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Better Business Cases™ Foundation & Practitioner

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Course overview

The Better Business Cases Foundation & Practitioner course gives you the tools to create clear, well-structured business cases using the Five Case Model. This recognised qualification helps you turn ideas into actionable plans, perfect for building confidence in strategic decision-making. 

Master the Five Case Model for strategic success

Combine theory and practice with this complete Foundation & Practitioner training course. You’ll master the Five Case Model and learn to apply it effectively, enhancing awareness and decision-making skills. Ideal for creating impactful business cases that support project success and organisational growth. 

Learning objectives
  • Understand the philosophy behind the Five Case Model 
  • Learn key terminology and structure of business case models 
  • Identify business case types, purposes, and responsibilities 
  • Recognise when business cases are required during development 
  • Relate business cases to programme and project management best practices 
  • Understand the lifecycle of a business case and its cases 
  • Tailor the Five Case Model to organisational requirements 
  • Apply steps in the business case development framework 
  • Support production of a business case for specific scenarios 
  • Enhance decision-making and strategic planning with practical application 

What you'll learn

This combined course covers everything from understanding the Five Case Model to applying it in a real-world situation. You’ll master both the theory and practical skills needed to develop structured, persuasive business cases that support informed decisions and achieve organisational goals. 

Introduction to the Five Case Model

The Better Business Cases courses focus on the UK government’s trusted Five Case Model, a framework designed to guide effective planning for spending proposals. This step-by-step methodology ensures that decision-makers can confidently evaluate projects based on their value, feasibility, and alignment with strategic goals. Aligned with HM Treasury’s Green Book guidance, the Five Case Model is a best-practice approach widely recognised for its ability to produce clear, actionable business cases. 

Learners will explore the model’s core principles and how it serves as a foundation for building robust business cases. The training demystifies complex financial decision-making, equipping learners with a systematic and objective approach that delivers clarity and consistency across projects. 

Creating a compelling case for change

A central focus of the course is understanding how to build a persuasive case for change. Learners are guided through identifying the need for intervention, ensuring investment objectives are clearly defined, and developing solutions that effectively balance benefits, costs, and risks. By mastering this process, participants can ensure their proposals resonate with stakeholders and secure the necessary buy-in. 

This element of the training also helps delegates evaluate options critically, ensuring the selected solution is not only viable but also the best fit for organisational priorities. Through practical insights and real-world scenarios, learners will develop the confidence to present cases that stand up to scrutiny and drive strategic outcomes. 

Delivering actionable spending proposals

An effective business case doesn’t stop at outlining objectives; it must also detail how proposals will be successfully implemented. This course highlights the importance of creating actionable plans that are both realistic and aligned with organisational capabilities. Participants will learn how to design arrangements that support seamless delivery, enabling projects to achieve their intended results. 

The training provides tools and techniques to ensure that every element of the business case contributes to its overall success. From governance structures to risk management plans, learners will leave with the skills needed to create proposals that translate into measurable outcomes and organisational growth. 

Applying best practices in business cases

Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the Five Case Model integrates with broader programme and project management methodologies. The course delves into the model’s lifecycle, terminology, and underlying rationale, ensuring learners can confidently apply it to any organisational context. 

It also covers the different types of business cases, their purposes, and their roles in decision-making processes. By linking these elements to established best practices, the training equips participants to develop cases that are both practical and strategically sound. 

Building team and organisational effectiveness

The Better Business Cases courses not only enhance individual capabilities but also strengthen team performance. The training emphasises collaborative approaches to business case development, ensuring all team members can contribute effectively. 

Learners will leave with the skills to support informed decision-making, fostering collective accountability and delivering impactful results. Whether working in public or private sector environments, learners will be well-prepared to create business cases that align with organisational priorities and deliver tangible benefits. 

What's included
  • Accredited Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner training 
  • Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner exams 
  • Official XXX manual 
  • Tutor support 
  • Further optional extras, including Pass Protect, available at checkout 

FAQs

The Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner courses cover the Five Case Model, teaching you to create, evaluate, and apply structured business cases. Ideal for professionals driving informed decisions and maximising project value. 

What are the exam formats and pass marks for Better Business Cases Foundation & Practitioner?

For Foundation, the exam is multiple choice and closed book. You will have 40 minutes to answer 50 questions and need to achieve a score of 25 out of 50 to pass (50%).  

For Practitioner, the exam is based on objective testing and is open book (International Guide to Developing the Project Business Case or the International Guide to Developing the Programme Business Case only). You will have two-and-a-half hours to answer four questions, each worth 20 marks. To pass, you need to achieve a score of 40 marks or more (50%). 

What is Better Business Cases Foundation & Practitioner?

The Better Business Cases Foundation & Practitioner courses provide a comprehensive understanding of the Five Case Model, a best-practice approach for developing robust business cases. The Foundation level focuses on the model’s structure and principles, while the Practitioner level teaches you how to apply and tailor the model to real-world scenarios. 

Who should take the Better Business Cases courses?

These courses are ideal for professionals involved in developing or reviewing business cases, including project managers, financial analysts, and decision-makers in public or private sectors. They’re also valuable for anyone responsible for ensuring projects are well-planned and aligned with strategic goals. 

What are the benefits of completing a Better Business Cases course?

By completing the F&P course, you’ll gain the skills to create clear, structured, and persuasive business cases that balance benefits, costs, and risks. You’ll also enhance your ability to support informed decision-making, improving outcomes for projects and organisations alike. 

What our customers say

"Good, experienced teacher – well balanced and clear course." 

Jacky Droushoudt

"Excellent value for money and with dedicated study, guaranteed to prepare one to pass the exams." 

Patrick Anigbo
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