Business Case
Official Definition:
The justification for the project, typically comparing the benefits against the cost, time and risk of doing the project.
Layman’s Definition:
The Business Case is the ‘why’ behind the project. It shows that the benefits outweigh the costs, time, and risks — and explains why the project is worth doing. It’s used to get approval and keep checking if the project still makes sense as it moves forward.
Examples:
• Healthcare: Launching a new digital patient booking system to reduce waiting times and free up staff.
• Construction: Building a cycle bridge to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.
• Education: Creating an online course platform to improve student engagement and save on venue costs.
When to Use:
Use a Business Case at the very start of a project to secure approval and then update it at key review points (e.g., end of a stage) to ensure the project is still viable.
What It Might Look Like in Practice:
A document including:
• Problem statement.
• Proposed solution.
• Financial summary (cost vs expected benefit in £).
• Risk and time estimates.
• Recommendation to proceed.