APMG BBC Foundation study guide
APMG BBC Foundation · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Better Business Cases (BBC) is an APMG certification scheme in the project and programme management family, aimed at people who sponsor, write, appraise or approve business cases - typically in public sector bodies and in organisations that supply or partner with them. APMG lists 'Better Business Cases Certification' among its featured certifications, and a published learner testimonial describes 'Better Business Case Practitioner training' as strengthening the writer's understanding of 'the Treasury's Green Book guidance' and helping ensure business cases are 'robust, evidence-based and aligned to best practice'. The APMG BBC Foundation study guide has 5 sections and about 1,283 words.
01Strategic Case: Making the Case for Change
The strategic case answers whether there is a compelling case for change and whether the proposal fits the organisation's strategy. A candidate must know the core components: strategic context, the case for change, strategic fit, SMART objectives, business scope (what is in and out), measurable benefits and dis-benefits, strategic risks, constraints and dependencies, and stakeholder expectations.
265 words, about 1 min02Economic Case: Options Appraisal and Value
The economic case identifies the option that delivers the best balance of costs, benefits and risks to society or the wider public. Candidates must understand option generation and appraisal: a long list, critical success factors, a short list, a do-minimum or do-nothing baseline, whole-life costs, benefits, dis-benefits, risk, optimism bias, discounting, net present value (NPV), sensitivity analysis and the preferred option.
271 words, about 1 min03Commercial Case: Procuring and Contracting the Solution
The commercial case shows that the preferred option can be procured and contracted successfully. Candidates must know procurement strategy, market and supplier capability, sourcing options, deal structure, payment and pricing mechanisms, risk allocation and transfer, key contract terms, contract management and exit arrangements.
258 words, about 1 min04Financial Case: Affordability and Funding
The financial case demonstrates affordability: that the preferred option can be funded and will fit within the organisation's budget, cash limits and accounting framework. Candidates need budget and funding sources, capital and revenue treatment, cash-flow timing, balance-sheet impacts, contingent liabilities, whole-life cost profile and an affordability gap analysis.
246 words, about 1 min05Management Case: Deliverability and Assurance
The management case shows the proposal is deliverable and will be managed properly. Candidates must understand the delivery plan, governance and assurance arrangements, roles such as senior responsible owner, project and programme management, risk management, change control, stakeholder engagement, benefits realisation and post-implementation review.
243 words, about 1 min