreed milestones and completing the proposal. Accredited training course materials or activities. The management dimension includes the risk register, benefit register, monitoring and evaluation plans, and any necessary data collection before implementation. The details of the management aspect are developed further as the proposal matures into a full Support from expert, experienced trainers There are usually 2 timescales to consider. First, the timescale of the project or activity – in this case 3 months to find a new house and move there. Second, the time over which the benefits shall be realized. In this case it’s 5 years until the kids leave school.What is the Agile life cycle?business caseLatest educational technology.
Costs , influencing the economic, commercial, and financial dimensions.
How can we help?The costs of doing the project or activity is the next important bit of information. On this project, the costs of moving to a new house will be £5,000. These are the project costs. Enhance your skills with our expert-led coursesBUSINESS SOLUTIONS
However, the couple will spend an additional £2,000/year for every year over which the business case is calculated. For a project in an organisation, this is usually referred to as the operational costs of maintaining and operating the projects outputs e.g. an IT system. At this point, the couple knows the total costs over the timescales when the benefits shall be realized.What is the difference between Agile and Scrum?
Risks
SubmitFor any activity or project, it’s also important to understand the major risks involved. Risks are the uncertain things which may or may not happen during the period of the investment. There is only one risk identified here, which is the risk that the couple might lose touch with friends who live close to them right now. TO HELP ORGANISATIONS IMPROVE
Investment appraisalWhat is the difference between Agile and waterfall?Instructor-ledWe offer solutions to help improve team performance including:
The next section is where the costs and timescales and risks are weighed up. For this project, it’s a simple decision for the couple to decide if it’s worth spending money over the next 5 years to give their kids better schooling and to save John 2 hours a day commuting. Better Business Cases Practitioner (with Foundation) courseConsultancy services
OUR VALUESFor an organisation to decide if an investment is worthwhile, however, there are several different ways in which it can decide about the investment. Staff development
Our 6 core values are everything we do. They include:Often in organisations there are rules defined to help business analysts or What is the difference between DSDM and RAD?£2,400 +vatCompliance training
Integrityproject managers Apprenticeship trainingDiversity write what’s called an investment appraisal. In the next example, we’ll look at one example known as net benefits. See all datesCustom e-Learning developmentFairnessBusiness case example 2: Handheld device projectWhat is the difference between PM and Agile?
QualityImagine a heating repair services company that uses a paper-based set of forms filled in by an engineer during site visits. The spare parts required to fix the heater are recorded on a form which is given to staff to process back in the office. They then order the parts, and schedule a follow-up visit for the engineer to fix the heater.
InnovationEnhance your skills with our expert-led courses Find out more

The essentials of Lewin’s change model for successful change management
Simon Buehring
19 Feb 2026
- Learn how Lewin's change model can guide your organisation through change. Uncover practical strategies and insights to facilitate smooth transitions. Scroll down for more information.
- Is Change Management the course for you?
- Simon Buehring
- 23 Feb 2026
- Thinking about change management training? Learn what these courses involve and decide if it’s the right fit for you by reading further.
- What is a business change manager?
- Simon Buehring
- 19 Feb 2026
- Dive deep into the role of a business change manager and what you can learn on change management courses. Discover more by reading on.
- How ADKAR can revolutionise your change management strategy
- Simon Buehring
- 23 Feb 2026
- Uncover the essentials of the ADKAR model to effectively manage change. Learn how to confidently guide your team through transitions. Continue reading to master change management strategies.
