A business case captures the reason for initiating a project or program. It is most often presented in a well-structured written document; however, in some cases, it also may come in the form of a short verbal agreement or presentation. The logic of the business case is that whatever resources, such as money or effort, are consumed, they should be in support of a specific business need or opportunity.

After completing this workshop participants will be able to:

• Determine which projects should be dropped
• Have an understanding of the return on investment for each project
• Understand the risks related to each project
• Understand the confidence level for each project completed on time within budget
• Determine how resources should be allocated

• The techniques taught in the course can be used by individuals, but its best use is with a group of four to eight people. Cross-functional teams usually yield the best results from this activity. It is best if this activity is led by an individual who is not the one who originated the business opportunity.

8 Activities and 35 Tasks that Make Up the Business Case Analysis (BCA) process:

• Activity 1 — Set the Proposal Context and StimulusActivity 1 — Set the Proposal Context and Stimulus
• Task 1.1 Create the BCA team
• Task 1.2 Preparing the BCA team
• Task 1.3 Analysis of proposed project’s input documents
• Task 1.4 Does the proposal meet the required ground rules to prepare a business case?
• Task 1.5 If the answer to task 1.4 is no, then take appropriate action
• Activity 2 — Define the Sponsor’s Role and Test Alignment to Organizational Objectives
• Task 2.1 Define the business case sponsor’s role in the BCA process
• Task 2.2 Align the project/initiative with strategic goals and objectives
• Activity 3 — Prepare the BCA Team’s Charter and Output
• Task 3.1 Develop the BCA team’s charter
• Task 3.2 Define the business case final report
• Activity 4 — Patent, Trademark, Copyright Considerations
• Task 4.1 Is the idea/concept an original idea/concept?
• Task 4.2 Start patent/copyright process
• Activity 5 — Collect Relevant Information/Data
• Task 5.1 Characterizing the current state
• Task 5.2 Characterizing proposed future state
• Task 5.3 Define the proposed future state assumptions
• Task 5.4 Define the implementation process
• Task 5.5 Define the major parameters related to the proposal
• Task 5.6 Define the quality and type of data to be collected and prioritized
• Task 5.7 Develop the data collection plan
• Task 5.8 Collecting process/product installation-related data or information
• Activity 6 — Projected Improvement Analysis
• Task 6.1 Characterize the current state of the parameters identified in the tasks
• Task 6.2 Estimate the degree of change that will be brought about as a result of the project for each of the affected parameters
• Task 6.3 Compare the estimated degree of change to the projected by the individual or group that originated the project
• Task 6.4 Determine if the improvement justifies continuing the analysis
• Activity 7 — Defining Return on Investment
• Task 7.1 Develop an estimate of resources and cycle time required to implement the proposed project
• Task 7.2 Perform sensitivity, safety, and risk analyses, and develop mitigation plans
• Task 7.3 Calculate value added to the organization
• Task 7.4 Develop proposed project/initiative recommendations
• Activity 8 — Presenting the Business Case to the Executive Committee
• Task 8.1 Prepare the business case final report
• Task 8.2 Set up a meeting with the executive team
• Task 8.3 Present findings and recommendations to the executive team
• Task 8.4 Was the project/initiative approved?
• Task 8.5 The project/initiative is approved
• Task 8.6 The proposal is rejected
• Task 8.7 Prepare an initial project mission statement
• Task 8.8 Closure of the BCA team

• not offered

• October

• not offered

• October

• October

• not offered

• not offered

• September

• October

• September

$1,595 per participant

The following discount applies to each of the classes: