Business Case Creation and Approval

Background

Our transportation client had 14 key technology infrastructure projects planned which required funding approval. The client had not been able dedicate the necessary resource needed to create the papers and drive through the organisational process. Consulting Stream was requested to assist in prioritising and preparing Business Case documentation to secure the capital investment.

Business Challenge

• Little preparatory work had been undertaken
• The format and content of the business cases needed to be agreed
• Considerable research was needed in order to build the explanatory narrative and set out the costs and benefits
• Extensive consultation with group directorates was required to gain support for each initiative
• Approval had to be requested within a challenging timescale; as funding committees sat on set dates and papers had to be submitted in advance.
• Requested funds had to be spent by the Financial Year End, therefore judgement had to be exercised in what budget to ask for, balanced against inertia in the process and ability to commit resources

Our Approach

In preparation for the formal business case submissions, an understanding of investment approval route and gateway boards’ schedules was gained. Determination of the format and content of different classes of budgetary investment followed. The financial analyses were prepared and sensitivities explored with concise narrative and summary of the costs and benefits created. Working alongside the relevant departments, the accompanying planning and project authorisation forms were completed. Thorough consultation was undertaken with multiple stakeholders across the client’s directorates, with questions answered and issues resolved.

Considerable effort was directed at understanding possible impediments to progress and taking mitigating actions in advance of possible delay. Progress was actively managed and driven towards interim deliverables. A pro-active one-to-one personal approach was used to explain the pressing business need and gain support for investment. Status reports were issued regularly to ensure that all stakeholders were informed of intention and outcome.

Business Outcome

Our formalised analysis and relationship with the Investment Appraisal functions resulted in the approval of £11.7m of investment funding for technology architecture and infrastructure refresh. This  will enable our client to introduce new and improved capability, which will in turn improve service to their customers.

Services Provided

• Project management
• Business analysis
• Financial analysis
• Report writing

Skills Deployed

• Project Management
• Influencing skills
• Conflict resolution
• Interview and consultation
• Data and information collection
• Financial modeling

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