Five-case model

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Business Case Approach (BCA) is designed around the five-case model, following international best practice. The five-case model ensures the business case has asked – and addressed – the right questions.

Introduction to the five-case model

Introduces the five-case model and how to use it to develop your business case. Outlines the purpose of each of the five cases and provides guidance on how to manage risk and uncertainty in the business case.

Strategic case

In the five-case model, the strategic case is the foundation, as it sets the scene for everything else.

Economic case

In the economic case you will use optioneering to help find the best value-for-money approach to addressing the issues identified in the strategic case.

Commercial case

The commercial case should demonstrate that the preferred option is able to be procured in a viable way both for the public sector and for the service providers.

Financial case

The financial case determines the affordability of the investment proposal, including whole-of-life costs and funding requirements.

Management case

The management case is to put in place appropriate arrangements for the successful delivery of the business case and its constituent projects.