Project Management

Project Feasibility and Business Case Development

Good projects start with a strong business case that tests strategic fit, options, costs, benefits and risks before money is committed. This course teaches how to conduct feasibility studies and write business cases: problem definition, option appraisal, cost-benefit analysis, financial evaluation, risk assessment and presenting recommendations to decision makers.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Weak business cases lead to poor investments and later disappointment. You will learn to build cases that are honest, persuasive and decision-ready.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Business case templates, option appraisal exercises, financial evaluation practice and presentation of business cases.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Define the problem and strategic case
Generate and appraise options
Estimate costs, benefits and risks
Evaluate financial viability using NPV and payback
Assess technical, market and organisational feasibility
Present a clear recommendation

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Project managers
Business analysts
Planning and strategy officers
Finance professionals
Project sponsors

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Feasibility analysis
Option appraisal
Financial evaluation
Risk assessment
Persuasive writing

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Purpose of Business Cases

09:00–10:08Investment decisions
10:08–11:00Business case structure
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Business case structure (continued)
11:45–12:53Common weaknesses
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Strategic Case and Options

09:00–10:08Problem definition
10:08–11:00Options long list and short list
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Options long list and short list (continued)
11:45–12:53Appraisal criteria
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Costs and Benefits

09:00–10:08Cost estimating
10:08–11:00Quantifying benefits
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Quantifying benefits (continued)
11:45–12:53Non-financial benefits
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Financial and Risk Evaluation

09:00–10:08NPV, IRR and payback
10:08–11:00Sensitivity
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Sensitivity (continued)
11:45–12:53Risk assessment
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Making the Case

09:00–10:08Writing the recommendation
10:08–11:00Presenting to decision makers
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Presenting to decision makers (continued)
11:45–12:53Approval processes
12:53–14:00Final presentations

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

All courses

The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.