One of the first things to consider when starting a new project are the benefits of the proposed business change and communicating same to the business process owner. If you don’t know them, there is definitely no hope for approval.

1. Host Service UK
Business Plan vs Business Case
05/07/2018 : 20:30 Hr GMT +1 (London)
Ayo Apampa

2. What is Business Case ?
As a business analyst you will always find yourself
preparing business case on regular basis.

3. What is Business Case ?
A business case is a proposal for a strategy or a
new project.

4. What is Business Plan ?
A business plan primarily is a proposal for a new
business start-up or a major change to an existing
business.

5. As a business analyst it is essential that you have a
good understanding of what a Business plan is, and
how to prepare one, but it is not common that a
business analyst would prepare business plan on
regular basis, except if you work with a consultancy
firm that specialises on business start ups.

6. What is a Business plan ?
A business plan primarily targets investors. It will include
a pitch, financial plan, business model, cost analysis,
market analysis, competitive analysis, risk identification,
operations plan, marketing plan and other information
that is relevant to investment in a new business.

7. What is a Business case ?
A business case contains about the same information but
not as detailed, like we had in the business plan. It should
just contain enough details for strategy prioritisation and
convincing enough for internal budget approvals. As this is
mostly needed within an existing business, it is not necessary
to revisit basic details such as the firm's business model.

8. Business case !
One of the first things to consider when starting a new
project are the benefits of the proposed business
change and communicating same to the business
process owner.
If you don’t know them, there is definitely no hope
for approval.

9. What do you need in a Business Case ?
When preparing a business case, the following assessment must
be carried out using approved techniques:
• Problems analysis (business problem or opportunity )
• Benefits to be derived from the project
• Risk Assessment
• Costs / investment appraisal
• Technical solutions
• Timescale
• Impact on operations
• Ability to deliver the project outcomes.

10. Contents
• Executive summary
This is the most important part of the document and it should be created after the rest of the analysis
have been done, and should summarise the whole thing concisely and ideally in 3 paragraphs;
1. What is the purpose of the business analysis study, what are the principal findings
2. what options were considered, what are the major advantages and disadvantages
3. What is the recommendation, and a clear statement of the decision required
the executive summary should be kept as brief and focussed as possible so that the sponsor can
understand what the issues are, quickly and clearly, what decision they are required to make.

11. Contents
• Background of the current situation
This should contain details of the problems analysis carried out,
it is better that you highlight these in bullet points, though they
could be opportunities that you've identified. They should be
summarised so that it is easy for the sponsor to digest easily.

12. Contents
• Options considered
This section should highlight the cost of poor quality or the cost of doing
nothing.
After that you highlight with bullet points the options that you have
recommended with explanations as derived from the options analysis.
Be careful if you have to dismiss the pet idea of the project sponsor, you
have to do this with diplomacy using all the facts gathered in your research.

13. Contents
• Benefits
This should include the economic benefits and strategic benefits.
You have to lay emphasis on how the project is going to improve quality and add value to the
business
how the project is going to save costs through increased efficiency.
Is it going to generate any revenue?
how is the business going to remain competitive
how is the projects going to improve customer service and user experience in line with
corporate strategy

14. Contents
• Cost
In this section you have to highlight what the process is costing the business at the
moment indicating the full time equivalent (FTE).
You have to highlight what the project is going to cost the business.
You have to highlight the savings.
You have to highlight the breakeven or the pay back.

15. Contents
• Impact Analysis
This section will contain the non-cost impacts to enable the management consider
adequately the difficulties and benefits of the recommendation.
Such as impacts on existing systems or interfaces, process, training etc..

16. Contents
• Risk Analysis
This section should highlight the major risk to the business from the options proposed,
and if it is important that the major risk assessment should be presented along, you
may like to add in the appendix a comprehensive risk assessment that have been
carried out from your analysis.

17. Contents
• Conclusion
This section should highlight the recommendation, and external influences if there is
any, time, regulatory influence, or competitors plans in same direction that may affect
your plan. Include everything you know that can help your sponsor to make informed
decision.

18. Contents
In the next class we will deal with how to use the techniques for various analysis, like;
• Problem analysis
• Feasibility analysis
• Solution screening
• Cost Benefit analysis
• Impact analysis
• Risk analysis
All of the above are what you need to make up your business case.

19. Questions

20. Thank you
Ayo ApampaMSc Engr. and Economics
Business Analysis Professional Diploma | Member IIBA
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