Better Business Cases Foundation
Level: Foundation, Intermediate
Master the Principles of the Five Case Model
Develop Stronger Business Cases & Investment Proposals
Gain an Accredited Better Business Cases™ Foundation Certification
Better Business Cases™ Foundation Exam Included
Welsh Government Funding Accepted
Course Overview
Duration:
3 Days (9am-5pm)
Accredited:
Yes
Exams:
Included
Funding:
ReAct
Type:
Classroom, Onsite, Virtual
Company group booking discount available
Course Overview
Duration:
3 Days (9am-5pm)
Accredited:
Yes
Exams:
Included
Funding:
ReAct
Type:
Classroom, Onsite, Virtual
Company group booking discount available
The accredited Better Business Cases Foundation course provides delegates with a thorough 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 course introduces delegates to the purpose, structure and development of business cases using the Five Case Model. It explains the five dimensions of a business case: Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial and Management.
Delegates will learn why business cases are required, how they support effective decision-making and how the Five Case Model is applied throughout the development of a spending proposal.
The course prepares learners for the Better Business Cases Foundation examination and provides the knowledge required to work effectively with, or as a member of, a team developing a business case.
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
• Anyone who requires an understanding of 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 the principles of the Five Case Model
• Describe the purpose of the Strategic Case
• Describe the purpose of the Economic Case
• Describe the purpose of the Commercial Case
• Describe the purpose of the Financial Case
• Describe the purpose of the Management Case
• Understand how the five cases work together to create a complete business case
• Establish a clear rationale and case for change
• Understand how spending objectives and critical success factors are developed
• Recognise the importance of considering a wide range of potential options
• Understand how options are assessed for benefits, costs and risks
• Explain the difference between economic value and financial affordability
• Understand the purpose of commercial and procurement arrangements
• Recognise the management arrangements required to deliver a proposal successfully
• Understand the stages through which a business case is developed
• Work effectively with a team developing or reviewing a business case
• Prepare confidently for the Better Business Cases Foundation examination
The accredited Better Business Cases Foundation course provides delegates with a thorough 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 course introduces delegates to the purpose, structure and development of business cases using the Five Case Model. It explains the five dimensions of a business case: Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial and Management.
Delegates will learn why business cases are required, how they support effective decision-making and how the Five Case Model is applied throughout the development of a spending proposal.
The course prepares learners for the Better Business Cases Foundation examination and provides the knowledge required to work effectively with, or as a member of, a team developing a business case.
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
• Anyone who requires an understanding of 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 the principles of the Five Case Model
• Describe the purpose of the Strategic Case
• Describe the purpose of the Economic Case
• Describe the purpose of the Commercial Case
• Describe the purpose of the Financial Case
• Describe the purpose of the Management Case
• Understand how the five cases work together to create a complete business case
• Establish a clear rationale and case for change
• Understand how spending objectives and critical success factors are developed
• Recognise the importance of considering a wide range of potential options
• Understand how options are assessed for benefits, costs and risks
• Explain the difference between economic value and financial affordability
• Understand the purpose of commercial and procurement arrangements
• Recognise the management arrangements required to deliver a proposal successfully
• Understand the stages through which a business case is developed
• Work effectively with a team developing or reviewing a business case
• Prepare confidently for the Better Business Cases Foundation 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 business case development process
• The Strategic Case
• Establishing the strategic context
• Making the case for change
• Defining business needs and investment objectives
• Identifying existing arrangements and business gaps
• Developing critical success factors
• Introduction to the Economic Case
• Identifying a wide range of options
• Developing the longlist of potential solutions
Day 2 – Completing the Five Case Model
• Review of the Strategic and Economic Cases
• Assessing options, benefits, costs and risks
• Identifying the preferred option
• Demonstrating value for money
• The Commercial Case
• Developing an appropriate procurement and commercial strategy
• Understanding contractual and supplier arrangements
• The Financial Case
• Assessing affordability and funding requirements
• Understanding the financial implications of the proposal
• The Management Case
• Establishing governance, assurance and delivery arrangements
• Planning benefits realisation, risk management and evaluation
• The role of the intelligent customer
• Working effectively with advisers and specialist contributors
• Reviewing the complete Five Case Model
• Foundation examination structure and requirements
• Sample examination questions
• Examination techniques and final preparation
• Better Business Cases Foundation 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 business case development process
• The Strategic Case
• Establishing the strategic context
• Making the case for change
• Defining business needs and investment objectives
• Identifying existing arrangements and business gaps
• Developing critical success factors
• Introduction to the Economic Case
• Identifying a wide range of options
• Developing the longlist of potential solutions
Day 2 – Completing the Five Case Model
• Review of the Strategic and Economic Cases
• Assessing options, benefits, costs and risks
• Identifying the preferred option
• Demonstrating value for money
• The Commercial Case
• Developing an appropriate procurement and commercial strategy
• Understanding contractual and supplier arrangements
• The Financial Case
• Assessing affordability and funding requirements
• Understanding the financial implications of the proposal
• The Management Case
• Establishing governance, assurance and delivery arrangements
• Planning benefits realisation, risk management and evaluation
• The role of the intelligent customer
• Working effectively with advisers and specialist contributors
• Reviewing the complete Five Case Model
• Foundation examination structure and requirements
• Sample examination questions
• Examination techniques and final preparation
• Better Business Cases Foundation examination
• 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 Better Business Cases guidance to work effectively with, or as a member of, a team developing a business case using the Five Case Model.
Please note:
• There are no formal prerequisites for the Foundation examination.
• The examination is administered through APMG International.
• Delegates will be provided with the information required to access and complete their examination.
• Official certification is awarded following successful completion of the examination.
• Delegates must pass the Foundation examination before progressing to the Better Business Cases Practitioner examination.
• 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 Better Business Cases guidance to work effectively with, or as a member of, a team developing a business case using the Five Case Model.
Please note:
• There are no formal prerequisites for the Foundation examination.
• The examination is administered through APMG International.
• Delegates will be provided with the information required to access and complete their examination.
• Official certification is awarded following successful completion of the examination.
• Delegates must pass the Foundation examination before progressing to the Better Business Cases Practitioner examination.
• Two days of training and examination preparation delivered by NILC’s accredited Better Business Cases trainer
• Comprehensive course notes, presentation slides and supporting learning materials
• Practical exercises covering the Five Case Model
• Sample Foundation examination questions
• Better Business Cases Foundation 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 examination
• Two days of training and examination preparation delivered by NILC’s accredited Better Business Cases trainer
• Comprehensive course notes, presentation slides and supporting learning materials
• Practical exercises covering the Five Case Model
• Sample Foundation examination questions
• Better Business Cases Foundation 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 examination
There are no formal prerequisites for attending the Better Business Cases Foundation course.
However, delegates will benefit from having some experience of projects, programmes, business change, investment appraisal, procurement, finance, policy development or preparing spending proposals.
Delegates 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 course.
The Better Business Cases Foundation certification is required before progressing to the Better Business Cases Practitioner course and examination.
There are no formal prerequisites for attending the Better Business Cases Foundation course.
However, delegates will benefit from having some experience of projects, programmes, business change, investment appraisal, procurement, finance, policy development or preparing spending proposals.
Delegates 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 course.
The Better Business Cases Foundation certification is required before progressing to the Better Business Cases Practitioner course and examination.
Is the Better Business Cases Foundation course accredited?
Yes. The Better Business Cases Foundation course is fully accredited by APMG International and includes the Foundation examination.
NILC can also provide non-accredited, tailored training for organisations that want to work through their own business case in greater detail without completing the formal examination.
Who is the Better Business Cases Foundation 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 Better Business Cases Foundation?
No. There are no formal prerequisites for the Foundation course.
Previous experience of working with projects, programmes, investments or business cases may be helpful, but it is not essential. The course introduces the Five Case Model and the principles required to contribute effectively to the development of a business case.
Is the Better Business Cases Foundation course accredited?
Yes. The Better Business Cases Foundation course is fully accredited by APMG International and includes the Foundation examination.
NILC can also provide non-accredited, tailored training for organisations that want to work through their own business case in greater detail without completing the formal examination.
Who is the Better Business Cases Foundation 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 Better Business Cases Foundation?
No. There are no formal prerequisites for the Foundation course.
Previous experience of working with projects, programmes, investments or business cases may be helpful, but it is not essential. The course introduces the Five Case Model and the principles required to contribute effectively to the development of a business case.
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 Better Business Cases Foundation course is fully accredited by APMG International and includes the Foundation examination.
NILC can also provide non-accredited, tailored training for organisations that want to work through their own business case in greater detail without completing the formal examination.
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.
No. There are no formal prerequisites for the Foundation course.
Previous experience of working with projects, programmes, investments or business cases may be helpful, but it is not essential. The course introduces the Five Case Model and the principles required to contribute effectively to the development of a business case.
The Five Case Model is the UK Government’s best-practice approach to developing business cases and spending proposals.
It provides a structured process for establishing the need for intervention, setting objectives, evaluating options and demonstrating that a proposal is strategically appropriate, delivers value for money, is commercially and financially viable, and can be successfully delivered.
The Five Case Model examines a proposal from five connected perspectives:
- The Strategic Case – why the intervention is needed and how it supports strategic objectives
- The Economic Case – which option provides the best public value
- The Commercial Case – whether the proposal is commercially viable
- The Financial Case – whether the proposal is affordable
- The Management Case – whether the proposal can be delivered successfully
Together, the five cases provide decision-makers with a balanced and evidence-based assessment of a proposed investment.
You will learn why business cases are required, why projects and programmes can fail and how the Five Case Model supports better investment decisions.
The course explores how to build a case for change, set clear objectives, consider a wide range of options, and balance benefits, costs, and risks. It also introduces the business case development process and how to prepare a Strategic Outline Case.
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 accredited course.
Yes. After successfully completing the Foundation qualification, you can progress to Better Business Cases Practitioner.
Practitioner develops your ability to apply the Five Case Model and contribute to the development and production of a complete business case. A Foundation pass is required before taking the Practitioner examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Better Business Cases Foundation course is fully accredited by APMG International and includes the Foundation examination.
NILC can also provide non-accredited, tailored training for organisations that want to work through their own business case in greater detail without completing the formal examination.
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.
No. There are no formal prerequisites for the Foundation course.
Previous experience of working with projects, programmes, investments or business cases may be helpful, but it is not essential. The course introduces the Five Case Model and the principles required to contribute effectively to the development of a business case.
The Five Case Model is the UK Government’s best-practice approach to developing business cases and spending proposals.
It provides a structured process for establishing the need for intervention, setting objectives, evaluating options and demonstrating that a proposal is strategically appropriate, delivers value for money, is commercially and financially viable, and can be successfully delivered.
The Five Case Model examines a proposal from five connected perspectives:
- The Strategic Case – why the intervention is needed and how it supports strategic objectives
- The Economic Case – which option provides the best public value
- The Commercial Case – whether the proposal is commercially viable
- The Financial Case – whether the proposal is affordable
- The Management Case – whether the proposal can be delivered successfully
Together, the five cases provide decision-makers with a balanced and evidence-based assessment of a proposed investment.
You will learn why business cases are required, why projects and programmes can fail and how the Five Case Model supports better investment decisions.
The course explores how to build a case for change, set clear objectives, consider a wide range of options, and balance benefits, costs, and risks. It also introduces the business case development process and how to prepare a Strategic Outline Case.
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 accredited course.
Yes. After successfully completing the Foundation qualification, you can progress to Better Business Cases Practitioner.
Practitioner develops your ability to apply the Five Case Model and contribute to the development and production of a complete business case. A Foundation pass is required before taking the Practitioner examination.
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