Business Case Writing Business Case Structure and Components 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 'logic model' in a business case visually maps the relationship between:
- Employee org charts and salaries
- Inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of the proposed initiative (Correct answer)
- Vendor pricing tiers
- IT system architecture
Correct answer: Inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of the proposed initiative
A logic model traces the causal chain from resources and activities to expected outputs and long-term outcomes, showing how the investment creates value.
Question 2: In US federal business case guidelines (e.g., OMB Circular A-11), which section documents how the investment supports agency mission?
- Budget justification exhibit
- Mission and business results linkage (Correct answer)
- IT capital planning exhibit
- Privacy impact assessment
Correct answer: Mission and business results linkage
Federal business cases must explicitly tie the investment to mission outcomes and performance measures in accordance with OMB guidance.
Question 3: The 'implementation plan' section of a business case typically includes:
- Employee personal data
- Key milestones, resource requirements, and phasing approach (Correct answer)
- Raw financial ledgers
- Vendor marketing collateral
Correct answer: Key milestones, resource requirements, and phasing approach
The implementation plan provides a high-level roadmap showing how the solution will be deployed, when, and with what resources.
Question 4: Why is it important to clearly state the business case's review and approval process?
- To comply with IT security requirements
- To ensure the right people are involved at the right time to make timely decisions (Correct answer)
- To list all team members alphabetically
- To calculate project costs accurately
Correct answer: To ensure the right people are involved at the right time to make timely decisions
A defined review and approval process prevents delays, clarifies who must sign off, and ensures governance requirements are met.
Question 5: Which component specifies measurable targets that define success for a business case investment?
- Risk register
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and success criteria (Correct answer)
- Glossary
- Assumptions list
Correct answer: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and success criteria
KPIs and success criteria provide objective, measurable standards against which the investment's performance will be evaluated post-implementation.
Question 6: A well-structured business case executive summary should be written:
- First, before the rest of the document
- Last, after all sections are complete, to accurately reflect the full document (Correct answer)
- By an external consultant only
- In bullet points only without narrative
Correct answer: Last, after all sections are complete, to accurately reflect the full document
Writing the executive summary last ensures it accurately summarizes the analysis, findings, and recommendation contained in the completed business case.
Business Case Writing Business Case Structure and Components 2
A 'logic model' in a business case visually maps the relationship between: