IASA - Lean Business Case Card

Canvas Overview: The Business Case has many names and uses. However, it primarily provides the details of a certain amount of work and it’s expected benefits and costs. The BTABoK uses the NABC template (Need, Approach, Benefits, Considerations) as a Lean Business Case template which can be seen on a single page. It may still be necessary to use a larger document which will be added as another ‘canvas’ to the BTABoK though it will be in document formats.

The Business Case Canvas can be a valuable tool for architects for a number of reasons.

• Developing a project brief: By using the Business Case Canvas to outline the need, different approaches, and expected benefits and costs of a project, architects can create a clear and concise project brief that can be used to communicate with clients and stakeholders [2].

• Identifying project goals: The Business Case Canvas can help architects to identify the specific goals of a project and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned on what the project is trying to achieve [2].

• Considering different approaches: The Business Case Canvas can be used to brainstorm different solutions to a problem and evaluate the feasibility of each option [2].

• Assessing the value of a project: By comparing the expected benefits of a project with its costs, the Business Case Canvas can help architects to assess the value of a project and make informed decisions about whether or not to proceed [2].

How it Fits into Strategy and Execution

The Business Case Canvas is a strategic tool that can be used in the early stages of project planning to develop a project brief and identify project goals. It can also be used to communicate the project’s value proposition to stakeholders. Once a project has been approved, the Business Case Canvas can be used as a reference point to track progress and ensure that the project is on track to achieve its goals [2].

How to use this card

The Business Case Canvas is a visual strategy and communication tool used to assess the feasibility of a project. It can be used by architects to develop a project brief, identify project goals, consider different approaches, and assess the value of a project versus its costs.

Here’s a breakdown of the Business Case Canvas and how it can be used:

Need

This section defines the problem, opportunity, or challenge that the project is aiming to address. It should include a clear and concise statement of the current situation and the desired future state.

Approach

This section outlines the proposed solution or approach to address the need. This could include different options or scenarios that will be evaluated further on in the canvas .

Benefits/Value

This section details the expected benefits of the project if it’s successful. These benefits can be both qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative benefits might include improved customer satisfaction or increased employee morale, while quantitative benefits could include cost savings or return on investment (ROI) .

Costs

This section details all the expected costs associated with the project. This could include one-time costs, like purchasing equipment, or ongoing costs, like staffing or maintenance .

Return on Investment (ROI)

This section compares the expected benefits of the project with its costs. ROI can be a simple calculation that divides the total benefit by the total cost, or it can be a more complex financial analysis that takes into account the time value of money.

Considerations/Competition/Alternatives/Risks

This section is used to brainstorm any other factors that could affect the project. This might include competition, alternative solutions, or potential risks that could occur during the project.

Resources

The Business Case Canvas is a relatively simple tool and doesn’t require any specific resources beyond the canvas itself, which can be found online or created with a whiteboard or flip chart.

About IASA Global: IASA Global is a non-profit association for ALL Technology Architects which was established in 2002.The association is committed to improving the quality of the BT architecture industry by developing and delivering standards, education programs and developing accreditation programs and services that optimize the development of the architecture profession. The IASA network and membership consists of approximately 70,000 people in over 50 countries.

IASA Global has created the world's first and only Business Technology Architecture Body of Knowledge, (BTABoK), which is a free public archive of Business Technology architecture best practices, skills, and knowledge developed from the experience of individual and corporate members of IASA. 

IASA has added templates for over 30 of the most frequently used BTABoK structured canvases into the Miroverse to help accelerate how Technology Architects collaborate on the architecture of the future. Give one a try today, and learn more about IASA at https://iasaglobal.org/.