EFFECTIVE BUSINESS CASE DEVELOPMENT
Building Persuasive Business Cases to Support Strategic Decision-Making
Course Schedule
| Date | Venue | Fees (Face-to-Face) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 – 14 May 2025 | Manama, Bahrain | USD 2495 per delegate |
Course Introduction
A well-structured business case is a critical tool for gaining executive approval, securing funding, and guiding investment decisions. Whether for a new project, process improvement, or strategic initiative, a compelling business case combines evidence-based analysis with persuasive communication.
This 3-day course equips participants with the essential skills to prepare, present, and defend robust business cases. Through practical frameworks, financial modeling, and real-life examples, participants will learn how to evaluate options, quantify value, assess risk, and align proposals with organizational priorities.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand the structure and purpose of a business case in decision-making
• Analyze and compare options using financial and qualitative criteria
• Quantify benefits, costs, and risks for proposed initiatives
• Develop compelling justifications that align with strategic goals
• Communicate business cases effectively to stakeholders and executives
Key Benefits of Attending
• Strengthen your ability to justify investments and initiatives with evidence
• Improve strategic thinking and resource prioritization
• Enhance collaboration between finance, operations, and project teams
• Apply global best practices for business case writing and presentation
• Practice building cases using hands-on scenarios and review templates
Intended Audience
This program is designed for:
• Project managers and team leaders
• Business analysts and strategic planners
• Finance and budgeting professionals
• Operations and functional managers
• Anyone tasked with proposing new investments or initiatives
Individual Benefits
Key competencies that will be developed include:
• Structured thinking and analytical reasoning
• Basic financial modeling (NPV, ROI, payback period)
• Option appraisal and risk analysis
• Executive communication and presentation skills
• Strategic alignment of proposals with business goals
Organization Benefits
Upon completing the training course, participants will demonstrate:
• Improved quality and clarity of business cases across departments
• Stronger project selection and prioritization
• Better use of financial resources and stakeholder confidence
• Reduced risk of project failure due to incomplete planning
• More effective decision-making supported by sound justification
Instructional Methdology
The course follows a blended learning approach combining theory with practice:
• Strategy Briefings – Principles of business case design and decision logic
• Case Studies – Real-world examples of successful and failed proposals
• Interactive Workshops – Option comparison, financial calculation, risk mapping
• Presentation Labs – Simulated proposal pitches and feedback
• Tools & Templates – Business case outline, benefit-cost models, risk registers
Course Outline
Training Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee Breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Foundation of Business Case Development
Module 1: Purpose and Components of a Business Case (07:30 – 09:30)
• Business case vs. proposal vs. business plan
• Key sections: need, options, benefits, costs, risks
Module 2: Identifying Needs and Strategic Alignment (09:45 – 11:15)
• Defining the problem/opportunity
• Aligning with business drivers and goals
Module 3: Option Generation and Evaluation (11:30 – 01:00)
• Shortlisting viable solutions
• Qualitative and quantitative comparison techniques
Module 4: Workshop – Draft the First Two Sections of a Business Case (02:00 – 03:30)
• Define objectives, scope, and potential options
Day 2: Financial and Risk Analysis
Module 5: Financial Modeling for Business Cases (07:30 – 09:30)
• Cost estimation, benefit valuation, ROI, payback
• Net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) basics
Module 6: Sensitivity and Scenario Analysis (09:45 – 11:15)
• Modeling risks, assumptions, and variable outcomes
• Stress testing the business case
Module 7: Risk Identification and Mitigation Planning (11:30 – 01:00)
• Developing a risk register
• Assigning risk ownership and response strategies
Module 8: Workshop – Build a Financial Model for a Sample Case (02:00 – 03:30)
• Apply formulas to evaluate project viability
Day 3: Writing, Presenting, and Defending the Case
Module 9: Structuring the Case Document and Executive Summary (07:30 – 09:30)
• Tips for clarity, brevity, and impact
• Visuals, appendices, and supporting documentation
Module 10: Presenting Business Cases to Decision Makers (09:45 – 11:15)
• Pitching techniques, executive communication
• Handling objections and questions
Module 11: Implementation Planning and Monitoring (11:30 – 01:00)
• Phasing, milestones, and performance measures
• Post-implementation review strategy
Module 12: Final Presentation – Pitch Your Business Case (02:00 – 03:30)
• Group presentations and feedback from facilitator
Certification
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Effective Business Case Development, affirming their ability to structure and deliver high-impact business cases that support sound investment and strategic decisions.