APMG-International Better Business Cases (TM) Foundation and Practitioner

APMG Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner Syllabus

Five Case Model Overview

Developing strategic business cases

• Defining the case for change

• Setting SMART objectives (strategic outline case)

• Defining benefits

• Defining key risks

• Balancing Effectiveness / Economy / Efficiency

Developing economic business cases

• Options framework analysis

• Defining the 'long list'

• Benefits appraisals

• Risk appraisals

• Turning the 'long list' into a 'short List' and a 'preferred option'

Developing commercial business cases

• Determining the procurement strategy

• Apportioning risk

• Determining payment mechanisms

Developing financial business cases

• Ascertaining affordability

• Securing relevant funds

• Determining capital requirements

• Net effect on prices

Developing the project management cases

• Defining project management controls

• Defining change controls

• Define benefit measurement arrangements

• Define risk management arrangements

• Define post-project evaluation processes

Learning outcomes:

Foundation Course Level

Throughout this business cases foundation training course, you will learn:

• The philosophy and underlying rationale of the Five Case Model.

• The different types of business cases, their purpose, who is responsible for them and when they are required in the development of a spending proposal.

• The development of the business case about other recognised and recommended best practices for programme and project management.

Business Cases Practitioner Course Level

Throughout the Better Business Cases Practitioner training course, you will learn:

• The development lifecycle of a business case and the relationships between the five case model.

• How can the steps in the business case development framework be applied to support the production of a business case using the Five Case Model for a given scenario?

APMG Better Business Case Exam Details

Foundation Examination Format

Exam Format - Multiple choice

Duration – 40 minutes

Pass Mark – 25/50 (50%)

Open book – No 

Practitioner Examination Format

Exam Format - Multiple choice

Duration – 2 ½ hours

Pass Mark – 40/80 (50%)

Open book – Yes (International Guide to Developing the Project Business Case and International Guide to Developing the Programme Business Case only).

There are no initial requirements for taking this foundation business cases training course. However, having experience in project management, business analysis, or finance can be advantageous. This Foundation and Practitioner course would be beneficial for anyone who is:

• A practising Business Analyst.

• Senior Responsible Owners (SROs), including Programme Directors and other Directors responsible for successfully delivering a programme business case and projects.

• Project Managers

• Project Team Members and specialist advisers tasked with delivering a business case for investment.

• Officers involved in the scrutiny and review of investment proposals

Globally recognised certification: Our course is fully accredited by APMG International, ensuring your certification holds value and recognition from employers worldwide, enhancing your professional credibility.

Accelerated career advancement: Obtaining this certification can greatly enhance your career opportunities in higher-level responsibilities and leadership positions within your organisation.

Join a worldwide network: Upon completing this course, you will join a global network of professionals certified in Better Business Cases™. This network offers invaluable connections, resources, and support, helping you share insights and best practices with peers from diverse industries and backgrounds.

Flexible, interest-free payment options: We offer 0% interest payment plans to help you invest in your education without financial strain.

Exam Pass Guarantee: If you do not pass the exam after completing the course, you can retake it at no extra cost, ensuring you have the best chance to succeed.

What are the benefits of a strong business case?

A better business case offers clear objectives and justifications for a project, enabling effective business decisions to grasp its alignment with other organisational objectives, goals, and anticipated benefits. It enhances decision-making through data-driven insights, identifies risks and mitigation strategies, and ensures effective resource allocation to deliver them successfully.

A clear and complete business case, focusing on critical success factors, helps gain stakeholder support and build accountability and trust, making the project more likely to succeed in real-world scenarios.

What is the Five Case Model?

The Five Case Model is a framework for developing robust public sector business cases, particularly in the UK government's sector. It helps ensure that proposed projects are well-structured and that all necessary aspects are considered before approval. The Five Case model consists of five interrelated and presenting high-quality business cases:

• Strategic case model

• Economic case model

• Commercial case model

• Financial case

• Management case model

Is Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner training suitable for me?

The Foundation course is perfect for anyone who wants a solid grasp of business case development, including project managers, business analysts, financial planners, and decision-makers. It covers key areas like cost-benefit analysis and effective decision-making. After completing the Foundation exam, you can take your knowledge to the next level with the Better Business Cases Practitioner course. This gives an in-depth understanding of creating effective business cases, which prepares you for the Practitioner exam and tests your ability to apply what you've learned through objective testing.

Are APMG Better Business Cases courses worth it?

Yes! This certification is highly regarded in project and programme management. It equips professionals with essential skills to develop effective project business cases, making it valuable for career advancement and improving organisational decision-making.

Is the APMG Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner exams hard?

The APMG Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner exams can be challenging, especially if you're new to business case development or objective testing. However, with the right preparation and the knowledge you gain from the training, success is definitely within your reach. The Foundation exam is more focused on assessing your basic understanding, while the Practitioner exam requires you to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, considering the strategic context and strategic objectives. You’ll also need to evaluate existing arrangements and determine how to improve them. You can take the exam online, which offers flexibility.

If you're a Project Manager or involved in organisational decision-making, better business case exams will test your decision-making skills and ability to create effective business cases. You should be well-prepared for success in your exam as long as you understand the course material sufficiently and put in the effort to study.

What is the format of the certification exam?

The Foundation exam and Practitioner exam formats both consist of multiple-choice questions. Candidates can complete the exams at their own pace but must correctly answer a specified number of questions within a set time limit to pass.

What are the benefits of obtaining this certification?

This certification can benefit you by recognising your skills globally, enhancing career opportunities, and giving you access to a network of certified professionals. As a Better Business Cases Practitioner, the certification demonstrates your ability to apply the business case development framework and practice approach.

It equips you with the expertise gained from business case training, enabling you to develop an outline of a business case that considers potential solutions through objective testing. This ultimately enhances decision-making and creates effective business cases.

How long is the validity of APMG Better Business Cases certification?

The Better Business Cases™ Foundation and practitioner certification does not expire, but it is recommended that you keep your skills and knowledge current through continuous learning and professional development.

What jobs can I apply for after my APMG Better Business Case training?

We find that delegates typically are currently working in or plan on a career in the following job roles:

•    Project Team Member

•    Project Manager

•    Senior Responsible Manager

•    Systems Owner

•    Programme Director