Better Business Cases™ Foundation Course Overview

Build the essential skills to develop compelling, evidence-based investment proposals with our Better Business Cases™ Foundation training. This focused 3-day course is designed for professionals who need to understand and apply the UK Government’s best practice framework for developing spending proposals and enabling sound investment decisions.

Better Business Cases™ (BBC) Foundation is an APMG International-accredited qualification centred on HM Treasury’s Five Case Model. The Five Case Model provides a structured, step-by-step approach to building business cases that demonstrate public value, justify investment decisions, and align with organisational strategy. Widely adopted across the UK public sector and increasingly recognised in private and third-sector organisations, this Foundation course equips you with the theoretical knowledge and core vocabulary to contribute effectively to business case development at any stage of the investment lifecycle.

Developed in line with HM Treasury’s Green Book guidance, this course establishes the fundamental principles behind each of the five cases, Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial, and Management, ensuring you are fully prepared to sit and pass the Better Business Cases™ Foundation examination.

Course Objectives

  • To understand the Better Business Cases™ methodology
  • To identify key components of a business case
  • To develop skills for option appraisal
  • To assess and manage risks effectively
  • To construct clear and persuasive business cases
  • To present findings to stakeholders
  • To apply best practices in business case development
  • To evaluate the success of business case implementation

Upon completion of the course, delegates will be equipped to create compelling business cases that facilitate informed decision-making, ensuring their contributions align with strategic objectives and enhance organisational performance.

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Better Business Cases™ Foundation Training Course Outline

Within this Better Business Cases™ Foundation training course you will learn the following modules:

Module 1: Overview of the Five Case Model

  • Five Key Components of a Business Case and the Order in Which they are Presented
  • Three Key Stages in the Development of a Spending Proposal
  • Definition of a Programme / Project and the Key Differences Between Programmes and Projects
  • Purpose of a Business Justification Case (BJC) and in What Circumstances it Should be Considered
  • Purpose of a Strategic Outline Case (SOC)
  • Purpose of an Outline Business Case (OBC)
  • Purpose of a Full Business Case (FBC)
  • Relationship Between Policies, Strategies, Programmes, and Projects And Their Deliverables

Module 2: Developing the Strategic Case

  • Purpose and Core Content of a Strategic Case
  • Purpose of SMART Robust Spending Objectives and The Key Objectives for Spend: Economy, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Re-Procurement, and Statutory or Regulatory Compliance
  • Four Main Categories of Benefits Criteria and the Parties Involved in Their Development
  • Three Key Categories of Risk
  • Purpose of Identifying Constraints and Dependencies
  • Difference Between Direct and Indirect Benefits

Module 3: Developing the Economic Case

  • Purpose and Core Content of an Economic Case
  • Purpose of Critical Success Factors and the Key Critical Success Factors Based Upon the Five Case Model
  • Purpose of the Long List Options and How to Generate Options and Undertake SWOT Analysis
  • Minimum of Four Short-List Options, How They are Derived, and What They Should Include  
  • Difference Between the Preferred Way Forward and the Preferred Option
  • Purpose, Objectives, Key Participants, and Outputs of Workshop Stage 2 – Identifying and Assessing the Options
  • Rules that Should be Followed for the Treatment of Costs and Benefits
  • Key Differences Between Economic Appraisals and Financial Appraisals
  • Factors Considered When Selecting the Preferred Option

Module 4: Developing the Commercial Case

  • Purpose and Core Content of Commercial Case
  • Guiding Principles When Apportioning Risk Between the Contractual Parties
  • Purpose of Payment Mechanisms
  • Purpose of Step 9 in the Development Framework: Contracting for the Deal

Module 5: Developing the Financial Case

  • Purpose and Core Content of a Financial Case
  • Financial Statements Required for all Projects
  • Possible Impacts to Consider

Module 6: Developing The Management Case

  • Purpose and Core Content of a Management Case
  • Purpose of a Programme / Project Management Strategy, Framework, and Plan
  • Purpose of a Change Management Strategy, Framework, and Plan
  • Purpose of a benefits Realisation Strategy, Framework, and Register / Plan
  • Purpose of a Risk Management Strategy, Framework, and Register / Plan
  • Purpose of a Post Programme / Project Evaluation Strategy, Framework, and Plan

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Ways to take this course

Classroom Training

Face-to-face sessions led by expert instructors, fostering interactive learning experiences and collaboration among delegates.

Online Instructor-Led Training

Live virtual classes led by experienced trainers, offering real-time interaction and guidance for optimal learning outcomes.

Online Self-Paced Training

Flexible learning at your own pace, with access to comprehensive course materials and resources available anytime, anywhere.

On-Site Training

Customised courses delivered at your location, tailored to your specific needs and scheduling preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Better Business Cases™?

Better Business Cases™ is a globally recognised framework developed to support effective decision-making for investments and projects. It follows the Five Case Model, ensuring proposals are strategically aligned, financially viable, and deliver measurable value. The framework was developed by HM Treasury and is the UK Government’s best practice approach to planning spending proposals. 

What is the Better Business Cases™ Foundation qualification?

The Foundation qualification provides an introduction to the Better Business Cases™ methodology and the Five Case Model. It equips learners with the theoretical knowledge and core terminology needed to understand how business cases are structured and developed, and prepares them to sit the APMG International Foundation examination. 

How is the Better Business Cases™ Foundation exam structured?

The Foundation exam is a 40-minute closed-book multiple-choice paper consisting of 50 questions. The pass mark is 25 out of 50 (50%). The exam is accredited and administered by APMG International. Delegates attending the classroom course will sit the exam at the end of the training; online delegates may sit at their convenience. 

Why is Better Business Cases™ training important?

This training strengthens decision-making by ensuring investments are justified, risks are assessed, and outcomes are aligned with organisational objectives. It is particularly valuable for improving governance, accountability, and value for money across public sector and private sector organisations alike. 

Are there any prerequisites for this course?

There are no formal prerequisites for the Better Business Cases™ Foundation course. It is open to professionals at all levels and from any sector. A basic familiarity with project environments or financial terminology is helpful but not required. Note that passing the Foundation exam is required before progressing to the Practitioner level. 

What is the duration of the course?

The Better Business Cases™ Foundation course is delivered over 3 days. Some pre-course reading of the Better Business Cases™ Full Guidance document is recommended before attending to support effective learning during the programme. 

Who should attend this training?

This course is ideal for Project Managers, Business Analysts, Finance Professionals, Policy Makers, Senior Responsible Owners, Auditors, and anyone involved in developing or reviewing business cases and investment proposals in either the public or private sector. 

What will I learn during the training?

Learners will understand the Five Case Model and its five component cases, Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial, and Management. They will learn the purpose and core content of each case, the three stages of business case development (SOC, OBC, FBC), and the principles underpinning sound investment appraisal. 

What modules are included in the course?

The training covers six modules: an overview of the Five Case Model, followed by dedicated modules on developing each of the five cases, Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial, and Management. 

Do participants receive a certificate after completion?

Yes. Candidates who successfully pass the Foundation examination will receive an official Better Business Cases™ Foundation certificate issued by APMG International, the globally recognised accreditation and examination body. 

How difficult is the Better Business Cases™ Foundation course?

The Foundation level is introductory and is suitable for professionals with no prior knowledge of the framework. The exam tests core knowledge of the Five Case Model’s principles and terminology rather than practical application. Delegates who complete the pre-course reading and engage with the mock questions during training are well-placed to pass. 

Do I need prior business experience to take this course?

No prior experience is required for the Foundation level. However, a basic understanding of project or business environments can be helpful for grasping the concepts more effectively. The Foundation course is designed to be accessible to beginners and experienced professionals alike. 

What are the career opportunities after certification?

The Foundation qualification supports roles in project management, business analysis, programme management, finance, and public sector planning. It demonstrates a recognised understanding of the UK Government’s best practice approach to investment appraisal and can enhance credibility in roles that require structured decision-making. 

What roles and responsibilities can I take on after completing this training?

After completing this training, professionals are better positioned to contribute to the development and review of business cases, support investment decisions, and ensure governance compliance. The Foundation qualification is a recognised stepping stone towards the Practitioner level for those wishing to develop their practical application skills. 

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