Weighing up the costs and benefits in a business

The task is to develop a business case (1500 words max). It should describe the problem,
identify the possible options to address it and provide a recommendation for which option is
best, weighing up the costs and benefits. The intent of a business case is to convince key
stakeholders of the merits of a particular course of action and it lays the foundations to
initiate a project.
This assignment accounts for 15% of the overall assessment in this unit. This task should be
completed individually.
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Choose a topic.
   a. You can create a problem on which to build a Business Case (i.e. Problem – Low
   Customer Satisfaction with Our Company’s Services; Solution for the Business
   Case – Software Upgrade that will help to deal with Customer Complains
   quicker, and hence will improve customer satisfaction) OR
   b. You can choose a topic for your Business Case from the Organisation you work
   (or worked) for.
2. Confirm your topic with your lecturer in the class by Week 2.
3. It is expected that your business case will have the following sections:
    Executive Summary;
    Introduction;
    Statement of the problem;
    Analysis;
    Discussion of Possible Options;
    Recommendation;
    Details of your Chosen Option;
    Conclusion.
4. Your report should be not longer than 1500 words, plus references and appendices if
   appropriate, 12 point type, 1.5 line spacing. All researched information must be
   correctly referenced using APA6 Referencing style.
   BUSINESS CASE PRESENTATION
   You can use a structure of your own or adapt the example below.
   Business Case
   Project Name:
   Project Manager:
5. Executive Summary
   The executive summary in the business case should be a detailed summary of the proposal
   which is being put forward. It has to include an outline of the business case, analysis of the
   proposal and recommended option being proposed.
6. Project
   2.1. Business Overview & Needs
   Briefly describe the business background, including the general business problem to which the
   project will address. What Business Needs/Problems you are going to address?
   2.2. Project Background & Scope
   Project background has to capture project’s history, prior decisions, considerations, and other
   key information. If it is a new project, explain what needs/ issues this project will address.
   Detail specific goals of the project and scope. In short, in this section you should provide a
   comprehensive description of the solution proposed.
   2.3. Key Project Stakeholders
   List key stakeholders.
7. Analysis
   3.1. Alternatives
   The Alternative Analysis section should identify options and alternatives to the proposed
   project and the strategy used to identify and define them. Include at least 2-3 viable
   alternatives.
   3.2. Preferred Solution
   Explain the preferred solution and reasons for choosing it. You should also include a CostBenefit analysis here and Financial Considerations. Add a high level schedule of
   implementation or delivery strategy with key responsibilities outlined.
8. Assumptions, Issues & Risks
   List any assumptions, issues and constraints that have to be taken into account when
   considering the potential implementation of the above. Also add basic business and technical
   risks/issues of executing and/or not executing the project.
9. Next Steps
   Add Next Steps to indicate what is required (i.e. Financing, Approval, Project Owner…).
   SUBMISSION: Online on LMS by Week 3 (Sunday at Midday).

Sample Solution