Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner

Course Duration is 5 Days

£1,795.00 Plus VAT (per person)

Have more than 2 delegates? Talk to us about our closed group courses.

Delivery Method

Open Public Courses – Virtual Delivery Only  Closed Group Courses – Face To Face and Virtual Delivery

Business Benefit

Better Business Cases is a systematic and objective approach to all stages of the business case development process that sits alongside and complements the HM Treasury’s Green Book guidance. The course and examination are based on The Five Case Model, the UK government’s best practice approach to planning spending proposals and enabling effective business decisions. This provides a step-by-step guide to developing a business case, by: Establishing a clear need for intervention – a case for change Setting clear objectives – what you want to achieve from the investment Considering a wide range of potential solutions – ensuring an optimal balance of benefits, cost and risk Putting the arrangements in place to successfully deliver the proposal – To be able to write a business case to a standard of the qualification.

Who Should Attend

The course is relevant to those responsible for developing and producing spending proposals or their assessment and approval; in particular:Accounting Officers – responsible for delivering public value;Senior Responsible Owners (SROs), Programme Directors and Project Managers, responsible for successful delivery;Directors of Finance, procurement and planning, responsible for the forward planning and prioritization of spending proposals;Members of approvals and management boards with responsibility for scrutinizing or approving spending proposals.

Learning Outcomes
    1. Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) for Policy, Regulation, and Grants Programmes: In the realm of policy, regulation, and grants programmes, a Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) plays a pivotal role. It serves as the initial blueprint, outlining the overarching objectives and strategies. It encapsulates the high-level vision and goals, setting the stage for more detailed planning and business case development.
    2. Business Case Development from SOC to OBC to FBC: The progression from a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to an Outline Business Case (OBC) to a Full Business Case (FBC) is a structured process for major projects. Each stage involves a deeper level of analysis and refinement. SOC defines the initial concept, OBC delves into options and costs, and FBC provides a comprehensive justification with detailed financial, operational, and strategic elements.
    3. Business Justification Case (BJC) for Minor Spending Proposals: In contrast to major projects, minor spending proposals require a Business Justification Case (BJC). This concise document highlights the rationale, benefits, and costs associated with the proposal. It aids decision-makers in determining whether the expenditure aligns with organizational objectives and represents a sound investment.
    4. The 10-Step Delivery Process: The 10-step delivery process is a fundamental component of the Better Business Case methodology. It guides practitioners through the stages of developing a robust business case. These steps include defining the strategic context, considering options, assessing benefits and costs, and establishing governance and assurance arrangements.
    5. Key Roles in Business Case Development: Effective business case development involves collaboration among various key roles. These roles encompass the Sponsor, who champions the project; the Business Case Owner, responsible for its development and maintenance; and the Project Manager, who oversees the project’s execution. Additionally, specialists such as financial analysts, subject matter experts, and assurance providers contribute their expertise.

    The BBC course, as you mentioned, provides valuable opportunities for discussions and group exercises. These interactive sessions enable participants to apply the BBC methodology to real-world projects and adapt it to their organization’s unique context. Such practical engagement enhances the course’s relevance and ensures that attendees gain actionable insights into optimizing their business case development processes.

    Incorporating the principles and practices of Better Business Case into policy, regulation, grants programmes, and project management is vital for effective decision-making, resource allocation, and successful project delivery within any organization.

Course Content
  1. The Importance of the Business Case: A well-crafted business case serves as the linchpin of any strategic decision-making process within an organization. It functions as a robust rationale, providing a structured framework for evaluating potential investments or projects. Its paramount role lies in assisting stakeholders in comprehending the feasibility, benefits, and risks associated with a proposed initiative. By offering a compelling argument, it aids in securing resources, aligning organizational objectives, and ultimately driving successful outcomes.
  2. Types of Business Cases: Business cases can take various forms, contingent upon the nature and scope of the project or investment. Common types include financial business cases, which primarily focus on financial returns and cost-benefit analyses, as well as strategic business cases that align with the organization’s long-term goals and objectives. Additionally, regulatory and compliance business cases ensure adherence to legal requirements, while innovation-driven business cases explore opportunities for growth and innovation.
  3. The Five Case Model: The Five Case Model serves as a quintessential framework for evaluating and developing business cases. It comprises five core components:
    • Strategic Case: This articulates the project’s alignment with organizational goals.
    • Economic Case: This assesses the financial viability and benefits of the project.
    • Commercial Case: This evaluates the procurement and delivery strategy.
    • Financial Case: This presents the financial aspects, including budgeting and funding.
    • Management Case: This covers project management, risks, and governance.
  4. Improved Understanding of the Better Business Case Process: The Better Business Case (BBC) process represents a systematic approach to developing and evaluating business cases. It emphasizes rigorous analysis, stakeholder engagement, and continuous review. By following the BBC process, organizations can enhance the quality of their decision-making, minimize risks, and optimize resource allocation.
  5. Established and Proven Methodology: Employing an established and proven methodology like the Better Business Case framework is imperative for managers and directors. It provides a structured path to assess and prioritize investments, ensuring that resources are allocated wisely and aligned with strategic objectives. This methodology is equally applicable at the macro (strategic) and micro (tactical) levels, making it an indispensable tool for effective leadership and governance.

In conclusion, a profound understanding of the business case, its types, and the Five Case model, along with mastery of the Better Business Case process, represents a core competency for managers and directors. It equips them with the tools and insights needed to make informed decisions, optimize resource utilization, and drive organizational success.

 

User
Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) for policy, regulation and grants programmes. The Business Case Development from the Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to the Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Full Business Case (FBC) for major projects. Business Justification Case (BJC) for minor spending proposals. The 10 step delivery process. The key roles in the business case development. Each course has time for discussions and group exercises giving you the chance to discuss your own projects and how the BBC course can be adopted and adapted to your organisation.
ChatGPT

Certainly, let’s discuss the elements you’ve mentioned in the context of the Better Business Case (BBC) course, adhering to British English grammar.

  1. Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) for Policy, Regulation, and Grants Programmes: In the realm of policy, regulation, and grants programmes, a Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) plays a pivotal role. It serves as the initial blueprint, outlining the overarching objectives and strategies. It encapsulates the high-level vision and goals, setting the stage for more detailed planning and business case development.
  2. Business Case Development from SOC to OBC to FBC: The progression from a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) to an Outline Business Case (OBC) to a Full Business Case (FBC) is a structured process for major projects. Each stage involves a deeper level of analysis and refinement. SOC defines the initial concept, OBC delves into options and costs, and FBC provides a comprehensive justification with detailed financial, operational, and strategic elements.
  3. Business Justification Case (BJC) for Minor Spending Proposals: In contrast to major projects, minor spending proposals require a Business Justification Case (BJC). This concise document highlights the rationale, benefits, and costs associated with the proposal. It aids decision-makers in determining whether the expenditure aligns with organizational objectives and represents a sound investment.
  4. The 10-Step Delivery Process: The 10-step delivery process is a fundamental component of the Better Business Case methodology. It guides practitioners through the stages of developing a robust business case. These steps include defining the strategic context, considering options, assessing benefits and costs, and establishing governance and assurance arrangements.
  5. Key Roles in Business Case Development: Effective business case development involves collaboration among various key roles. These roles encompass the Sponsor, who champions the project; the Business Case Owner, responsible for its development and maintenance; and the Project Manager, who oversees the project’s execution. Additionally, specialists such as financial analysts, subject matter experts, and assurance providers contribute their expertise.

The BBC course, as you mentioned, provides valuable opportunities for discussions and group exercises. These interactive sessions enable participants to apply the BBC methodology to real-world projects and adapt it to their organization’s unique context. Such practical engagement enhances the course’s relevance and ensures that attendees gain actionable insights into optimizing their business case development processes.

Incorporating the principles and practices of Better Business Case into policy, regulation, grants programmes, and project management is vital for effective decision-making, resource allocation, and successful project delivery within any organization.

Foundation Level
The purpose of the foundation certification is to confirm that you have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the guidance to be able to work effectively with, or as a member of, a team to develop a business case using the Five Case Model.

Examination Format

  • Multiple Choice
  • 50 questions
  • 25 marks or more required to pass (out of 50 available) – 50%
  • 40 minutes duration
  • Closed book.

Practitioner Level
The purpose of the Practitioner qualification is to confirm whether you have achieved sufficient understanding of the theory and application of the Five Case Model to allow them to effectively develop and produce a business case. A successful Practitioner candidate should be able to start applying the model to a real project.

Examination Format

  • Objective testing
  • 4 questions per paper, with 20 marks available per question
  • 40 marks or more required to pass (out of 80 available) – 50%
  • 2 & 1/2 hours duration
  • Open book exam (Delivering Public Value from Spending Proposals: Green Book Guidance on Public Sector Business Cases Using the Five Case Model only).

How to Book

Dates below represent open public courses only. To book this course, please select an available date and click the book now button below to complete the booking. Have two or more people to train – you may consider a closed group course. Contact us on [email protected] to discuss specific date and delivery requirements.

 

Measuring The Success

 

The purpose of your training is learning new skills and/or changing behaviour. We can help you measure this!

To evaluate how successfully the attendees are doing this, delegates can attend a Workplace Implementation session during the skills transfer period. The cost of the session is £595+VAT delivered virtually and lasts for 2.5 hours.

During the Workplace Implementation session the individuals will either on a 1-2-1 basis or as a group discuss the challenges and successes they have experienced during their skills transfer period.
This will include what they are doing differently as a direct result of the training and how this has positively impacted the organisation.
This is an excellent way to encourage the learning, support the skills transfer into the workplace and act as a measure to evaluate the training.

We compile this information into a report so that you have evidence of your return on investment.