Capital Development Guidelines

This document presents the rationale and justification for projects seeking funding through the Victorian Government Economic Review Committee (ERC) Asset proposal process. The document is the third part of the DTF Gateway process, and is intended to follow Strategic Business Case and Options Analysis documents.

This version of the template is to be used where a project has completed an Investment Evaluation (IE) rather than the Strategic Business and Options Analysis. The template aims to reuse as much IE material as possible while conforming to the scope and intent of the Business Case.

The documents format is based on proposed revisions to the Gateway format, advised to DHS in June 04.

The Business Case should succinctly provide all relevant detail to enable the reader to make informed decisions regarding the project's funding.

The document should explain to the non-specialist reader:

• What the project is
• Why it should be done
• What it will achieve
• What options have been considered
• How much will it cost?
• How will it be undertaken?
• What is the state of readiness and when will it be completed?
• What are the risks and how will they be managed?
• How will it be monitored

At the completion of the business case documentation should exist that addresses the points listed below. The extent of detail covered will vary according to the scope and nature of the project.

The Gateway Review of the project at the completion of the Business Case is looking to:

• Confirm that the business case is robust – that is, in principle it meets business need, is affordable, achievable, with appropriate options explored and likely to achieve value for money.
• Establish that the feasibility study has been completed satisfactorily and that there is a preferred way forward.
• Ensure that there is internal and external authority, if required, and support for the project.
• Ensure that the major risks have been identified and outline risk management plans have been developed.
• Establish that the project is likely to deliver its business goals and that it supports wider business change, where applicable.
• Confirm that the scope and requirements specifications are realistic, clear and unambiguous.
• Ensure that the full scale, intended outcomes, timescales and impact of relevant external issues have been considered.
• Ensure that there are plans for the next stage.
• Confirm planning assumptions and that the project team can deliver the next stage.
• Confirm that overarching and internal business and technical strategies have been taken into account.
• Establish that quality plans for the project and its products are in place.

The Business Case should demonstrate that those objectives have been addressed.