IFS 231 Business Analysis LECTURE 2 The Business Case

Contents Revision: phases of SDLC and BA responsibilities Creating a Business Case document Business Analysis

Typical Phases in a Lifecycle Initiation and Establishment (Business Case) Requirements Definition (Functional Spec) Solution Specification (Technical Spec) Construction and Testing (DB and User App) Implementation/ Rollout and Training (User manual) Common in all: Project Management and QA Business Analysis

Typical Role/Responsibilities of BA during the SDLC Interacts with Business and Technical Investigate and Analyse Gather Requirements and Document Find Solutions Produce Specs (URS, BRS or FS) User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Assist with Implementation Business Analysis

Business Case Document A business case captures the reasoning for initiating a project or task. It is often presented in a well-structured written document, but may also sometimes come in the form of a short verbal argument or presentation. The logic of the business case is that, whenever resources such as money or effort are consumed, they should be in support of a specific business need. Business Analysis

Business Case An example could be that a software upgrade might improve system performance, but the "business case" is that better performance would improve customer satisfaction, require less task processing time, or reduce system maintenance costs A compelling business case adequately captures both the quantifiable and unquantifiable characteristics of a proposed project. Business Analysis

Structure of Business Case Executive summary Business case analysis team Problem definition Project overview (describe possible solution for problem) Strategic alignment Cost benefit analysis Alternatives analysis Approvals Business Analysis

Executive Summary Summary or synopsis Written at the end of document What is the issue / problem? Anticipated outcomes Recommendation – how will the project address the business problem? Justification – why this solution? Business Analysis

Business Case Team Roles of members in Business Case Doc and Project For Example: Executive Sponsor Technology Support Process Improvement Project Manager Software Support Business Analysis

Problem Definition Problem Statement Organizational Impact Technology Migration Hardware + Software Procurement Systems Development Migration / Roll-out Training Business Analysis

Project Overview Project specific information Description Goals and Objectives (SMART) Project Performance Metrics Assumptions Constraints Major Milestones Business Analysis

Strategic Alignment Projects should align with the company’s strategy and plans Add value; enjoy support Business Analysis

Cost Benefit Analysis Illustrate cost vs benefits (savings) Is the investment worthwhile? Business Analysis

Alternatives Analysis Brief summary of considered alternatives + reasons for not selecting Eg, keep existing Outsource Buy COTS Business Analysis

Approvals Needs signatures by board / management to go ahead Business Analysis