What is a business case?

Definition

A business case provides justification for undertaking a project, programme or portfolio.

It evaluates the benefit, cost and risk of alternative options and provides a rationale for the preferred solution.

Definition from APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition 

Five elements of a business case

A common way of thinking about a business case is using these five elements:

1.  Strategic context: The compelling case for change.
2.  Economic analysis: Return on investment based on investment appraisal of options.
3.  Commercial approach: Derived from the sourcing strategy and procurement strategy.
4.  Financial case: Affordability to the organisation in the time frame.
5.  Management approach: Roles, governance structure, life cycle choice, etc.

The business case is reviewed and revised at decision gates as more mature estimates and information become available. The approved business case provides a record of the decisions made by governance about how to achieve the required return on investment from the work. It documents the options considered and it is normal practice to include the ‘do-nothing’ option as a reference. Through this approach, the business case becomes a record of the recommended option with rationale and evidence to support the decision.

The presentation of the business case, if approved, results in the formal startup of the project, programme or portfolio. The sponsor owns the business case.

It brings together the investment appraisal with evidence of how the investment is intended to lead to realisation of the intended benefits. All projects must have a business case that demonstrates the value of the work and it is outlined during the concept phase of the life cycle.

Contents of the business case

Source: Starting out in project management, 3rd edition

Starting out in project management

Your essential guide to the basics of project management. Written for anyone new to projects or wishing to progress their career as a project professional Starting Out charts the journey of the APM project life cycle, from concept through to delivery and handover.

APM Learning

The following business case resources are available on APM Learning. This is a member only resource.

• Information sheet - Business case
• Template - Business case

Find out more about APM Learning

APM Body of Knowledge 7^th edition

The APM Body of Knowledge 7^th edition is a foundational resource providing the concepts, functions and activities that make up professional project management. It reflects the developing profession, recognising project-based working at all levels, and across all sectors for influencers, decision makers, project professionals and their teams.