INF3708 – Software Project Management
Chapter 2
Project evaluation and programme management
2.2 A business case
Organizations may have different titles such as a feasibility study or a project justification for what we
call the business case.
Its objective is to provide a rationale for the project by showing that the benefits of the project
outcomes will exceed the costs of development, implementation and operation (or production).
Typically a business case document might contain:
1 Introduction and background to the proposal
2 The proposed project
3 The market
4 Organizational and operational infrastructure
5 The benefits
6 Outline implementation plan
7 Costs
8 The financial case
9 Risks
10 Management plan
Introduction and background
This is a description of the current environment of the proposed project. A problem to be solved or an
opportunity to be exploited is identified.
The proposed project
A brief outline of the proposed project is provided.
The market
This is needed when the project is to create new product or a new service
Organizational and operational infrastructure
This describes how the structure of the organization will be affected by the implementation of the
project.
Benefits
Where possible, a financial value should be put on the benefits of the implemented project.
Outline implementation plan
In addition to the ICT aspects of the project, activities such as marketing, promotion and operational and
maintenance infrastructures need to be considered.
Costs
Having outlined the steps needed to set up the operations needed by the proposal, a schedule of
expected costs associated with the planned approach can now be presented.
Chapter 2
Project evaluation and programme management
2.2 A business case
Organizations may have different titles such as a feasibility study or a project justification for what we
call the business case.
Its objective is to provide a rationale for the project by showing that the benefits of the project
outcomes will exceed the costs of development, implementation and operation (or production).
Typically a business case document might contain:
1 Introduction and background to the proposal
2 The proposed project
3 The market
4 Organizational and operational infrastructure
5 The benefits
6 Outline implementation plan
7 Costs
8 The financial case
9 Risks
10 Management plan
Introduction and background
This is a description of the current environment of the proposed project. A problem to be solved or an
opportunity to be exploited is identified.
The proposed project
A brief outline of the proposed project is provided.
The market
This is needed when the project is to create new product or a new service
Organizational and operational infrastructure
This describes how the structure of the organization will be affected by the implementation of the
project.
Benefits
Where possible, a financial value should be put on the benefits of the implemented project.
Outline implementation plan
In addition to the ICT aspects of the project, activities such as marketing, promotion and operational and
maintenance infrastructures need to be considered.
Costs
Having outlined the steps needed to set up the operations needed by the proposal, a schedule of
expected costs associated with the planned approach can now be presented.
