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ONTARIOBUYS: Sample Business Case

Table of Contents

To help guide you in writing the business case, below is an outline of the various topics to include in a business case.

Section 1: Executive Summary
Section 2: Background/Current State
Section 3: Project Outcome/Future State
Section 4: Cost and Benefit Analysis
Section 5: Implementation Strategy
Section 6: Acceptance and Sign Off
Section 7: Appendices

• The Executive Summary should provide the reader with a clear understanding of the reasons for the project and its outcome by outlining the "Why, What, When, Who and How" of the project
• The Executive Summary should not contain any information that is not contained in the body of the business case
• The Executive Summary should not exceed two pages
• The reader should be able to treat the Executive Summary as a stand-alone document

The Background Section is to provide the reader with an introduction to the subject of the business case. This section describes the history and current state of affairs giving rise to or relating to the general business problem or opportunity that is the subject of the business case.

2.1	Problem/Opportunity
2.2	Current Situation and Environmental Analysis
2.2.1	Environmental Scan
2.2.2	Political Environment
2.2.3	Economic Environment
2.2.4	Organizational Environment
2.2.5	Social Environment
2.2.6	Other Initiatives
2.2.7	Business Processes
2.2.8	Technology
2.2.9	Labour Relations
2.3	Project Partners

Checklist/Questions

• Is the business problem or opportunity clearly defined?


• Are the relevant facts outlined so that the reader has a clear understanding of:
  1. the relevant history,
  2. current situation, and
  3. resulting problems or opportunities?
• Where necessary, does the current situation include available statistical information?

3.1	Vision and Mission Statements
3.2	Goals, Objectives, and Performance Measures
3.3	Scope Timeframe Department/Organization Function Technology
3.4	Out of Scope
3.5	Project Scope and Management
3.6	Governance, Accountability and Operating Funding Model

Checklist/Questions

• Is it clear what the project will accomplish?
• Is it clear what is not included in the project and what it will not accomplish?
• Are the timelines of the project clearly outlined?
• Does the business case mention consultation that has taken place with stakeholders?

4.1	Infrastructure Analysis
4.1.1	Human Resources
4.1.2	Information Technology
4.2	Cost and Benefit Analysis
4.2.1	Service Related Benefits "Other Cash" benefits free up resources (e.g. staff time, space) in ways that can be quantified but do not free up budget for other activities. "Qualitative" benefits improve effectiveness, responsiveness and/or risk management in ways that are beneficial but not easily quantified.
4.2.2	Cost Related Benefits "Hard Cash" benefits reduce institution operating costs, freeing up budget for other activities.
4.2.3	Additional/Other Benefits (WHERE APPLICABLE)
4.2.4	Costs
4.2.5	Cost/Benefit Anaylsis
4.2.6	Individual Site Cost/Benefit

Project Organization:

5.1	Governance Structure and Accountabilities Project Sponsor Change Champion Project Manager Steering Committee
5.2	Organization Structure
5.2.1	Core Project Team Project Role/Team Member High-Level Responsibilities Identify the roles/positions required on the project Briefly describe the high-level duties, tasks and areas of responsibility associated with each role/position
5.2.2	Participating Institutions
5.3	Human Resource Management Strategies
5.4	Project Deliverables Project Deliverables Start Date and Completion Date Responsibility Performance Measures Budget
5.5	Project Budget
5.5.1	Project Budget
5.5.2	Operating Budget
5.5.3	Project Cost Management Plan
5.6	Change Management and Transition Plan
5.7	Project Stakeholders & Communications Management Plan How information will be collected and updated How information will be controlled and distributed How information will be stored
5.8	Risk Management Probability Impact Mitigation Strategy Responsibility
5.9	Constraints
5.10	Assumptions

Prepared by:	____________________	____________________	____________________
	Name and Title	Signature	Date

Include all applicable Appendices from the list below and include any other relevant information not listed.

• Risk Management Table
• Financial Models and Sensitivities
• Operating Model Details
• Alternatives and Decision Analysis
• Glossary of Terms
• Governance Reporting Structure
• Detailed Implementation Plan
• Timeframe (Gantt Chart) with milestones