Full Business Case

It is the balance of the costs against the benefits that make a project viable and the full business case presents the arguments, using the culmination of the evidence and information gathered during the first two phases of the project. If strategic and outline business cases have been developed as separate documents, the full business case will build on them and provide the complete picture. Although the full business case too, will continue to evolve. This iterative process continues throughout the life of the project and means that the Project Sponsor and Board can continue to assess whether a project remains viable and worthwhile. If the full business case indicates that the project is not viable or does not meet a business need, the project should be stopped.  

How much information you provide will vary according to the type of project. You will have already completed a Project Assessment Matrix, which will determine how much detail you need to give in the business case. The more risky and significant the project – the more information will be needed. Also, consider what evidence you have to support the business case. In some cases, feasibility studies, research reports or economic analysis will have already been carried out.  This can be a powerful ally in supporting the project and its direction.  

Some business cases can be completed quite easily, others will be complex documents taking weeks or even months to finish. These complex cases are also likely to require specialist help, notably on financial issues.  Therefore, although it is the Project Manager's responsibility to ensure the business case is completed and to make sure it all stacks up, this is often through co-ordinating inputs from others.

A Business Case is mandatory for all projects. Furthermore, without an authorised Business Case projects will not be able to spend externally. Comprehensive guidance on completing a full business case is contained within the business case template.  

 

Once you have your Full Business Case, you can submit this for the final approval before the project begins to be delivered, Review 3 - Review of Delivery Preparation