Waka Kotahi supports users of our Business Case Approach (BCA) by providing guidance, online learning and support, including a community of practice. 

As part of our BCA refresh (2023) we are updating our learning opportunities for the BCA to provide up-to-date information and to help grow the skills you need for business case development.

Introduction to the investment lifecycle

Watch a video that sets the scene for your BCA learning by explaining how the investment in the land transport system works at a high level and where business cases fit into the big picture.

Get started with the Business Case Approach learning overview

Learning modules

Our learning modules will help you grow the knowledge you need to for developing business cases, and the skills you need to do it well.

They will include learning opportunities that introduce the BCA, that focus on specific phases and cases, and that develop the skills that make for a robust and compelling business case.

Disclaimer: These modules may not be fully accessible. For optimal learning, please use a desktop or laptop. We apologise for any inconvenience and are working to improve accessibility.

Learn about the Business Case Approach and phases

Introducing the Business Case Approach essentials

Explains the BCA at a high level, including the principles that apply to all business cases and the phases they go through.

Introducing the Business Case Approach essentials module for external users(external link)

Waka Kotahi people should access this on Puna Koi.

Introducing the Business Case Approach essentials module on Puna Koi(external link)

Introducing the point of entry

Explains what's involved in the point of entry phase and provides tips for how to approach it.

Introducing the point of entry module for external users(external link)

Waka Kotahi people should access this on Puna Koi.

Introducing the point of entry module on Puna Koi(external link)

Learn skills to develop robust and compelling business cases

Critical thinking

Explains how critical thinking will help you to develop effective business cases and reinforces how we can all improve our ability to think critically.

Critical thinking module for external users(external link)

Waka Kotahi people should access this on Puna Koi.

Critical thinking module on Puna Koi(external link)

Storytelling

Explains how storytelling will help you to develop effective business cases and reinforces the impact it can have to help people understand what we want to achieve.

Storytelling module for external users(external link)

Waka Kotahi people should access this on Puna Koi.

Storytelling module on Puna Koi(external link)

Debriefing

Explains why we debrief after the business case development process, how to approach it, and the benefits of debriefing.

Debriefing module for external users(external link)

Waka Kotahi people should access this on Puna Koi.

Debriefing module on Puna Koi(external link)

Business Case Approach Community of Practice

We support business case capability development by running a community of practice.

This is a place where we can share best practice approaches to business case development through mentoring, coaching, knowledge-sharing and skills development for all people involved in completing business cases.

We come together to share ideas, be innovative in our thinking, tackle issues and work through concerns with business case development.

Business Case Approach Community of Practice Code of Conduct [PDF, 65 KB]

If you would like to join the community, or for more information, contact bcacommunity@nzta.govt.nz

Speaker series

The community of practice runs regular presentations on topics related to business case development. These sessions keep you up to date with current guidance and give you access to experts in the field. We record the sessions so past presentations are also available to the community.

Past community of practice presentations for external users(external link)
Past community of practice presentations via Puna Koi (for Waka Kotahi staff)(external link)

Mentoring programme

Our mentoring programme is a key part of our community, and involves a one-on-one relationship between an experienced and knowledgeable mentor and their mentee, providing guidance, support and advice.

How our programme works

The focus for our mentoring programme is on improving mentees’ technical capability, aligned to the BCA. Mentees can apply to the programme, and will be asked for some relevant information to help us find a mentor who will best match their needs. A mentor and mentee will typically commit to working together for at least 6 months. 

Purpose, objectives and principles for the Business Case Approach Community of Practice mentoring framework [PDF, 120 KB]

Eligibility

Our programme is open to all members of the Business Case Approach Community of Practice.

Apply as a mentee

Are you looking for support and guidance? If you’d like to be a mentee, apply by completing the mentee application form.
Mentee application form(external link)

We’ll review your application form and check it against the criteria. If you are accepted onto the programme, we’ll match you with a mentor and our mentoring coordinator will be in touch to support you.

Resources for mentees

Once you’re signed up as a mentee, you can use these resources to get started with the mentoring process.

For more information, contact us at bcacommunity@nzta.govt.nz 

Need support?

It is important to talk to us at an early stage of developing your business case. Contact your Waka Kotahi investment advisor or email the Business Case Process team at businesscaseprocess@nzta.govt.nz