Business Case Development

Programme Summary

A strong business case explains why action is needed, which option offers value and how benefits will be achieved. This programme develops practical skills in defining the problem, appraising alternatives and testing assumptions. Participants build a concise business case using financial and operational evidence, then present a recommendation with implementation risks, governance and measurable benefit ownership.

Training Objectives

1 Clarify business needs and investment objectives; 2 Develop credible options and appraisal criteria; 3 Improve cost benefit and uncertainty analysis; 4 Connect recommendations with delivery and benefit ownership; 5 Build persuasive evidence based business case documents.

Learning Outcomes

1 Define a business need and measurable objectives; 2 Compare feasible options against stated criteria; 3 Calculate basic financial and nonfinancial impacts; 4 Test key assumptions and implementation risks; 5 Present a complete defensible business case.

Target Audience

Business Analysts; Project Managers; Department Managers; Investment Planning Officers; Operations Managers; Finance Business Partners.

Target Industries

Manufacturing; Infrastructure; Healthcare Administration; Technology Services; Retail Groups; Professional Services.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Business Case Purpose: Decision needs and approval context; Problem opportunity and strategic alignment; Proportionate depth and evidence expectations.
• Module 2 Objectives and Stakeholders: Measurable outcomes and success criteria; Stakeholder needs and competing interests; Scope boundaries and decision authority.
• Module 3 Baseline and Evidence: Current performance cost and service conditions; Sources assumptions and evidence limitations; Consequences of maintaining current arrangements.
• Module 4 Option Development: Do nothing minimum change and alternatives; Feasibility screening and option refinement; Avoiding predetermined preferred solutions.
• Module 5 Appraisal Criteria: Strategic operational financial and risk criteria; Weighting scoring and transparent reasoning; Distinguishing mandatory constraints from preferences.
• Module 6 Cost Estimation: Capital operating transition and lifecycle costs; Timing estimates and contingency assumptions; Avoiding omissions and double counting.
• Module 7 Benefit Analysis: Cash savings capacity service and risk benefits; Benefit ownership and measurable baselines; Realisation conditions and attribution limits.
• Module 8 Financial Appraisal: Cash flow payback and discounting concepts; Comparing options over consistent periods; Sensitivity to costs benefits and timing.
• Module 9 Risk and Uncertainty: Delivery operational and adoption risks; Scenario ranges and optimistic assumptions; Mitigations contingencies and residual exposure.
• Module 10 Delivery and Governance: Implementation milestones resources and dependencies; Approval gates and accountable sponsors; Procurement change and operational interfaces.
• Module 11 Benefits Realisation: Measures review dates and responsible owners; Tracking actual results against assumptions; Corrective actions and postimplementation learning.
• Module 12 Business Case Presentation: Structuring a concise decision document; Defending options evidence and assumptions; Responding to challenge and refining recommendations.

Assessment

• 60 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 90 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack permitted; external internet and AI assistance prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (45 minutes): Produce and present a business case comparing options, costs, benefits and risks, with a delivery plan and measurable benefits ownership.
• Assessment criteria: Strength of problem evidence and option appraisal; Accuracy and transparency of financial assumptions; Practicality of delivery and benefits realisation.
• Pass each component separately: 45/60 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records assessed business case development skills; it does not confer investment advisory authority or guarantee approval or financial returns.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

333

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 16 delegates.Maximum 16 delegates.Maximum 16 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Basic business and financial literacy are required. Spreadsheet skills are recommended; advanced investment appraisal experience is not necessary.Basic business and financial literacy are required. Spreadsheet skills are recommended; advanced investment appraisal experience is not necessary.Basic business and financial literacy are required. Spreadsheet skills are recommended; advanced investment appraisal experience is not necessary.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a supplied investment brief and identify missing evidence during a 30 minute activity.Review a supplied investment brief and identify missing evidence during a 30 minute activity.Review a supplied investment brief and identify missing evidence during a 30 minute activity.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.