What is the primary purpose of a 'business case' in project management?

The primary purpose of a 'business case' in project management is to justify the investment and benefits of the project. A business case serves as a foundational document that outlines the rationale for undertaking a project, detailing both the anticipated benefits and the reasons why these merits outweigh the costs and risks involved. It communicates the value proposition of a project to stakeholders and decision-makers, ensuring they understand how the project aligns with organizational goals and objectives.

In establishing this justification, the business case typically includes analyses of potential returns on investment, cost-benefit analyses, and how the project responds to market demands or organizational needs. By providing a clear framework that supports decision-making, the business case helps to secure necessary funding and resources, fostering a more strategic approach to project management.

While outlining project timelines and milestones, defining roles and responsibilities, and assessing risks are important aspects of project management, they are secondary to the overarching need to justify the project's existence and anticipated impact.