The core components of any great business case for securing software testing tools should include 10 essential elements. The second 5 of these are:
6. Key Performance Measures
Performance measures evaluate the success of the project. They indicate how the project will meet the objectives listed at the beginning of the business case. The business case will:
• list the plan objectives
• state the evaluation criteria for each objective
• outline how or by whom each will be evaluated
7. Needs Assessment
The needs assessment analyses the problem and explains why the problem needs to be corrected. It provides the information as to whether the project should be undertaken at all. The needs assessment should be broken down into two sections:
i. The Problem
• what is it?
• why does it exist?
• who is affected?
• what is the extent of the problem?
• what is the damage (liability) if the problem is not fixed?
ii. Benefits from Correcting the Problem?
• financial: Added Returns
• financial: Reduced costs
• increased quality
• time saved
8. Technical Analysis
The technical analysis outlines the technical information used to make the decision and tells why the proposal represents the best or most cost-effective solution. It describes:
• technical problems encountered with any existing solutions
• what alternative solutions were considered
• why this is the best course of action to choose
• why this is the most cost-effective solution, or if not, why
• what innovative technologies are being used
9. The Project Plan
The work plan spells out the terms that will form the basis of any contracts, including the jobs to be done, the time frames and milestones. It will help the project manager by including the evaluation criteria for each step or milestone here. Name those responsible for managing the project and contracts as soon as they are known.
• describe key activities and locations
• outline milestones and timelines for completion
• identify risks to project completion and contingencies
• list project staff and consultants if known, and their responsibilities
Although you will create a detailed work plan listing tasks, detailed processes and reporting mechanisms to manage the project, it is not necessary to include this level of detail in the high-level project plan forming part of the business case.
10. The Financial Plan
The financial plan shows how the software testing project will be financed and how returns will be achieved.
Give an explanation of why this software testing projects’ funding is necessary and how funds will be used in the introductory paragraph. Elements of the financial plan should include:
• detailed budget
• sources of funding
• returns from project performance (with time)
• operating and administrative costs
• cash flow statement.
In the last post in this series we’ll look at critical factors for success when writing your business case for software testing tools.