Better Business Cases™ Foundation Course Australia

The Better Business Cases™ Foundation course provides a practical introduction to the internationally recognised Five Case Model, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to develop, review and contribute to effective business cases.

Designed for professionals involved in project delivery, business analysis, programme management and investment planning, the course explores the principles of structured business case development and demonstrates how organisations can make informed investment decisions based on strategic alignment, value for money and long-term benefits.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop an understanding of the five key components of a business case. Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial and Management, and learn how these work together to support successful project and programme outcomes.

Whether you’re working in government, infrastructure, healthcare, finance or the private sector, Better Business Cases™ Foundation provides practical skills that can be applied immediately within your organisation while preparing you for the official APMG Better Business Cases™ Foundation certification examination.

Accreditation information

Training ByteSize is an accredited APMG Better Business Cases™ Foundation training provider.

This means that all our course materials have been evaluated to ensure they meet APMG standards, and we are authorised to administer the APMG Better Business Cases™ Foundation exam as outlined in our accreditation.

The Better Business Cases™ methodology is written by the UK Government Treasury in conjunction with the Welsh Government. It is well tried and tested and has been designed to lead to “quicker and cheaper business decisions” for organisations.

The course and examination are based on ‘The Five Case Model’, the UK Government’s best practice approach to planning spending proposals and enabling effective business decisions.

This provides a step-by-step guide to developing a business case by:

Establishing a clear need for intervention – a case for change.
Setting clear objectives – what you want to achieve from the investment.
Considering a wide range of potential solutions – ensuring an optimal balance of benefits, cost and risk.
Putting the arrangements in place to successfully deliver the proposal.

The online course typically takes 10 to 15 hours, covering notetaking, exercises, and exam practice.

Assessment is conducted through an objective multiple-choice examination comprising 50 questions, to be completed within a 40-minute timeframe.

You will get six months of access to our online Better Business Cases™ Foundation course, which has engaging videos, exercises, downloadable resources, and a dedicated exam practice module complete with sample questions.

Structured into five modules, the course comprehensively covers all essential topics outlined in the Better Business Cases™ Foundation syllabus. The modular format enables learners to advance at their preferred pace, and revisit topics as needed for deeper comprehension.

Once you have mastered the training materials, you can use the exam practice module to evaluate your knowledge with a diverse range of sample exam questions.

You can schedule your official online exam when you feel confident and prepared. All you need is a computer, webcam, and internet connection. Simply book your exam via our site.

The introductory session of the Better Business Cases™ Foundation Course will enable you to:

Understand the importance of the business case.
Recognise the type of business case that should be required for an investment.
Describe the ‘Five Case Model’.
Describe the fit between Better Business Cases™, best practice assurance and approvals.

Module 2 of the Better Business Cases™ Foundation course will help you understand the reality of the ‘current situation’.

This is designed to help you understand the importance of having a well-thought-out business case and why this will help your organisation make better investment decisions.

This session will set the scene for the following sessions, in which you will examine the ‘Five Case Model’, the types of business cases required, the business case development process, and how better business cases fit with best practices and assurance.

The third module investigates the ‘Five Case Model’, where you will look at the five key elements that should make up an effective business case.

The five key elements are:

The Strategic Case – which answers the compelling case for change.
The Economic Case – this looks to optimise value.
The Commercial Case – which looks to ensure that the deal is achievable and attractive.
The Financial Case – demonstrates that the spending proposal is affordable.
The Management Case – which shows how the proposal can be delivered successfully.

The fourth module will look at the types of business cases that Better Business Cases™ recommends:

The Strategic Outline Programme (SOP)
The Business Justification Case (BJC)
The Strategic Outline Case (SOC)
The Outline Business Case (OBC)
The Full Business Case (FBC)

Module five focuses on the business case development process suggested by Better Business Cases™. This process consists of several steps and multiple actions within each step.

There are 10 steps you will work through and within those 10 steps, 35 actions that you would take to help develop an effective business case.

The business case development process is split into four stages, which are:

Stage 0 – Determining a strategic policy or Programme through preparing the SOP.
Stage 1 – Scoping the scheme and preparing the SOC.
Stage 2 – Planning the scheme and preparing the OBC.
Stage 3 – Procuring the solution and preparing the FBC.

This module considers the way Better Business Cases™ fits with other best practices and assurance including:

PRINCE2 for Project Management.
Managing Successful Programmes for Programme Management.
The Gateway Review Process for reviews and approvals.

Six months of online access to the Better Business Cases™ Foundation course, including:

Five modules covering the Better Business Cases™ Foundation syllabus.
An exam practice module.
Downloadable documents.
Sample questions.
The official Better Business Cases™ Foundation examination.

Training in APMG Better Business Cases™ Foundation can benefit a wide range of individuals and roles within an organisation, including:

Project managers are responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of projects. Training with the Better Business Cases™ Foundation course equips them with the skills needed to develop robust business cases for proposed projects. This helps to ensure alignment with organisational objectives and secure necessary funding and resources.

Business analysts play a key role in gathering and analysing requirements for projects. Training in Better Business Cases™ provides them with a structured approach to evaluating the feasibility and potential benefits of proposed projects, enabling them to make well-informed recommendations to stakeholders.

Finance professionals are often involved in evaluating the financial viability of proposed projects and investments. Training in Better Business Cases™ helps them understand how to assess the financial aspects of business cases, including cost-benefit analysis and financial modelling.

Senior executives and decision-makers approve project investments and allocate resources within an organisation. Certification in Better Business Cases™ gives them the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate business cases and make informed decisions that align with strategic objectives

Policy makers and government officials are tasked with making decisions about public investments and policy initiatives in government and public sector organisations. This course helps them develop a systematic approach to evaluating the value for money and feasibility of proposed projects and policies.

Consultants and advisors who work with organisations to develop business cases or provide strategic advice can benefit from gaining a Better Business Cases™ Foundation certification. It enhances their credibility and equips them with a standardised methodology for guiding clients through the business case development process.

This training benefits anyone involved in project planning, investment decisions, or strategic planning within an organisation, beyond specific roles. This includes professionals from various departments such as marketing, operations, IT, and human resources.

Overall, training in APMG Better Business Cases™ Foundation is valuable for anyone involved in project planning, investment decisions, or strategic management within an organisation, regardless of their specific role or function.

There are no formal prerequisites for taking the Better Business Cases™ Foundation exam. It is designed to be accessible to individuals at various levels of experience and expertise.

The exam comprises of 50 multiple-choice questions. A score of 25 marks out of a possible 50 (50%) is required to pass.

It is a closed-book exam, meaning learners cannot use any revision materials during the exam. Students will have 40 minutes to complete the exam.

Our Better Business Cases™ Foundation course can provide students with valuable skills, credentials, and opportunities that can enhance their career prospects and contribute to their professional development.

Taking an APMG Better Business Cases™ Foundation course can offer several benefits for students:

The course provides students with a structured approach to business case development, equipping them with the skills necessary to create robust, comprehensive, and convincing business cases. These skills are highly valuable in various professional settings.

Certification in Better Business Cases™ demonstrates proficiency in a globally recognised framework for business case development. This can enhance a student’s resume and make them more attractive to employers seeking individuals with strong analytical and decision-making abilities.

Students will learn how to evaluate and analyse proposed projects or initiatives’ feasibility and potential benefits. This knowledge can enable more informed decision-making within organisations, leading to better resource allocation and increased project success rates.

The course teaches a standardised approach to business case development, ensuring consistency and quality across projects within an organisation. This can help streamline processes, reduce errors, and promote alignment with organisational objectives.

Participating in the course can provide students with opportunities to network with professionals in their field who are also interested in business case development. Networking can lead to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential career advancement.

Completing the course demonstrates a commitment to professional development and continuous learning, which can be attractive to employers and can contribute to long-term career growth and advancement opportunities.

Having Better Business Cases™ Foundation-certified employees can contribute to more effective decision-making, improved project outcomes, and a stronger competitive position for the organisation.

Having employees who are certified in the Better Business Cases™ Foundation course can provide several benefits to an organisation:

Certified employees are equipped with structured methodologies for developing business cases, enabling them to make more informed decisions regarding project investments. This can lead to better resource allocation and an increased likelihood of project success.

Certified employees understand how to create comprehensive and convincing business cases that accurately assess proposed projects’ feasibility and potential benefits. This leads to higher-quality business cases, which are essential for securing funding and approval for projects.

With standardised processes and methodologies in place, organisations can streamline the business case development process. This can result in faster decision-making and reduced time-to-market for projects.

Certified employees are trained to identify and assess risks associated with proposed projects, enabling the organisation to make more informed risk management decisions. This reduces the likelihood of project failures or cost overruns and enhances the organisation’s ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.

By using a standardised approach to business case development, certified employees ensure that proposed projects align with the organisation’s strategic objectives and priorities. This alignment helps the organisation focus its resources on initiatives that will deliver the greatest value and impact.

Organisations with Better Business Cases™ Foundation-certified employees have a competitive advantage in the marketplace. They can demonstrate to stakeholders, investors, and customers that they have a comprehensive and disciplined approach to project investment decisions, enhancing their credibility and reputation.

Supporting employees in obtaining certification demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to professional development and excellence. This can boost employee morale, engagement, and retention, as employees feel valued and supported in their career growth.

On completion of the APMG Better Business Cases™ Foundation training, you will:

Training ByteSize Australia combines accredited Better Business Cases™ training with flexible learning, expert support and innovative online resources to help you build practical business case development skills and achieve certification with confidence.

Accredited Better Business Cases™ Training

Study with confidence through an accredited training provider delivering the official APMG Better Business Cases™ Foundation syllabus, ensuring your learning is aligned with internationally recognised best practice.

Practical Learning for Real-World Application

Our courses focus on developing practical knowledge that can be applied immediately within your organisation, helping you create stronger business cases and support better investment decisions.

Flexible Online Learning

Study at your own pace from anywhere in Australia with engaging online learning that fits around your professional and personal commitments.

Innovative Learning Experience

Our multimedia courses are designed to make learning engaging and effective, with interactive content and ByteSize Buddy, our AI-powered learning assistant, providing additional support throughout your studies.

Dedicated Australian Support

Our friendly Australian team is here to support you from enrolment through to certification, helping you get the most from your learning experience.

Whether you’re beginning your journey in business case development or looking to formalise your existing knowledge, Training ByteSize Australia provides the expertise, flexibility and support to help you succeed.

Better Business Cases™ Foundation is an internationally recognised certification that introduces the principles of the Five Case Model. It provides a structured approach to developing and reviewing business cases, helping organisations make informed investment decisions based on strategic alignment, value for money and long-term benefits.

The Foundation course is suitable for anyone involved in developing, reviewing or supporting business cases and investment decisions, including:

Project Managers
Programme Managers
Business Analysts
PMO Professionals
Portfolio Managers
Finance Professionals
Consultants
Government Officials
Infrastructure Professionals
Senior Managers
Anyone responsible for business case development or project investment decisions.

No previous experience with Better Business Cases™ is required.

No. There are no formal prerequisites for Better Business Cases™ Foundation. The course is designed for beginners as well as experienced professionals who want to develop a structured understanding of business case development using the Five Case Model.

The Five Case Model is the internationally recognised framework used within Better Business Cases™ to develop robust investment proposals. It consists of five interconnected elements:

Strategic Case
Economic Case
Commercial Case
Financial Case
Management Case

Together, these help organisations assess whether a proposed investment is strategically justified, affordable, commercially viable and capable of delivering measurable benefits.

You’ll learn how to:

Understand the principles of the Five Case Model.
Develop structured, evidence-based business cases.
Assess strategic alignment and investment objectives.
Evaluate value for money and affordability.
Understand governance and stakeholder responsibilities.
Contribute effectively to project and programme investment decisions.
Support business case development using recognised international best practice.

Yes. Better Business Cases™ is recognised internationally and is increasingly used across Australia within government departments, infrastructure projects, healthcare, finance and private sector organisations to improve investment planning and business case development.

Yes. Training ByteSize Australia offers flexible online learning, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere in Australia. Our engaging learning platform enables you to fit your studies around your professional and personal commitments while preparing for the official APMG Foundation examination.

The course is designed to be completed at your own pace. Study time will vary depending on your experience and learning style, but most learners complete the training over several days or spread their learning across a number of weeks alongside their work commitments.

The Foundation qualification is assessed through an official APMG multiple-choice examination that tests your understanding of the Five Case Model, business case development principles and the key concepts covered throughout the course.

After successfully completing the Foundation qualification, you can progress to the Better Business Cases™ Practitioner course. Practitioner focuses on applying the Five Case Model in real workplace scenarios and developing robust business cases that support complex investment decisions.

Better Business Cases™ Foundation demonstrates your understanding of internationally recognised business case development best practice. The qualification can strengthen your professional credentials and support career progression across project management, programme management, business analysis, finance, PMO, infrastructure and government roles where investment planning and governance are key responsibilities.

Training ByteSize Australia delivers accredited Better Business Cases™ training with flexible online learning, engaging multimedia content and dedicated Australian support. Our courses are designed to help you build practical business case development skills, prepare confidently for certification and apply the Five Case Model effectively within your organisation.

The Better Business Cases™ Foundation course is typically considered an entry-level qualification. It provides foundational knowledge and skills in the principles and practices of business case development, particularly within the context of public sector projects. This course introduces participants to the Better Business Cases™ framework, helping them understand how to develop and evaluate robust business cases for investment decisions.

The Better Business Cases™ Foundation is mapped to the SFIA Framework:

This certification confirms (endorsement): Generic attribute Knowledge up to level 3, Feasibility Assessment level 3
This certification would be useful for (development): Same as above plus Feasibility Assessment level 4, Methods and Tools level 3

The Better Business Cases™ Foundation certification does not expire. Once you’ve obtained the certification, it remains valid indefinitely, indicating that you have acquired the foundational knowledge and skills in developing better business cases. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that best practices and methodologies in business case development may evolve over time.

Therefore, individuals holding this certification may benefit from staying updated on industry trends, changes in methodology, and emerging practices through continuing education, professional development, or refresher courses.

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Training teams is what we do really well, so if you have more than one person to train it may be more cost effective for you to consider our corporate solutions. Courses are offered online, on-site or virtually; there are so many options so it’s best for you to email us at [email protected] with your requirements and we will send you a tailored quote.

Online learning is a great way to study and our e-learning courses are interactive and engaging.

Studying for your qualification online is a viable option for so many project managers:

Learning is completely flexible to suits your busy schedule
The interactive online course consists of voice-over and animation to keep you engaged throughout the learning
You can access it anywhere in the world and take your exam online at a time that suits you best
The Foundation e-learning will take around 10 hours to complete and includes a quiz bank which contains a range of questions to test your knowledge and understanding of the course prior to sitting the official exam
Our pass rates are well in excess of the national average (nearly 100%!), there is really no reason you should fail!

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Our online courses are built around you — your schedule, your pace, your goals.

Study when it suits you — with 6 months' access, you can dip in and out whenever works best, whether that's early morning or late at night
Stay engaged from start to finish with a rich mix of voiceover, animation and interactive content that brings the subject to life
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Build real confidence through our comprehensive quiz banks, designed to continuously test and strengthen your understanding as you progress
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Students can ask questions using a headset, webcam or a chat window, and get their questions answered, just like in a traditional classroom. Questions can be lined up and answered at intervals, without interrupting the teacher’s flow of thought. There is no difference in the level of interaction – in fact distractions are significantly reduced because of this way of teaching. Our trainers have a minimum of 10 years training experience, plus have previously run and managed live projects, so have real-life experience they bring to the virtual session.

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Better Business Cases™ Foundation Course