Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner
Level: Advanced, Foundation, Intermediate
Develop Robust Business Cases & Investment Proposals
Gain Both Foundation & Practitioner Certifications
Learn with Certified Trainers Rated 5 Stars
Foundation & Practitioner Exams Included
Welsh Government Funding Accepted
Course Overview
Duration:
5 Days (9am-5pm)
Accredited:
Yes
Exams:
Included
Funding:
ReAct
Type:
Classroom, Onsite, Virtual
Company group booking discount available
Course Overview
Duration:
5 Days (9am-5pm)
Accredited:
Yes
Exams:
Included
Funding:
ReAct
Type:
Classroom, Onsite, Virtual
Company group booking discount available
The accredited Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner course provides delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the Five Case Model – the UK government’s best-practice approach to developing spending proposals and supporting effective business decisions.
The Five Case Model provides a structured, step-by-step approach to developing a robust business case by:
• Establishing a clear need for intervention and making the case for change
• Setting clear objectives and defining what the proposed investment should achieve
• Considering a wide range of potential solutions
• Identifying the option that provides the optimal balance of benefits, costs and risks
• Confirming that the preferred option represents value for money
• Establishing appropriate commercial and procurement arrangements
• Confirming that the proposal is affordable and can be funded
• Putting the management arrangements in place to deliver the proposal successfully
The Foundation element introduces delegates to the purpose, structure and terminology of the Five Case Model. It provides the knowledge required to work effectively with, or as a member of, a team developing a business case.
The Practitioner element develops the practical skills required to apply the Five Case Model to a real spending proposal. Delegates will learn how to scope a proposal and develop the Strategic Outline Case, Outline Business Case and Full Business Case.
Through practical exercises, case studies and examination preparation, delegates will develop the knowledge and confidence required to contribute to, develop and review robust business cases within their own organisations.
The course prepares delegates for both the Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner examinations.
Target Audience
• Project Managers and Programme Managers
• Business Case Authors and Contributors
• Business Analysts
• Business Change Managers
• Portfolio and PMO Professionals
• Project Sponsors and Senior Responsible Owners
• Finance Managers and Finance Professionals
• Economists and Investment Appraisal Professionals
• Commercial and Procurement Professionals
• Policy and Strategy Professionals
• Benefits Managers
• Planning and Performance Professionals
• Consultants supporting public-sector investment and transformation
• Public-sector Managers involved in spending proposals
• Professionals responsible for reviewing or approving business cases
• Members of business case development and assurance teams
• Anyone who needs to understand, develop or review business cases using the Five Case Model
By the End of This Course, You Will Be Able To:
• Understand the purpose and importance of a well-developed business case
• Explain why spending proposals require a structured business case
• Understand and apply the principles of the Five Case Model
• Establish a clear rationale and case for change
• Define business needs, investment objectives and critical success factors
• Identify and assess a wide range of potential options
• Evaluate options by considering benefits, costs and risks
• Identify a preferred option that provides value for money
• Understand the difference between economic value and financial affordability
• Develop appropriate commercial and procurement arrangements
• Assess the affordability and funding requirements of a proposal
• Establish appropriate governance, assurance and delivery arrangements
• Plan benefits realisation, risk management and post-implementation evaluation
• Understand the business case development process
• Prepare a Strategic Outline Case
• Prepare an Outline Business Case
• Prepare a Full Business Case
• Work effectively with specialist advisers and business case contributors
• Review and assess the quality of a business case
• Prepare confidently for the Foundation and Practitioner examinations
The accredited Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner course provides delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the Five Case Model – the UK government’s best-practice approach to developing spending proposals and supporting effective business decisions.
The Five Case Model provides a structured, step-by-step approach to developing a robust business case by:
• Establishing a clear need for intervention and making the case for change
• Setting clear objectives and defining what the proposed investment should achieve
• Considering a wide range of potential solutions
• Identifying the option that provides the optimal balance of benefits, costs and risks
• Confirming that the preferred option represents value for money
• Establishing appropriate commercial and procurement arrangements
• Confirming that the proposal is affordable and can be funded
• Putting the management arrangements in place to deliver the proposal successfully
The Foundation element introduces delegates to the purpose, structure and terminology of the Five Case Model. It provides the knowledge required to work effectively with, or as a member of, a team developing a business case.
The Practitioner element develops the practical skills required to apply the Five Case Model to a real spending proposal. Delegates will learn how to scope a proposal and develop the Strategic Outline Case, Outline Business Case and Full Business Case.
Through practical exercises, case studies and examination preparation, delegates will develop the knowledge and confidence required to contribute to, develop and review robust business cases within their own organisations.
The course prepares delegates for both the Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner examinations.
Target Audience
• Project Managers and Programme Managers
• Business Case Authors and Contributors
• Business Analysts
• Business Change Managers
• Portfolio and PMO Professionals
• Project Sponsors and Senior Responsible Owners
• Finance Managers and Finance Professionals
• Economists and Investment Appraisal Professionals
• Commercial and Procurement Professionals
• Policy and Strategy Professionals
• Benefits Managers
• Planning and Performance Professionals
• Consultants supporting public-sector investment and transformation
• Public-sector Managers involved in spending proposals
• Professionals responsible for reviewing or approving business cases
• Members of business case development and assurance teams
• Anyone who needs to understand, develop or review business cases using the Five Case Model
By the End of This Course, You Will Be Able To:
• Understand the purpose and importance of a well-developed business case
• Explain why spending proposals require a structured business case
• Understand and apply the principles of the Five Case Model
• Establish a clear rationale and case for change
• Define business needs, investment objectives and critical success factors
• Identify and assess a wide range of potential options
• Evaluate options by considering benefits, costs and risks
• Identify a preferred option that provides value for money
• Understand the difference between economic value and financial affordability
• Develop appropriate commercial and procurement arrangements
• Assess the affordability and funding requirements of a proposal
• Establish appropriate governance, assurance and delivery arrangements
• Plan benefits realisation, risk management and post-implementation evaluation
• Understand the business case development process
• Prepare a Strategic Outline Case
• Prepare an Outline Business Case
• Prepare a Full Business Case
• Work effectively with specialist advisers and business case contributors
• Review and assess the quality of a business case
• Prepare confidently for the Foundation and Practitioner examinations
Day 1 – Introduction to Better Business Cases
• Introduction to Better Business Cases
• Relevant learning points and delegate objectives
• Why a business case is required
• Common reasons why projects and programmes fail
• The purpose of the Five Case Model
• The relationship between business cases and effective decision-making
• Introduction to the five dimensions of a business case
• The Strategic Case
• The Economic Case
• The Commercial Case
• The Financial Case
• The Management Case
• Introduction to the business case development process
Day 2 – Understanding the Five Case Model
• Review of the Five Case Model
• Establishing the strategic context
• Making the case for change
• Defining business needs and investment objectives
• Developing critical success factors
• Identifying a wide range of potential options
• Assessing benefits, costs and risks
• Identifying the preferred option
• Demonstrating value for money
• Understanding commercial and procurement arrangements
• Assessing affordability and funding requirements
• Establishing governance and delivery arrangements
• The role of the intelligent customer
• Foundation examination preparation
• Better Business Cases Foundation examination
Day 3 – Developing the Strategic Outline Case
• Review of the Foundation-level guidance
• Introduction to the business case development process
• The stages of business case development
• Stage 1 – scoping the proposal
• Preparing the Strategic Outline Case
• Establishing the strategic context
• Developing the case for change
• Defining spending objectives
• Identifying existing arrangements and business gaps
• Defining potential benefits, risks, constraints and dependencies
• Developing critical success factors
• Creating the longlist of options
• Applying options framework analysis
• Identifying the preferred way forward
Day 4 – Preparing the Outline Business Case
• Review of the Strategic Outline Case
• Developing the preferred option
• Undertaking economic appraisal
• Assessing costs, benefits and risks
• Applying optimism bias and sensitivity analysis
• Confirming the option that provides the best public value
• Developing the Commercial Case
• Establishing the procurement strategy
• Considering contractual and commercial arrangements
• Developing the Financial Case
• Confirming affordability and funding
• Developing the Management Case
• Establishing governance, assurance and programme management arrangements
• Planning benefits realisation, risk management and evaluation
• Preparing the Outline Business Case
Day 5 – Preparing the Full Business Case
• Reviewing and updating the Outline Business Case
• Confirming the procurement outcome
• Reassessing costs, benefits, risks and value for money
• Confirming contractual and commercial arrangements
• Finalising affordability and funding requirements
• Confirming governance and delivery arrangements
• Updating benefits realisation and risk management plans
• Planning monitoring and post-implementation evaluation
• Preparing the Full Business Case
• Reviewing a complete business case
• Practitioner examination structure and requirements
• Practitioner examination techniques and time management
• Sample examination questions and case-study practice
• Final Practitioner examination preparation
• Better Business Cases Practitioner examination
Day 1 – Introduction to Better Business Cases
• Introduction to Better Business Cases
• Relevant learning points and delegate objectives
• Why a business case is required
• Common reasons why projects and programmes fail
• The purpose of the Five Case Model
• The relationship between business cases and effective decision-making
• Introduction to the five dimensions of a business case
• The Strategic Case
• The Economic Case
• The Commercial Case
• The Financial Case
• The Management Case
• Introduction to the business case development process
Day 2 – Understanding the Five Case Model
• Review of the Five Case Model
• Establishing the strategic context
• Making the case for change
• Defining business needs and investment objectives
• Developing critical success factors
• Identifying a wide range of potential options
• Assessing benefits, costs and risks
• Identifying the preferred option
• Demonstrating value for money
• Understanding commercial and procurement arrangements
• Assessing affordability and funding requirements
• Establishing governance and delivery arrangements
• The role of the intelligent customer
• Foundation examination preparation
• Better Business Cases Foundation examination
Day 3 – Developing the Strategic Outline Case
• Review of the Foundation-level guidance
• Introduction to the business case development process
• The stages of business case development
• Stage 1 – scoping the proposal
• Preparing the Strategic Outline Case
• Establishing the strategic context
• Developing the case for change
• Defining spending objectives
• Identifying existing arrangements and business gaps
• Defining potential benefits, risks, constraints and dependencies
• Developing critical success factors
• Creating the longlist of options
• Applying options framework analysis
• Identifying the preferred way forward
Day 4 – Preparing the Outline Business Case
• Review of the Strategic Outline Case
• Developing the preferred option
• Undertaking economic appraisal
• Assessing costs, benefits and risks
• Applying optimism bias and sensitivity analysis
• Confirming the option that provides the best public value
• Developing the Commercial Case
• Establishing the procurement strategy
• Considering contractual and commercial arrangements
• Developing the Financial Case
• Confirming affordability and funding
• Developing the Management Case
• Establishing governance, assurance and programme management arrangements
• Planning benefits realisation, risk management and evaluation
• Preparing the Outline Business Case
Day 5 – Preparing the Full Business Case
• Reviewing and updating the Outline Business Case
• Confirming the procurement outcome
• Reassessing costs, benefits, risks and value for money
• Confirming contractual and commercial arrangements
• Finalising affordability and funding requirements
• Confirming governance and delivery arrangements
• Updating benefits realisation and risk management plans
• Planning monitoring and post-implementation evaluation
• Preparing the Full Business Case
• Reviewing a complete business case
• Practitioner examination structure and requirements
• Practitioner examination techniques and time management
• Sample examination questions and case-study practice
• Final Practitioner examination preparation
• Better Business Cases Practitioner examination
Better Business Cases Foundation
• Exam duration: 40 minutes
• 50 multiple-choice questions
• One mark available for each question
• Passing score: 25 out of 50 marks (50%)
• Closed-book examination – no reference materials are permitted during the examination
The purpose of the Foundation certification is to confirm that delegates have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the guidance to work effectively with, or as a member of, a team developing a business case using the Five Case Model.
Better Business Cases Practitioner
• Exam duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Objective-testing examination based on a case-study scenario
• Four questions worth 20 marks each
• 80 marks available in total
• Passing score: 40 out of 80 marks (50%)
• Open-book examination – candidates may use the permitted Better Business Cases guidance during the examination, subject to APMG International’s requirements
The purpose of the Practitioner certification is to confirm that delegates understand the theory and application of the Five Case Model sufficiently to develop and produce a business case. Successful candidates should be able to begin applying the model to real spending proposals.
Better Business Cases Foundation
• Exam duration: 40 minutes
• 50 multiple-choice questions
• One mark available for each question
• Passing score: 25 out of 50 marks (50%)
• Closed-book examination – no reference materials are permitted during the examination
The purpose of the Foundation certification is to confirm that delegates have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the guidance to work effectively with, or as a member of, a team developing a business case using the Five Case Model.
Better Business Cases Practitioner
• Exam duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Objective-testing examination based on a case-study scenario
• Four questions worth 20 marks each
• 80 marks available in total
• Passing score: 40 out of 80 marks (50%)
• Open-book examination – candidates may use the permitted Better Business Cases guidance during the examination, subject to APMG International’s requirements
The purpose of the Practitioner certification is to confirm that delegates understand the theory and application of the Five Case Model sufficiently to develop and produce a business case. Successful candidates should be able to begin applying the model to real spending proposals.
• Five days of Foundation and Practitioner training and examination preparation delivered by NILC’s accredited Better Business Cases trainer
• Comprehensive course notes, presentation slides, diagrams and supporting learning materials
• Practical exercises covering each dimension of the Five Case Model
• Business case development exercises and case studies
• Sample Foundation and Practitioner examination questions
• Better Business Cases Foundation examination
• Better Business Cases Practitioner examination
• Recording of each training day for live virtual courses only
• NILC course completion certificate
• Official Better Business Cases Foundation certification upon successful completion of the Foundation examination
• Official Better Business Cases Practitioner certification upon successful completion of the Practitioner examination
• Five days of Foundation and Practitioner training and examination preparation delivered by NILC’s accredited Better Business Cases trainer
• Comprehensive course notes, presentation slides, diagrams and supporting learning materials
• Practical exercises covering each dimension of the Five Case Model
• Business case development exercises and case studies
• Sample Foundation and Practitioner examination questions
• Better Business Cases Foundation examination
• Better Business Cases Practitioner examination
• Recording of each training day for live virtual courses only
• NILC course completion certificate
• Official Better Business Cases Foundation certification upon successful completion of the Foundation examination
• Official Better Business Cases Practitioner certification upon successful completion of the Practitioner examination
There are no formal prerequisites for attending the Foundation element of this course.
However, delegates will benefit from having experience in projects, programmes, business change, investment appraisal, procurement, finance, policy development or preparing spending proposals.
Delegates must successfully complete the Better Business Cases Foundation examination before they can sit the Practitioner examination.
Participants may be required to undertake preliminary study using the pre-course learning resources provided. Additional self-study and examination preparation may also be expected during the evenings of each course day.
There are no formal prerequisites for attending the Foundation element of this course.
However, delegates will benefit from having experience in projects, programmes, business change, investment appraisal, procurement, finance, policy development or preparing spending proposals.
Delegates must successfully complete the Better Business Cases Foundation examination before they can sit the Practitioner examination.
Participants may be required to undertake preliminary study using the pre-course learning resources provided. Additional self-study and examination preparation may also be expected during the evenings of each course day.
Is the Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner course accredited?
Yes. The combined course is fully accredited by APMG International and includes both the Foundation and Practitioner examinations.
NILC can also provide non-accredited, tailored training for organisations that want to work through their own business case in detail without completing the formal examinations.
Who is the combined Better Business Cases course suitable for?
The course is suitable for anyone involved in developing, reviewing, approving or supporting business cases. This includes project and programme managers, business analysts, finance professionals, economists, procurement specialists, planners and decision-makers.
It is particularly useful for public-sector professionals and organisations that need to develop spending proposals using the UK Government’s recognised Five Case Model.
Are there any prerequisites for the combined course?
There are no formal prerequisites for beginning the Foundation stage. Previous experience of projects, programmes, investments or business cases may be helpful, but it is not essential.
You must successfully complete the Foundation examination before taking the Practitioner examination. The combined course enables you to progress through both levels in the correct order.
Is the Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner course accredited?
Yes. The combined course is fully accredited by APMG International and includes both the Foundation and Practitioner examinations.
NILC can also provide non-accredited, tailored training for organisations that want to work through their own business case in detail without completing the formal examinations.
Who is the combined Better Business Cases course suitable for?
The course is suitable for anyone involved in developing, reviewing, approving or supporting business cases. This includes project and programme managers, business analysts, finance professionals, economists, procurement specialists, planners and decision-makers.
It is particularly useful for public-sector professionals and organisations that need to develop spending proposals using the UK Government’s recognised Five Case Model.
Are there any prerequisites for the combined course?
There are no formal prerequisites for beginning the Foundation stage. Previous experience of projects, programmes, investments or business cases may be helpful, but it is not essential.
You must successfully complete the Foundation examination before taking the Practitioner examination. The combined course enables you to progress through both levels in the correct order.
Dates & Prices
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How we deliver our courses
Virtual
Our virtual courses allow you to access live instructor-led training from the same expert instructors that deliver our classroom courses, without leaving the comfort of your home or office. All virtual courses are fully interactive, and learners can communicate with their trainer and peers at any time.
Many of our virtual courses are also recorded, so you can recap over the content you learnt as many time as you wish.
Classroom
Our classroom courses allow you to learn and interact face-to-face with our expert instructors in a comfortable and modern training environment. All of our classroom based courses take place at NILC centers, or high quality training facilities, and include all required IT and physical equipment.
We also limit our class sizes to help promote better discussions and to ensure your learning experience is comfortable as possible.
Onsite
Save time and hassle by arranging for one of our expert instructors to come to you. Our onsite courses allow you to learn in a location of your choosing, and you can train as many or as few people as you want – from a single person or team to whole departments. We can also fully customize the course content to the specific requirements of your business or project.
We offer onsite courses throughout the UK and it can be a great team building opportunity for colleagues to come together, bond and discuss.
Online
Our Online Self Paced courses allow you to learn new skills from our expert instructors, in your own time and at your own pace. Our flexible online learning platform allows you to access content on your computer, tablet or mobile device, whether you’re on the move or at home. All our online courses come with immediate access and you can start learning straight away, from any internet enabled compatible device.
We also offer online email support from our expert instructors, so they’re always on hand and happy to help you with any questions which may arise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The combined course is fully accredited by APMG International and includes both the Foundation and Practitioner examinations.
NILC can also provide non-accredited, tailored training for organisations that want to work through their own business case in detail without completing the formal examinations.
The course is suitable for anyone involved in developing, reviewing, approving or supporting business cases. This includes project and programme managers, business analysts, finance professionals, economists, procurement specialists, planners and decision-makers.
It is particularly useful for public-sector professionals and organisations that need to develop spending proposals using the UK Government’s recognised Five Case Model.
There are no formal prerequisites for beginning the Foundation stage. Previous experience of projects, programmes, investments or business cases may be helpful, but it is not essential.
You must successfully complete the Foundation examination before taking the Practitioner examination. The combined course enables you to progress through both levels in the correct order.
The Five Case Model is the UK Government’s best-practice approach to developing business cases and spending proposals.
It examines a proposal through five connected perspectives:
- The Strategic Case
- The Economic Case
- The Commercial Case
- The Financial Case
- The Management Case
Together, these cases demonstrate why an intervention is needed, which option offers the best public value, whether it is commercially and financially viable, and whether it can be delivered successfully.
Foundation develops your knowledge and understanding of the Five Case Model and confirms that you can work effectively with a team developing a business case.
Practitioner focuses on applying the model. It develops your ability to contribute to preparing a business case and use the guidance in realistic project or programme scenarios.
Yes. You will learn how a business case develops progressively through its key stages:
- Strategic Outline Case (SOC)
- Outline Business Case (OBC)
- Full Business Case (FBC)
The course explores how to establish the case for change, set clear objectives, evaluate options, balance benefits, costs and risks, and put suitable delivery arrangements in place.
The Foundation examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and lasts 40 minutes. It is a closed-book examination, so reference materials cannot be used.
You must achieve at least 25 marks out of 50, equivalent to 50%, to pass. The Foundation examination is included with the course.
The Practitioner examination contains four objective-testing questions worth 20 marks each, giving a total of 80 marks. It lasts two hours and 30 minutes and is based on a case-study scenario.
The examination is open book, allowing you to use the permitted official handbook. You must achieve at least 40 marks out of 80, equivalent to 50%, to pass. The Practitioner examination is included with the course
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The combined course is fully accredited by APMG International and includes both the Foundation and Practitioner examinations.
NILC can also provide non-accredited, tailored training for organisations that want to work through their own business case in detail without completing the formal examinations.
The course is suitable for anyone involved in developing, reviewing, approving or supporting business cases. This includes project and programme managers, business analysts, finance professionals, economists, procurement specialists, planners and decision-makers.
It is particularly useful for public-sector professionals and organisations that need to develop spending proposals using the UK Government’s recognised Five Case Model.
There are no formal prerequisites for beginning the Foundation stage. Previous experience of projects, programmes, investments or business cases may be helpful, but it is not essential.
You must successfully complete the Foundation examination before taking the Practitioner examination. The combined course enables you to progress through both levels in the correct order.
The Five Case Model is the UK Government’s best-practice approach to developing business cases and spending proposals.
It examines a proposal through five connected perspectives:
- The Strategic Case
- The Economic Case
- The Commercial Case
- The Financial Case
- The Management Case
Together, these cases demonstrate why an intervention is needed, which option offers the best public value, whether it is commercially and financially viable, and whether it can be delivered successfully.
Foundation develops your knowledge and understanding of the Five Case Model and confirms that you can work effectively with a team developing a business case.
Practitioner focuses on applying the model. It develops your ability to contribute to preparing a business case and use the guidance in realistic project or programme scenarios.
Yes. You will learn how a business case develops progressively through its key stages:
- Strategic Outline Case (SOC)
- Outline Business Case (OBC)
- Full Business Case (FBC)
The course explores how to establish the case for change, set clear objectives, evaluate options, balance benefits, costs and risks, and put suitable delivery arrangements in place.
The Foundation examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and lasts 40 minutes. It is a closed-book examination, so reference materials cannot be used.
You must achieve at least 25 marks out of 50, equivalent to 50%, to pass. The Foundation examination is included with the course.
The Practitioner examination contains four objective-testing questions worth 20 marks each, giving a total of 80 marks. It lasts two hours and 30 minutes and is based on a case-study scenario.
The examination is open book, allowing you to use the permitted official handbook. You must achieve at least 40 marks out of 80, equivalent to 50%, to pass. The Practitioner examination is included with the course
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