Learn how to align your next business case with Commonwealth and ACT Government guidelines.

Is this course right for you?

Are you involved in developing or contributing to business cases in the ACT Public Service or Australian Public Service? Would your work benefit from a deeper understanding of how to prepare robust, evidence-based business cases aligned with government expectations and frameworks?

Whether you’re seeking project funding, initiating a policy proposal, or recommending a strategic investment, strong business case development is essential to inform decision-making and secure approval.

This course is also an ideal companion to the one-day Cost Benefit Analysis course. If you want your next business case to reflect best practice and align with ACT or Commonwealth requirements, this course is for you.

What will you learn?

This interactive one-day workshop will equip you with the practical skills and tools to develop an effective, evidence-based business case that meets the standards expected by decision-makers in government.

You’ll work through real-world examples from public sector contexts and collaborate with peers to explore challenges, gain feedback, and apply frameworks throughout the day.

Delivery

This course is delivered over two half days using Microsoft Teams.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Define the problem or need and develop clear, measurable objectives for your business case.
• Ensure your business case demonstrates strategic alignment with government priorities, agency goals, and broader policy settings.
• Identify and engage relevant stakeholders effectively throughout the development process.
• Explore a range of strategic options and demonstrate a logical rationale for the preferred solution.
• Understand key principles of cost-benefit analysis and how it supports a value-for-money assessment.
• Integrate risk management considerations to strengthen your business case and support implementation planning.
• Select and test the preferred option, demonstrating feasibility, affordability, and public value.
• Write a clear, persuasive business case tailored for public sector review processes, including alignment with Commonwealth or ACT Government guidance (e.g. Department of Finance Business Case Guidelines, ACT Treasury Investment Framework).

If you would like to learn more about this course or our other offerings, please contact the IPAA ACT team on 02 6154 9800 or capability@act.ipaa.org.au.

Courses that do not reach the minimum required participants 14 days before the commencement date will be cancelled with a full refund.

If you work for the federal or ACT public service, or in the broader public-for-purpose sector, you’re most likely already a member of IPAA ACT. Check our membership list if you’re not sure.