Business case phases

Introduces the Business Case Approach phases and provides guidance on how to decide on the most appropriate development pathway for your investment proposal.

Explains why the point of entry (PoE) is important, how to have the conversations and gather the information you need, and how to record it and complete this phase.

The strategic case is the foundation for the whole business case and ensures that it is based on robust evidence. For some investments it is worth developing the strategic case as a standalone phase before continuing with the next business case phase.

In the programme business case phase (PBC) you will identify options and alternatives to find the combination of activities that represent the best value for money response to the case for change identified in the strategic case.

The indicative business case (IBC) identifies a recommended option to address the case for change for an individual activity.

The detailed business case phase (DBC) confirms an activity that comes from the detailed programme of activities and confirms the overall assessment profile. It includes a more detailed reporting of economic, financial and commercial aspects of the activity built upon the indicative business case. It is usually completed as a component of the single-stage business case (SSBC).

The single-stage business case phase (SSBC) confirms and develops an activity, and details how it will be implemented. It combines the key actions of the indicative business case (IBC) and the detailed business case (DBC) in a single phase.

Explains when and why you might need to make changes to your business case in the pre-implementation and implementation phases.