tractorjuice--arckit-gemini
wehub-resource-sync
4.1 KiB
4.1 KiB
Strategic Outline Business Case Playbook
Guide Origin: Official | ArcKit Version: [VERSION]
/arckit:sobc creates a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) using the UK Government Green Book 5-case model.
Inputs
| Artefact | Purpose |
|---|---|
Requirements (ARC-<id>-REQ-v1.0.md) |
What the project must deliver |
| Stakeholder drivers | Business context and strategic alignment |
| Risk register | Key risks and assumptions |
| Architecture principles | Technology constraints and standards |
Command
/arckit:sobc Create SOBC for <initiative>
Output: projects/<id>/ARC-<id>-SOBC-v1.0.md
Auto-versioning: Re-running this command when a document already exists automatically increments the version (minor for refreshed content, major for changed scope) instead of overwriting.
SOBC Structure (5-Case Model)
| Case | Contents |
|---|---|
| Strategic Case | Why is change needed? Strategic fit, policy alignment, objectives |
| Economic Case | What delivers best value? Options analysis, cost-benefit, VfM |
| Commercial Case | How will it be procured? Procurement strategy, market engagement |
| Financial Case | Is it affordable? Funding, budget, financial implications |
| Management Case | How will it be delivered? Governance, timeline, assurance |
Strategic Case Components
| Component | Contents |
|---|---|
| Strategic Context | Policy drivers, strategic priorities |
| Case for Change | Current situation, problems, why change is needed |
| Investment Objectives | SMART objectives for the investment |
| Existing Arrangements | Current state and its limitations |
| Business Needs | What the organization requires |
| Scope | What's included/excluded |
| Benefits | Expected benefits and how measured |
| Risks | Key strategic risks |
| Constraints | Boundaries and limitations |
| Dependencies | Related projects and external factors |
Economic Case - Options
| Option Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Do Nothing | Continue as-is (baseline) |
| Do Minimum | Minimal intervention |
| Do Something (Options 1-3) | Alternative approaches |
| Preferred Option | Recommended approach with rationale |
Business Case Lifecycle
| Stage | Document | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-SOC | Strategic Assessment | Initial exploration |
| SOC | Strategic Outline Case | Strategic direction |
| SOBC | Strategic Outline Business Case | Preferred way forward |
| OBC | Outline Business Case | Detailed analysis |
| FBC | Full Business Case | Investment decision |
One-Page Workflow
| Phase | Key Activities | ArcKit Commands |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery | Define requirements and stakeholders | /arckit:requirements, /arckit:stakeholders |
| Risk | Identify and assess risks | /arckit:risk |
| Business Case | Create SOBC | /arckit:sobc |
| Architecture | High-level design | /arckit:diagram, /arckit:hld-review |
| Procurement | Market engagement | /arckit:sow, /arckit:gcloud-search |
Review Checklist
- Strategic fit with government and departmental priorities clear.
- Case for change compelling with evidence.
- Investment objectives are SMART.
- At least 4 options considered (including do nothing).
- Preferred option has clear rationale.
- Benefits identified with measurement approach.
- Key risks and mitigations documented.
- Procurement route identified.
- Funding requirements clear.
- Governance and delivery approach outlined.
Treasury Approval Thresholds
| Threshold | Approval Required |
|---|---|
| <£5m | Departmental |
| £5m-£25m | Department + CDDO |
| >£25m | HMT + IPA |
Note: Thresholds vary by department and project type
Key Principles
- Evidence-Based: All claims supported by data and analysis.
- Options Appraisal: Genuinely consider alternatives.
- Benefits Focus: Clear, measurable benefits with owners.
- Risk Awareness: Honest about risks and uncertainties.
- Proportionate: Detail appropriate to investment size.