Bulletproof Business Case, Part 1 - What to Include and Who to Involve: MINI COURSE

Length:

In-person classes /Virtual (Live online) - 2 hours

Overview: 

Project teams often find themselves developing business cases for the performing organization. When asked to do so, it is critical to create a solid business case. All too often, project teams are asked to implement a solution before the underlying problem is known or assessed. No one likes working on misguided projects, or efforts that don’t meet business needs, or projects doomed for failure. Worst of all are projects that are cancelled because of lack of support or sponsorship. A well-defined business case helps prevent these issues.

An essential ingredient to successful projects is a clear and relevant business case. It provides both insights into and a proposed solution for important business needs. Bulletproof business cases contain feasible and effective ways of justifying and recommending projects that squarely address business needs, both problems and opportunities.

Through this series of course segments, you will learn a repeatable process that starts with identifying business needs and ends with a bulletproof business case. You will learn and practice applying each step in a 5-part approach to developing business cases. Help contribute to your organization’s bottom line with bulletproof business cases!

WHY TAKE THIS SERIES

  • Learn a practical and repeatable process for developing solid business cases.
  • Guide your organization to solve the right problems and address the right business needs.
  • Help prevent unwarranted and potentially wasteful projects from getting initiated.
  • Function as a trusted advisor to your business.
  • The small-class environment, practical exercises, and a realistic case study keep you engaged and aid in your retention and learning.

PART 1:

Explore the purpose of business cases and why they are invaluable to delivering project value. Learn what to include in them and the key roles involved in the process. Discover a repeatable 5-step process for creating business cases. Discuss common challenges, and learn where the typical trouble spots occur in the business case effort. 

Objectives:

  • Describe the essential components and roles needed for an effective business case.
  • Explain the need for business cases even when faced with business leaders anxious to “jump to a solution.”
  • Plan and execute the steps needed for a business case effort using an approach that helps you function as a “trusted advisor” or management consultant to your organization.

Pre-requisites: Experience working on projects. Individuals who have experienced problems from projects initiated without a business case may advance quicker at first. 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Audience:

Business professionals who are asked to create business cases for their organization. This could be business analysts, project managers, process analysts, or any business staff.

PDUs/CDUs: 2  CEUs: 0.2

Format: 

To help assimilate the tools and techniques learned, there is a mixture of various kinds of exercises throughout the course. A lively case study throughout the series helps to reinforce concepts learned. Students will need to be prepared for a high level of participation. Each participant will receive a comprehensive student guide complete with examples and workshop solutions.

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE

  • Comprehensive study guide with PowerPoint slides and detailed notes to serve as both an in-class guide and on-the-job reference.
  • Class discussions and exercises to reinforce the information presented.

Content:

  • Business case overview
  • What business cases are and are not
  • Pitfalls in business cases
  • Roles Involved in business cases
  • SARIE framework for business cases
  • Overview of SARIE steps
  • Business case documentation
  • Exercise: work with components of a business case

 

NOTE: We are constantly improves our course offerings to ensure the best training possible and to keep you abreast of the latest industry trends. As a result, this outline is subject to change.