Business Case Development

What is a business case, and why is it important? Business cases are a key tool to inform evidence-based investment decisions. Developing a robust business case ensures resource allocation decisions are well-timed, offer value for money, consider and mitigate risks, and are consistent with Government priorities and objectives. 

Our business case work includes both capital and non-capital projects, and can include support at each stage of the business case development process from problem definition (the case for change) through option identification and analysis (strategic business case) to option selection and deliverability (detailed business case).

Underpinning our support at each stage of the process are our technical capabilities including:

·      Facilitation techniques

·      Cost-benefit analysis

·      Financial analysis

·      Commercial analysis

·      Management analysis

·      Benefits realisation management

For our government clients, our business cases are prepared in accordance with business case guidelines and consistent with gateway assurance processes.

If you are planning the development of a business case, check out our selection of useful Resources for Developing Business Cases.

 

Examples of our business case development work include:

 
Aims of OneCX program

OneCX program aims to create a unified and customer-centric experience of NSW Government

In 2019, a review identified more than 1,000 NSW Government websites on 35 different content management systems. 

The review highlighted that government could:

  • create a better digital experience through consistent design, content and style

  • find cost efficiencies by reducing unnecessary duplication of functionality.

As a result, the NSW Government Digital Channels team developed the OneCX program to create a unified and customer-centric digital experience for people in NSW, making it easier for people in NSW to:

  • complete specific tasks online in fewer clicks on fewer websites or in less time

  • find consistent information through search or by browsing customer-centric topics on one website

  • voice their opinion on what the government is doing through a central channel.

As more content is published on nsw.gov.au, there will be fewer websites centred around the structure of government. Instead, digital information, services and transactions are now being organised by customer-centred topics on:

Through 2020, we supported the NSW Government Digital Channels team to develop their detailed business case (including cost-benefit analysis) and to progress through Gateway review processes. This was all done whilst the Digital Channels team were preparing to launch the nsw.gov.au beta site and then delivering a whole of government digital communications response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The consolidation model for nsw.gov.au was tested with the creation of the COVID-19 hub, a one-stop shop for citizens and businesses. In 2021, nsw.gov.au saw 65.1 million total visits (sessions) with 85% looking for the latest information on COVID-19.

Learn more about the OneCX program.

 

NSW Environment Protection Authority - Asbestos Coordination, Clean-Up, and Awareness Initiative 

Photo by bermau/iStock / Getty Images

Safe removal of asbestos

Australia’s widespread use of asbestos during the twentieth century (from 1930s to 1980s), and its history of mining and producing asbestos since the 1900s, has left an asbestos legacy across NSW, in both the built and natural environment, that will need to be managed for many years to prevent asbestos-related disease in the state.

In 2015, there were an estimated 4,152 deaths in Australia due to asbestos-related disease[1]  – more than 3-times the number of fatalities on Australian roads in the same period (2015: 1,209[2]).

NSW Environment Protection Authority led the development of a proposed 4-year initiative to help prevent asbestos-related disease in the state through the improved safe management of legacy asbestos and more comprehensive asbestos education and awareness.

We supported the funding submission through the development and preparation of a business case, including cost-benefit analysis.   The submission was successful with funding commencing in 2018/19.


[1]  Australian Government, Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, National Asbestos Profile for Australia, November 2017

[2]  Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, December 2015

 

Resources for Developing Business Cases

If you are planning the development of a business case, useful resources include:

NSW Government Guidance on Business Cases

Overview of NSW Government Business Case Process and Steps

Overview of NSW Government Business Case Process and Steps

 

Infrastructure Australia Guidance on Business Cases

Overview of Infrastructure Australia 2021 Assessment Framework

Overview of Infrastructure Australia 2021 Assessment Framework

  • Infrastructure Australia (2021) Assessment Framework - guidance on the new four-stage process for developing high-quality infrastructure proposals for submission to Infrastructure Australia including:

    • Stage 1 submission template and checklists for each of Stages 2, 3 and 4.

    • Detailed supporting technical guidelines:

      • Guide to program appraisal (new)

      • Guide to multi-criteria analysis (new)

      • Guide to economic appraisal (updated)

      • Guide to risk and uncertainty analysis (updated)




 

Commonwealth Government Guidance on Digital/ICT Business Cases

  • Commonwealth Government Digital and ICT Investment Approval Process - assists entities to develop robust business cases and support the effective implementation of digital and ICT-enabled proposals. Key steps include:

    • First Pass Approval - first pass business case will provide a sufficient level of information on the benefits, costs, risks and range of digital and ICT implementation options for a proposal to enable an informed in-principle decision on the investment. Template downloadable here.

    • Second Pass Approval - second pass business case will contain risk mitigation strategies, detailed cost estimates, appropriate funding options and provide assurance that the planning, consideration and consultation required for successful implementation has been undertaken.

    • Available resources Includes Department of Finance ICT Business Case Guide, First Pass Business Case Template and Second Pass Business Case Template.

 

Australian States & Territories Guidance on Business Cases

 

UK and New Zealand Guidance on Business Cases & Benefits Management