Lean Six Sigma Refresher
Business Case
A Business Case document is one of the most valuable tools in project management because it provides the why behind a project. It ensures that resources, time, and effort are invested in initiatives that truly deliver value.
📄 Core Value of a Business Case
Justification of Investment Explains why the project should be undertaken, linking it to organizational goals and strategy.
Decision-Making Tool Helps executives and stakeholders evaluate whether the project is worth funding compared to alternatives.
Risk Awareness Identifies potential risks, constraints, and assumptions upfront, so decision-makers understand trade-offs.
Alignment & Clarity Ensures all stakeholders share a common understanding of objectives, scope, and expected outcomes.
Accountability Provides a baseline for measuring project success against defined benefits and costs.
🧩 Typical Components
Problem/Opportunity Statement – What issue or opportunity the project addresses.
Options Analysis – Different approaches considered, including “do nothing.”
Recommended Solution – The chosen path and why it’s best.
Benefits & Value – Tangible and intangible gains (financial, strategic, operational).
Costs & Resources – Budget, staffing, and time requirements.
Risks & Mitigation – Key risks and how they’ll be managed.
Implementation Plan – High-level timeline and governance.
✅ Benefits in Practice
Prevents wasted effort on projects with weak ROI.
Strengthens stakeholder buy-in by showing clear benefits.
Serves as a living reference document throughout the project lifecycle.
Provides transparency, which builds trust in project governance.
Takeaway: A Business Case is essentially the business rationale for a project—it’s the bridge between strategy and execution. Without it, projects risk being launched on enthusiasm rather than evidence.