Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner Overview
Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction
- Why Better Business Cases?
- Case for a Business Case
- Project Success or Failure?
- Putting the Right Foot Forward
- Public Sector Delivery
- What is a Project?
- What is a Programme?
- Links to Recognised Best Practice Programmes and Project Management Methodologies
- Programme or Project?
- Types of Programme
- Alignment with Strategic Planning
- Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model
Module 2: Five Case Model
- Overview of the Five Case Model
- Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model
- Strategic Case
- Demonstrates
- Challenges
- Contents of the Strategic Case
- Economic Case
- Demonstrates
- Challenges
- Contents of the Economic Case
- Commercial Case
- Demonstrates
- Challenges
- Contents of the Commercial Case
- Financial Case
- Demonstrates
- Challenges
- Contents of the Financial Case
- Management Case
- Demonstrates
- Challenges
- Contents of the Management Case
Module 3: Programme and Project Business Case
- Advantages of the Programme Business Case
- Advantages of the Project Business Case
- When Should a Business Case be Developed?
- Planning for Spending Proposals
- Key Steps in Developing the Programme Business Case
- Project Business Case Development Process
Module 4: Determining the Strategic Context and Undertaking the Strategic Assessment
- Overview
- Strategic Assessment
- Related Activities
- Stages of Business Case Development
- Strategic Outline Case
- Outline the Business Case
- Full Business Case
- Development of the Business Case
- Business Justification Case
- What is Programme Assurance?
- What is Project Assurance?
- Responsibility for Producing the Business Case
Module 5: Making the Case for Change
- Agree on Strategic Context
- Determine Spending Objectives, Existing Arrangements, and Business Needs
- Generic Drivers for Spend
- Determine Potential Business Scope and Service Requirements
- Determine Benefits, Risks, Constraints, and Dependencies
- Each Spending Objective
Module 6: Exploring the Preferred Way Forward
- Agree Critical Success Factors (CSFs)
- Determine Long List Options and SWOT Analysis
- Options Framework
- Using the Options Framework
- Drafting the Long List
- Recommended Preferred Way Forward
- Complete the Strategic Outline Case
Module 7: Determining Value for Money (VFM)
- Project Level Business Case
- Revisit the Short-List
- Prepare the Economic Appraisals for Short-Listed Options
- Relevant Costs for Economic Appraisals
- Estimating Benefits for the Economic Appraisals
- Valuing Costs and Benefits
- Presenting the Economic Appraisals
- Undertake Benefits Appraisal
- Undertake Risk Appraisal
- Select the Preferred Option and Undertake a Sensitivity Analysis
- Sensitivity Analysis
- Final Selection of the Preferred Option
Module 8: Preparing for the Potential Deal
- Determine Procurement Strategy
- Determine Service Streams and Required Outputs
- Outline Potential Risk Apportionment
- Outline Potential Payment Mechanisms
- Pre-Delivery Phase
- Operational Phase
- Extension Phase
- Ascertain Contractual Issues and Accountancy Treatment
Module 9: Ascertaining Affordability and Funding Requirement
- Prepare Financial Models and Financial Appraisals
- Financial Modelling
- Impacts to Consider
- Assessing Affordability
- Closing Affordability Gaps
Module 10: Planning for Successful Delivery
- Plan Programme or Project Management
- Programme Roles
- Programme Plan
- Project Plan
- Use of Specialist Advisers
- Plan Change Management and Contract Management
- Plan Benefits Realisation
- Benefits Resister
- Plan Risk Management
- Risk Register
- Plan Programme/Project Assurance and Post Project Evaluation
Module 11: Procuring the VFM Solution
- Revisit the Case for Change
- Revisit the OBC Options
- Detail Procurement Process and Evaluation of BAFOs
Module 12: Contracting for the Deal
- Set Out the Negotiated Deal and Contractual Arrangements
- Set Out the Financial Implications of the Deal
Module 13: Ensuring Successful Delivery
- Finalise Project Management Arrangements and Plans
- Finalise Change Management Arrangements and Plans
- Finalise Benefits Realisation Arrangements and Plans
- Finalise Risk Management Arrangements and Plans
- Finalise Contract Management Arrangements and Plans
- Finalise Post Project Evaluation Arrangements and Plans
- Review the Business Case: SOC, OBC, and FBC
- Steps and Actions for Preparation of Programme and Project Business Cases
Who should attend this Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner Course?
This Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner Course is beneficial for individuals who wish to learn the fundamentals of Business Case Management and how to apply the Better Business Case methodology. This training course is beneficial for these professionals:
- Business Analysts
- Project Managers
- Programme Managers
- Portfolio Managers
- Finance Professionals
- Change Managers
- Compliance Officers
Prerequisites of the Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner Course
There are no formal prerequisites for the Foundation section of the course. However, to continue to the Practitioner section of the course, candidates must successfully pass the Better Business Cases™ Foundation Examination.
Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner Course Overview
The Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner Course provides a comprehensive approach to developing a strong business case that aligns with the Government’s best practice guidelines. The course follows the HM Treasury’s Five Case Model, ensuring a strategic, well-rounded proposal for any investment decision. Delegates will gain insight into justifying investment needs, goal setting, and planning for successful project outcomes.
The Better Business Cases Certification is a strategic and systematic approach to developing a sturdy business case, which is essential for professionals involved in project planning, management and delivery. This course is valuable for Project Managers, Business Analysts, Financial Planners and Senior Management Professionals. Mastering this skill allows professionals to create business cases that can address investor concerns and provide clear value proposition, driving organisational success.
The 5-day Better Business Cases Certification provided by The Knowledge Academy is split between Foundation and Practitioner levels, equipping delegates with practical and theoretical knowledge. Delegates will be able to apply the Five Case Model by the end of the course and will be confident in initiating, developing and presenting comprehensive business cases.
Course Objectives
- To justify project interventions through comprehensive analysis
- To tailor business case proposals to address investor concerns
- To apply theoretical knowledge to real-life case scenarios
- To understand the Five Case Model and its application
- To improve financial planning and resource allocation
- To minimise risks and optimise investment returns
- To align projects with organisational objectives
- To develop a strategic business case
Upon completing the course, delegates will be awarded certifications at both Foundation and Practitioner levels, demonstrating their ability to effectively develop, plan, and present investment-worthy business cases using the Five Case Model.
The following pre-course reading will be e-mailed to you as a PDF document. Please ensure you have the right software available to read/extract a PDF file. The pre-course reading takes 8-10 hours to perform and consists of the following:
- Better Business Case® Workbook Pre-course study
- Green Book Guidance on Public Sector Business Cases Using the Five Case Model
In addition, delegates will be required to complete a MINIMUM of 1 hour of homework each evening.
Better Business Cases™ is a trademark of His Majesty's Treasury. All rights reserved.
What's included in this Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner Training Course?
- Better Business Cases™ Foundation Examination
- Better Business Cases™ Practitioner Examination
- World-Class Training Sessions from Experienced Instructors
- Better Business Cases™ Foundation Certificate
- Better Business Cases™ Practitioner Certificate
- Digital Delegate Pack
Better Business Cases™ Foundation Exam Information
The Better Business Cases™ Foundation exam certifies an individual's grasp of the Better Business Cases™ methodology for business case development. based on the five case model, it ensures projects offer value for money and strategic alignment.
- Question Type: Multiple Choice
- Total Questions: 50
- Total Marks: 50 Marks
- Pass Marks: 50%, or 25/50 Marks
- Duration: 40 Minutes
- Open Book/ Closed Book: Closed Book
Better Business Cases™ Practitioner Exam Information
The Better Business Cases™ Practitioner exam delves into advanced Better Business Cases™ methodology, equipping learners with skills to craft and evaluate strategic, value-focused business cases.
- Question Type: Objective Testing
- Total Questions: 4 (each question is worth 20 marks)
- Total Marks: 80 Marks
- Pass Mark: 50%, or 40/80 Marks
- Duration: 2 ½ hours
- Open Book/ Closed Book: Open Book
Benefits of online exams include:
- Proven higher pass rates
- Quicker Results
- Save Travel Costs
- Flexibility
- Convenient
- Sit your exam at your home, office, or work when you are ready
After completing classroom training and successfully passing your Foundation Exam, the second day of this course is a flexible exam preparation day to complete at your convenience to prepare you to take and pass your Practitioner exam online.
We provide comprehensive support during the exam process to make the experience as simple as possible. This exam can be taken at a suitable time, subject to availability; online, anywhere.
Why choose us
Ways to take this course
Experience live, interactive learning from home with The Knowledge Academy's Online Instructor-led Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner. Engage directly with expert instructors, mirroring the classroom schedule for a comprehensive learning journey. Enjoy the convenience of virtual learning without compromising on the quality of interaction.
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Join a scheduled class with a live instructor and other delegates.
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Engage in activities, and communicate with your trainer and peers.
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We handpick from a global pool of expert trainers for our Online Instructor-led courses.
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With 10+ years of quality, instructor-led training, we equip professionals with lasting skills for success.
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Unlock your potential with The Knowledge Academy's Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner, accessible anytime, anywhere on any device. Enjoy 90 days of online course access, extendable upon request, and benefit from the support of our expert trainers. Elevate your skills at your own pace with our Online Self-paced sessions.
Experience the most sought-after learning style with The Knowledge Academy's Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner. Available in 490+ locations across 190+ countries, our hand-picked Classroom venues offer an invaluable human touch. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive, interactive experience with our expert-led Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner sessions.
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Boost your skills with our expert trainers, boasting 10+ years of real-world experience, ensuring an engaging and informative training experience
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Streamline large-scale training requirements with The Knowledge Academy’s In-house/Onsite Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner at your business premises. Experience expert-led classroom learning from the comfort of your workplace and engage professional development.
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Leverage benefits offered from a certification that fits your unique business or project needs
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Cut unnecessary costs and focus your entire budget on what really matters, the training.
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What our customers are saying
The trainer was very experienced on the subject taught.
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Pradeep was great. Knowledgeable and friendly and answered questions well.
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Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner FAQs
Better Business Cases™ is a systematic approach to developing business cases, based on UK Treasury’s "Five Case Model." It helps organisations justify investments and ensure value for money. The framework guides decision-makers through financial, economic, and strategic considerations.
Yes, The Knowledge Academy's Better Business Cases™ Courses are fully accredited by APMG International. This ensures that the training meets global standards and provides high-quality education in line with industry requirements.
The exams consist of multiple-choice questions for the Foundation level and a scenario-based written examination for the Practitioner level. Both exams assess your knowledge of the Five Case Model and your ability to apply it in real-world situations.
The Foundation level focuses on understanding the Five Case Model framework, while the Practitioner level teaches you how to apply this knowledge in practice. Together, these certifications equip you with the skills to develop and implement successful business cases.
Attending this training enhances your ability to develop robust business cases that lead to informed decision-making and optimised investment outcomes. It’s valuable for those involved in project management, finance, and strategic planning.
There are no formal prerequisites for the Foundation course. However, to take the Practitioner level, it is essential to have completed the Foundation certification.
The combined Foundation & Practitioner Course is delivered in 5 days, allowing you to cover both theoretical and practical elements of the Better Business Cases™ methodology.
This course is ideal for professionals involved in Project Management, Financial Planning, Decision-making, or those responsible for preparing or reviewing business cases. It’s beneficial for both public and private sector employees.
You will learn the Five Case Model, how to prepare compelling business cases, and techniques for evaluating financial, economic, and strategic options. Additionally, you will acquire practical skills to improve decision-making and investment outcomes.
Yes, The Knowledge Academy offers 24/7 support via phone & email before attending, during, and after the course. Our customer support team is available to assist and promptly resolve any issues you may encounter.
Yes, upon successfully passing the exams, you will receive an accredited certificate from APMG International, officially recognising your achievement in Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner.
The modules cover the Five Case Model, strategic and economic case development, financial case analysis, and management and commercial aspects of business cases. The training also includes practical exercises to enhance understanding.
This training helps you enhance your decision-making skills, improve financial planning, and create business cases that deliver real value. It also boosts your career prospects in project management, finance, and strategic roles.
Yes, The Knowledge Academy offers a flexible self-paced option, allowing you to complete the Introduction to Better Business Cases™ Training at your convenience, making it easier to balance your learning with other commitments.
If you encounter any issues accessing your online training, you can contact The Knowledge Academy's customer support team, who are available 24/7 to assist with any technical or course-related inquiries.
The Foundation level is designed for beginners with no prior experience in business case development, while the Practitioner level requires a deeper understanding and application of the Five Case Model, making it more advanced.
No prior business experience is required to take the Foundation Course. However, having a basic understanding of project management or financial planning may help you grasp the concepts more easily.
After completing this training, you can pursue roles such as Business Case Analyst, Project Manager, Financial Planner, or Strategy Consultant. The skills you acquire are in high demand across various sectors.
After completing this course, your roles may include preparing detailed business cases, reviewing and advising on project investments, and contributing to strategic decision-making processes within your organisation.
The Knowledge Academy stands out as a prestigious training provider known for its extensive course offerings, expert instructors, adaptable learning formats, and industry recognition. It's a dependable option for those seeking Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner Certification.
The training fees for Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitionerin China starts from $3995
The Knowledge Academy is the Leading global training provider for Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner.
Please see our Better Business Cases™ courses available in China
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Trusted & Approved
The Knowledge Academy's Better Business Cases courses are fully accredited by APMG
Many delivery methods
Flexible delivery methods are available depending on your learning style.
High quality resources
Resources are included for a comprehensive learning experience.
"Really good course and well organised. Trainer was great with a sense of humour - his experience allowed a free flowing course, structured to help you gain as much information & relevant experience whilst helping prepare you for the exam"
Joshua Davies, Thames Water
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