The business case for change is a rationale that develops and presents a comprehensive view of the proposed change project/effort. Among other things, it provides the rationale, financial justification, and return on investment for implementation. Ideally, the business case for change contains both a logical component (that provides a strong rationale) and an emotional component (that generates a gut-level desire to change). It is a fundamental building block of any proposed change.
The business case document becomes a vehicle for telling the project story in straight forward, easy-to-understand language. If done correctly, the business case will provide compelling justification for a change by outlining the business problem and describing the solution and its possible impacts.
The business case answers questions like:
- Why are we making this change?
- What is the business objective of the change?
- What is our solution to the business problem?
- How does this solution address the key business issues?
- What will things look like when we’re done?
- How much will it cost?
- How long will it take?
- How will the business benefit?
- What alternatives do we have?
- What are the risks of doing the project?
- What are the risks of not doing the project?
Tools
The template is offered in three formats depending on your preference.