Training activity information
Details
Draft a business case for a technical service or piece of equipment, to include a cost benefit analysis and options appraisal
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Local procurement and tender processes
- Business case pathway
- Estate and HR implications
- Change control
- Ongoing costs
- Capital and revenue sourcing
- Finance and business training opportunities
- Role of the finance department and the departmental budget holder
- GMP compliance
- Local and national legislation and regulation
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the specific objectives you aim to achieve by drafting this business case? Consider the need for the technical service or equipment and what a successful business case would demonstrate.
- What information do you need to gather regarding the technical service or equipment? This might include specifications, potential benefits, costs, and alternative options.
- What do you know about the typical structure and content of a business case?
- What local or national guidance exists on cost-benefit analysis and options appraisal in your department or organisation?
- Who are the key stakeholders you might need to consult with or whose input you will need for this task?
- What resources (e.g., templates, previous business cases) will you need to review?
- Will you research the cost implications and potential benefits of the proposed service or equipment?
- How will you structure your approach to gather the necessary information?
In action
- How are you currently approaching the task of drafting the business case?
- Why are you choosing this structure and these particular sections?
- What information are you prioritising for inclusion in the business case?
- How are you deciding on the scope of the cost-benefit analysis and options appraisal?
- Are you finding the financial aspects or the service justification more straightforward?
- Where are you having to consciously refer to guidelines or prior knowledge?
- Is your current approach allowing you to gather the necessary information and structure the business case effectively?
- Are you on track to include all the required elements (cost-benefit analysis, options appraisal)?
- Are you encountering difficulties in obtaining specific data, applying relevant analysis techniques, or structuring the argument persuasively?
- Are you discovering new aspects of business case development, cost analysis, or stakeholder engagement?
- Are you drawing upon prior experience in financial planning, project management, or service improvement?
- If you are facing roadblocks, are there different ways to structure the business case, conduct the analysis, or present the options?
- Would it be helpful to consult with your supervisor or other colleagues regarding specific aspects of the task?
- Are you confident in your ability to conduct the required analysis and make appropriate recommendations within your current level of training?
On action
- What were the key components you included in your business case?
- How did you approach the cost-benefit analysis and options appraisal?
- What factors did you consider to be most important when presenting your case?
- What information did you find most challenging to gather or analyse?
- What did you learn about the process of drafting a business case within a health service context?
- How did undertaking the cost-benefit analysis enhance your understanding of the financial implications?
- What did you learn about appraising different options for a technical service or equipment?
- Did you encounter any unexpected challenges in applying financial or contractual requirements? How did you address these?
- How will this experience inform your approach to future business case development?
- What specific skills or knowledge related to financial and contractual requirements will you focus on developing further?
- How can you apply the principles of cost-benefit analysis and options appraisal in other aspects of your practice?
Beyond action
- Have you had the opportunity to review the business case you drafted since completing the activity?
- Have you encountered any real-world examples of business cases for technical services or equipment in your department or organisation since this training activity? How did they compare to your drafted case?
- Have you discussed your approach to the cost-benefit analysis and options appraisal with colleagues? Did their perspectives offer new insights?
- Has your understanding of the financial and contractual requirements for running a health service department evolved since drafting this business case?
- How has this training activity contributed to that understanding?
- Have you been involved in any subsequent discussions or decisions regarding the acquisition of technical services or equipment?
- Did this training activity help prepare you for these discussions?
- How has this experience contributed to your broader understanding of applying organisational policies in the workplace, particularly in relation to resource justification?
- What transferable skills, such as analytical skills or understanding financial justification, did you develop through this training activity that you can apply to other areas of your future practice?
- How will your experience of drafting a business case inform your approach to future projects or proposals requiring similar justification?
- Will you approach the initial stages of considering new equipment or services differently in the future based on this experience?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Explain the financial and contractual requirements for running an NHS department. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Apply guidance and contractual requirements in practice when dealing with external contractors. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Practice effective communication with a range of stakeholders using a variety of methods. |