What is the focus of Stage 1 in business case development?

In business case development, the primary focus of Stage 1 is on preparing the Strategic Outline Case (SOC). The SOC is a pivotal document that outlines the strategic justification for a proposed investment or project. It serves to clarify the project's goals, the rationale behind the investment, and the alignment with broader organizational or governmental objectives.

At this stage, emphasis is placed on gathering essential information that informs the strategic vision and context for the project. This includes identifying the strategic fit, understanding the issues that the project aims to address, and establishing a high-level understanding of the potential solutions. The SOC functions as a foundation for further detailed development in subsequent stages, ensuring that there is clarity and alignment before more detailed assessments, such as financial evaluations, stakeholder engagement, and delivery planning, are carried out.

Thus, preparing the SOC is critical for laying a strong foundation for successful business case development and project implementation.