What does Stage 0 in business case development entail?

Stage 0 in business case development focuses on determining the strategic context and undertaking the Strategic Assessment. This critical step is essential as it establishes the foundation for the entire business case by aligning the proposed project or intervention with the organization's overarching strategic goals and objectives. During this stage, key stakeholders assess the current situation, identify any issues or opportunities, and evaluate the likely impact of the proposed initiative on the strategic direction of the organization.

Understanding the strategic context ensures that decisions made later in the business case development process are informed by a clear understanding of how the project supports the broader goals. It also helps to identify any potential risks or challenges that may need to be addressed in subsequent stages.

In contrast, the other options refer to later stages in the business case process or specific activities related to developing detailed plans or securing contracts, which occur after the initial strategic context has been established.