1. IFS 231 Business Analysis
LECTURE 2
The Business Case

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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