How can you create a flexible business case?

1 Define your scope and objectives

The first step in creating a flexible business case is to clearly define your scope and objectives. What problem are you trying to solve, what value are you delivering, and what outcomes are you expecting? Your scope and objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They should also be aligned with your organization's vision, mission, and strategy. By defining your scope and objectives, you can establish a clear direction and focus for your business case.

3 Choose your methods and tools

The third step in creating a flexible business case is to choose your methods and tools. Methods are the approaches or frameworks that you use to analyze, evaluate, and present your business case. Tools are the applications or software that you use to support your methods. Depending on the nature and scope of your project, you may use different methods and tools to create your business case. For example, you may use a cost-benefit analysis, a return on investment calculation, a SWOT analysis, a scenario planning, or a dashboard. You should choose the methods and tools that best suit your project needs, objectives, and audience.

4 Develop your options and recommendations

The fourth step in creating a flexible business case is to develop your options and recommendations. Options are the alternative solutions or courses of action that you can take to achieve your objectives. Recommendations are the preferred or optimal options that you suggest based on your analysis and evaluation. You should develop at least two or three options for your business case, and compare them using criteria such as feasibility, desirability, viability, and sustainability. You should also provide clear and convincing reasons for your recommendations, and highlight the benefits and trade-offs of each option.

5 Communicate and update your business case

The fifth step in creating a flexible business case is to communicate and update your business case. Communication is the process of sharing and explaining your business case to your decision-makers and stakeholders. Updating is the process of revising and refining your business case based on new information, feedback, or changes. You should communicate your business case in a clear, concise, and compelling way, using appropriate formats, channels, and language. You should also update your business case regularly, and document any changes, assumptions, or risks that may affect your project or your business case.

6 Review and evaluate your business case

The sixth and final step in creating a flexible business case is to review and evaluate your business case. Reviewing is the process of checking and verifying the accuracy, completeness, and quality of your business case. Evaluating is the process of measuring and assessing the performance, impact, and value of your project or your business case. You should review your business case before, during, and after the project, and ensure that it meets the standards and expectations of your organization and your stakeholders. You should also evaluate your business case after the project, and capture the lessons learned, best practices, and improvement opportunities for future projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?