Module 1 • 22 min
Why Business Cases Fail Before They Start
Recognize the gaps that weaken an AI automation case before approval.Core Concept
Business cases fail when they skip the baseline, use broad efficiency claims, omit costs and risks, or never define how value will be measured after launch. A credible case creates a shared evidence standard before anyone calculates return.
This decision affects the value, delivery effort, operating ownership, and risk profile of the initiative long after the first release.
How to Apply This in Your Organization
Review a current proposal for missing evidence before improving the calculation. The absence of a baseline or owner matters more than a polished slide.
Use one real workflow, its current systems and data, and the people accountable for the outcome. The purpose is a decision-ready recommendation, not a theoretical evaluation.
Decision Checklist
- Confirm a baseline exists.
- Name all value categories.
- Define post-launch measurement.
Worked Decision Scenario
A team is evaluating why business cases fail before they start for a current automation initiative. It uses the framework to identify the narrowest viable next step, the dependency that could change the decision, and the owner responsible for resolving it.
A sponsor delays a budget request until the team can replace a headline savings claim with measured process volume and a documented cost baseline.
Apply it
Working Exercise
Identify the most important gap in a current business case.
Saved locally for this review prototype. Your response will become private account data when the approved course backend is connected.