A business case captures the justification for a particular project or course of action. Many organizations use them to evaluate and prioritize funding requests. A well-written business case paints a compelling picture by presenting a recommended approach and assuring the audience that the business will receive value from the investment.
Common elements of a business case typically include:
- Executive summary – captures interest and briefly presents the recommendation
- Alternatives – describes the options that were considered
- Cost/benefit analysis – outlines the tangible and intangible benefits to be realized
- Detailed findings – contains additional details that may be needed for decision-making
Need help getting started? Our Business Case Template can help you organize your thoughts. We also recommend our Developing an Effective Business Case – it will help you learn to develop and present a case that’s tailored for your specific audience.