I'm new to project management and, right now, i'm about to initiate a project to solve a documents archiving problem in our Training&Quality department. Is the business case a mandatory thing if my boss (who would be the project sponsor) is already commited and aware of the need of this project? Saving Changes...
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Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
I don't know the 'right' answer to this but I've worked on plenty of projects that haven't had a business case beyond 'we have to do this because...'. If your business is committed to the project and you can't obviously see why you shouldn't do it, write the Project Charter and skip the business case part. At least, that's what I would do!
Business cases tend to be useful when there are several options and you want to explain what solution you have selected and why you rejected the others. Plus they tend to include stuff about benefits. If you don't need that written down because it's obvious, and no one is asking you for one, then I would skip it. Saving Changes...
Rebecca BraglioCommunity Engagement Specialist II| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, Pa, United States
I say yes but from a different perspective -
Depending on your boss's personality, it's helpful to have a business case to refer to if he starts waivering. I once had a supervisor who regularly changed her mind (or forgot reasons) regarding why a project was initiated. Sometimes it helps just to have it in writing as a hard copy reminder. Saving Changes...
Gaurav SapraProgram Manager| TATA Consultancy ServicesEdinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
I think, Yes, while agreeing with Elizabeth about of number of project which lacks a formal BC, It is a mandatory step to a focused project, set out to achieve an objective.
But, Is there a possibility that situation or Organizational focus would change in the interim?
And the Answer is Yes and you have an opportunity evaluate if the project is still viable by comparing new situation with BC OR by re-aligning the BC but that could happen only if you had one at the start.
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