---
artifact_id: A01
name: Business Case
template_version: "1.0.0"
status: "Template · Active"
category: Authorization
authority: "PMBOK8 Guide §2.1.1 Governance Performance Domain; §4.5.1 Initiate Project or Phase"
source_type: PMI-derived
file_path: artifacts/initiating/A01-business-case-template.md
---

## [A01] — Business Case | Template

> **Usage note:** This is a blank template. Every `[FIELD: ...]` placeholder must be completed by the author before the artifact is submitted for governance review. Static text, checklist items, and structural elements must not be altered. Pre-filled fields (e.g., Linked Artifacts) are fixed by template design and must not be changed.

---

## Section 1 — Header / Identification

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Project / Initiative Name | [FIELD: full formal name of the project or initiative] |
| Initiative Reference | [FIELD: portfolio or programme reference code] |
| Sponsoring Organization | [FIELD: name of the organizational unit sponsoring the investment] |
| Investment Owner / Sponsor | [FIELD: name and title of the accountable executive sponsor] |
| Business Case Author | [FIELD: name and role of the person preparing this document] |
| Date Prepared | [FIELD: date in YYYY-MM-DD format] |
| Version | [FIELD: document version number, e.g., 0.1 Draft] |
| Status | [FIELD: select from Draft / Under Review / Approved / Superseded] |
| Authorization Stage | [FIELD: select from Pre-Authorization / Authorization Pending / Authorized / Rejected / Deferred] |
| Governance Body | [FIELD: name of the committee or board responsible for approval] |
| Linked Artifacts | A02 · A03 · A04 · A06 · A10 · A16 |

---

## Section 2 — Business Need and Strategic Alignment

**Business need / problem / opportunity statement**
[FIELD: describe the specific problem, unmet need, or strategic opportunity that this investment is intended to address; include relevant organizational context]

**Strategic objective(s) supported**
[FIELD: list the specific organizational strategic objectives or priorities that this investment advances]

**Alignment evidence**
[FIELD: cite the specific policy document, organizational strategy, portfolio plan, or regulatory instrument that this investment responds to — include document name, version, and section reference where available]

**Consequence of not acting (do-nothing impact)**
[FIELD: describe the measurable or qualitative impact on the organization if no action is taken, including financial, operational, reputational, or regulatory exposure]

**Urgency and timing drivers**
[FIELD: describe why this investment must be initiated now or within a specific timeframe — include any regulatory deadlines, market windows, contractual obligations, or dependency events]

---

## Section 3 — Options Analysis

| Option ID | Option Name | Description | Estimated Cost | Estimated Benefit | Key Risks | Feasibility Assessment | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | Do Nothing / Defer | Maintain the current state with no investment. Accept the consequences of inaction as described in Section 2. | [FIELD: cost of inaction or $0 investment] | [FIELD: nil or negative — describe benefit foregone] | [FIELD: risks of inaction] | [FIELD: feasibility of do-nothing posture] | [FIELD: Yes / No] |
| Option 2 | [FIELD: option name] | [FIELD: describe the second solution approach] | [FIELD: estimated total cost] | [FIELD: estimated total benefit] | [FIELD: key risks for this option] | [FIELD: High / Medium / Low feasibility with brief rationale] | [FIELD: Yes / No] |
| Option 3 | [FIELD: option name] | [FIELD: describe the third solution approach] | [FIELD: estimated total cost] | [FIELD: estimated total benefit] | [FIELD: key risks for this option] | [FIELD: High / Medium / Low feasibility with brief rationale] | [FIELD: Yes / No] |

**Options evaluation method used:** [FIELD: select from Cost-Benefit Analysis / Multi-Criteria Analysis / Feasibility Study / Expert Judgment]

---

## Section 4 — Recommended Option

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Recommended option name | [FIELD: state the name of the recommended option as defined in Section 3] |
| Rationale for recommendation | [FIELD: explain why this option was selected over the alternatives — reference evaluation criteria, financial analysis, risk profile, and strategic fit] |
| Key assumptions underpinning the recommendation | [FIELD: list all material assumptions that, if incorrect, would change the recommendation] |
| Critical dependencies | [FIELD: list all external conditions, decisions, resources, or events that must occur for the recommendation to succeed] |
| Key constraints | [FIELD: identify budget, time, resource, regulatory, or technology constraints applicable to the recommended option] |

---

## Section 5 — Expected Benefits and Success Criteria

| Benefit ID | Benefit Description | Type | Quantification | Measurement Method | Target Date | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B01 | [FIELD: describe the first expected benefit] | [FIELD: select from Financial / Non-Financial / Strategic / Regulatory / Risk Reduction] | [FIELD: quantify in $ or %, or describe qualitatively if not financially material] | [FIELD: how this benefit will be measured] | [FIELD: YYYY-MM-DD or period] | [FIELD: role or individual accountable] |
| B02 | [FIELD: describe the second expected benefit] | [FIELD: select from Financial / Non-Financial / Strategic / Regulatory / Risk Reduction] | [FIELD: quantify or describe qualitatively] | [FIELD: measurement method] | [FIELD: YYYY-MM-DD or period] | [FIELD: role or individual accountable] |
| B03 | [FIELD: describe the third expected benefit] | [FIELD: select from Financial / Non-Financial / Strategic / Regulatory / Risk Reduction] | [FIELD: quantify or describe qualitatively] | [FIELD: measurement method] | [FIELD: YYYY-MM-DD or period] | [FIELD: role or individual accountable] |

**Success criteria at investment level:** [FIELD: define the measurable conditions that must be met for this investment to be considered successful at the portfolio or programme governance level]

> **Note:** Full benefits tracking after authorization is recorded in A02.

---

## Section 6 — Financial Summary

**Cost Summary**

| Cost Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Investment | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] |
| Operating Costs | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] |
| Transition / Change Costs | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] |
| Contingency | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] |
| **Total Cost** | **[FIELD: $]** | **[FIELD: $]** | **[FIELD: $]** | **[FIELD: $]** |

**Benefit Summary**

| Benefit Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue / Savings / Avoided Costs | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] | [FIELD: $] |
| **Total Benefit** | **[FIELD: $]** | **[FIELD: $]** | **[FIELD: $]** | **[FIELD: $]** |

**Financial Metrics**

| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Net Present Value (NPV) | [FIELD: $ value and discount rate used] |
| Return on Investment (ROI) | [FIELD: % and calculation basis] |
| Payback Period | [FIELD: months or years] |
| Internal Rate of Return (IRR) | [FIELD: % or Not Applicable] |
| Affordability conclusion | [FIELD: state whether the investment is within approved budget envelopes and funding is confirmed or contingent] |

---

## Section 7 — Major Risks and Assumptions

| Risk / Assumption ID | Description | Type | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation / Validation Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RA01 | [FIELD: describe the first risk, assumption, constraint, or dependency] | [FIELD: select from Risk / Assumption / Constraint / Dependency] | [FIELD: High / Medium / Low] | [FIELD: High / Medium / Low] | [FIELD: describe the mitigation strategy or validation action] |
| RA02 | [FIELD: describe the second risk, assumption, constraint, or dependency] | [FIELD: select from Risk / Assumption / Constraint / Dependency] | [FIELD: High / Medium / Low] | [FIELD: High / Medium / Low] | [FIELD: describe the mitigation strategy or validation action] |
| RA03 | [FIELD: describe the third risk, assumption, constraint, or dependency] | [FIELD: select from Risk / Assumption / Constraint / Dependency] | [FIELD: High / Medium / Low] | [FIELD: High / Medium / Low] | [FIELD: describe the mitigation strategy or validation action] |

> **Note:** Full risk entries are recorded in A19 after project authorization.

---

## Section 8 — Recommendation

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | [FIELD: select from Proceed / Defer / Reject / Proceed with conditions] |
| Conditions (if conditional) | [FIELD: state any conditions that must be satisfied before or during execution — leave blank if unconditional] |
| Requested authorization | [FIELD: describe the specific authority, funding, and mandate being requested from the governance body] |
| Next action following approval | [FIELD: describe the immediate next step — e.g., initiate project charter, assign project manager, allocate funds] |
| Revalidation triggers | [FIELD: list the events or threshold changes that would require this business case to be revalidated — e.g., cost variance >20%, strategic objective change, regulatory change] |

---

## Section 9 — Approvals and Sign-Off

| Role | Name | Signature / Electronic Approval Reference | Date | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [FIELD: governance role] | [FIELD: full name] | [FIELD: signature or approval reference] | [FIELD: YYYY-MM-DD] | [FIELD: any conditions or notes] |
| [FIELD: governance role] | [FIELD: full name] | [FIELD: signature or approval reference] | [FIELD: YYYY-MM-DD] | [FIELD: any conditions or notes] |
| [FIELD: governance role] | [FIELD: full name] | [FIELD: signature or approval reference] | [FIELD: YYYY-MM-DD] | [FIELD: any conditions or notes] |

---

## Section 10 — Waste Test

The following checklist must be completed before submission to the governance body. Each item must be verified. Incomplete items must be resolved or documented as accepted exceptions.

- [ ] Strategic alignment is stated — not assumed
- [ ] At least two options evaluated, including do-nothing or defer
- [ ] Benefits are quantified where financially material — at minimum qualitatively described
- [ ] At least three investment-level risks or assumptions are listed
- [ ] A clear proceed/defer/reject recommendation is present
- [ ] Approval evidence reference is included or attached
- [ ] At least one revalidation trigger is identified
- [ ] Business case content is NOT duplicated inside the project charter
- [ ] Benefits tracking is deferred to A02 — not embedded here

---

## Section 11 — Change Log

| Version | Date | Changed By | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 | 2026-05-31 | Phase B2 Batch D | Initial template |

---

*Template for: Business Case*
*Authority: PMBOK8 Guide §2.1.1 Governance Performance Domain; §4.5.1 Initiate Project or Phase*
*See definition file: artifacts/initiating/A01-business-case.md*
