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8 Free Business Case Templates

As a business specialist or manager, you are majorly responsible for important business decisions. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and know how to create a well-structured case. A business case is a fundamental document that plays a significant role in the organization’s decision-making processes . It is advisable to use a template when creating such a case. The template will act as a complete and comprehensive guide during the creation process. Hence, this article will discuss the template’s benefits and essential components for preparing it. 

What is a Business Case? 

A business case is a document that justifies why an organization invested in a particular project, investment, program, or initiative.

This document evaluates the project’s risks, costs, benefits, and alternatives. Additionally, it provides a coherent framework in which you can evaluate the company’s financial and operational viability to boost the success rates of its projects. It is usually prepared by the project manager, business analyst , or an important stakeholder. 

The document is presented to organizational executives, shareholders, and other interested parties who will either approve, revise, or reject the proposed investment of the project. Furthermore, it summarizes the essential elements of the initiative in question. These elements enable the investors, executives, and shareholders to measure the project’s benefits to the organization. That means that for you to have a complete document, your case should comprehensively outline the importance and value of the project. 

Free Templates

Following are the templates that you can download for free:

Benefits of Business Case Template

A template for business case is a structured document that provides a blueprint and a format for creating the case.

This document acts as a guide on how to organize and present the information contained in your case. Furthermore, it outlines the fundamental elements to consider when crafting a business case. 

The following are the benefits of using business case template:

Alignment with organizational standards

The template ensures that the proposed initiatives and projects are aligned with the company’s overall strategic goals and practices . Additionally, it guarantees that the information is presented accurately and consistently. As a result, your presentation will adhere to the organizational guidelines for creating it. Also, it will ensure that the executives and stakeholders understand the initiative or the project you are proposing. 

Improved communication

Communication is critical in any business set-up. This document will ensure that key points and other relevant details are clearly and concisely articulated. As a result, this will facilitate improved communication between the stakeholders and other reverent individuals. Improved communication will allow the executives to understand the proposed project’s benefits, costs, and risks. 

Enhance collaboration

This structured document will provide a shared framework for individuals, departments, and shareholders to collaborate when creating a standardized business case. With collaboration, the initiative’s final proposal will capture the different perspectives of all involved parties. 

Training and onboarding

A template for business case can be an effective and efficient training and onboarding tool for new and old employees. By using a standardized template, employees can learn how to create a perfect document that meets the organizational guidelines. The templates provide employees with a step-by-step guide on how to craft it. Also, they enable employees to create it that meets organizational standards and guidelines. 

Flexibility for customization

Template for business case can be customized to satisfy the requirements and adhere to the organization’s guidelines. While the template offers a standardized structure, it can also be modified to accommodate different project proposals that have unique requirements. This flexibility allows an organization to maintain consistency when preparing and presenting business cases to stakeholders and investors.

Continuous improvement

You can regularly review and update it to ensure it remains practical and relevant to the organizational objectives. That means, using the feedback gathered from the stakeholders, you can continuously improve your case. The feedback will highlight the areas that need improvement during the preparation process. Therefore, your document will remain effective as the organization evolves.

How to Choose the Right Template

Choosing a suitable template is essential to effectively present a project proposal to investors and stakeholders. With a well-structured document, you can design the case with organized data and present the information clearly and concisely.

The following are steps to follow when choosing a template:

Step 1: Identify the specific needs and requirements of your project

Before choosing a template, you consider the type of project, its objectives, the target audience, the scope, and the objectives of the project. This will help you to identify the information to be included. For instance, if you are creating a business case for launching a new product, you will need a template that contains sections like risk analysis , financial projections, and marketing research. Therefore, by understanding your project, you can choose a template that complements the specific needs of your project. 

Step 2: Evaluate different template options

It is important to evaluate and examine different business case templates to determine which one meets the requirements of your project. Note that the template should be user-friendly and easy to customize. Therefore, you can select and evaluate different templates after identifying the needs and requirements of the project in question. While evaluating the template, you should consider its structure, usability, and overall layout.

In addition, the template should help you to maintain the structure and the integrity of the project information. Therefore, you should be able to customize and tailor the selected template to fit and satisfy the specific needs of your project. 

Step 3: Consider industry standards and best practices

It is fundamental to select and use templates that are widely used and accepted in the industry. Templates that meet the industry standards and practices will ensure that your project proposal adheres to the industry norms, standards, and best practices. Therefore, you should select templates with sections such as shareholder analysis, risk and benefit assessment , and market analysis. A template that adheres to industry standards and best practices will make your business case credible and acceptable among clients, executives, and investors. 

Basic Components of a Template

Templates may vary depending on the specifications of the project in question. However, there are essential elements that must be included in the template.

They include the following:

Executive summary

The summary should be placed at the beginning of the case. This section prides investors and executives with a brief overview of the entire project. The executive summary outlines the purpose of the project, its objectives, the problems being solved, and the potential benefits the project will bring. 

Business problem

In this section, indicate and explain the problem or opportunity to be resolved by the proposed project. Therefore, this section should identify the existing problems and why the proposed project is necessary to solve the identified problem. Also, it should explain why the project is vital to the organization. 

Possible solutions

This section will allow you to list and evaluate the possible business solutions to the identified problem. The possible solutions will demonstrate how the project will be executed and each proposed solution’s expected pros and cons. This will allow stakeholders to select solutions that will offer more benefits to the organization. 

Product or service

This section of the template describes the product or service that will be developed as part of the solution to the identified problem. Therefore, you will describe the product or service, its features, the development process, its benefits, and the product or service that will satisfy the market demand. 

Project definition

This section provides a detailed definition and description of the project. Project definition entails outlining the specific objectives of the project, the expected outcome, and the possible challenges and limitations to be faced during the project. It also describes how the proposed project aligns with the organization’s strategic mission. 

Project plan

This section offers a breakdown of how the project will be handled. Therefore, this section outlines the tasks, resources, activities, and the timeline needed to complete the project. A project plan provides shareholders with a blueprint of how the project will be executed and managed and the expected outcome. 

Project scope

Project scope defines the project’s boundaries and indicates what it will and will not include. This component highlights and manages the expectations of the project and ensures that the established boundaries are not violated or neglected. 

Project budget

The project budget allows investors to understand the financial implications of the proposed initiative. Therefore, this section provides a breakdown of the finances needed to make the project successful. This component includes providing an estimate of the cost of the materials, hiring labor, equipment, and any other necessary expenses. 

Project roadmap

This component provides a detailed analysis and overview of the project’s timeline and milestones in business. It presents a breakdown of how the project will proceed from start to finish. It allows investors and executives to visualize and understand the project’s milestones, critical dependencies, and timeline. 

Project financials

This section provides a detailed analysis of the project’s financial projections. This may include return on investment (ROI), revenue, expenses, and costs. It measures the financial benefits and the practicality of the project. Therefore, stakeholders can use this section to evaluate the economic appeal of the project.

Market assessment

This section analyzes the current market trend, conditions, and competitiveness in the market regarding the proposed product or service. The assessment will indicate the target audience, their needs, the competitive landscape, and the market size. Marker assessment will help stakeholders to understand how the market works and the possible benefits and risks of undertaking the project.

Market strategy

The market strategy highlights the marketing strategies and tactics that will be used to reach the target audience and promote the proposed product or service. This strategy will be used to gain a marketing advantage over the competitors. Additionally, the market strategy will give investors insights into achieving success in a crowded market. 

Risk assessment

Risk assessment allows executives and shareholders to understand the risks associated with the project and how they can be regulated. This segment identifies and evaluates the potential risks and reservations connected with the proposed project. The assessment indicates and explains how the identified risks may hinder and affect the company’s strategic plans and the project’s progress. 

Project stakeholders

This section of the template indicates the key stakeholders, groups, or individuals affected by the project directly. The stakeholders may include investors, partners, employees, and customers. These individuals play a vital role in the project cycle by ensuring that there are strategies to mitigate any risks and ensure the project is successful. Also, the project is usually designed to meet and satisfy the demands and expectations of these individuals. 

Business Case Vs. Business Plan

A business case is a document a project manager prepares to justify the investment in a particular initiative or opportunity. The document outlines the benefits and the potential outcome of the project in question. It also shows the financial needs of the proposed project, the risks of pursuing this opportunity, and an assessment of available alternatives to the proposed initiative. 

On the other hand, a business plan is a document that expansively highlights an organization’s mission, strategies, and operational procedures. It indicates a company’s products, services, operations, marketing, and financial projections. A plan can be used to secure funding from investors and other financial institutions. In addition, it can be used for financial development and decision-making within the organization.

Final Thoughts

A perfectly prepared business case is an instrumental tool that can be used to grow a business and help maintain its advantage in a constantly evolving and competitive market. The essence of the template is to help the organization prepare a detailed document that will help them gain financial aid to complete its project objectives. Therefore, it allows the organization to easily align its projects with the right resources and strategies to attain the desired outcomes. In addition, it offers structure and consistency that makes the decision-making process easy, accurate, and fast. 

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Business Case Template

Easily create a compelling business case using industry templates you can download and use for free.

• Eliminate paperwork with digital checklists
• Generate reports from completed checklists
• Free to use for up to 10 users

This business case template can be used by project managers across different industries to create a business case with the most important components. This free template is based on the example shared by an AU-based commission on safety and quality. Here’s how to easily use this business case template in SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) :

• Enter general information such as the document number, company name and department, project name and its sponsor, and date when the template was first used.
• Introduce the business case with a brief background, the problem statement, strategic objectives, and related projects.
• Break down each solution option into its description, benefits, disadvantages, timescale, costs, and major risks, then state the preferred option and why.
• Assign an action with a priority level and due date for any type of procurement that needs to be undertaken.
• List key milestones and deliverables with a date, or elapsed time from the start of the business case, and add photos or attach files where appropriate.
• Indicate details on governance, progress monitoring, how the business case will be kept updated, and how different versions will be identified.
• Complete the business case with additional comments and the digital signature of the project manager.

What Is a Business Case Template?

A business case template is a tool used by project managers to write an effective business case with ease. A simple business case template, also known as a business use case template, is frequently displayed as a one-page Word or PDF file with elements like the problem definition, alternative solutions, and conclusion. In a corporate setting, a business case serves as a formal document of the justification for undertaking a project. Writing a business case template becomes a breeze with the help of digital operations management platforms.

Why You Need a Business Case

A business case provides data-driven reasons to implement an idea by establishing its context, presenting a set of options, and offering a rationale for the preferred solution. Decision makers and key stakeholders leverage on a business case to evaluate the costs, benefits, and risks of taking a certain action. A good business case enables the company to explore the high-level options for meeting business needs early in a project. It also demonstrates management commitment toward evidence-based decision-making, transparency, and accountability. This template also proves to be a useful tool when creating a Project Initiation Document (PID) template .

The Most Important Components of a Business Case

The parts of a business case template vary based on different factors such as industry use case, company requirements, and client specifications. For example, business case templates used in project management normally contain general elements such as the executive summary and project overview, while an agile or lean business case template used in manufacturing typically requires specific items such as non-functional requirements and minimum viable product features. Whatever the use case, here are three of the most important components of a business case:

1. Problem Statement

This section defines the problem that the business case intends to address. The business problem usually involves a process, technology, product, or service along with the technical obstacles that have to be tackled. When describing the problem, minimize using jargon and keep it concise yet comprehensive enough that stakeholders immediately recognize the problem’s subject matter. It is crucial to keep in mind that any discussion about potential solutions should not be covered here.

2. Solution Options

This section reveals a number of alternative options that have been considered to solve the problem, including the status quo. The value proposition of each suggestion should not be based on mere speculation, but it should be backed up by reliable data. Each potential solution should illustrate its financial implications, perceived benefits, and associated risks to facilitate a more systematic analysis.

3. Conclusion or Rationale

This section indicates the best option after a comparison of all the alternatives. The recommendation should clearly summarize the reasons for moving forward with the project and show  the vision for the project’s future. It is essential that the conclusion portrays only the necessary details and its tone remains consistent with the other aspects of the business case.

Business Case Sample Report

Business Case Template Sample Report | SafetyCulture

How to Write a Business Case Template in SafetyCulture

Writing business cases can be challenging and time-consuming, especially because project managers already have a lot on their plate everyday. Use free business case templates in the  the digital operations management platform, SafetyCulture . Here’s how teams can easily streamline business case documentation and recordkeeping with SafetyCulture:

• Download editable templates from our shortlist below and use them on desktops, laptops, or mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
• Input additional notes, capture photo evidence, and attach relevant files in the business case template and when needed, assign actions to designated staff with priority levels and due dates. Add up to 10 team members using a free SafetyCulture account .
• Save drafts and complete business cases in a secure online cloud storage or automatically convert them into professional PDF reports or business case report template in Word format—which can both be sent via email.

Free Business Case Templates

Business case study template.

A business case study template is used by corporate strategists to present a business case with the financial and non-financial aspects of each project alternative, including requirements and operational benefits. Use this template to write an overview of the business case, baseline and alternatives, risk comparisons, and conclusions or recommendations. This template includes informational images of sample screening criteria and risk cubes for easier visual reference.

Simple Business Case Template

A simple business case template, or also known as a basic business case template, is often used by entrepreneurs and employees to make a one-page business case. Use this template to document the reason for the project, options available, anticipated improvements, estimated costs, underlying risks such as unforeseen costs and extra labor, schedule with milestones, assessment (e.g., what could happen if the project isn’t undertaken), and recommendation.

Project Business Case Template

A project business case template, also known as a project management business case template, is used by managers and supervisors to demonstrate the essential elements of a business case for general projects. Use this template to detail the contribution of the project to the overall business strategy, options considered, benefits, timescales, costs, expected return on investment, and risks. This template also provides an example for each element.

Business Case Proposal Template

This business case proposal template is based on an excerpt from the detailed template provided by an AU-based state department of industry, tourism, and trade. Use this template to cover the details of the proposed project with a focus on the problem to be addressed or opportunity to be harnessed. It mainly consists of the background, what initiated the project, why its sponsors want to do the project, options analysis and its outcome, and conclusion.

Jona Tarlengco

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Template Highlights

• Available for download in Microsoft Word or accessible in Google Docs.
• Offers a dedicated section for you to provide a detailed implementation plan and timeline, allowing you to customize your business case for clear and effective communication with your teams.
• Assists you in gaining support from investors and stakeholders by helping you present a well-structured business case.
• Each section of the template includes straightforward instructions, making it easy and simple for you to fill in your business case details.

What is a business case?

A business case is a document that you can use to pitch a project idea to your stakeholders. The process involves identifying a need or problem, outlining a possible solution, and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of your idea.

What does a business case include?

A business case offers details that help stakeholders evaluate your idea by understanding why you’re suggesting a certain solution and what you hope to achieve with your project.  Specifically, a business case template often includes the following sections:

• Purpose: The business problem or need that your proposed project will solve.
• Solution: An overview of your solution to the problem or need, which usually includes an overview of the project schedule and timeline.
• Scope: The time, money, and human investment required for your project. 
• Alternatives: Other strategies that could be used to solve the same problem.
• Analysis: The benefits and risks associated with your solution and reasons why you chose your solution over the alternatives.
• Key performance indicators (KPIs): How you plan to measure the effectiveness or success of the solution.

Importance of creating a business case document

Preparing a business case for a project empowers you to make a compelling argument for your proposed solution.  Additionally, it can increase the chances of your project’s success by enabling the following benefits:

Gaining stakeholder support

A comprehensive business case shows investors and stakeholders that you’ve done the research to prove the value of a solution. This builds trust and credibility, which means you’re more likely to win support for your idea.

Improving project selection 

Writing a business case forces you to clearly define the purpose of each project, consider alternatives, and weigh the benefits against the risks. As a result, you’re more likely to invest in projects that have the best possible outcomes and strategic advantages over alternate solutions.

Enabling proactive risk management

Considering risks is a key part of project management. In fact, two-thirds of project managers regularly take part in risk management activities. And thinking about potential risks at the beginning of a project gives you a head start on mitigating them. Instead of responding in real-time, you can take a proactive approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a business plan and a business case, is this business case template free, can i edit this business case template, related tags:.

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Business Case Template

Impress stakeholders and get buy-in with this complete Business Case Template. Cover all key elements of a business case and ensure your pitch is successful.

Trusted by 65M+ users and leading companies

About the Business Case Template

Steve Lydford , director at Codurance, developed this business case template to enable teams to visualize all the key components of a business case. When advocating for a project or getting stakeholder buy-in, developing a business case that is well articulated and compelling will increase your chances of getting funding and sponsorship.

This business case template is similar to the Business Model Canvas , except it focuses on the business problem and the tactics to solve it. It also shows how to implement your business plan, covering nine key areas.

How to use the business case template

Select the business case template and add it to your board. Once you have the template in place, fulfill each section of the frame, answering the questions for each. The structure of your business case canvas will look like this:

Problem: Identify the core issue your business aims to solve. Be specific and use data to back your claims. This section is your starting point and sets the context for your business case.

Solution: Describe your proposed solution to the identified problem. Ensure it is clear, feasible, and directly addresses the problem you've outlined.

Benefits: Outline the advantages your solution offers. Include both quantitative and qualitative benefits, such as cost savings, efficiency improvements, or customer satisfaction.

Scope: Define the boundaries of your business case. Specify what is included and, importantly, what is not. This clarity will help manage expectations and focus your plan.

Stakeholders: List key people or groups involved or affected by your business case. Understand their interests and how your plan impacts them.

Resources: Detail the resources required for your business case, including human, financial, and technical resources. Be realistic about what's needed to achieve your goals.

Risks: Identify potential challenges and risks associated with your business case. This foresight helps in developing mitigation strategies.

Costs: Provide a clear breakdown of the costs involved in your business case. Transparency here is crucial for gaining trust and approval.

Metrics: Establish metrics to measure the success of your business case. These could be financial metrics, customer satisfaction scores, or other relevant KPIs.

Lead a workshop with your team to map out all these aspects of your business plan. If needed, make more than one business case canvas.

Color-code stickies with common topics that are connected.

If needed, leave comments and other stickies to clarify topics.

Why should you use a business case template?

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey requires you to pitch your ideas to investors and gain support from others. The business case template provides a detailed analysis of your business and presents the core of your product or service in a clear and concise manner. This format is easy to read and helps stakeholders make informed decisions.

In addition, this template can serve as a visual aid in any presentation or pitch deck you create. It clarifies your business's main objectives and the strategies to achieve them. The business case analysis template can also serve as documentation for your team to refer to once things are up and running.

The purpose of the business case analysis template is to ensure that you have everything in place to establish your business. It also serves as a guide for managers and stakeholders to navigate through the entire business idea. Unlike the traditional business model canvas, which focuses on the strategic and tactical side of the business, the business case canvas is more about the core of the business and the benefits it will bring to the market and customers.

Do I need to make any changes to the template for each individual business case, or can I use it as it is?

While the template can be used as a starting point, it is important to customize it for each business case to ensure that it addresses the unique aspects of the proposed initiative.

Is it possible to add additional sections or information to the template if required?

Yes, you can add sections or information as necessary to meet the specific requirements of your business case. The template is a flexible tool that can be adapted to fit your needs.

Who is the intended audience for the business case template?

The primary audience includes senior management, decision-makers, and stakeholders who need to evaluate, approve, or reject the proposed initiative.

Get started with this template right now.

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10 Free Business Case Templates in PowerPoint, Slides, & ClickUp

Praburam Srinivasan

Growth Marketing Manager

August 8, 2024

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Every great project kicks off with a solid plan. But before diving into that plan, you need a clear and concise business case to back it up.

Here’s some good news—we’ve got you covered with top-tier business case templates you can use in PowerPoint, Slides, and ClickUp.

What is a Business Case Template?

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Think of a business case template as your project’s passport. A business case template details the “why’s” and “how’s” of a project or proposed business change—its benefits, cost, risks, objectives, and more.

Whether pitching an idea or seeking approval, a business case template provides the structure you need.

A compelling business case template isn’t just about numbers; it paints a clear picture. It showcases benefits, draws attention to potential risks, and defines clear objectives.

Moreover, a solid business case template is versatile, user-friendly, and adaptable to various business needs. In fact, several business case templates use a similar structure to answer or address these areas:

• Executive Summary : It gives a brief overview of the project, the overall objectives, and expected outcomes
• Problem Statement : Clearly defines the problem you’re facing and what needs to be solved
• Proposed Solution : This outlines your proposed solution in detail and includes how it will solve the problem
• Cost Benefit Analysis : This provides a detailed breakdown of the associated costs with the solution and the potential financial benefits
• Project Timeline : Outline the timeline for implementing the solution, including key milestones —basically anything that will help the project manager keep things on track
• Risk Analysis : Identify potential risks and how they will be mitigated
• Conclusion : Summarize why the proposed solution is the best choice for the business

10 Free Business Case Templates in PPT, Slides, & ClickUp

Below are our favorite business case planning templates on the market today.

Diving into a new project demands a solid foundation. And what better way to lay it than with a well-structured business case? But crafting such a document can be challenging. Enter ClickUp’s Business Case Analysis Template : your ultimate solution!

This business case template is your assistant to visualizing and comparing different approaches to a business problem swiftly, determining the viability of your project with a cost-benefit analysis, and pinpointing key factors to the success of your business case.

Use our business case template’s custom statuses to monitor the progress of your business case analysis, and create custom fields so you can approach that business case analysis systematically. You can view different facets of the business case analysis as a Doc View, a Gantt chart, a Calendar View, or simply a list of tasks.

Bring ClickUp’s full suite of project management tools to bear as you map task dependencies to feasible due dates, then track business case progress automatically using AI-powered automations. These features are part of what makes ClickUp some of the best operations management software available.

This simple business case template allows you to identify your business problem and outline your business objective in ClickUp Tasks. Then, brainstorm together in ClickUp Docs to identify potential solutions for your business case.

Finally, design your roadmap and assign tasks to the team. You can automatically monitor the progress on your business case with your custom statuses and set up regular check-ins on the project calendar .

Are you embarking on a new business case? Navigate seamlessly with ClickUp’s Business Case Analysis Template.

Every flourishing venture begins with a robust business plan. It’s not just about having an idea but charting a clear course to bring it to fruition. ClickUp’s Business Plan Template simplifies this journey, providing you an efficient route to outline:

• Crystal clear goals and mission
• Comprehensive strategy, along with an execution timeline
• Performance checkpoints, risk alerts, and success metrics

Envision it, and ClickUp’s template will guide you to actualize it!

Why is a Business Plan Template essential? With ClickUp’s Business Plan Template, you can:

• Zero in on your precise objectives and aspirations
• Profile your target audience and their sectors
• Highlight your edge over competitors
• Craft a strategy aimed at exponential growth
• Write an executive summary to give investors a high-level overview of all your research

This meticulously designed business case document uses custom statuses so you can navigate from in progress through the revisions stage and finally mark each task as “complete!”

Organize your tasks with custom fields, and switch between views to emphasize different information based on your priorities.

ClickUp’s robust project management package lets you tag multiple teammates, nest subtasks in larger tasks, and set priority indicators.

This business plan template is set up so you can brainstorm your objectives with your team in ClickUp Docs and then itemize your product’s unique selling point in ClickUp Tasks. Execute your objectives on time and budget with the help of ClickUp’s Gantt charts. At the end of your proposed project, revisit your accomplishments with ClickUp Goals to see where you hit the target and where you may need to revise your approach.

If business success is your destination, ClickUp’s Business Plan Template is your map.

Crafting an impeccable business plan can be an intricate journey, given its importance in rallying investors and stakeholders. But what if there was a tool to simplify and enrich this journey?

Meet ClickUp’s Business Plan Document Template , your ally in:

• Unifying your team towards a shared vision
• Amassing all critical data for an in-depth blueprint
• Centralizing materials for seamless accessibility

Embark on fresh undertakings or rejuvenate current ones; this free business case template molds your aspirations into executable steps. Begin your ascent towards achievement today!

This ClickUp template equips you with:

• Your project scope and a charted path laden with quantifiable goals
• Resource management tools to accomplish tasks for task accomplishment
• Proactive risk anticipation and mitigation strategies
• Instant, precise data retrieval and modification

Naturally, this template includes a Doc View, but as a project manager, you have options like Gantt charts, Workload Views, and Calendar Views to help you see at a glance the information that matters most to you.

Keep a tight grip on your project with advanced comment tracking and AI automations that make your workflow run smoothly in the background while you get more work done.

To get the most out of this template, start by gathering your business objectives, audience research, product offerings, and financial picture. You can use research management software to help with this stage. Then, you can use ClickUp’s Table View to lay out a clean, easy-to-read executive summary and your market assessment and financial appraisal for investors.

Aspiring to propel your business idea into reality but are hindered by the extensive demands of traditional planning? ClickUp’s Lean Business Plan Template is your savior.

Forge an efficient, succinct business strategy, offering:

• A bird’s-eye view of your enterprise
• Intuitive blueprints for devising a cogent business plan
• Incremental assistance for fleshing out each plan segment

Elevate your business cases quickly and affordably with ClickUp’s streamlined approach.

The template allows you to define your business, describe your target market, set budgets, and create goals.

Once that’s done, use custom statuses to monitor your progress toward achieving your goals. You can set reminders to check in on different areas of your business and use different views to check on your priorities, brainstorm additions to your business plan, or see a timeline of the tasks to be completed.

With ClickUp, turning your vision into a viable venture has never been more accessible. Simplify, strategize, and succeed.

Crafting an influential case study is an art of strategic organization and detailed execution. Enter ClickUp’s Case Study Template , your ultimate companion to orchestrate, frame, and present your research seamlessly.

Use this simple business case study template to gather and consolidate data to support your case study and extract meaningful conclusions and takeaways from that information.

This approach to case studies gives you space to weave a real-world, impactful narrative that resonates with your audience. These stories are an important way to validate your sales propositions with concrete results. Telling others about your clients’ successes also builds trust with prospects.

You can brainstorm potential stories with ClickUp Whiteboards, then put your plan to paper with ClickUp Docs. After that, organize your writing process with an actionable task list.

The ClickUp AI writing assistant can help you turn your ideas into a cohesive story. Then, use ClickUp’s integrated email and collaborative editing tools to get final approval from the client.

A great case study stands tall in the realm of effective enterprise marketing tools . Let ClickUp be the wind beneath its wings.

Harness the power of compelling narratives with ClickUp’s Case Study Design Template , tailored for businesses keen on weaving success tales—a well-crafted case study not only shares successes but bolsters your brand credibility.

With this template, you can:

• Demonstrate problems your customer encountered and how your offerings emerged as the proposed solution
• Showcase tangible results, affirming the prowess of your product/service to potential clients
• Ensure an organized, standardized business process , ensuring brand-consistent design and presentation across all case studies
• Save precious time with streamlined research, design, and publication processes

Use this template to track the progress of your case study, seamlessly manage and visualize the data that will inform the case study, and incorporate ClickUp’s project management features like nested subtasks, multiple assignees, and priority labeling to make case study creation a breeze.

This template has space for you to define the goal for the case study, choose and describe your subject, collect all your data in a Table View, draft the narrative in ClickUp Docs, and then create a task list for marketing and promoting your case study. A communication plan template can also be a helpful tool for this stage.

With ClickUp’s innovative design template, crafting impactful case studies becomes an organized, efficient endeavor, enhancing your brand’s narrative prowess.

Embarking on a business report requires meticulous planning, resource utilization , and clear objectives. ClickUp’s Business Annual Report Template is a tailored solution to navigate these complexities seamlessly.

This template improves business reporting by:

• Providing a consistent framework for reporting that is easy to follow and understand
• Allowing organizations to clearly articulate their financial position to shareholders and other stakeholders
• Helping to ensure that the report is accurate and complete
• Enables companies to compare year-over-year performance more easily

Crafting a robust business plan is the cornerstone of entrepreneurial achievement. With myriad tasks to manage and objectives to meet, a streamlined tool becomes imperative. That tool is ClickUp’s Business Development Plan Template —your ultimate companion in carving out a successful business trajectory.

With this template, you can set precise, achievable targets and track your progress toward achieving them. Document clear blueprints to meet your business aspirations, but use ClickUp’s collaborative tools to edit and iterate on those plans along the way.

The beauty of this template is it ensures all stakeholders are synchronized and aligned because you have defined actionable steps to use your resources effectively.

With ClickUp’s Business Development Plan Template, chart a course toward unparalleled entrepreneurial success!

Elevate your business presentations with SlideModel’s Free Business Case PowerPoint Template . Tailored for modern professionals, this dynamic template facilitates a comprehensive discourse on new business initiatives, elucidating their relevance, objectives, and potential returns.

This template is ideal for consultants, budding entrepreneurs, and SMEs aiming to pitch their project description or corporate strategy to stakeholders or investors.

It includes an engaging title slide, slides for introduction, problem statement, solution proposal, benefits, implementation, and key takeaways. You’ll enjoy the eye-catching human character vector graphics for sharp visuals, versatile infographic icons, and a wavy timeline chart to illustrate milestones.

The template has full editability across color palettes, backgrounds, and fonts. The template’s adaptability ensures its seamless integration into diverse presentations.

Although optimized for PowerPoint, you can also download versions that cater to Google Slides and Keynote.

In search of an impressive medium to present your business case? SlideModel’s template is a click away. For alternative designs, explore their featured Business Case PowerPoint Template collection. Secure your copy today!

The Slides Business Case Template by Slideworks is a comprehensive toolkit for innovators and visionaries ready to revolutionize their organization. Every groundbreaking idea warrants a robust presentation that encapsulates its essence, both financially and technically.

Crafted with precision, this template offers an array of instrumental slides tailored to articulate your idea seamlessly:

• Clearly define your vision and the strategic goals you aim to achieve
• Delve deep into potential challenges, ensuring stakeholders are well informed and prepared
• Offer a lucid timeline, pinpointing milestones and mapping out your project’s trajectory

Every slide has been meticulously designed to foster clarity, conviction, and comprehensibility. With the 24Slides template, you are empowered to present a holistic overview of your idea, bolstering its feasibility and implementation potential.

For those committed to driving value and championing transformative ideas, this Business Case Presentation Template serves as the ultimate companion. Express, elucidate, and execute your vision with unparalleled finesse.

Plan Projects with Business Plan Templates

Templates are great, but when combined with an intuitive platform offering robust project management features? It’s a game-changer.

ClickUp isn’t just a library of versatile business templates. It’s a comprehensive tool designed to streamline your projects, optimize communication, and enhance productivity.

From setting up workflows to collaborating with your team in real-time, ClickUp seamlessly integrates every aspect of project management.

So whether you’re drafting a business case, planning a project, or managing day-to-day tasks, ClickUp is your one-stop hub, combining utility with unparalleled efficiency. Dive into ClickUp today and experience the future of business management.

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Business Case Study Template

Number of slides: 10

Show, don’t tell. Business Case Studies give you the opportunity to demonstrate the value of your product, service or project in a real-life context. This powerful tool aims to convince potential customers or investors with success stories that follow the challenge-solution-benefit structure. Use the Business Case Study Template to build a solid presentation that speaks to your viewers’ needs and shows the outstanding results they can get as your clients.

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Free Business Case Study Template

Business case study overview slide.

Once you have identified an impactful success story from your portfolio, it’s time to share it with potential clients that may be facing a similar situation. You can give an overall view of the key aspects of your business case in our problem-solution-benefits slide. First, detail the challenge; then, outline how your product or service solved it and finally highlight the benefits or direct results accomplished.

Business Case Study Process Slides

Help your audience understand how you did it. The Business Case Study Template allows you to share the implementation of solutions step-by-step. Use the six-stage snake diagram and the horizontal six-points timeline to walk your audience through the process from beginning to end.

Business Case Study Benefits Slide

People care about the final results. Sometimes this gets confused for the solution, but here we refer to the benefits gained by your client once the problem was resolved. For example, saving time in an operation, increasing revenue or customer retention. Whatever it is, don’t forget to be specific and add numbers. At the end, this is a direct result from using your product or service and the reason why they should choose you over your competitors.

First, make your audience understand the problem.

The more details your public know about the initial challenge, the more the solution can shine. Look at it like this: the problem is the villain of the story and your product, the hero.

External analysis

You will find a circular graphic that you can use as a SWOT matrix or Porter Five Forces diagram to share a brief external analysis of your sample client’s business.

The best option in the market

By choosing a success story that relates to your customers’ situation, you’re showing that you really understand their problems and have the necessary experience to work with them.

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Case Study Creation Kit [+Templates]

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Showcase your company's success using these three free case study templates.

What's inside:

• 3 Text-Only Case Study Templates to Upload to Your CMS
• 3 Designed Case Study Templates to Share Directly with Prospects
• A Data-Driven Case Study Template
• A Product-Specific Case Study Template
• A General Case Study Template

Case studies give you the chance to show – instead of just tell.

When shopping for a new product or service, you'd trust the customer who's already used the product or service over the sales guy. Getting a real-life opinion from someone is always more helpful, because it’s both unbiased, and often rooted in a common experience.

Case studies add authenticity to your business, as well as credibility and social proof that your product or service has truly helped others overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.

Case studies help your leads envision how your product or service would fit into their lives, and often act as that missing piece that moves them to take purchasing action.

Need help getting your first case study off the ground? Look no further. We've put together  templates designed to make the process a whole lot easier. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you write a case study.

HubSpot's Case Study Start Kit provides tips on how to write a case study. Instead of the traditional write-by-numbers approach, choose from 3 different case study templates to save time on writing a great case study: a general case study format, data-driven case study format, and product-specific case study format.

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What is the structure of case study?

A case study is a detailed, in-depth report of a business problem and how it was solved. A good case study starts with a quick summary of the case, then describes the background of the person or organizations, defines a few specific problems, explains how the problems were addressed, and concludes with the overall results of the case that was alluded in the original summary. HubSpot's Free Case Study Starter Kit makes learning how to structure a good case study simple and easy.

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Absolutely.

Just sharing some free knowledge that we hope you’ll find useful. Keep us in mind next time you have marketing questions!

What is case study example?

What is the format of case study.

Case studies are used to analyze and describe the performance of a particular product, service or system. The most common type of case study is a "success story" that describes how an organization was able to use some new product or process successfully in order to achieve its goals. HubSpot's Free Case Study Templates comes in a three formats: general case study , data-drive case study, and a product-specific case study.

How do you create a case study page?

Creating a case study page is a way to showcase your expertise and how you've helped others. You can use case studies as a lead generation tool, as well as an additional resource for those who are looking for information on what you offer. HubSpot's Free Case Study Creation Kit comes with 3 templates in both Google Docs and Microsoft Word to help you walk you through creating a case study page of your own.

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Business Case Templates

30+ simple business case templates & examples.

Organizations, companies, and businesses at one point or another would need to ask for investments from key stakeholders and investors. To be able to successfully achieve this, you’d have to make a business case template to present to potential investors and stakeholders. A business case is an effective tool for promoting and guaranteeing that the investment is necessary for terms of the strategies and direction the organization is heading towards as well as the benefits that will result in it.

Table of Contents

• 1 Business Case Templates
• 2 What is a Business Case For?
• 3 How Does a Business Case Work? 
• 4 Business Case Examples
• 5.1 The Reasons
• 5.2 The Options
• 5.3 The Benefits and Limitations
• 5.4 The Timeline and Budget
• 5.5 Any Major Opportunities or Risks
• 6 How to Make Your Own Business Case Template 
• 7 Business Case Studies
• 8 Tips for Making an Effective Business Case Template 

Basically, it would contain the context of the investment, the benefits, the costs involved and a set of choices for key stakeholders, decision makers, and investors. It can also be used to determine how the success of the project or investment will be measured to be able to ensure that any promised improvements can and will be delivered.

Any business case, business model or business proposal should support all the aims objectives of the organization and should work towards improving the entire organization. It’s also essential that key people such as those who are in charge of the budget are consulted when creating the business case so that they get a good look at the plans early on and they would be able to provide comments or input before it is finalized.

Making a business case would entail quite a lot of work and the process of making it should follow any policies or procedures in an organization. In this article, you will learn all you need to know about business cases as well as some steps and tips in making your own simple business case template. Read on to learn all about business cases for your organization or company.

What is a Business Case For?

Making a business case before starting a project is very important since if a project is planned and created without considering the benefits which will come of it, more issues might arise. These problems could be a big hassle for the organization, but can actually be avoided just by making a business case first before starting the project. These problems are:

• The company might end up wasting time, effort and other precious resources on projects which won’t actually be able to give benefits or help the company reach its goals and objectives. This would then lessen the available resources for more valuable, practical and feasible projects which may have been more beneficial for the company in the long run.
• The company would have no way of clearly prioritizing the potential projects because the project importance had not been established. A business case can be a reference for measuring the value of projects so if each project has one, you will be able to determine which are the most important and which can take a backseat until more resources are available. Companies need an effective and realistic way for deciding which projects should be implemented first and having a business case would help out a lot. Not only that but it can also be used to track the progress of the project and see if its continuation is still practical.
• Stakeholders and investors might end up disappointed at the end of the project especially if their expectations were not met. Creating a business case would give the investors and stakeholders enough information regarding your project and what benefits and returns on investment come with it. It would be crucial for them to be informed of all these so that they know what they are getting in to and what is to be expected upon the project’s completion. Having a well-developed business case might also give a more positive result from the investors and stakeholders wherein they would feel more inclined to invest in your project or your company.
• The company would not have established any goals, targets or objectives. A business case is created in order to explain why a project was initiated and what benefits would come of the project upon its completion. It gives clarity to everyone involved in the project and it would be used as reference for knowing when the project is completed because the objectives and end goals would have been clearly defined.
• The company would have no way of knowing how or when to improve on the project. This could pose a big problem especially if the project was planned to be long term. At some point the people involved might lose sight of what they are supposed to be doing to reach their goals.

To be able to avoid all these problems, you can make a business case before you actually begin any kind of project. Now let’s move on to how business cases actually work for you to get a better understanding of why you need one.  

How Does a Business Case Work?  

As you can see, business cases are important in the successful planning and completion of a project . Simply put, a business case is a point of reference for planning, implementing and evaluating a project.

In the planning stages of a project, the creation and development of a business case would help you define the ultimate objectives and final goal of the project for the information of everyone involved – stakeholders, investors, project team and the project manager. The people involved in the project may have their own input and expectations of what they think the project should achieve at the end of it. A business case would move the conversation from “What are we going to build?” to “Why are we building it?” This then gives validation for why the project there is a need for the project to start. The business case also clarifies all the expectations as well as any misunderstandings or disagreements regarding the goals and objectives.

While the project is progressing, the business case then becomes the reference point or the guide so that all of the participants are moving towards the same direction. It frequently helps keep the project manager informed on the status of the project and what steps are needed when other options come to light. Using a business case, the stakeholders will also be able to keep track of the whole project and the progress of it to decide whether they should continue with it that is if it is still working towards the goals and objectives of the company.

Once the project is finished, the business case can then be used to assess and evaluate how well the project was carried out. It can be used to determine whether the project was able to deliver all the expected benefits and reach all the set objectives. If not, then you can start asking questions and analyzing each part of the project to learn what had gone wrong. Some of these questions could be:

• Were the expected benefits incorrectly estimated?
• Were the deliverables which were developed actually wrong?
• Did we focus on the aspects of the projects which were not actually relevant?
• Did something happen in the course of the project which we should have expected or taken into account?

As you can see, a business case is important to the project from start to finish so you need to start learning how to create one for your company.

Business Case Examples

Important Elements of a Business Case Template  

To be able to make an effective business case or even a simple business case template, you should include some important elements on it. These elements are essential so that your business case template contains all the relevant information so that whoever reads it – most especially potential investors, would understand it fully and make decisions based on what is written on it.

The Reasons

The context for why the project was initiated and considered, the problem or issue which led to the formulation of the project and the background of the project. Any possible changes such as seeing that the project is actually already irrelevant or that there is a much more feasible option.

The Options

Possible solutions to the problem along with any results of the solutions. Indicate which solution was chosen. These are needed to be able to understand the different options which were considered and why that particular solution was chosen over all others. Also consider that the options which were not selected may turn out to be the better option as the project progresses.

The Benefits and Limitations

The positive results the project will yield, which will help the organization. Any risks or limitations which might occur during the implementation of the project and hot to deal with them or minimize them. What the benefits are and when they are expected to come or be realized. These benefits are basically what the organization wants to get out of the investment and what return of investment there is.

The Timeline and Budget

Plan out the time needed to complete the project along with all the funding or budget needed to complete it. Operational and maintenance costs can also be included if they are needed for the benefits of the project to be realized. These have to be compared with the expected benefits so that you can determine if your project is feasible and worth starting.

Any Major Opportunities or Risks

Any opportunities which could hasten the likelihood of the benefits being attained or any threats which can endanger the whole project and its success. Opportunities and threats can change constantly which means that at any point your project might cease to be viable.

Now, that you know the most important elements which should be part of your business case; let’s move on to how you can actually make your own template for your organization.

How to Make Your Own Business Case Template  

Now that you have a lot of information regarding business cases, it would also be very useful for you to learn how to make your own business case template. A lot of thought goes into making even a simple business case template so when you create one for your organization, you can follow these simple steps and guides:

• Before you even start writing your business case, you would need to do a few things first. The actual process of creating a business case document would actually be one of the last steps before presenting it.
• The reason for this is that as you are going through the steps prior to actually making the business case, you might discover that the project you are intending to start might not actually be realistic or feasible.
• Creating a business case can take a lot of time and effort so early on, you’d have to evaluate before developing your business case.
• The very first thing you would have to do is to define then analyze the situation which initiated the need for the project. You would have to identify the problem and examine it thoroughly so you can also determine what requirements you would need to create your business case as well as an estimate of any requirements you would need for the project.
• After that, you should start identifying all the resources you would need as well as the data sources which would be required to support your business case. These sources may include but won’t necessarily be limited to case studies or historical data from projects which are similar to the one you’re planning to do, demographic studies or any funding sources from within the organization.
• Once you’ve gathered all the data, you can start making initial plans for your business case along with key people who will be able to give relevant input or help out in making decisions. Brainstorm and share different ideas about the project as well as any opinions about whether the project is worth doing or if it is feasible.
• From all the inputs you get from key people, you will have a good idea of whether the project will most likely be approved and if you should continue on making your business case document. If you think it’s still a good idea to proceed, then you can start making your business case.
• It is vital for your business case template to have an executive summary , which is an overview of your whole business case. It defines the main concern the project is intended to solve using plain and simple language. It should also contain all the main considerations, the resources needed to complete the project, the preferred outcome as well as the benefits of the project.
• You should also include any predicted returns on investment since investors and stakeholders have a tendency to only read the executive summary to get a whole idea of the business case and what the project is all about so that they can decide on whether they would like to invest.
• Though the executive summary is found at the beginning of the business case, it is usually written last, after all the other parts of the document have been completed.
• Make your problem statement, which is a clear explanation of the problem or issue which your project is meant to solve. Establish all the issues which need to be dealt with such as any opportunities which had been missed, critical responses from consumers about any products or services you may have or any undesirable market or employee performance .
• Include an analysis of the situation which basically explains the circumstances behind the issue in more detail and why it came about. It also gives an account of any potential problems which may be encountered if the situation doesn’t chance.
• After that would come the solution choices wherein you would make a list of probable solutions to the issue you are faced with. Be sure to make a detailed explanation of the all the possible solutions which would be easily understood by whoever will read it.
• Then comes the project description, which would contain all the details about your project. Also make sure to add in the resources you would need, the timeline as well as any goals or milestones . You can also include possible risks which can be involved in your project, plans for resolving them and any measurable criteria you can use to ascertain the success of your project.
• Next would be the cost-benefit analysis which would be an evaluation of any costs and benefits for all possible options. To make it easier to understand, you can make use of charts or graphs to illustrate the information clearly.
• It’s also important to incorporate the predicted financial benefits to the company as well as when the payoff is expected to happen.
• Finally, you should include any recommendations for your project on how it should be executed and implemented. Also include a recommendation for regular checking of the progress and status of the project.

Business Case Studies

Tips for Making an Effective Business Case Template  

To be able to make a truly effective business case template, here are some tips to guide you and help you out. Using these tips would ensure that your template would get your message across and explain all the details of your project in a good way:

• Establish the context of the situation and the problem by assembling a history leading up to why the project has been created. This would create a clearer picture of the entire project and all the project objectives.
• Identify all the similarities with past projects, highlight the differences and make sure that any irrelevant information is not included in the context of the current situation and the most current issues and concerns.
• Make sure to look out for all possible opportunities and make sure to respond to them on time and appropriately. Opportunities may come in many forms so be sure to catch them all so you don’t miss out on anything important.
• Set your goals and develop your strategies effectively by defining them at the very beginning of your project. Goals, objectives and strategies are one of the most important parts of the project so make sure they are clear in the business case.
• Clearly, explain all the benefits and return investments which will come up at the end of your project. These are also relevant so you know what to expect upon the completion and you also know that your project is successful because the benefits have been realized.

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How to Write a Business Case (Template Included)

Table of Contents

What is a business case, business case template, how to write a business case, key elements of a business case, how projectmanager helps with your business case, watch our business case training video.

A business case is a project management document that explains how the benefits of a project overweigh its costs and why it should be executed. Business cases are prepared during the project initiation phase and their purpose is to include all the project’s objectives, costs and benefits to convince stakeholders of its value.

A business case is an important project document to prove to your client, customer or stakeholder that the project proposal you’re pitching is a sound investment. Below, we illustrate the steps to writing one that will sway them.

The need for a business case is that it collects the financial appraisal, proposal, strategy and marketing plan in one document and offers a full look at how the project will benefit the organization. Once your business case is approved by the project stakeholders, you can begin the project planning phase.

Our business case template for Word is the perfect tool to start writing a business case. It has 9 key business case areas you can customize as needed. Download the template for free and follow the steps below to create a great business case for all your projects.

Projects fail without having a solid business case to rest on, as this project document is the base for the project charter and project plan. But if a project business case is not anchored to reality, and doesn’t address a need that aligns with the larger business objectives of the organization, then it is irrelevant.

The research you’ll need to create a strong business case is the why, what, how and who of your project. This must be clearly communicated. The elements of your business case will address the why but in greater detail. Think of the business case as a document that is created during the project initiation phase but will be used as a reference throughout the project life cycle.

Whether you’re starting a new project or mid-way through one, take time to write up a business case to justify the project expenditure by identifying the business benefits your project will deliver and that your stakeholders are most interested in reaping from the work. The following four steps will show you how to write a business case.

Step 1: Identify the Business Problem

Projects aren’t created for projects’ sake. They should always be aligned with business goals . Usually, they’re initiated to solve a specific business problem or create a business opportunity.

You should “Lead with the need.” Your first job is to figure out what that problem or opportunity is, describe it, find out where it comes from and then address the time frame needed to deal with it.

This can be a simple statement but is best articulated with some research into the economic climate and the competitive landscape to justify the timing of the project.

Step 2: Identify the Alternative Solutions

How do you know whether the project you’re undertaking is the best possible solution to the problem defined above? Naturally, prioritizing projects is hard, and the path to success is not paved with unfounded assumptions.

One way to narrow down the focus to make the right solution clear is to follow these six steps (after the relevant research, of course):

• Note the alternative solutions.
• For each solution, quantify its benefits.
• Also, forecast the costs involved in each solution.
• Then figure out its feasibility .
• Discern the risks and issues associated with each solution.
• Finally, document all this in your business case.

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Use this free Business Case Template for Word to manage your projects better.

Step 3: Recommend a Preferred Solution

You’ll next need to rank the solutions, but before doing that it’s best to set up criteria, maybe have a scoring mechanism such as a decision matrix to help you prioritize the solutions to best choose the right one.

Some methodologies you can apply include:

• Depending on the solution’s cost and benefit , give it a score of 1-10.
• Base your score on what’s important to you.
• Add more complexity to your ranking to cover all bases.

Regardless of your approach, once you’ve added up your numbers, the best solution to your problem will become evident. Again, you’ll want to have this process also documented in your business case.

Step 4: Describe the Implementation Approach

So, you’ve identified your business problem or opportunity and how to reach it, now you have to convince your stakeholders that you’re right and have the best way to implement a process to achieve your goals. That’s why documentation is so important; it offers a practical path to solve the core problem you identified.

Now, it’s not just an exercise to appease senior leadership. Who knows what you might uncover in the research you put into exploring the underlying problem and determining alternative solutions? You might save the organization millions with an alternate solution than the one initially proposed. When you put in the work on a strong business case, you’re able to get your sponsors or organizational leadership on board with you and have a clear vision as to how to ensure the delivery of the business benefits they expect.

One of the key steps to starting a business case is to have a business case checklist. The following is a detailed outline to follow when developing your business case. You can choose which of these elements are the most relevant to your project stakeholders and add them to our business case template. Then once your business case is approved, start managing your projects with a robust project management software such as ProjectManager.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is a short version of each section of your business case. It’s used to give stakeholders a quick overview of your project.

2. Project Definition

This section is meant to provide general information about your projects, such as the business objectives that will be achieved and the project plan outline.

3. Vision, Goals and Objectives

First, you have to figure out what you’re trying to do and what is the problem you want to solve. You’ll need to define your project vision, goals and objectives. This will help you shape your project scope and identify project deliverables.

4. Project Scope

The project scope determines all the tasks and deliverables that will be executed in your project to reach your business objectives.

5. Background Information

Here you can provide a context for your project, explaining the problem that it’s meant to solve, and how it aligns with your organization’s vision and strategic plan.

6. Success Criteria and Stakeholder Requirements

Depending on what kind of project you’re working on, the quality requirements will differ, but they are critical to the project’s success. Collect all of them, figure out what determines if you’ve successfully met them and report on the results .

7. Project Plan

It’s time to create the project plan. Figure out the tasks you’ll have to take to get the project done. You can use a work breakdown structure template  to make sure you are through. Once you have all the tasks collected, estimate how long it will take to complete each one.

Project management software makes creating a project plan significantly easier. ProjectManager can upload your work breakdown structure template and all your tasks are populated in our tool. You can organize them according to your production cycle with our kanban board view, or use our Gantt chart view to create a project schedule.

8. Project Budget

Your budget is an estimate of everything in your project plan and what it will cost to complete the project over the scheduled time allotted.

9. Project Schedule

Make a timeline for the project by estimating how long it will take to get each task completed. For a more impactful project schedule , use a tool to make a Gantt chart, and print it out. This will provide that extra flourish of data visualization and skill that Excel sheets lack.

10. Project Governance

Project governance refers to all the project management rules and procedures that apply to your project. For example, it defines the roles and responsibilities of the project team members and the framework for decision-making.

11. Communication Plan

Have milestones for check-ins and status updates, as well as determine how stakeholders will stay aware of the progress over the project life cycle.

12. Progress Reports

Have a plan in place to monitor and track your progress during the project to compare planned to actual progress. There are project tracking tools that can help you monitor progress and performance.

Again, using a project management tool improves your ability to see what’s happening in your project. ProjectManager has tracking tools like dashboards and status reports that give you a high-level view and more detail, respectively. Unlike light-weight apps that make you set up a dashboard, ours is embedded in the tool. Better still, our cloud-based software gives you real-time data for more insightful decision-making. Also, get reports on more than just status updates, but timesheets, workload, portfolio status and much more, all with just one click. Then filter the reports and share them with stakeholders to keep them updated.

13. Financial Appraisal

This is a very important section of your business case because this is where you explain how the financial benefits outweigh the project costs . Compare the financial costs and benefits of your project. You can do this by doing a sensitivity analysis and a cost-benefit analysis.

14. Market Assessment

Research your market, competitors and industry, to find opportunities and threats

15. Competitor Analysis

Identify direct and indirect competitors and do an assessment of their products, strengths, competitive advantages and their business strategy.

16. SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis helps you identify your organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The strengths and weaknesses are internal, while the opportunities and threats are external.

17. Marketing Strategy

Describe your product, distribution channels, pricing, target customers among other aspects of your marketing plan or strategy.

18. Risk Assessment

There are many risk categories that can impact your project. The first step to mitigating them is to identify and analyze the risks associated with your project activities.

ProjectManager , an award-winning project management software, can collect and assemble all the various data you’ll be collecting, and then easily share it both with your team and project sponsors.

Once you have a spreadsheet with all your tasks listed, you can import it into our software. Then it’s instantly populated into a Gantt chart . Simply set the duration for each of the tasks, add any dependencies, and your project is now spread across a timeline. You can set milestones, but there is so much more you can do.

You have a project plan now, and from the online Gantt chart, you can assign team members to tasks. Then they can comment directly on the tasks they’re working on, adding as many documents and images as needed, fostering a collaborative environment. You can track their progress and change task durations as needed by dragging and dropping the start and end dates.

But that’s only a taste of what ProjectManager offers. We have kanban boards that visualize your workflow and a real-time dashboard that tracks six project metrics for the most accurate view of your project possible.

Try ProjectManager and see for yourself with this 30-day free trial .

If you want more business case advice, take a moment to watch Jennifer Bridges, PMP, in this short training video. She explains the steps you have to take in order to write a good business case.

Here’s a screenshot for your reference.

Transcription:

Today we’re talking about how to write a business case. Well, over the past few years, we’ve seen the market, or maybe organizations, companies or even projects, move away from doing business cases. But, these days, companies, organizations, and those same projects are scrutinizing the investments and they’re really seeking a rate of return.

So now, think of the business case as your opportunity to package your project, your idea, your opportunity, and show what it means and what the benefits are and how other people can benefit.

We want to take a look today to see what’s in the business case and how to write one. I want to be clear that when you look for information on a business case, it’s not a briefcase.

Someone called the other day and they were confused because they were looking for something, and they kept pulling up briefcases. That’s not what we’re talking about today. What we’re talking about are business cases, and they include information about your strategies, about your goals. It is your business proposal. It has your business outline, your business strategy, and even your marketing plan.

Why Do You Need a Business Case?

And so, why is that so important today? Again, companies are seeking not only their project managers but their team members to have a better understanding of business and more of an idea business acumen. So this business case provides the justification for the proposed business change or plan. It outlines the allocation of capital that you may be seeking and the resources required to implement it. Then, it can be an action plan . It may just serve as a unified vision. And then it also provides the decision-makers with different options.

So let’s look more at the steps required to put these business cases together. There are four main steps. One, you want to research your market. Really look at what’s out there, where are the needs, where are the gaps that you can serve? Look at your competition. How are they approaching this, and how can you maybe provide some other alternatives?

You want to compare and finalize different approaches that you can use to go to market. Then you compile that data and you present strategies, your goals and other options to be considered.

And then you literally document it.

So what does the document look like? Well, there are templates out there today. The components vary, but these are the common ones. And then these are what I consider essential. So there’s the executive summary. This is just a summary of your company, what your management team may look like, a summary of your product and service and your market.

The business description gives a little bit more history about your company and the mission statement and really what your company is about and how this product or service fits in.

Then, you outline the details of the product or service that you’re looking to either expand or roll out or implement. You may even include in their patents may be that you have pending or other trademarks.

Then, you want to identify and lay out your marketing strategy. Like, how are you gonna take this to your customers? Are you going to have a brick-and-mortar store? Are you gonna do this online? And, what are your plans to take it to market?

You also want to include detailed information about your competitor analysis. How are they doing things? And, how are you planning on, I guess, beating your competition?

You also want to look at and identify your SWOT. And the SWOT is your strength. What are the strengths that you have in going to market? And where are the weaknesses? Maybe some of your gaps. And further, where are your opportunities and maybe threats that you need to plan for? Then the overview of the operation includes operational information like your production, even human resources, information about the day-to-day operations of your company.

And then, your financial plan includes your profit statement, your profit and loss, any of your financials, any collateral that you may have, and any kind of investments that you may be seeking.

So these are the components of your business case. This is why it’s so important. And if you need a tool that can help you manage and track this process, then sign up for our software now at ProjectManager .

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Case Study Template

Good case studies tell a compelling story to potential clients of how your company rose to the occasion. The Case Study Template will help you showcase your company’s credibility in solving a particularly challenging client problem and prove to potential clients that you have what it takes to perform well. Specifically, case studies can help you:

• Highlight your expertise in delivering measurable results based on KPIs.
• Position your brand as an authority in your industry to attract potential customers.
• Provide visual proof of your skills, experience, and expertise as a company.
• Showcase your perseverance in handling difficult projects or campaigns.

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• Click and start editing, no account or credit card required. Follow along with the instructional copy. Add charts, graphs, images, and videos to customize your case study. Drag & drop. Resize. It’s the easiest editor ever.
• Customize everything to match your brand. Define your style guide; Add your (or your client’s) brand fonts and colors. You can even pull colors directly from a website to easily brand your case studies.
• Work on the key details of your case study together on the cloud. Add colleagues (or clients) to collaborate on the case study template. Changes automatically save and sync across all devices, in real-time.
• Share a link. Present a slideshow. Embed. Download a PDF/PNG. Your case study seamlessly adapts to your workflow. No more jumping from tool-to-tool to create different types of deliverables.
• Reuse and repurpose. Save your own custom case study templates. Or copy and merge into other documents.

Follow along step-by-step with the Case Study how-to guide .

What is a case study?

An effective case study is a great way to show potential clients, customers, and stakeholders how valuable your product or service is by explaining how your business solved a particularly challenging client problem.

Marketing case studies examine a single client situation in-depth and provide a detailed analysis of how your organization resolved the challenge.

The best case studies not only tell a story about your company but also contain some hard measurable metrics. This allows you to highlight your successes in a way that will make an ideal potential customer become your customer. Essentially, a case study is an effective way to learn about your business and a great marketing tool.

When looking for potential projects to use for a case study, look for ones that:

• Involved a particular challenge that required a unique set of skills that your company possesses
• Received special awards, press coverage or accolades
• Involved a high profile project
• Involved a well-known (preferably Fortune 500) brand or company

The most important element of your case study is that it must show a real-life example to relate to your target client. While a good case study showcases your company, a great case study makes the reader want to start a conversation with you.

What information should be included in a case study?

The first thing to consider is who will be reading your case studies. Messages and their delivery resonate differently, depending on who is on the receiving end. For example, a thirty-something software entrepreneur will measure success differently than a fifty-something CEO of a large corporation. Understanding your target audience will help you tell your case study in a way that will effectively speak to them.

When gathering information for your case study, interview happy customers and ask questions to your potential case study subject that align with the story you are trying to tell. No case study will be the same, and your questions will vary from client to client.

Before you contact the customer, consider interview questions so you have an idea of what you need to produce a compelling case study demonstrating your potential to succeed.

At the end of the information-gathering process, you should have a solid understanding of the following to outline how your product was the best solution for the customers’ particular challenge:

• The client’s initial challenge
• Why did the client choose your company
• Your company’s approach to the problem
• The solution and implementation process
• The results and final measures of success

Some questions to ask your client during the initial interview:

• Can you give a brief description of your company?
• How did you first hear about our product or service?
• What challenges or pain points prompted using our product? 
• What were you looking for in a solution to your problem? 
• Did you have any roadblocks while using our product? 

Don’t forget to talk to your colleagues and get their perspectives on the project when writing your case study. You may also want to include some quotes from internal stakeholders or project leads to make an even more compelling case study.

How do you write a case study?

When writing a case study, make sure you know who you’re talking to. Your audience, i.e. who would be interested in your product or service, should be your main focus when you create a case study. Once you’ve compiled your facts, format the story so that it will appeal to potential customers.

The format and content of case study templates vary, but in general, your business case study should look like a strong landing page: brief, pictorial, and engaging.

Xtensio’s case study template includes instructional copy to show you everything you need to know to create a real-life example of your company’s strengths. The template is organized into sections and modules designed to make your case study flow like a well-planned story and we’ve broken the template into three main sections: the snapshot, the body and the footer. 

The Snapshot

This section is designed to give a quick overview of your story and prompt readers to want to learn more. Consider it an executive summary, a book cover, or a brief description in an online store. It should have enough information to grab a potential customer’s attention, but not so much that they will stop reading. Include client details, the project name, and a brief description of the problem, as well as quantitative metrics that demonstrate your accomplishment.

You can also include the date the case study was originally published here to help potential customers identify if your product or service is a good fit for them right now. 

This section is the meat of your case study and will focus on customer results. Like any good story, it will have a beginning, a middle and an end. Classic western storytelling uses a pretty standard formula that includes a problem, the approach taken to solve it, the solution and the end results. The body of Xtensio’s case study template is divided into four key areas that align to these story elements: the Challenge, the Approach, the Solution and the Results. Here, make sure you explain using your product for a certain use case and describe how your service helped the client.

To close your case study, end with a short paragraph about who your company is, as well as your contact information. This is handy if your business case study becomes separated from your company’s website information somehow.

If you plan on sharing the case study online, make sure to add the links to your website and social media handles, using our social media module. If you are planning to print, then don’t forget to spell out the name of your website and/or add a contact phone number and email address.

Invite feedback and participation by your colleagues and the client by inviting them to collaborate on the case study template in real-time. Once you are satisfied with your case study, you can add it to your website, share it on your social channels, use it in presentations, or send out emails to potential clients. You can also download a pdf version that can be printed and shared. 

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Free PowerPoint Case Study Presentation Templates

By Joe Weller | January 23, 2024

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We’ve collected the top free PowerPoint case study presentation templates with or without sample text. Marketing and product managers, sales execs, and strategists can use them to arrange and present their success stories, strategies, and results.

On this page, you'll find six PowerPoint case study presentation templates, including a  marketing case study template , a  problem-solution-impact case study , and a  customer journey case study template , among others. Plus, discover the  key components of successful case study presentations , find out the  different types of case study presentations , and get  expert tips .

PowerPoint Single-Slide Case Study Presentation Template

Download the Sample Single-Slide Case Study Presentation Template for PowerPoint Download the Blank Single-Slide Case Study Presentation Template for PowerPoint

When to Use This Template:  Use this single-slide case study presentation template when you need to give a quick but effective overview of a case study. This template is perfect for presenting a case study when time is limited and you need to convey key points swiftly.

Notable Template Features: You can fit everything you need on one slide. Download the version with sample text to see how easy it is to complete the template. Unlike more detailed templates, it focuses on the main points, such as the problem, solution, approach, and results, all in a compact format. It's great for keeping your audience focused on the key aspects of your case study without overwhelming them with information.

PowerPoint Marketing Case Study Template

Download the Sample Marketing Case Study Template for PowerPoint

Download the Blank Marketing Case Study Template for PowerPoint

When to Use This Template: Choose this marketing case study template when you need to dive deep into your marketing strategies and results. It's perfect for marketing managers and content marketers who want to showcase the detailed process and successes of their campaigns. 

Notable Template Features: This template focuses on the detailed aspects of marketing strategies and outcomes. It includes specific sections to outline business needs, results, and strategic approaches.

PowerPoint Problem-Solution-Impact Case Study Template

Download the Sample Problem-Solution-Impact Case Study Template for PowerPoint

Download the Blank Problem-Solution-Impact Case Study Template for PowerPoint

When to Use This Template:  This problem-solution-impact case study template is useful for focusing on how a challenge was solved and the results. Project managers and strategy teams that want to clearly portray the effectiveness of their solutions can take advantage of this template. 

Notable Template Features: This template stands out with its clear structure that breaks down the case into problem, solution, and impact. Use the template — available with or without sample data — to help you tell a complete story, from the issue faced to the solution and its results, making it perfect for presentations that need to show a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

PowerPoint Comparative Study Template

Download the Sample Comparative Study Template for PowerPoint  

Download the Blank Comparative Study Template for PowerPoint  

When to Use This Template:  Choose this comparative study template — available with or without sample data — to illuminate how different products, strategies, or periods stack up against each other. It's great for product managers and research teams who want to do side-by-side comparisons. 

Notable Template Features: This template lets you put things next to each other to see their differences and similarities, with a focus on direct comparisons. Use the columns and split slides to make the content easy to understand and visually appealing, perfect for highlighting changes or different approaches.

PowerPoint Customer Journey Case Study Template

Download the Sample Customer Journey Case Study Template for PowerPoint

Download the Blank Customer Journey Case Study Template for PowerPoint

When to Use This Template: This template is useful for customer experience managers and UX designers who need to understand and improve how customers interact with what they offer. Use the customer journey case study template with sample data to see how to show every step of a customer's experience with your product or service. 

Notable Template Features:  This template focuses on the whole path a customer takes with a product or service. It follows them, from first learning about the offering to after they buy it.

PowerPoint Case Study Storyboard Template

Download the Sample Case Study Storyboard Template for PowerPoint   Download the Blank Case Study Storyboard Template for PowerPoint  

When to Use This Template:  Creative teams and ad agencies should use this case study storyboard template — with or without sample data — to tell a story using more images than text.

Notable Template Features: This template transforms a case study into a visual story. Effectively communicate the journey of a business case, from the challenges faced to the solutions implemented and the results achieved.

Key Components of Successful Case Study Presentations

The key components of successful case study presentations include clear goals, engaging introductions, detailed customer profiles, and well-explained solutions and results. Together they help you present how your strategies succeed in real-world scenarios. 

The following components are fundamental to crafting a compelling and effective marketing case study presentation:   

• Clear Objective:  Define the goal of your case study, ensuring it addresses specific questions or goals. 
• Engaging Introduction:  Start with an overview of the company, product, or service, as well as the context to provide necessary background information. 
• Customer Profile:  Detail your target customer demographics and their needs to help the audience understand who the marketing efforts are aimed at and their relevance. 
• The Challenge:  Clearly articulate the primary problem or issue to overcome to establish the context for the solution and strategy, highlighting the need for action. 
• Solution and Strategy:  Describe the specific strategies and creative approaches used to address the challenge. These details should demonstrate your approach to problem-solving and the thought process behind your decisions. 
• Implementation:  Explain how the solution was put into action to show the practical application. This description should bring your strategy to life, allowing the audience to see how you executed plans. 
• Results and Impact:  Present measurable outcomes and impacts of the strategy to validate and show its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. 
• Visual Elements:  Use charts, images, and infographics to make complex information more accessible and engaging, aiding audience understanding. 
• Testimonials and Quotes:  Include customer feedback or expert opinions to add credibility and a real-world perspective, reinforcing your strategy’s success. 
• Lessons Learned and Conclusions:  Summarize key takeaways and insights gained to show what the audience can learn from the case study. 
• Call to Action (CTA):  End with an action you want the audience to take to encourage engagement and further interaction.

Different Types of Case Study Presentations

The types of case study presentations include those that compare products, showcase customer journeys, or tell a story visually, among others. Each is tailored to different storytelling methods and presentation goals.

The following list outlines various types of case study presentations:   

• Problem-Solution-Impact Case Study:  This type focuses on a clear narrative structure, outlining the problem, solution implemented, and final impact. It's straightforward and effective for linear stories. 
• Comparative Case Study:  Ideal for showcasing before-and-after scenarios or comparisons between different strategies or time periods. This option often uses parallel columns or split slides for comparison. 
• Customer Journey Case Study:  Centered on the customer's experience, this option maps out their journey from recognizing a need to using the product or service, and the benefits they gained. It's a narrative-driven and customer-focused case study format. 
• Data-Driven Case Study:  Emphasizing quantitative results and data, this format is full of charts, graphs, and statistics. This option is perfect for cases where numerical evidence is the main selling point. 
• Storyboard Case Study:  Use this type to lay out the case study in a storytelling format. This option often relies on more visuals and less text. Think of it as a visual story, engaging and easy to follow. 
• Interactive Case Study:  Designed with clickable elements for an interactive presentation, this type allows the presenter to dive into different sections based on audience interest, making it flexible and engaging.
• Testimonial-Focused Case Study:  This format is best for highlighting customer testimonials and reviews. It leverages the power of word of mouth and is highly effective in building trust.

Expert Tips for Case Study Presentations

Expert tips for case study presentations include knowing your audience, telling a clear story, and focusing on the problem and solution. They can also benefit from using visuals and highlighting results.

“Case studies are one of the most powerful tools in an organization’s marketing arsenal,” says Gayle Kalvert, Founder and CEO of  Creo Collective, Inc. , a full-service marketing agency. “Done correctly, case studies provide prospective buyers with proof that your product or service solves their business problem and shortens the sales cycle.”   

“Presentations are probably the most powerful marketing asset, whether for a webinar, a first meeting deck, an investor pitch, or an internal alignment/planning tool,” says marketing expert  Cari Jaquet . “Remember, the goal of a case study presentation is not just to inform, but also to persuade and engage your audience.” 

Use these tips to make your presentation engaging and effective so that it resonates with your audience:   

• Know Your Audience:  Tailor the presentation to the interests and knowledge level of your audience. Understanding what resonates with them helps make your case study more relevant and engaging. “Presentations can also be a forcing function to define your audience, tighten up your mission and message, and create a crisp call to action,” explains Jaquet.
• Tell a Story:  Structure your case study like a story, with a clear beginning (the problem), middle (the solution), and end (the results). A narrative approach keeps the audience engaged. 
• Focus on the Problem and Solution:  Clearly articulate the problem you addressed and how your solution was unique or effective. This section is the core of a case study and should be given ample attention. 
• Use Data Wisely:  Incorporate relevant data to support your points, but avoid overwhelming the audience with numbers. Use charts and graphs for visual representation of data to make it more digestible. 
• Highlight Key Results:  Emphasize the impact of your solution with clear and quantifiable results. This could include increased revenue, cost savings, improved customer satisfaction, and similar benefits.
• Incorporate Visuals:  Use high-quality visuals to break up text and explain complex concepts. Consider using photos, infographics, diagrams, or short videos.  “I put together the graphics that tell the story visually. Speakers often just need a big image or charts and graphs to help guide their talk track. Of course, if the audience expects details (for example, a board deck), the graphic helps reinforce the narrative,” shares Jaquet.
• Include Testimonials:  Adding quotes or testimonials from clients or stakeholders adds credibility and a real-world perspective to your presentation. 
• Practice Storytelling:  A well-delivered presentation is as important as its content. Practice your delivery to ensure you are clear, concise, and engaging. At this point, it also makes sense to solicit feedback from stakeholders. Jaquet concurs: “Once my outline and graphics are in place, I typically circulate the presentation draft for review. The feedback step usually surfaces nuances in the story or key points that need to show up on the slides. There is no point in building out tons of slides without alignment from the speaker or subject matter experts.”
• End with a Strong Conclusion:  Summarize the key takeaways and leave your audience with a final thought or call to action. 
• Seek Feedback:  After your presentation, request feedback to understand what worked well and what could be improved for future presentations. 

“Don't underestimate the power of a great presentation. And don't wait until the last minute or try to invent the wheel on your own,” advises Jaquet. “Many times, getting the next meeting, winning the deal, or getting the project kicked off well, requires your audience to understand and believe your story.”

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When teams have clarity into the work getting done, there’s no telling how much more they can accomplish in the same amount of time.  Try Smartsheet for free, today.

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How to write a solid business case (with examples and template).

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What is a business case, business case vs. business plan, how to structure your business case, how to write a business case.

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Frequently asked questions

Nearly every new project requires approval—whether it's getting the green light from your team or securing support from executive stakeholders. While an informal email might suffice for smaller initiatives, significant business investments often require a well-crafted business case.  This guide, written by former consultants from McKinsey and Bain, will help you write a compelling business case. It provides the steps and best practices to secure the necessary support and resources for a successful project. 

A business case is a written document (often a PowerPoint presentation) that articulates the value of a specific business project or investment. It presents the rationale for the project, including the benefits, costs, risks, and impact. The main objective is to persuade internal stakeholders to endorse the project.

A business case answers the questions:

• Why should we do this?
• What is the best solution?
• What will happen if we proceed with this investment decision?  

Business cases can serve many purposes, but here are a few common reasons for developing one:

• Implementation of a new IT system
• Launching a new product line
• Construction of a new manufacturing plant or data center
• Opening new retail locations or expanding into international markets
• Implementation of new compliance and risk management systems
• Acquiring a competitor or a complementary business
• Investing in building a new capability 
• Obtaining additional resources for an ongoing initiative
• Deciding whether to outsource a function

Simply put, a business case justifies a specific project or initiative, while a business plan outlines an entire business's overall strategy, goals, and detailed planning.

Investors use a business plan to make informed decisions about investing. It details the financial, strategic, and operational aspects of a business, helping investors assess the potential return on investment. In contrast, a business case is narrowly focused on a particular project or initiative. It helps stakeholders evaluate the potential impact of that specific project on the business. Both documents require thorough research, careful writing, and effective presentation.  Here's an overview of their differences:

Before writing your business case

The fate of your project or initiative will usually lie with a small group of decision makers. The best way to increase your chances of getting a green light is to engage with stakeholders, gather their insights, and build support before writing the business case. Use their input to construct a rough draft and present this draft back to key stakeholders for feedback and approval. Only once you have understood their priorities and concerns should you proceed with writing the final business case.

To get buy-in from your stakeholders, you must tell your "story" so that it is easy to understand the need, the solution you're proposing, and the benefits to the company. Generally, decision-makers will care most about ROI and how your project aligns with the organization's strategic goals – so keep those issues front and center.

In our experience, the business case structure below is the most logical and effective, but you should generally use whatever format or template your company uses. If no templates exist, use the structure below and find a solid template (you'll find a link to a template later in this post).

Whatever structure or template you apply, remember that your story needs to be clear above all else.

Let's go through each of the 10 sections one-by-one:  

1. Executive Summary

A one-page summary providing a concise overview of the business case.

Highlight the key points, including the problem or opportunity, proposed solution, and expected benefits.

We recommend structuring your summary using the Situation-Complication-Solution framework (See   How to Write an Effective Executive Summary ) . The executive summary should be the final thing you write.  

2. Background and context

Start with the why. Outline the situation and the business problem or opportunity your business case addresses. Clearly describe the problem's impact on the organization.

This section may include an overview of the macro environment and dynamics, key trends driving change, and potential threats or opportunities. Share data that conveys urgency . For example: Is customer satisfaction dropping because of a lack of product features? Is an outdated IT system causing delays in the sales process? Are you seeing growing competition from digital-first players in the market? Are you seeing an opportunity as a result of changing customer needs?

3. What is the problem?

This is a key part of your business case. Your business case is built from your analysis of the problem. If your stakeholders don't understand and agree with your articulation of the problem, they'll take issue with everything else in your business case.

Describe the underlying issues and their solutions using data. You might include customer data, input from end users, or other information from those most affected by the problem.

4. High-level solution and vision

Start with a high-level description of the solution. Clarify the specific, measurable objectives that the project aims to achieve. Ensure these objectives align with the organization's strategic goals.

5. Option analysis

You have now answered the question: Why should we do this project? - and you have outlined a compelling solution.

In this section, you identify and evaluate different options for addressing the problem. Include a "do nothing" option as a baseline for comparison. Assess the pros and cons of each option, considering factors like cost, feasibility, risk, and potential benefits.

See a more in-depth article on how to think about and present risks in our blog post " Mastering Risk Mitigation Slides: A Best Practice Guide with Examples ".

Slide summarizing various options for a new IT system. Example from Slideworks Business Case Template Slide

6. Recommended Solution

Solution Details Propose the preferred solution based on the options analysis. Describe the solution in detail, including scope, deliverables, and key components. Justify why this solution is the best choice.  

Benefits Describe the benefits (e.g., cost savings, increased revenue, improved efficiency, competitive advantage). Include both tangible and intangible benefits, but focus on benefits you can quantify. Your stakeholders will want to know the financial impact.

Be very clear about where your numbers come from. Did you get them from colleagues in Marketing, Finance, HR, or Engineering? Stakeholders care about the sources for these assumptions and are more likely to trust your numbers if they come from (or are validated by) people they trust.

Cost Analysis In this section, you provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the proposed solution. Include initial investment, ongoing operational costs, and any potential financial risks.

Compare the costs against the expected benefits to demonstrate return on investment (ROI).

7. Implementation plan

Outline a high-level plan for implementing the proposed solution . Include key milestones, timelines, and dependencies. Describe the resources required, including personnel, technology, and funding.

Roadmap example - New digital venture. Slideworks Business Case Template

8. Risks and mitigations

In this section, you highlight potential risks and uncertainties associated with the project. Try to focus on the most important risks (you don't need to account for every potential scenario). These typically include those affecting cost, benefits, and schedule, but they can also include risks to the team, technology, scope, and performance.

Be realistic when you write this section. Transparency will gain the confidence of stakeholders and will demonstrate your foresight and capability.

Consider ranking your identified risk areas according to "likelihood of risk" and "impact of risk" (as shown in the example below). Then, propose mitigation strategies to manage and minimize risks.

Example of Risks Slide - Slideworks Business Case Template

Risks and mitigation slide - Slideworks Business Case Template

9. Governance and monitoring

Establishing a clear governance structure ensures that there is a defined hierarchy of authority, responsibilities, and accountability. A definition of the following  groups and roles are often included:

• Steering Committee : A group of senior executives or stakeholders who provide overall strategic direction, make high-level decisions, and ensure that the project aligns with organizational goals.
• Project Sponsor : An individual or group with the authority to provide resources, make critical decisions, and support the project at the highest level. The sponsor is often a senior executive.
• Project Manager : The person responsible for day-to-day management of the project, ensuring that the project stays on track, within budget, and meets its objectives. The project manager reports to the steering committee and project sponsor.
• Project Team : A group of individuals with various skills and expertise necessary to carry out project tasks. The team may include internal staff and external consultants.

You might also define what monitoring and reporting mechanisms that will be used to track the project's progress, identify issues early, and ensure accountability. These mechanisms often include specific Project Management Tools, ongoing status reports, and meetings.

10. Recommendations and next steps

In this last section, you summarize the key points of the business case and make a final recommendation to the decision-makers . Remember to Include your ROI number(s) again and repeat how your project aligns with the organization's strategic goals.

Consider ending your business case with a final slide outlining the immediate actions required to move forward with the recommended solution.

Learn about how to fit in a business case in your commercial due diligence report in our article here .

Business Case PowerPoint template

An effective business case requires both the right content and structure. A strong template and a few best practice examples can ensure the right structure and speed up the process of designing individual slides.

The Slideworks  Business Case Template for PowerPoint follows the methodology presented in this post and includes 300 PowerPoint slides, 3 Excel models, and three full-length, real-life case examples created by ex-McKinsey & BCG consultants.  

Often, companies have a preferred method of calculating a project's ROI. If this is not the case, you should use the one most appropriate to your project—break-even analysis, payback period, NPV, or IRR.

This free " Business Case ROI Template for Excel " can help you calculate project ROI and decide which method to use.

Key elements of a strong Business Case  

Involve subject-matter experts To develop a comprehensive business case, draw on insights from experts who understand the problem's intricacies and potential solutions. Involve colleagues from relevant departments such as R&D, sales, marketing, and finance to ensure all perspectives are considered.

Involve key stakeholders Get input from all relevant team members, including HR, finance, sales, and IT. This collaborative approach ensures the business case is built on verified expert knowledge. Encouraging teamwork and buy-in from internal stakeholders helps build a strong foundation of support.

Understand audience objectives Align your business case with the company’s strategic objectives and future plans. Clearly demonstrate how the project supports long-term company success. Consider the competition for resources and justify the investment by showing its relevance and importance.

Set a clear vision Communicate the purpose, goals, methods, and people involved in the initiative clearly. Detail what the project aims to solve or achieve and its impact on the organization. This clarity helps stakeholders understand the overall vision and direction of the project.

Be on point Be concise and provide only the necessary information needed for informed decision-making. Base your details on facts collected from team members and experts, avoiding assumptions. This precision ensures your business case is credible and actionable.

Check out our Go-To-Market Strategy post to take the next step on bringing your business idea to life.

What is the difference between a project business case and a project charter?

A project charter and a business case are distinct but complementary documents. The business case is created first and serves to justify the project's initiation by detailing its benefits, costs, risks, and alignment with organizational goals. It is used by decision-makers to approve or reject the project.

Once the project is approved, a project charter is often developed to formally authorize the project, outlining its objectives, scope, key stakeholders, and the project manager's authority. A summary of the business case is often included in the project charter.  

How long should a business case be?

A comprehensive business case doesn't have a specific page count but should be detailed enough to clearly communicate the project's benefits, costs, risks, and alignment with organizational goals. For small projects, it may be a few pages; for larger or complex projects, it typically ranges from 10-20 word pages (30-50 slides), excluding appendices. Sources: Harvard Business Press - Developing a Business Case 

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High-end PowerPoint templates and toolkits created by ex-McKinsey, BCG, and Bain consultants

Create a full business case incl. strategy, roadmap, financials and more.

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How to Create a Case Study + 14 Case Study Templates

Written by: Brian Nuckols

When it comes to high impact marketing content, case studies are at the top of the list for helping show off your brand’s stuff. 

In this post, I’ve put together a few high-level case study design tips as well as 14 professionally designed case study templates that you can use to start designing beautiful case studies today. 

Let’s begin! 

Here’s a short selection of 12 easy-to-edit case study templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more templates below:

What is a Case Study?

A case study is a way for you to demonstrate the success you’ve already had with existing clients. When you create a case study, you explore how previous clients have used your product or service to reach their goals. 

In particular, a case study highlights a specific challenge or goal one of your clients was struggling with before they discovered your product. 

It then demonstrates how your work has assisted them on the journey towards overcoming the challenge or accomplishing the goal. 

A case study’s outcome is typically to share the story of a company’s growth or highlight the increase of metrics the company tracks to understand success. 

The case study includes an analysis of a campaign or project that goes through a few steps from identifying the problem to how you implemented the solution. 

How to Write a Case Study

When it comes to adding irresistible design to your content from the start, using a helpful tool is a great start. Sign up for a free Visme account and start highlighting your own client success stories using one of our case study templates today. 

Also, while you’re beginning to transition your case study workflow to include a professional design tool, it’s helpful to review some high level principles you can incorporate into your case study. 

We’ll start by reviewing some of the critical style tips and structural elements to include in your case study before progressing to a more detailed design section. 

Pinpoint Your Main Message

When designing an impactful case study, it’s essential to stay clear on the metrics that you’re highlighting. The process of overcoming business challenges is a dynamic process with many moving parts. 

If you do not stay focused on what matters in your case study, you risk obscuring the big win your client experienced by using your product or service. 

This is why you need to focus on a single message or metric. This is often called the north star metric . 

The north star metric is the single most crucial rate, count or ratio that helped your client move closer towards their goals or overcame an obstacle. 

While north star metrics are context dependent, a useful heuristic you can utilize is to figure out the most predictive metric of your client’s long term success. 

In the template I’ll highlight below, cost per lead was the north star metric that The College for Adult Learning needed to optimize. 

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Use Emotionally Rich Language 

Recently researchers at Presado did an interesting study to understand the types of language that help readers take action. They broke the content included in marketing assets into several categories, including functional, emotional and descriptive. 

In the most successful pieces of content, the researchers found that emotionally coded words were present in 61% of the content’s total volume.

This research shows the benefit of using emotionally engaging content in your case study. While it’s essential to focus on the concrete evidence of how you helped your client get from where they started to a successful outcome, do not forget to highlight the emotional journey. 

Use Data For Concrete Evidence 

Once you’ve decided on the north star metric to highlight and you choose the emotional response you want to reinforce in your case study, it’s important to use actual data from the project to share the concrete results your product helped to achieve. 

To make sure your audience can follow your line of thinking, make sure the data in your case study is precise. If you track data across time, your readers must know whether you chose to track by month or years. 

If there are any apparent trends, you can use color to highlight specific areas in a chart. 

If you want to dig deeper into using data to tell compelling stories, check out our video data storytelling tips to improve your charts and graphs. 

In the template below, The College for Adult Learning case study is an excellent example of how these elements can work together. 

Cost per lead was a critical north star metric, so we chose to emphasize the increase in revenue and a decrease in cost per lead. 

Additionally, the background section uses emotionally rich language by highlighting how the school helps students get ahead with their career goals. Also, the factual data is the centerpiece of this page in the case study.

If you’re ready to share how you impacted a client, use the College for Adult Learning case study template right now! 

Include All Necessary Parts of a Case Study

After you’ve interviewed your client and you’re getting ready to start writing, it’s important to remember each piece you need to cover.

All good case studies consist of five parts: Introduction, Challenge, Solution, Benefit and Result.

While you don’t necessarily need to label each section like that, be sure that the flow makes sense and covers each section fully to give your audience the full scope of your case study.

RELATED: 15 Real-Life Case Study Examples & Best Practices

14 Case Study Templates

Now that we have explored some of the high level strategies you can use to create a business case study, we will transition to 14 case study design templates you can use with Visme. 

1. Fuji Xerox Australia Case Study Template

Use the Fuji Xerox case study template to showcase the concrete results you achieved for your clients. It has sections where you can explain the goals you started with and the results you achieved. 

2. College for Adult Learning Case Study Template

As we’ve explored already, the College for Adult Learning template has sections where you can embrace a data driven storytelling approach while also connecting with your audience using emotionally rich language. 

Utilize the professionally designed business case study to connect with your audience. 

3. Intel Case Study Template

The Intel case study has beautiful visual elements and gives you space to share the project’s context and the goals you set out to achieve. It also allows you to get concrete with the results you achieved. 

You can always use the Visme Brand Kit to incorporate your unique brand colors into this stunning design. 

4. Bit.ly Case Study Template

Bit.ly is a marketing product that helps brands track how they are doing with campaign results. The bit.ly business case study template showcases how they drove impressive results for an eCommerce business. 

You can modify the professionally designed case study template to illustrate the key results you drive for your clients. 

5. NVISIONCenters Case Study Template

The NVISIONCenters case study template is an excellent example of how powerful it is to pair beautiful designs with the results you generate for your clients. In this case study, we see how you can transform your past accomplishments into a powerful marketing asset. 

6. Adobe Case Study Template

The Adobe case study is an exciting example of a business case study because it does a great job illustrating how you can use a specific result to create a powerful marketing asset. 

Adobe had a particular goal of branding to position itself as a leader for the future of digital marketing. LinkedIn sponsored messages was an effective tactic to drive the outcome Adobe needed. 

You can use the Adobe case study template to demonstrate the success of your most effective tactics. 

7. Inkjet Wholesale Case Study Template

The Inkjet wholesale case study template is an excellent choice if you want to experiment with your case study’s visual element. The roadmap to objectives diagram is a powerful graphic that illustrates the journey of a successful campaign. 

8. Neutrogena Case Study Template

If you have a strong visual brand to tell your case study’s story with visuals, the Neutrogena template is a great choice. It is already designed with plenty of space to highlight your visuals. 

When it is all said and done, you have the results section to complete a successful client partnership story.

9. Weebly Case Study Template

The Weebly case study template is your choice if you want to add visual flair to your case study. The beautiful layout is a testament to the power of pairing minimal design with an exciting statistic. 

10. Patagonia Case Study Template

The Patagonia case study is a perfect example of how crucial it is to make design choices based on your brand’s unique personality. 

It is a fantastic choice if you have a project to showcase featuring a brand with a distinct brand aesthetic.  

11. Think With Google Case Study Template

The Think With Google case study template tells the story of a mobile game that needed to create more engagement on their app. 

It is a visually impactful case study design template that you can use to tell a compelling story about your results. 

12. Kleenex Case Study Template

This case study template is the perfect way to show off search marketing results for a client or other highly specific KPIs that you managed to accomplish.

Insert the initial challenge followed by your company’s solution and adjust the included data visualization tools to showcase your specific results.

13. Customer Experience Presentation Case Study Template

The presentation case study template is an excellent choice for blending beautiful visual elements with the ability to give detailed information about the results you generated, as well as showcasing that data in a unique format. 

If you are ready to show how the unique features of your product or service drove real world business results then it is a good choice for your case study. 

14. Webinar Presentation Case Study Template

One small business saw incredible results when using Visme to optimize their webinar workflow. They saved 100 hours of their precious time by incorporating our collaborative design tools. 

We designed the small business template using those results as an example. When you have an eye catching effect to showcase to your audience, you can use this template as a starting point. 

Case Study Design Tips

Now that we’ve explored the 14 templates you can use with Visme to create your case study, let’s take a look at some practical design tips that will take your content to the next level. 

Be Brief In Your Case Study 

In discussions about writing with style, brevity is a common topic. However, it’s also an important design principle. 

Brevity in design is when you find the best way to perform your intended objective in as few steps as possible. 

When designing your case study, make sure you do not add extraneous visual elements where they are not needed. Instead, think of the effect you want to have on your reader and try to do it simply. 

Describe Your Vision Clearly

Earlier in this article, I wrote about the north star metric, your case study’s emotional effect and using data to make the case study concrete. Your design choices should serve to reinforce these primary goals. 

Clarity in design is when all of the visual elements add up to a whole. 

A great example of this is in the small business case study template where the shapes, typography and color scheme all emphasize the main idea that Visme helps the reader save time. 

Create A Consistent Style 

Visual consistency is a fundamental design principle that you can not afford to ignore in your case study. It will help you increase readability and make sure your audience does not get frustrated with jarring visual elements. 

In short, a consistent style is when you use a uniform color scheme, typography and the same kinds of visual elements throughout the case study. 

Use A Case Study Template For Readability

Readability is a crucial element of design, especially for case studies that are experienced on mobile devices. Contrast is an impactful readability principle. 

Make sure any contrasting colors you chose are easy on the eye and your reader does not have to strain to read your case study. 

Use Proper Alignment In Your Case Study 

Alignment is one of the principles of design that sets professionally designed business case study templates apart. Great designers have an intuitive eye for the mathematically based ratios of proximity invisible in sound design and an eyesore in lousy design. 

The good news is that you do not have to be a mathematician nor a professional designer to have a perfect alignment for your case study. Visme utilizes an easy to use drag and drop design tool that helps you achieve proper alignment in your case study. 

Let Your Brand Personality Speak

When we make intentional design decisions, we want to create a positive emotional experience for our audience. One of the best ways to do that is to make decisions that showcase your brand’s unique personality .

Is the case study you are creating like a well dressed business person who is serious, trustworthy and capable of doing a great job? Is it more like an extravert at a party bouncing from person to person lighting up the room? 

There is no right answer, but you need to infuse your viewpoint into the case study you create if you want to create a unique design. 

Start Designing Your Case Study Today 

A professionally designed case study template will help you create a stunning case study. While reviewing some high level design strategies is an important step, a tool like Visme will help you make a real impact on your audience.

If you’re ready to create your next case study, get started with Visme today .

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About the Author

Brian Nuckols is a writer working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enjoys communicating visionary ideas in clear, action oriented language. When he’s not working on content for a transformative company you can find him analyzing dreams, creating music, and writing poetry.

How to Write a Case Study: A Complete Guide with Templates

Writing compelling and insightful case studies is a marketer’s biggest job, yet most get frustrated with this content. The challenge? Figuring out how to write a case study that not only highlights the company’s strongest suit but engages new clients with strategic information. If you often struggle with making case studies as more than just dry facts and figures, you’re leading your efforts to missed opportunities.

How to Write a Case Study Step-by-Step 

• Craft a Compelling Headline: Highlight the main success with a clear, direct title.
• Start with a Strong Introduction: Provide a broad overview and hook the reader.
• Discuss Unique Client Challenges: Highlight specific industry-related challenges.
• Highlight the Solution: Showcase your strategies and key results.
• Present Quantifiable Results: Use data and visuals to demonstrate impact.
• Be Clear and Concise: Stick to the point and support claims with data.
• Treat Your Case Study Like a Story: Focus on the customer’s journey and success.
• Use Direct Quotes from the Client: Add authenticity with client testimonials.
• Make the Key Takeaway Clear: Reinforce your expertise and the solution’s value.
• Include a Call to Action (CTA): Guide the reader on what to do next.
• Make It Readable: Use simple language, short paragraphs, and bullet points.
• Finalize and Proofread: Review for errors and ensure a smooth flow.

In this blog, you’ll discover a step-by-step guide that simplifies the process, making it easier to create interesting case studies. From planning to writing, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s start with some basics. 

Table of Contents

What is the format of a case study.

• How to Plan a Case Study 

How to Write a Case Study

How to summarize a case study, how to cite a case study.

A well-structured case study isn’t just a collection of facts—it’s a powerful marketing tool that tells a compelling story. Using the right format for a case study ensures that your message is clear, engaging, and impactful. 

The proper format guides readers through the narrative with hierarchy and scannability, helping them connect with your brand on a deeper level. Most importantly, it empowers you as a marketer to set clear goals for presenting your case studies and ensures you deliver the correct information effectively!

Case studies format helps you to plan and write the case study for your clients. With this outline in mind, you can create steps to complete the process of writing and publishing your case study research. There are eight components of a case study that are essential for building a layout of information in the correct order that makes sense to the viewers. 

Start with a catchy “Title” that grabs attention and an “Overview” that sets the stage. Clearly define the “Problem” your client faced, and then showcase your “Solution” in detail. Highlight the success with “Results” that are measurable and impactful. Add authenticity with “Testimonials and Quotes” from satisfied clients. Wrap it up with a firm “Conclusion” and a compelling “Call to Action” in the “About Us” section that guides the reader on what to do next. 

By following this format, you create a case study design that resonates with your audience and effectively showcases your brand’s value.

Check out the marketing case study template I’ve included below—it has a clear outline that makes it easy to see how sticking to a format can help you plan and write the entire thing.

How to Plan a Case Study 

Now comes the big part! Understanding what to include in a case study outline is just the starting point for beginners. The real challenge lies in creating a step-by-step plan to craft that outline and filling it in with the right information!

1. Set Clear Goals for Your Case Study

Before diving into how to write a case study, defining your ultimate objective is essential. Think about it—what do you want your audience to take away from this case study? For example, your goal is to showcase how your SEO strategies boosted a client’s organic traffic by 150% in just six months. This clear goal will shape your entire narrative and ensure that your case study is laser-focused on demonstrating your expertise and the value you bring.

2. Select a Client that Highlights Your Strongest Suit

Choosing the right client or subject is vital while creating case studies. Imagine you’ve worked with a small e-commerce brand struggling to rank for competitive keywords. Your strategies helped them rank on the first page and increase conversions. This is the perfect client for your case study because their success story directly showcases your SEO prowess. 

By picking a client whose experience aligns with your goals, you’ll create a case study that resonates with your target audience.

3. Reach Out to Your Client for Collaboration

Now that you’ve identified the ideal client, it’s time to reach out. Let’s say you contact your client and explain how a case study can highlight their remarkable success story. It’s a great way to spotlight a mutual collaboration based on credibility. Their buy-in is crucial; their insights and data will authenticate your case study.

4. Gather Comprehensive Data and Insights

Data is the lifeblood of any compelling case study. For instance, in your SEO case study, you’ll need to gather data on key metrics like keyword rankings, organic traffic, and conversion rates before and after implementing your strategies. Let’s say your client saw a 50% increase in organic traffic within three months of optimizing their website. Collecting this data will help you build a robust, evidence-based narrative highlighting your impact.

It’s essential to monitor the before-and-after data to track the effectiveness of implementing your strategies. 

5. Prepare Insightful Questions and Conduct Interviews

It would be best to ask the right questions to get the most out of your client interviews. Imagine asking your client, “What specific challenges were you facing with your organic search rankings before we started working together?” or “How did our SEO strategies help you achieve your business goals?” These questions will lead to detailed responses that add depth to your case study, making it more than just numbers on a page.

Always ask questions that uncover the key challenges your clients face. This way, your prospects will know when to turn to you to navigate or overcome similar obstacles in their business.

Since I’m giving an example of an SEO case study in marketing, you can try these questions to interview your existing client. Obviously, you can modify the sentences according to your industry basics, but these types of questions are fundamental for collecting structured data from your clients. 

• What were your business’s main SEO challenges before we started working together?
• Can you describe your initial expectations for implementing our SEO strategies?
• What specific SEO tactics did we implement that you found most effective?
• How did you monitor and measure the impact of these strategies on your organic traffic?
• What were the key metrics or results that stood out to you after the first three months?

6. Ask Questions That Drive the Story Forward

Impactful questions are the backbone of a strong case study. They allow you to highlight the unique value you delivered to your clients. You can effortlessly showcase your USPs within the case study by asking the right questions. 

Focus on inquiring about the effectiveness of your services and strategies, their impact, and which aspects of the solution were most beneficial. This insight will be your key to demonstrating the tangible benefits you offer your clients. 

Consider asking questions like:

• Can you share a moment when you first noticed a significant improvement in your website’s organic traffic?
• How did the increase in organic traffic impact other business areas, such as lead generation or sales?
• What feedback did your team or customers receive regarding the changes in your site’s performance?
• Looking back, what do you believe was the most critical factor in achieving these results?
• How has this success with SEO influenced your overall marketing strategy moving forward?

These types of questions encourage clients to share their experiences in a way that paints a vivid picture for your readers, making the case study more relatable and engaging.

7. Draft a Clear and Organized Outline

With all the data and insights gathered, it’s time to create a well-structured case study outline. Let’s say you start with a brief overview of your client’s business and its challenges, followed by a detailed account of the SEO strategies you implemented. Then, you showcase the results with hard data and close with client testimonials and a solid call to action. 

As mentioned above, organizing your content in a logical, easy-to-follow format will help you write a case study that not only informs but also captivates your audience.

These steps are the cornerstones of designing a case study. Once you complete this checklist, you can proceed to the next step, which is writing a case study. Since I discussed planning an SEO case study extensively, here is a case study template that perfectly illustrates the process. 

You want to create an informative case study for your prospects. But how do you make sure it’s done right? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a case study that drives results.

1. Craft a Compelling Headline  

Your headline is the first thing readers see, so make it count! It should grab attention and hint at the success story you’re about to share.

How to Write a Case Study Title:

1. Highlight the Result: Showcase the critical success, like “Increased Sales by 200%.”

2. Be Clear and Direct: Make sure the headline is straightforward to grasp.

3. Use Action Words: Start with strong verbs like “How We” or “Achieved.”

4. Mention Client or Industry: Include relevant details for specificity.

5. Keep It Short: Make it concise and attention-grabbing.

2. Start with a Strong Introduction  

Kick off your case study with a broad overview that sets the stage. Provide the big picture and construct a clear narrative that draws readers in, making them eager to learn more about how you solved a significant challenge.

Look at the consulting case study template , which includes a stunning overview description and precise instructions for writing a short and compelling introduction. You can add every little detail to hook the reader.

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3. Discuss Specific Challenges of Your Client

This is where your prospect can truly connect. By highlighting unique yet specific challenges to their industry, you give them insight into issues they might not have encountered yet—or ones they’ve already faced. This way, they’ll know exactly who to turn to when similar challenges arise.

The following financial case study template provides a brief flow of the company’s common challenges in the financial analysis process. The template is almost ready to use with this domain-specific content, requiring minimal adjustments to design your case study.

4. Highlight the Solution  

Now, dive into the heart of the story. Highlight the solution you provided, and make sure to include a notable achievement or key result. This is your chance to shine!

Check out the format for presenting the implications of your service on your client’s business. The benefits should be well-written and data-driven to convince your upcoming clients. This graphic design case study format helps you understand the specific impacts a company seeks from a reputable graphic design firm.

5. Present Quantifiable Results  

When sharing the outcome, numbers speak louder than words. Present quantifiable results that clearly demonstrate the impact of your solution. Use graphs or charts to make the data easy to digest and visually appealing.

6. Be Clear and Concise  

Less is more. Stick to the point and offer just the right amount of detail to keep your readers engaged. Include data that supports your claims, but avoid overwhelming them with too much information.

Here’s a stunning sales consulting case study that uses a simple case study layout and details written in readable, plain language to gauge more utility. 

7. Treat Your Case Study Like a Story  

Focus on your customer’s journey. Think of your case study as a story in which your client is the hero, and your solution is the tool that helped them succeed. This approach will make your case study relatable and compelling.

8. Be as Specific as Possible  

Don’t be vague—details matter. Mention the specific company and its industry to let your audience know that the challenge and solution are relevant to them. The more precise you are, the more credible and trustworthy your case study will be.

Check out the sample case study below for payroll accounting. The details are clearly organized and grouped to emphasize the type of case study.

Also, the next case study template displays very specific problems that a company faces when it lacks digital marketing expertise. 

These templates make it a breeze to craft a case study that’s perfect for your niche.

9. Use Direct Quotes from the Client  

Quotes from your client add authenticity and credibility. They give readers insight into the client’s perspective and make your case study more relatable. Plus, a glowing testimonial is always a nice touch!

The following inbound marketing case study has a prominent client testimonial. With the brief instructions on this template, it’s easier for you to understand how to capture the golden words of your client and use them as a word-of-mouth strategy within the case study. 

10. Pick an Interesting Angle  

Find a unique angle that makes your case study stand out. Maybe it’s an unexpected challenge you overcame, or perhaps it’s a particularly innovative solution. Whatever it is, make it intriguing.

11. Make the Key Takeaway Crystal Clear  

Your readers should walk away with a clear understanding of the main point of your case study. This takeaway should reinforce your expertise and the value of your solution.

12. Include a Call to Action (CTA)  

Don’t leave your readers hanging—tell them what to do next! Include a compelling summary about your company, showcase your happy client base, and conclude the journey with a strong CTA, whether to contact you for a consultation, download a related resource, or learn more about your services on social media, like the following case study template design.

12. Format Professionally  

The design of the case study is just as important as the content. A well-formatted, visually appealing document makes a great impression and enhances readability. With ready-to-use niche-oriented templates, you can easily create a professional-looking case study that impresses and converts. Here is an eye-catching template for an AI assistant software case study that displays a sleek and well-navigated format.

13. Make It Readable  

Easy readability is key. Use simple language, short paragraphs, and bullet points where appropriate. Your case study should be easy to scan and digest. Follow the thirteen design principles to create a standout piece that enhances your marketing efforts.

To understand this, take a look at the following consulting case study template. 

14. Finalize and Proofread Your Case Study  

In order to excel in how to write case studies, give your case study a final review before you hit publish. Proofread carefully to catch any typos or errors, and make sure everything flows smoothly. A polished case study reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

To effectively summarize a case study, start by completing all sections, including the introduction, challenges, solutions, and results. This approach helps marketers identify key points to highlight, making it easier to craft a succinct and engaging summary. 

One tricky thing is the length of the case study summary. So, how long should a case study summary be? 

The length of a case study summary can vary depending on the details you’re covering. Generally, it should be kept concise, usually spanning a couple of lines or up to a single page with several paragraphs. If you’re crafting a customer case study and want to flex your storytelling muscles, it’s perfectly fine for the summary to stretch to a full page.

If summarizing a case study seems daunting, try DocHipo’s advanced AI Writer tool, which effortlessly creates a crisp and concise summary.

Watch this short video to use it.

This is the last step in writing a case study analysis. Citation in a case study is the practice of giving proper credit to the sources you reference or use in your research. It helps validate your work, shows the depth of your research, and avoids plagiarism. Follow the below steps to cite a case study:

• Identify the Source: Gather details like the author, title, publication year, and where the case study was published.
• Choose a Citation Style: Follow the specific formatting style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) required for your work.
• Format the Citation: Arrange the details according to the chosen citation style.
• Include In-Text Citations: Place citations within the text or paragraphs for the case study.
• Create a References List: At the end of your case study, compile all your sources in a bibliography or reference list.

For case studies, citations in APA and MLA styles are very common. If you are just beginning, then you might be confused about these case study citation formats.

Hence, take a look at the picture below, which easily comprehends the APA vs MLA citation features. 

Still feeling overwhelmed about case studies? Be stress-free with the most convenient case study maker, which saves time and allows you to present data in the most attention-grabbing way. 

Watch the video to create case studies in minutes with DocHipo’s case study maker. 

Conclusion 

To summarize, if you want to write a case study, start with a proper case study format, plan the case study, and finally write it with all the information in hand. Then, write a summary to provide an overview of your case study, and finally, add citations for reference. 

Meanwhile, if you want to design a case study, Try DocHipo templates. Sign up to explore all the case study templates. 

What is the structure of a case study?

A case study typically includes the following sections: Title, Introduction, Background, Problem Statement, Solutions, Results, and Conclusion. Each section serves to tell a comprehensive story of the business, from the issue at hand to the resolution and outcomes.

What are the 5 essential elements of a great case study?

The 5 essential elements are: 1) Clear Objective, 2) Detailed Background, 3) Specific Challenges, 4) Effective Solutions, and 5) Measurable Results. These components provide a compelling narrative that highlights the value delivered.

How to begin a case study?

Start a case study by defining the purpose and scope of the study. Introduce the subject, outline the problem, and provide background information to give readers context. This sets the stage for the detailed analysis that follows.

How to make an introduction in case study?

To craft a compelling introduction, briefly describe the subject, outline the problem they faced, and explain why the study is relevant. This section should grab the reader’s attention and make them interested in the rest of the study.

How to make a business case study?

A business case study should begin with a clear objective and background information. Identify the problem, explain the solutions implemented, and conclude with the results achieved. Use real data and quotes from stakeholders to enhance credibility.

How to write a case study step by step?

To write a case study step by step, start by identifying the case you want to explore and gathering relevant data on the subject. Outline the structure of your case study, then craft an engaging Introduction to set the context. Next, detail the Background and Challenges faced, followed by the Solutions applied. Share the Results and Conclusion to highlight the impact. Finally, edit and proofread your case study to ensure clarity and accuracy.

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Public cloud adoption has soared since the launch of the first commercial cloud two decades ago. Most of us take for granted the countless ways public cloud-related services—social media sites (Instagram), video streaming services (Netflix), web-based email applications (Gmail), and more—permeate our lives.

In the business sphere, both large enterprises and small startups depend on public cloud computing models to provide the flexibility, cost-effectiveness and scalability needed to fuel business growth. According to an  International Data Corporation (IDC) report  (link resides outside ibm.com), worldwide spending on public cloud provider services will reach $1.35 trillion in 2027.

Here, we explore 10 top business use cases that reveal how a public cloud helps form the foundation for modern business and fuels ongoing digital transformation.

A  public cloud  is a type of  cloud computing  in which a third-party service provider (e.g., Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, IBM Cloud or Microsoft Azure) makes computing resources (e.g., ready-to-use software applications,  virtual machines (VMs) , enterprise-grade infrastructures and development platforms) available to users over the public internet on a pay-per-usage basis. Moreover, a public cloud model enables companies to automatically scale compute and storage resources up or down (along with data security measures and services) to meet their individual needs.

In a public cloud computing model, a cloud service provider (CSP) owns and operates vast physical  data centers  that run client workloads. Public cloud environments are  multi-tenant , where users share a pool of virtual resources automatically provisioned for and allocated to individual tenants through a self-service  API  interface. Multi-tenant hosting allows cloud service providers to maximize utilization of their data centers and infrastructure resources to offer services at much lower costs than a company-owned, on-premises data center.

Cloud service providers are also responsible for all hardware maintenance and for providing high-bandwidth  network connectivity  to ensure rapid access and exchange of applications and data. They also manage the underlying  virtualization  of servers, operating system software networking and other infrastructure that power a public cloud data center and maximize data center resources. For instance, with  virtualization , one physical server can be split into multiple, distinct virtual servers that serve different clients.

All major public cloud providers continuously update and maintain their infrastructure and leverage the highest data protection and security requirements to prevent data breaches.

Additionally, they offer numerous  cloud security  tools and solutions like  identity and access management (IAM) , data loss prevention (DLP), and  security information and event management (SIEM) .

Finally, a service level agreement (SLA) defines the relationship between a CSP and a client and covers the performance, availability and manageability of cloud services.

Today’s cloud providers offer hundreds of managed services and tools across four main categories. These services are not mutually exclusive; most large organizations use all four to create a modern IT cloud computing environment.

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is on-demand access to ready-to-use, cloud-hosted application software.
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is a   complete cloud platform—hardware, software and infrastructure—for developing, running and managing applications.
• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that delivers fundamental compute, network and storage resources.
• Serverless computing (serverless)  is a cloud computing model that offloads all the back-end infrastructure management tasks—including provisioning, scaling, scheduling and patching—to the cloud provider.

The following are some of the benefits that organizations can enjoy if they employ a public cloud solution:

• Cost-effectiveness:  Reduce spending on hardware and on-premises infrastructures with pay-per-usage or subscription pricing models.
• Efficiency:  Eliminate wasted resources by paying only for what you use. 
• Elasticity:  Automatically add capacity in response to unexpected surges in traffic (e.g., e-commerce flash sales).
• Scalability:  Effectively increase workloads by upgrading the capabilities of existing resources (scaling up) or incorporating additional resources to share the load (scaling out). 
• Innovation:  Access cutting-edge technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence (AI) , edge computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) ).
• Spending predictability:  Experience more predictable ongoing operating expenses to achieve lower costs for overall IT spending.
• Team collaboration:  Access   public cloud resources from anywhere and allow teams to communicate with each other across distributed locations in real time for faster outcomes.
• High availability and reliability:  Achieve less downtime and ensure data resilience with automatic  backup and disaster recovery .
• Sustainability:  Enhance energy efficiency through pooled CSP resources to reduce your carbon footprint.

Beyond the public cloud, cloud deployment models include private cloud, hybrid cloud and multicloud, each offering unique advantages.

A  private cloud  refers to a single-tenant cloud infrastructure operated exclusively for one company that is hosted on-premises at a company’s physical location. A dedicated cloud provider or third-party infrastructure can also host a private cloud. Private clouds are ideal settings for organizations in industries with sensitive data—like those in finance, government or healthcare—that require stringent regulatory or security requirements.

A  hybrid cloud  model uses a mix of computing environments (e.g., on-premises, private cloud, public cloud) to create a single, flexible managed IT infrastructure.

Today, businesses typically combine a hybrid cloud environment with  multicloud —the use of public cloud services from multiple providers. A multicloud approach helps organizations avoid vendor lock-in and select the best cloud services to meet their needs.

A hybrid multicloud has become the de facto choice for large enterprises, giving them the most control over where workloads are deployed and scaled. 

Here are 10 ways businesses leverage public cloud computing services to achieve cost savings, innovation and overall business growth.

Public  cloud storage consists of storage capacity and technology as-a-service, which helps organizations reduce or eliminate the capital costs of building and maintaining in-house storage capabilities. By storing the same company data on multiple machines, cloud storage offers the redundancy needed to support business continuity in the face of a natural disaster, an outage or other emergencies.

2. Dynamic resource allocation

A public cloud gives companies the elasticity to scale resources up or down depending on business needs. For instance, an e-commerce site with highly seasonal sales can quickly expand its online services with a public cloud. They only pay for added capacity during peak periods and then can scale back down during regular sales.

3. Development and testing

A public cloud setting offers an ideal environment for developing and testing new applications compared to the traditional waterfall method, which can be far costlier and more time-consuming. For instance, in just minutes, developers can provision testing environments on public cloud-based virtual machines (VMs). When developers finish using a testing environment, they can easily take it down.

4. Cloud-native applications and DevOps

A public cloud setting supports  cloud-native  applications—software programs that consist of multiple small, interdependent services called microservices , a crucial part of  DevOps  practices. Developers use DevOp tools to automate cloud-native development and rapid delivery of high-quality software, building  containerized applications  once and deploying them anywhere.

5. Low code

Low code is a visual approach to software featuring a graphical user interface with drag-and-drop features that support the  automation  of the development process. Low-code platforms democratize app development for “citizen” developers—users with little formal coding experience. Low code helps businesses streamline workflows and accelerate the development of websites and mobile apps, the integration of external plugins, and cloud-based next-gen technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) .

6. Analytics

With the rise of data collected from mobile phones, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other smart devices, companies need to analyze data more quickly than ever before.  Big data analytics —the use of advanced analytic techniques against very large, diverse big data sets—has become crucial to business success. A public cloud environment provides the computing and networking infrastructure needed to support big data so companies can make faster data-driven decisions and deliver better customer experiences in real-time and at scale.

7. Hybrid multicloud strategy

A public cloud is pivotal to a hybrid multicloud strategy .  By integrating public cloud services with private cloud or on-premises infrastructure, organizations can choose where to run workloads and select the best services from different CSPs. For instance, a financial institution may want to use the public cloud to test and develop new applications while deploying workloads sensitive to fraud and subject to regulation on a private cloud hosted by a dedicated CSP.

8. Generative AI

With its massive need for compute, storage and networking capabilities,  generative AI  needs the cloud to process data in real-time and at scale. Public cloud providers offer companies the capability to access data and harness processing power from multiple distributed data centers that can support generative AI workloads.

9. Edge computing

Edge computing  brings enterprise applications closer to data sources (e.g., mobile phones, sensors, IoT, devices or local edge servers) for faster insights, improved response times and better bandwidth. For instance, edge devices help monitor power grid operations to reduce energy   waste   in the energy sector. A public cloud works synergistically with edge services by connecting them to a centralized public cloud or other edge data centers. Most often, only the most relevant data is processed at the edge. In contrast, less critical data is sent to a primary public cloud data center for processing, freeing up computing resources to ensure low latency.

10. Quantum computing

Quantum computing  uses   computer hardware, algorithms and other quantum mechanics technology to solve complex problems. While quantum computing for business is still in its early stages, organizations in industries that require vast computing capabilities (e.g., chemistry, biology, healthcare, finance) are beginning to tap into quantum’s potential to transform the way they do business. Today’s public cloud service providers have started to offer services involving renting quantum machines, platforms for developing utility-scale quantum algorithms and applications and more.

Harnessing all of a public cloud’s capabilities requires an enterprise-grade platform   that can deliver a high-performance, secure and compliant cloud environment. Built to support the most mission-critical workloads, IBM Cloud is a full-stack cloud platform with over 170+ public cloud solutions to help clients mitigate third- and fourth-party risk, increase time to value, and lower cost of ownership (TCO).

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HBR’s Most-Read Articles of 2024 (So Far)

• Kelsey Hansen

The five stories that have resonated most with our readers this year.

HBR’s top five most popular articles of 2024 (so far), present an opportunity to reflect on the work you’ve done in the preceding months, and chart any necessary course changes. The list includes a case study of how Starbucks lost its way (and how it could pivot); a guide to how to shift your leadership style based on situation; and a playbook for assessing the quality of the questions you ask at work.

The waning days of summer present a prime opportunity to step back and reflect on the paths you’ve taken so far this year, whether they’re personal or professional, and ask yourself: Am I growing in the right direction? What are my blind spots? Where could I be doing better?

• Kelsey Hansen is the senior associate editor for audience engagement at Harvard Business Review.

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https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/08/20/gcse-results-day-2024-number-grading-system/

GCSE results day 2024: Everything you need to know including the number grading system

Thousands of students across the country will soon be finding out their GCSE results and thinking about the next steps in their education.   

Here we explain everything you need to know about the big day, from when results day is, to the current 9-1 grading scale, to what your options are if your results aren’t what you’re expecting.  

When is GCSE results day 2024?  

GCSE results day will be taking place on Thursday the 22 August.     

The results will be made available to schools on Wednesday and available to pick up from your school by 8am on Thursday morning.  

Schools will issue their own instructions on how and when to collect your results.   

When did we change to a number grading scale?  

The shift to the numerical grading system was introduced in England in 2017 firstly in English language, English literature, and maths.  

By 2020 all subjects were shifted to number grades. This means anyone with GCSE results from 2017-2020 will have a combination of both letters and numbers.  

The numerical grading system was to signal more challenging GCSEs and to better differentiate between students’ abilities - particularly at higher grades between the A *-C grades. There only used to be 4 grades between A* and C, now with the numerical grading scale there are 6.  

What do the number grades mean?  

The grades are ranked from 1, the lowest, to 9, the highest.  

The grades don’t exactly translate, but the two grading scales meet at three points as illustrated below.  

The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A, while the bottom of grade 4 is aligned to the bottom of grade C.    

Meanwhile, the bottom of grade 1 is aligned to the bottom of grade G.  

What to do if your results weren’t what you were expecting?  

If your results weren’t what you were expecting, firstly don’t panic. You have options.  

First things first, speak to your school or college – they could be flexible on entry requirements if you’ve just missed your grades.   

They’ll also be able to give you the best tailored advice on whether re-sitting while studying for your next qualifications is a possibility.   

If you’re really unhappy with your results you can enter to resit all GCSE subjects in summer 2025. You can also take autumn exams in GCSE English language and maths.  

Speak to your sixth form or college to decide when it’s the best time for you to resit a GCSE exam.  

Look for other courses with different grade requirements     

Entry requirements vary depending on the college and course. Ask your school for advice, and call your college or another one in your area to see if there’s a space on a course you’re interested in.    

Consider an apprenticeship    

Apprenticeships combine a practical training job with study too. They’re open to you if you’re 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education.  

As an apprentice you’ll be a paid employee, have the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, and get time set aside for training and study related to your role.   

You can find out more about how to apply here .  

Talk to a National Careers Service (NCS) adviser    

The National Career Service is a free resource that can help you with your career planning. Give them a call to discuss potential routes into higher education, further education, or the workplace.   

Whatever your results, if you want to find out more about all your education and training options, as well as get practical advice about your exam results, visit the  National Careers Service page  and Skills for Careers to explore your study and work choices.   

You may also be interested in:

• Results day 2024: What's next after picking up your A level, T level and VTQ results?
• When is results day 2024? GCSEs, A levels, T Levels and VTQs

Tags: GCSE grade equivalent , gcse number grades , GCSE results , gcse results day 2024 , gsce grades old and new , new gcse grades

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