How to analyse a business case

Anupam Das
anupamdas@iimk.ac.in
 The following four steps will show you how to write a business case

• Step 1: Identify the Business Problem.

• Step 2: Identify the Alternative Solutions.

• Step 3: Recommend a Preferred Solution.

• Step 4: Describe the Implementation Approach

 Identify the Business Problem

• Projects are initiated to solve a specific business problem or

create a business opportunity.

• Figure out what that problem or opportunity is, describe it.

• Find out where it comes from and then address the time-
frame needed to deal with it.
 Identify the Alternative Solutions

• Note the alternative solutions.

• For each solution, quantify its benefits.

• Forecast the costs involved in each solution.

• Figure out its feasibility.

• Discern the risks and issues associated with each solution.

• Finally, document all this in your business case.

 Recommend a Preferred Solution

• Depending on the solutions cost and benefit, give it a score of

1-10;

• Base your score on what’s important to you;

• Add more complexity to your ranking to cover all bases.

 Describe the Implementation Approach

• Convince your stakeholders that you’re right and have the

best way to implement a process to achieve your goals.

• That’s why documentation is so important; it offers a practical

path to solve the core problem you identified.
Write well…get independence