A business case explains why a proposed change deserves consideration and compares it with credible alternatives. It is a decision document, not a promotional description. The reader needs to understand the problem, the options and the evidence behind the recommendation.
State the problem and desired outcome
Describe what needs to change and why it matters. Use evidence appropriate to the case: a service delay, resource constraint or unmet need may support the rationale. Separate the desired outcome from a particular solution. If the document begins by assuming the answer, it becomes difficult to compare alternatives fairly.
Include a realistic baseline
Explain what would happen without the proposed change and distinguish that from a minimal response where relevant. Compare alternative options on consistent terms. Do not create an obviously poor alternative only to make the preferred option look convincing. State the boundaries and assumptions that allow the comparison to be interpreted.
Evaluate costs, benefits and feasibility
Describe both measurable and less easily quantified effects. Consider timing, resources, affected groups and the capacity to implement the option. Keep benefits distinct from deliverables: buying a tool is not the same as achieving an improvement. Where estimates are uncertain, make their source and limitations visible rather than presenting them as confirmed facts.
Discuss risks and dependencies
Identify what could prevent the option from achieving its aims and what it depends on. A recommendation may require staff time, technical capacity or decisions by other parties. Explain how significant risks would be managed and when the business case should be reviewed if conditions change. A one-time approval does not remove later uncertainty.
Write the recommendation after the comparison
State which option the evidence supports and why. Explain the next decision or commitment required. In coursework, use the format specified by the brief, including any required appraisal framework. Review whether the executive summary accurately reflects the completed comparison and whether a reader can trace the recommendation back to the findings.
Sources and further reading
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