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.
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
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.
Better Business Cases™ Foundation Calender
No virtual schedules available.
No classroom schedules available.
Worldwide Learning Experience
These courses cater to learners worldwide, offering flexible options to fit your schedule and location.
Learning Path Towards Success
Explore
Dive into our comprehensive courses to find the best fit for your career goals.
Study
Avail our high-quality learning resources to scale up your career.
Practice
Gain hands-on experience through practical exercises, assignments and case studies.
Succeed
Achieve the skill set to attain a competitive edge in the job market.
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.
Find Your Best Course With Us
Discover the best courses tailored to your career goals. Get in touch with our support team for expert guidance.
Explore Our Client Saying
PRINCE2 Training has been an invaluable investment for us. The course was engaging, the material was excellent, and the instructors truly knew their stuff. It's not just about getting certified; it's about gaining skills that move our projects and our people forward.
Michael Carter
Project Director
The depth and clarity of the PRINCE2 Training have surpassed all our expectations. Our team now approaches projects with greater confidence and a solid framework, leading to more predictable and successful results. We're truly grateful for the transformation.
Samantha Wong
Project Lead
As a Project Manager, I can confidently say that registering for PRINCE2 Training was a game-changer for me. The comprehensive curriculum and practical approach gave me the tools and strategies I needed to excel in my role.
Emily Johnson
Project Manager
PRINCE2 Training was a game-changer for our team. The standardised approach to project management not only improved our efficiency but also enhanced collaboration and communication among team members. We're already seeing the positive impact of implementing PRINCE2 methodologies in our projects. Thank you for such a valuable learning experience!
Ada Richman
Project Governance Director
I can't say enough good things about PRINCE2 Training! The instructors were passionate about the subject matter and went above and beyond to ensure that all participants understood the material. Whether you're new to project management or looking to enhance your skills, I highly recommend investing in PRINCE2 Training.
Rod Stewart
IT Project Manager
As someone with limited experience in project management, I found PRINCE2 Training to be incredibly valuable. The course content was well-structured and easy to follow, even for beginners like me. I appreciated the emphasis on practical application, which allowed me to immediately implement what I learned in my workplace.
Luca Bianchi
Program Director
PRINCE2 Training provided me with the tools and techniques I needed to excel in my project management career. The practical exercises and real-world examples helped me apply the concepts to my job immediately. I'm grateful for the valuable skills I gained through this training program.
Henri Mitchell
Business Transformation Manager
I had been looking for a comprehensive project management course, and PRINCE2 Training exceeded my expectations. The material was thorough, the instructors were engaging, and the support staff were always available to answer my questions. Thanks to PRINCE2, I feel confident tackling any project that comes my way.
Loren Crookes
Risk Management Specialist
Registering for the PRINCE2 Training Was a Game-changer For Me! The Course Structure Was Well-organised, The Instructors were knowledgeable, and the hands-on approach really helped solidify my understanding of project management principles. Highly recommended!