5.4 Proposing a PMS Solution

 

The PMS solution recommendation is the foundation for developing a compelling business case proposal for the adoption of the PMS solution. According to the PMBOK® Guide (PMI, 2021), “a business case can contain information about strategic alignment, assessment of risk exposure, economic feasibility study, return on investments, expected key performance measures, evaluations, and alternative approaches. The business case may state the intended value contribution of the project outcome in qualitative or quantitative terms or both. A business case contains at least these supporting and interrelated elements” (p. 34). These supporting and interrelated elements are further described below.

Business need. Business provides the rationale for the project, explaining why the project is undertaken. It originates with the preliminary business requirements, which are reflected in the project charger or other authorizing document. It provides details about the business goals and objectives. The business need may be intended for the performing organization, a client organization, a partnership of organizations, or public welfare. A clear statement of the business need helps the project team understand the business drivers for the future state and allows the project team to identify opportunities or problems to increase the potential value from the project outcome. 

Project justification. Project justification is connected to business need. It explains why the business need is worth the investment and why it should be addressed at this time. The project justification is accompanied by a cost-benefit analysis and assumptions. 

Business strategy. Business strategy is the reason for the project and all needs are related to the strategy to achieve the value. 

An excerpt from Page 35 of the PMBOK Guide (PMI, 2021)

Moreover, BABOK® (IIBA, 2015) stated that “a business case provides a justification for a course of action based on the benefits to be realized by using the proposed solution, as compared to the cost, effort, and other considerations to acquire and live with that solution” (Section 10.7.1). In this context, the PMS business case solicits sponsor approval by making a compelling recommendation, which incorporates a clear and concise statement about the need for the PMS, sets forth the specific business value and desired outcomes, and delineates financial and non-financial requirements, and identifies constraints, assumptions, and risks. The approved business case guides the adoption and deployment of the PMS.

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References

International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). (2015). A guide to the business analysis body of knowledge (BABOK®) (3rd ed.). IIBA.

Project Management Institute. (2021). A guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK guide) (7th ed.). Project Management Institute.

Project Management Institute. (2017). The PMI guide to the business analysis. PMI Publications.