In most banks, completing a bank Business Case is the first step towards initiating a project. A CCG Catalyst Business Case justifies the start-up of the initiative and describes the:
- Business problem (or opportunity) that currently exists in the bank
- Alternative options for delivering a solution to resolve the problem
- Benefits and costs associated with each alternative solution
- Recommended solution for approval
The following diagram depicts the steps involved in creating a Business Case:
Identify the Business Problem
Initiative are typically undertaken to solve a business problem or realize a business opportunity. It is imperative that CCG Catalyst spend the time upfront to investigate the business problem or opportunity before attempting to find a resolution to the issue.
Identify the Root Cause
First, CCG Catalyst will need to determine the root cause of the problem or opportunity by analyzing the environment within which it has arisen. For instance, the root cause of a problem or opportunity may be related to:
Changes to the business vision, strategy or objectives
- Newly identified competing products or processes
- Opportunities resulting from newly introduced technologies
- Commercial or operational trends that are driving business changes
- Changes to statutory, legislative or other environmental requirements
Describe the Problem
CCG Catalyst will document the problem in detail by listing the:
- Reasons why the problem has arisen
- Elements that have created the problem (e.g. human, process, technology)
- Impact the problem is having on the business (e.g. financial, cultural, operational)
- Timeframes within which the problem must be resolved
Examples of banking problems that require initiatives to solve them include: inefficient business processes, outdated technology, poor customer satisfaction, low profitability and increases in competitor market share.
Describe the Opportunity
If the initiative is being formed to realize a business opportunity (rather than solve a business problem), then Catalyst will need to:
- Describe the business opportunity in detail
- Identify why and how the opportunity has come about
- List the timeframes within which the opportunity will exist
- Define the impact that realizing the opportunity will have on the bank
Whether the initiative is being formed to solve a problem or realize a business opportunity, CCG Catalyst will need to collate all supporting evidence possible to prove to the executive sponsor that it is real and that it must be resolved within the timeframes specified.
Identify the Solutions
Now that CCG Catalyst has a detailed understanding of the business problem or opportunity, it is time to identify a preferred solution. For every business problem identified, there will likely be a range of alternative solutions available for implementation. Choosing the right solution for the right problem or opportunity is always a challenge. To ensure that CCG Catalyst recommends the best solution available for the initiative, CCG Catalyst will complete the following steps.
Identify the Alternatives
CCG Catalyst will identify at least three solid alternative solutions. CCG Catalyst will state each alternative solution by describing its core elements (e.g. people, process, organization, technology) and the function of each element in the solution. Catalyst will then complete the following steps for each alternative solution.
- Quantify the Benefits
- Forecast the Costs
- Assess the Feasibility
- Identify any Risks
- Document the Issues
- List any Assumptions
List any Assumptions
CCG Catalyst will list any assumptions made while describing each alternative solution. For example, it may be assumed that:
- “There will be no legislative, business strategy or policy changes during the project
- The prices of raw materials will not increase during the course of the project
- Additional resource will be available from the business as required”
Recommend a Solution
CCG Catalyst will assess the benefits, costs, feasibility, risks and issues associated with each solution. Catalyst will rank the solutions and recommend a preferred solution.
