Writing Effective Business Cases

The Writing Effective Business Cases eLearning course provides learners with an understanding of how to develop clear, structured and persuasive business cases to support workplace proposals and decision-making.

The course explores the process of defining a business need, evaluating potential options and presenting a recommended course of action. Learners will consider how to use relevant evidence, costs, benefits, risks and expected outcomes to develop a business case that enables stakeholders and decision-makers to make informed decisions.

Who Should Attend?

• Managers and supervisors.
• Team leaders.
• Project and programme personnel.
• Employees responsible for proposing workplace improvements or investments.
• Employees involved in planning and decision-making.
• Employees required to prepare proposals for senior management or other stakeholders.
• Anyone looking to develop their business case writing skills.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding the purpose of a business case.
• Recognising when a formal business case may be required.
• Understanding the needs of decision-makers and other stakeholders.
• Defining the business need, problem or opportunity.
• Establishing the purpose and objectives of a proposal.
• Defining the scope of a business case.
• Gathering relevant information and evidence.
• Distinguishing between relevant and unnecessary information.
• Understanding the importance of reliable supporting evidence.
• Identifying potential options and alternative approaches.
• Evaluating available options objectively.
• Establishing appropriate criteria for comparing options.
• Identifying the expected benefits of a proposal.
• Considering financial and non-financial benefits.
• Identifying potential costs and resource requirements.
• Considering short-term and longer-term implications.
• Understanding the importance of cost-benefit considerations.
• Identifying potential risks associated with a proposal.
• Considering the likelihood and impact of identified risks.
• Identifying potential risk controls and mitigation measures.
• Considering the risks associated with taking no action.
• Developing a clear and evidence-based recommendation.
• Demonstrating how the recommended option supports organisational objectives.
• Identifying expected outcomes and measures of success.
• Considering implementation requirements and timescales.
• Identifying responsibilities and resources required for implementation.
• Structuring a business case logically.
• Writing clearly, concisely and professionally.
• Using evidence and supporting information effectively.
• Presenting financial and other information clearly.
• Developing an effective executive summary.
• Tailoring the business case to its intended audience.
• Reviewing and checking a business case before submission.
• Responding constructively to questions and feedback.
• Using business cases to support informed organisational decision-making.

Course Delivery

This course is delivered as self-directed eLearning through the ELMO learning platform.

Learners can work through the course at their own pace and can move backwards and forwards through the learning content as required. The course does not need to be completed in one sitting, allowing learners to leave and return to their training where necessary.

Interactive activities may be included throughout the course to reinforce key learning points.

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding are checked through online assessment activities. Depending on the course content, these may include multiple-choice questions, matching exercises, drag-and-drop activities and image-based questions.

A minimum score of 70% is required to successfully complete the course.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course and assessment requirements, learners will receive a UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Accredited Certificate of Training.

Course Duration

The course is self-directed and learners can progress through the content at their own pace. Completion time may therefore vary depending on the individual learner.