Sample Business Case

[Project Name]

Section 1: Executive Summary . Page 1

Section 2: Background / Current State .

Page 1

Section 3: Project Outcome / Future State ..

Page 2

Section 4: Cost and Benefit Analysis ... Page 3

Section 5: Implementation Strategy. Page 3
Section 6: Acceptance and Sign Off.. Page 5
Section 7: Appendices ... Page 5

Sample Business Case

To help guide you in writing the business case, below is an outline of the various topics
to include in a business case.

The Background Section is to provide the reader with an introduction to the subject of
the business case. This section describes the history and current state of affairs giving
rise to or relating to the general business problem or opportunity that is the subject of
the business case.

2.1

Problem/Opportunity

2.2

Current Situation and

Environmental Analysis
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
2.2.7
2.2.8
2.2.9

2.3

Page 1

Environmental Scan
Political Environment
Economic Environment
Organizational Environment
Social Environment
Other Initiatives
Business Processes
Technology
Labour Relations

Project Partners

Sample Business Case

3.1

Vision and Mission Statements

3.2

Goals, Objectives, and Performance Measures

3.3

Scope

3.4

Out of Scope

3.5

Project Scope Management

3.6

Governance, Accountability and Operating Funding Model

Page 2

Sample Business Case

4.1

Infrastructure Analysis
4.1.1
4.1.2

4.2

Human Resources
Information Technology

Cost and Benefit Analysis

4.2.1

4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.2.5
4.2.6

Service Related Benefits

Other Cash benefits free up resources (e.g. staff time, space) in
ways that can be quantified but do not free up budget for other
activities.
Qualitative benefits improve effectiveness, responsiveness and/or
risk management in ways that are beneficial but not easily
quantified.
Cost Related Benefits
Hard Cash benefits reduce institution operating costs, freeing up
budget for other activities.
Additional/Other Benefits (WHERE APPLICABLE)
Costs
Cost/Benefit Analysis
Individual Site Cost/Benefit

Project Organization
5.1

Page 3

Governance Structure and Accountabilities

Sample Business Case

5.2

Organization Structure
5.2.1

Core Project Team

5.2.2

Participating Institutions

5.3

Human Resource Management Strategies

5.4

Project Deliverables

5.5

Project Budget
5.5.1
5.5.2
5.5.3

Project Budget
Operating Budget
Project Cost Management Plan

5.6

Change Management and Transition Plan

5.7

Project Stakeholders & Communications Management Plan

Page 4

Sample Business Case

5.8

Risk Management

5.9

Constraints

5.10 Assumptions

Include all applicable Appendices from the list below and include any other relevant
information not listed.

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.

Page 5

Risk Management Table

Financial Models and Sensitivities
Operating Model Details
Alternatives and Decision Analysis
Glossary of Terms
Governance Reporting Structure
Detailed Implementation Plan
Timeframe (Gantt Chart) with milestones

 Queens Printer for Ontario, 2006