Tools and templates for the Business Case Approach

A handy list of all the tools, templates and information sheets to help you follow the Business Case Approach (BCA). Use them as guides, but adapt them for your particular situation.

Strategic case

Strategic case

Templates

• Uncertainty register template [DOCX, 34 KB]
• Investment logic map template [PPTX, 59 KB]
• Benefits map template [PPTX, 64 KB]

Tools

• Land Transport Benefits Framework
• Benefits map example [PDF, 153 KB]
• Investment objective example [PDF, 121 KB]
• One Network Framework
• Arataki
• Transport Outcomes Framework(external link)
• Crash Analysis System
• Business Case Approach Q&A tool

Information sheets

• The ‘5 whys’ problem definition technique [PDF, 344 KB]
• BCA Practice Notes 2: How problem statements are used in practice [PDF, 78 KB]
• BCA Practice Notes 3: Root cause analysis in business case development [PDF, 120 KB]
• BCA Practice Notes 4: Critical thinking and the importance of asking questions [PDF, 112 KB]

Economic case

Economic case

Template

• Uncertainty register template [DOCX, 34 KB]

Tools

• Early assessment sifting tool guidance and template
• Multi-criteria analysis guidance and template
• Appraisal summary table guidance and template
• Intervention hierarchy
• Z/44 Risk management practice guide

Commercial case

Commercial case

Template

• Uncertainty register template [DOCX, 34 KB]

Tools

• Procurement manual 
• Z/44 Risk management practice guide

Financial case 

Financial case

Template

• Uncertainty register template [DOCX, 34 KB]

Tools

• Cost estimation manual (SM014)
• Monetised benefits and costs manual
• Investment Prioritisation Method
• 2021–24 NLTP activity classes and work categories
• Z/44 Risk management practice guide

Management case

Management case

Template

• Uncertainty register template [DOCX, 34 KB]

Tools

• Transport Services project management guide (SM011)
• Z/44 Risk management practice guide
• Benefits management guidance

Point of entry phase

Point of entry phase

Template

• Record of point of entry template [DOTX, 63 KB]

Learning modules

• Point of entry
• Critical thinking

Information sheets

• Risk-based approach [PDF, 82 KB]
• Point of entry: relationship management [PDF, 870 KB]

Strategic case phase

Strategic case phase

Template

• Strategic case document information guide [DOCX, 37 KB]
  Note that this is for guidance only, and should be adapted as necessary

Tools

• Business Case Approach Q&A tool
• Land Transport Benefits Framework

Information sheets

• BCA Practice Notes 2: How problem statements are used in practice [PDF, 78 KB]
• BCA Practice Notes 3: Root cause analysis in business case development [PDF, 120 KB]
• BCA Practice Notes 4: Critical thinking and the importance of asking questions [PDF, 112 KB]

Programme business case phase

Programme business case phase

Template

• Programme business case document information guide [DOCX, 4.4 MB]

Tools

• Business Case Approach Q&A tool
• Multi-criteria analysis guidance and template
• Guide for developing programme business cases for state highway investment [PDF, 1.6 MB]
  Note that this document is currently under review

Additional references and standards for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

(NZTA) projects

• References and standards for NZTA business cases

Information sheets

• BCA Practice Notes 4: Critical thinking and the importance of asking questions [PDF, 112 KB]
• BCA Practice Notes 5: Innovation and creativity in business case development [PDF, 107 KB]

Indicative business case phase

Indicative business case phase

Templates

• Indicative business case document information guide [DOCX, 1.2 MB]
  Note that this is for guidance only, and should be adapted as necessary

Tools

• Intervention hierarchy
• Early assessment sifting tool
• Multi-criteria analysis
• Appraisal summary table

Additional references and standards for NZTA projects

• References and standards for NZTA business cases

Information sheets

• BCA Practice Notes 4: Critical thinking and the importance of asking questions [PDF, 112 KB]
• BCA Practice Notes 5: Innovation and creativity in business case development [PDF, 107 KB]

Detailed business case phase

Detailed business case phase

Templates

• Detailed business case document information guide [DOCX, 1.2 MB]
  Note that this is for guidance only and should be adapted as necessary
• Uncertainty register template [DOCX, 34 KB]

Tools

• Environmental screen
• Emissions reduction plan(external link)
• Procurement manual
• Cost estimation manual (SM014)
• State highway revocation: policy and guidance [PDF, 429 KB]
• Monetised benefits and costs manual
• Land Transport Benefits Framework measures manual
• Benefits management guidance

Additional references and standards for NZTA projects

• References and standards for NZTA business cases

Single-stage business case phase

Single-stage business case phase

Template

• Single-stage business case document information guide [DOCX, 1.2 MB]
  Note that this is for guidance only, and should be adapted as necessary.
• Single-stage business case-lite template [DOTX, 54 KB]

Tools

• Business Case Approach Q&A tool
• Intervention hierarchy
• Early assessment sifting too guidance and template
• Multi-criteria analysis guidance and template
• Appraisal summary table guidance and template

Additional references and standards for NZTA projects

• References and standards for NZTA business cases

Information sheets

• BCA Practice Notes 4: Critical thinking and the importance of asking questions [PDF, 112 KB]
• BCA Practice Notes 5: Innovation and creativity in business case development [PDF, 107 KB]

Pre-implementation and implementation phases

Pre-implementation and implementation phases in the business case

Tools

• NZTA Transport Services project management guide (SM011)
• Procurement manual
• State highway professional services contract proforma manual (SM030)
• NZTA variation request process, procedures, and checklist [PDF, 451 KB]

Additional information for NZTA projects

Pre-implementation
Implementation

Engagement

Engagement and the Business Case Approach

Template

• BCA stakeholder engagement plan template [DOCX, 77 KB]

Tools

• NZTA public engagement guidelines
• Table of engagement actions in the five-case model [PDF, 996 KB]
• IAP2 Engagement Methods Tool(external link)
• Te Ara Kotahi – Our Māori Strategy
• Hononga ki te Iwi – Our Māori Engagement Framework
• Z/19 Taumata Taiao – Environmental and Sustainability Standard
• NZTA public engagement guidelines

Information sheets

• Point of entry: relationship management information shee [PDF, 870 KB]

Debriefing

Debriefing after your business case

Tool

• Business case debriefing session questions guide [DOCX, 147 KB]

Need support?

It is important to talk to us throughout the development of your business case. Contact your NZTA investment advisor or email the Business Case Process team at businesscaseprocess@nzta.govt.nz