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2023/2024  MA-MMBDV1054U  Developing Business Cases

English Title
Developing Business Cases

Course information

Language English
Course ECTS 3 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Part Time Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Min. participants 10
Max. participants 30
Study board
Study Board for Master i forretningsudvikling
Course coordinator
  • Carsten Scheibye - Department of Operations Management (OM)
  • Giulio Zichella - Department of Operations Management (OM)
Main academic disciplines
  • Managerial economics
  • Economics
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 03-07-2023

Relevant links

Learning objectives
  • Ability to identify a relevant business case problem in your own organization or within another chosen empirical context
  • Ability to select and apply economic concepts and theories to weight the advantages, disadvantages, and dilemmas associated with the business case problem
  • Ability to critically reflect on possible courses of action, and in turn the practical implication for decision-making
Examination
Developing Business Cases:
Exam ECTS 3
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 5 pages
Assignment type Synopsis
Release of assignment An assigned subject is released in class
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Make-up exam/re-exam Home assignment - written product
Size of written product: Max. 10 pages
Assignment type: Written assignment
Release of assignment: An assigned subject is released in class
Duration: Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Description of the exam procedure

The exam has form of a business case, which the participants develop based on their own organizations. The business case is prepared individually. The business case should include criteria for evaluation of the economics in the business case, important assumptions, as well as an analysis and appraisal of the value creation and associated risks.  The business case is presented and defended at a individual oral exam, where examiners have the possibility to ask within the different curriculum areas. The grade is based on joint evaluation of the written assignment and the oral examination.

Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

A ‘Business Case’ includes a broad assessment perspective on a course of action. It is not enough to conclude that a particular project or an investment seems to address strategic concerns. The project or investment might be too costly, provide negative economic value or embed risk beyond what is acceptable for the organization. Similarly, a project or an investment might be economically justified. Still, the project or investment could be impossible to implement or have little strategic rationale. The course ‘Developing Business Cases’ provides participants with a broad perspective on a ‘business case’ and equip them with theories, techniques and methods to develop a business case in their own organizations. The course focuses on both strategic context and feasibility concerns as well as the economic evaluation of a project or an investment. The former includes the development of several options, while the latter includes evaluation of the alternatives, reflection on risk and building scenarios.

 

The managerial justification of decisions thus goes beyond pure economic reasoning; that is, whether a specific initiative for instance reduces costs, increases revenue or both. In addition, numerous initiatives in organizations do not necessarily rest upon evaluation of economic value. Similarly, undertakings that for instance support social responsibility or a green agenda might definitely look at a broader picture. Thus, the course ‘Developing Business Cases’ addresses a comprehensive justification, which includes reflection about whether a project or an investment underpins the present strategy and deals with core strategic issues. Justification also implies whether a project or an investment is feasible to implement as well as an assessment of whether it is acceptable to all stakeholders.

Description of the teaching methods
The course uses a combination of discussion-driven overview lectures, group work and workshops, case analysis and presentations from the course participants
Feedback during the teaching period
Will be given during lectures.
Student workload
Examination 0,5 hours
Lectures 20 hours
Preparation 70 hours
Last updated on 03-07-2023