Writing Compelling Business Cases: Methods, Tools and Templates for Writing and Presenting a Brilliant Business Case

Book excerpt: A Business Case is a decision-making tool. Business Case authors therefore have a responsibility to write a Business Case that balances brevity with clarity, in a way that is easy and interesting to read and helps Decision Makers make the best decision for the organisation and key stakeholders. Writing a Business Case can be a daunting task. Many organisations do not have standard templates that support the author, or the templates are old and long-winded. Penned by a seasoned consultant who has supported professionals across industry to write better business cases, this book is the only blueprint of its kind. The guidance in this book, together with a host of useful templates and tested techniques, demystifies the task of writing Business Cases and propels professionals into the echelons of mastery. This book is a field coach that will help Business Case authors craft a narrative that resonates with decision-makers. From simple business case scenarios to large complex cases, this book is a universal blueprint. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned corporate veteran, the principles in this book will guide you and improve the way you write business cases. If you aim to complete a business case writing qualification such as Better Business CasesTM, this book is highly recommended as pre-reading to first understand all key aspects of a business case. If you have completed a qualification and have not read this book, it is guaranteed to provide you with unique tools, techniques and insights that are not included in the Better Business CasesTM qualification and supporting text book. When you follow Emanuela’s guidance in this book, you will be equipped to write and present compelling business cases more confidently, professionally and successfully. As always with this author’s books, there is no waffle, page filling theory or unnecessary padding. Practical. Relevant. Useful. Templates in this book include a: · Benefits Tracker · Project Business Case Template · Clarification Questions Log · Stakeholder Mapping · Stakeholder Insights Analysis · Strategic Fitness Scorecard · Ideas Comparison Scorecard · Simple Options Appraisal · TCO Options Comparison Table · Simple Options Appraisal with x-year TCO · Scored Options Appraisal Showing TCO · Impact v Net Position Chart · Weighted Scored Options Appraisal Showing TCO · Investment Appraisal · Business Case RACI Matrix · Simple Risk Assessment · Residual Risk Assessment · Business Case Review Checklist · Business Case Assumptions Log EMANUELA is a performance improvement coach with over 20 years’ experience in project management. She has trained thousands of people on the subject around the world and has a knack for explaining complex topics simply. Whether training in-person or virtually, she engages individuals and teams with her energy, enthusiasm, and her passion for continuous improvement.