Overview

This three-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 revise 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 Practitioner Examination.

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Prerequisites

All delegates must have passed the Better Business Cases Foundation exam. Also 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 Practitioner exam. It is expected that delegates will have read this document.

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Learning Outcomes

During this course you will learn how 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
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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 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 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 exam.

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Why choose QA

Special Notices

Please note: Due to the current situation with Covid 19 the APMG are enabling your exam to be taken virtually. Your exam will therefore be scheduled for the same day and time as it would for a classroom event. QA’s exam administration team will place the booking with APMG. APMG will then email delegates directly confirming the details of the exam session and provide the relevant information the delegates will require in order to access their exam on the day.

Dates & Locations

Frequently asked questions

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How do QA’s online courses work?

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.

Learn more about QA’s online courses.

When will I receive my joining instructions?

Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.

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.

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