APMG-International Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner
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Overview
This five-day course provides delegates with a thorough understanding of the five case model for creating Business Cases as mandated by HM Treasury. During the course we introduce the five cases and how they relate to the Government gateway reviews of spending and the three stages of development which culminates in the fully fledged Business Case. We also explain how these three stages are broken down into steps and actions.
Throughout the course, our experts help delegates understand the benefits of adopting the five case model by use of examples from the real world.
All relevant course materials are provided. The course includes the Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner Examinations.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are necessary for attendance, although delegates would benefit from some experience of creating business cases for large capital expenditure projects and an appreciation of financial terminology.
Pre-Course Reading
- Delegates are provided with a copy of the Better Business Cases - Full Guidance document. This 152 page document is the basis for the course as well as the Foundation and Practitioner exams. Ideally delegates will have read this document but they must have read at least the first three chapters.
- Delegates are also expected to have read and completed the two exercises in the pre-reading.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course you will be able to:
- Understand the importance of the Business Case
- Understand how the proposal fits with an organisation's strategic vision
- Establish the clear need for change
- Set clear objectives
- Determine 'value for money' solutions
- Consider a wide range of solutions and optimise the 'long list' into the 'short list'
- Ascertain whether the proposal is affordable and viable
- Consider such aspects as Risk, Procurement, Benefits and Management
- Consider the proposal to be able to deliver a successful delivery
Course Outline
The Better Business Cases course uses QA's unique multimedia case-studies and accelerated-learning techniques to ensure that theory is embedded and delegates feel confident in the practical application of this model. Additional evening work will be required in the form of consolidation reading and mock examination questions. The evening work is an integral part of the course and delegates should expect to spend approximately two hours on these activities.
The Foundation exam will be taken at the end day two. Delegates must pass the Foundation exam before taking the Practitioner exam.
The course will cover the following syllabus areas:
Five case model Overview
Delegates are introduced to the world of projects and capital expenditure. The individual five cases will be explored at a high level and the delegates will be shown how these five cases interact to form a cohesive whole.
Developing the Strategic Case
The following areas will be discussed:
- Defining the case for change
- Setting SMART objectives
- Defining benefits
- Defining key risks
- Balancing Effectiveness / Economy / Efficiency
Developing the Economic Case
The following areas will be discussed:
- Options framework analysis
- Defining the 'long list'
- Benefits appraisals
- Risk appraisals
- Turning the 'long list' into a 'short List' and a 'preferred option'
Developing the Commercial Case
The following areas will be discussed:
- Determining the procurement strategy
- Apportioning risk
- Determining payment mechanisms
Developing the Financial Case
The following areas will be discussed:
- Ascertaining affordability
- Securing relevant funds
- Determining capital requirements
- Net effect on prices
Developing the Management Case
The following areas will be discussed:
- Defining project management controls
- Defining change controls
- Define benefit measurement arrangements
- Define risk management arrangements
- Define post project evaluation processes
Better Business Cases Foundation Examination
Key exam information:
- 40 minutes long
- Closed book
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- 50% pass mark
Better Business Cases Practitioner Examination
Key exam information:
- 2.5 hours long
- Open book (Manual for this course only)
- 4 questions with 20 marks available per question
- 50% pass mark
Throughout the Better Business Cases Practitioner course, delegates will be exposed to numerous examples of examination questions. We will undertake a number of exercises and 'question-and-answer' sessions that will help to consolidate the learning, thereby ensuring that delegates are more than adequately prepared for the exams.
QA is an approved training provider for ELCAS, proud to support service leavers in their transition into the tech industry. Learn more about Elcas approved training here.
Why choose QA
- Award-winning training, top NPS scores
- Nearly 300,000 learners in 2020
- Our training experts are industry leaders
- Read more about QA
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Frequently asked questions
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Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
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QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
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When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.