Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner

The Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner course equips learners with the knowledge and skills to develop and evaluate business cases effectively, ensuring informed decision-making and value delivery in projects.

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Overview

The Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner course is essential for professionals looking to enhance their ability to create and evaluate effective business cases. By mastering this skill, learners can ensure that projects are well-supported with clear, evidence-based justification, leading to better decision-making and value delivery.

This course is ideal for individuals in project management, finance, and strategic planning roles. It offers learners the practical tools to prepare robust business cases, improving their career prospects by demonstrating their capacity for strategic decision-making and business planning.

This 5 Day course, provided by MPES, offers learners a comprehensive understanding of the Better Business Cases™ methodology, enabling them to develop sound business cases that align with organisational objectives. It provides practical knowledge and techniques that can be applied directly to their professional roles, enhancing their value to employers and clients.

Course Objectives

Understand the Better Business Cases™ approach
Develop and evaluate business cases effectively
Apply value management principles in business cases
Identify key factors that influence business case success
Understand the economic appraisal techniques used in business cases
Gain confidence in presenting business cases to stakeholders
Integrate business case development into project management processes

Upon completion, learners will be able to create, assess, and present compelling business cases that align with strategic goals, ensuring successful project outcomes. They will also be equipped to evaluate risks and benefits, providing a clear justification for project investments and decisions.

Average completion time

5 Month

with unlimited support

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Course Includes

Course Details

Develop your understanding of essential financial, business and management accounting techniques with ACCA Applied Knowledge. You'll learn basic business and management principles and the skills required of an accountant working in business.

Entry Requirements

Educational Background: There are no specific educational requirements for this course, but learners need to pass the foundation stage to proceed to practitioner stage.
Language Proficiency: Learners should have a good command of English, as all course materials, assessments, and discussions are conducted in English.
Interest in Business & Investment: This course is ideal for individuals with a keen interest in learning about how to create value driven business cases for projects.

Learning Outcomes

Develop Robust Business Cases: Learners will gain the ability to create comprehensive business cases, incorporating evidence and analysis to support project decisions effectively.
Evaluate Project Value: Learners will learn to assess the financial and strategic value of projects, ensuring business cases align with organisational goals and priorities.
Apply Economic Appraisal Techniques: Learners will understand and apply economic appraisal methods to quantify project benefits, costs, and risks in business cases.
Enhance Stakeholder Engagement: Learners will gain skills in presenting and communicating business cases, ensuring stakeholders understand the value and rationale behind project investments.

Target Audience

This course is designed for professionals involved in project management, business planning, and financial analysis, helping them develop the skills to create effective, evidence-based business cases.

Project Managers
Financial Analysts
Business Planners
Strategic Consultants
Risk Managers
Programme Managers
Portfolio Managers

Course content

Module 1: Introduction

Why Better Business Cases?
Case for a Business Case
Project Success or Failure?
Putting the Right Foot Forward
Public Sector Delivery
What is a Project?
What is a Programme?
Links to Recognised Best Practice Programmes and Project Management Methodologies
Programme or Project?
Types of Programme
Alignment with Strategic Planning
Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model

Module 2: Five Case Model

Overview of the Five Case Model
Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model
Strategic Case
- Demonstrates
- Challenges
Contents of the Strategic Case
Economic Case
- Demonstrates
- Challenges
- Contents of the Economic Case
Commercial Case
- Demonstrates
- Challenges
- Contents of the Commercial Case
Financial Case
- Demonstrates
- Challenges
- Contents of the Financial Case
Management Case
- Demonstrates
- Challenges
- Contents of the Management Case

Module 3: Programme and Project Business Case

Advantages of the Programme Business Case
Advantages of the Project Business Case
When Should a Business Case be Developed?
Planning for Spending Proposals
Key Steps in Developing the Programme Business Case
Project Business Case Development Process

Module 4: Determining the Strategic Context and Undertaking the Strategic Assessment

Overview
Strategic Assessment
Related Activities
Stages of Business Case Development
- Strategic Outline Case
- Outline the Business Case
- Full Business Case
Development of the Business Case
Business Justification Case
What is Programme Assurance?
What is Project Assurance?
Responsibility for Producing the Business Case

Module 5: Making the Case for Change

Agree on Strategic Context
Determine Spending Objectives, Existing Arrangements, and Business Needs
Generic Drivers for Spend
Determine Potential Business Scope and Service Requirements
Determine Benefits, Risks, Constraints, and Dependencies
Each Spending Objective

Module 6: Exploring the Preferred Way Forward

Agree Critical Success Factors (CSFs)
Determine Long List Options and SWOT Analysis
Options Framework
Using the Options Framework
Drafting the Long List
Recommended Preferred Way Forward
Complete the Strategic Outline Case

Module 7: Determining Value for Money (VFM)

Project Level Business Case
Revisit the Short-List
Prepare the Economic Appraisals for Short-Listed Options
Relevant Costs for Economic Appraisals
Estimating Benefits for the Economic Appraisals
Valuing Costs and Benefits
Presenting the Economic Appraisals
Undertake Benefits Appraisal
Undertake Risk Appraisal
Select the Preferred Option and Undertake a Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivity Analysis
Final Selection of the Preferred Option

Module 8: Preparing for the Potential Deal

Determine Procurement Strategy
Determine Service Streams and Required Outputs
Outline Potential Risk Apportionment
Outline Potential Payment Mechanisms
Pre-Delivery Phase
Operational Phase
Extension Phase
Ascertain Contractual Issues and Accountancy Treatment

Module 9: Ascertaining Affordability and Funding Requirement

Prepare Financial Models and Financial Appraisals
Financial Modelling
Impacts to Consider
Assessing Affordability
Closing Affordability Gaps

Module 10: Planning for Successful Delivery

Plan Programme or Project Management
Programme Roles
Programme Plan
Project Plan
Use of Specialist Advisers
Plan Change Management and Contract Management
Plan Benefits Realisation
Benefits Resister
Plan Risk Management
Risk Register
Plan Programme/Project Assurance and Post Project Evaluation

Module 11: Procuring the VFM Solution

Revisit the Case for Change
Revisit the OBC Options
Detail Procurement Process and Evaluation of BAFOs

Module 12: Contracting for the Deal

Set Out the Negotiated Deal and Contractual Arrangements
Set Out the Financial Implications of the Deal

Module 13: Ensuring Successful Delivery

Finalise Project Management Arrangements and Plans
Finalise Change Management Arrangements and Plans
Finalise Benefits Realisation Arrangements and Plans
Finalise Risk Management Arrangements and Plans
Finalise Contract Management Arrangements and Plans
Finalise Post Project Evaluation Arrangements and Plans
Review the Business Case: SOC, OBC, and FBC
Steps and Actions for Preparation of Programme and Project Business Cases

MPES Support That Helps You Succeed

At MPES, we offer comprehensive support to help you succeed in your studies. With expert guidance and valuable resources, we help you stay on track throughout your course.

MPES Learning offers dedicated support to help you succeed in Accounting and Finance courses.
Get expert guidance from tutors available online to assist with your studies.
Check your eligibility for exemptions with the relevant professional body before starting.
Our supportive team is here to offer study advice and support throughout your course.
Access a range of materials to help enhance your learning experience. These resources include practice exercises and additional reading to support your progress.

Career Growth Stories

Discover how MPES Learning transforms careers with real success stories.

Aaron Allcote

As a finance officer, MPES has been a huge help in understanding the process of recording and processing transactions from all different perspectives. The courses are very easy to follow, and the training they provide can be applied to real-life scenarios. The courses have been a huge help for me, and I would highly recommend them.

Aaron Allcote

Finance Officer

Bob Beaumont

I completed all of my ACA studies with MPES and I think you would struggle to find a better training provider anywhere in the British Isles. MPES' tutors are excellent both at delivering training and giving individualised feedback and coaching. the supporting materials and the out of class support are also great.

Bob Beaumont

Senior Accountant

Arvy Pasanting

As a qualified accountant, studying with MPES has been very rewarding experience. Its team of passionate and dedicated mentors gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to not just at excel in my current role as an auditor, but also inspired me to expand my horizons.

Arvy Pasanting

Audit Senior

David Ford

I was recommended MPES after searching for a way to pursue a career in the accounting profession, I have studied with them throughout my journey utilising online learning opportunities that fit around the needs of my employer.

David Ford

Accountant

Aaron Allcote

Aaron Allcote

Finance Officer

Bob Beaumont

Bob Beaumont

Senior Accountant

Arvy Pasanting

Arvy Pasanting

Audit Senior

David Ford

David Ford

Accountant

Have Questions? We’ve Got You

If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Find the answers you need in the MPES detailed FAQ section.

Q. What is the main benefit of completing the Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner course?

This course equips learners with the knowledge to create robust business cases, assess project value, and present evidence-based recommendations. By learning these techniques, professionals can ensure projects are supported by clear justification, leading to more informed decision-making and improved project outcomes.

Q. How can this course help in my current role?

Completing this course will enhance your ability to develop and evaluate business cases, improving your strategic decision-making skills. It will help you present compelling justifications for project investments, aligning them with organisational goals and ensuring better resource allocation, which can significantly impact your career growth.

Q. Is this course suitable for non-project management professionals?

Yes, this course is valuable for anyone involved in business planning, finance, and strategic decision-making. It provides key skills for developing business cases, regardless of your role. Whether you're in finance, operations, or strategy, it will help you contribute effectively to project decisions and enhance your professional credibility.

Q. What practical skills will I gain from this course?

Learners will gain the ability to create detailed business cases, assess project value using economic appraisal techniques, and engage stakeholders effectively. These skills are essential for making data-driven decisions, presenting strong justifications for project investments, and aligning projects with strategic goals.

Q. Can this course be applied to real-world projects?

Absolutely. The course provides practical, real-world tools and techniques that can be applied immediately to your work. Whether you're managing a project or involved in business case development, the knowledge gained will help you create well-supported cases that align with your organisation's objectives and drive successful outcomes.

Q. What other resources does MPES Learning provide?

"At MPES Learning, we provide a variety of resources to support learners, including Expert-Led Courses,Flexible Learning Options and Industry Standard Curriculum.

Our website also features blogs, e-books, interview questions, latest news and podcasts to keep professionals updated with the latest trends. In addition to ACCA, we offer training in ICAEW, CIMA, and many other domains that will help you excel your skills in finance, management accounting, and strategic decision-making. For more details, explore our Courses and Resources sections."

Q. What other resources does MPES Learning provide?

"At MPES Learning, we provide a variety of resources to support learners, including Expert-Led Courses,Flexible Learning Options and Industry Standard Curriculum.

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