What Is a Business Case?

A business case provides the justification for undertaking a project, program or investment. It makes the recommendation for the best course of action that will create business value. The business case process critically examines the opportunities, alternatives, project stages, financial and strategic benefits and financial investment.

A Business Case is Different to the Business Plan

Think of your business case as a sales pitch with robust analysis and justification. The business case is one of the most powerful decision-making tools available to the organization's leadership team. It is a decision-making tool that provides the leadership team with an assessment of a particular decision's investment, benefits and risks.

A business case answers the question: what will happen if we proceed with this investment decision? The justification for the business case is presented in a carefully constructed document detailing the rationale to convince a decision-maker to approve the investment recommendation.