Overview

Changes to the Project Plan can effect the Business Case, Once there is a clear understanding of Project Issues and the Project Quality Plan is reviewed then Business Case is ready to be updated. Possible reasons to update a Business Case include changes in:

• Implementation dates
• Costs of delivery or support
• External, corporate or Programme environments
• Resources including internal and external suppliers.

During this process a revised version of the Business Case is created. The Risk Log and Issue Log should be examined for their effects on the Business Case. Should the Business Case change it needs to be approved by the Project Board. If costs or time parameter Tolerances change to be substantially lower than those originaly approved by the Project Board then re-approval must be gained from corporate or Programme Management.

Method links

Tips

• Be sure to update the Project Plan before updating the Business Case - the revised Project Plan will give an accurate reflection of the overall project situation
• Changes to the Business Case can be positive or negative.

Notes

• This is an essential process that maintains the project's viability
• Within the process revise costs, timings and benefits
• Update Risk Log and Issue Log
• Changes to the Business Case must be approved by the Project Board
• Changes can be for the better or worse.

Case studies and examples

• Business Case Template (minimal content) @ the OGC (PDF)
• Business Case Template (detailed) @ the OGC (PDF).

Related links

• Search our forum for 'SB3 Updating a Project Business Case'
• Take our SB - Managing Stage Boundaries - Quiz
• SB5 Reporting Stage End.