Towards Better Business Cases

Abstract

This thesis sets out the synthesis of a substantial body of work into a PhD by publication, based upon works relating the Five Case Business Case (5CBC) model. It brings together a programme of research undertaken during recent years, developed by the author working with the School of Management at Swansea University. The work transcends academic understanding of business case development, public policy, and benefits realisation. The author’s journey establishing the 5CBC Model provides the framework for the portfolio of works, developed through Action Research, and contributing to policy and practice across the UK and internationally. Established through academic literature along with government guidance and reports, the works individually and collectively offer unique insights to the field of business case development. Key contributions of the Options Filter, a skills framework for case development, and a proportionate approach for their development, are explored in the publications, together with how they contribute to the academic literature and professional practice. The potential for the continually evolving 5CBC model to support delivery of future policy developments, and deployment into other sectors presents significant scope for further work in both business case development and the initiatives the model helps realise.