The Strategic Case

Which case in the Five Case Model establishes that there is a compelling case for change aligned with organisational and wider strategic objectives?

• A The Commercial Case
• B The Financial Case
• C The Strategic Case ✓
• D The Economic Case

Answer: The Strategic Case sets out the case for change and demonstrates how the proposed investment provides strategic fit with organisational goals and the wider policy context.

In Better Business Cases, what does the acronym SMART describe in relation to spending objectives?

• A The criteria that well-formed objectives should meet ✓
• B A technique for calculating net present value
• C The stages of the procurement lifecycle
• D A method of allocating risk to suppliers

Answer: Spending objectives should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound, ensuring they are clear and assessable.

Which document is the FIRST in the standard business case development path under the Five Case Model?

• A Strategic Outline Case (SOC) ✓
• B Post Implementation Review (PIR)
• C Full Business Case (FBC)
• D Outline Business Case (OBC)

Answer: The development path is SOC then OBC then FBC; the Strategic Outline Case is produced first to make the early case for change and scope the project.

What is the primary purpose of identifying 'existing arrangements' and 'business needs' within the Strategic Case?

• A To set out the funding profile across financial years
• B To describe the current situation and the gap driving the need for change ✓
• C To finalise the preferred bidder for the contract
• D To calculate the discounted whole-life cost of each option

Answer: Describing existing arrangements and business needs establishes the current state and the problems or gaps that create the case for change.

Within the Strategic Case, what does defining the project 'scope' primarily achieve?

• A It fixes the final contract price with the supplier
• B It determines the optimism bias percentage to apply
• C It selects the preferred procurement route
• D It sets the boundaries of what is and is not included in the change ✓

Answer: Defining scope establishes the boundaries of the proposed change, clarifying what the initiative will and will not cover.

Which of the following best describes 'strategic fit' in the Strategic Case?

• A The alignment of the proposal with organisational strategies and wider government policy ✓
• B The annual budget available to fund the scheme
• C The ratio of benefits to costs over the appraisal period
• D The allocation of delivery risks between buyer and supplier

Answer: Strategic fit demonstrates how the investment supports the organisation's own strategies and aligns with broader policy and stakeholder objectives.