How to Note: Writing a Business Case: A DFID practice paper

A how to document on writing a business case compiled  by the department for international development. 

1. A Business Case sets out the rationale for choosing a project, programme, or approach to funding (referred to collectively as an intervention). It aims to provide a consistent approach to the choices and design of DFID interventions. This note is targeted at all staff involved in the design of interventions leading to investment decisions. Separate guidance is available for Multilateral core-contributions (for Multilateral projects with core contributions resulting form the MAR only and rapid-response humanitarian interventions.

2. This note does not attempt to provide all the detailed technical guidance that would be necessary for every possible scenario. If the programme team is unclear on any technical elements of the Business Case then they should consult with advisors who have been involved in similar interventions or contact Heads of Profession or policy leads for the area. Advisors can share experiences and approaches in the various Results and VfM „theme-sites? and these are a good resource to see how others have tackled similar issues. There is also a host of evidence papers and systematic reviews on various sector themes available from R4D. Enquiries specifically relating to this How to Note should be directed to the FCPD Service Desk and a further associated guidance, including on the Quality Assurance process, is available on MoneySight,