As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we’ve updated our guidance to make it clearer and up-to-date:
We’ve also released new online learning modules to help you develop your skills and understanding:
As part of our continuous improvement approach to our processes, guidance and tools, we welcome your feedback. Email us at businesscaseprocess@nzta.govt.nz
Following the Business Case Refresh project and consultation with the sector, we have updated our Business Case Approach (BCA) guidance.
Our latest improvements:
We've also added new learning modules on point of entry and critical thinking, with more new learning about on the way soon.
Online learning for the Business Case Approach
Consultation on the Business Case Refresh closed on Thursday 23 June 2022.
During the consultation we asked for feedback on 12 proposed changes to the Business Case Approach (BCA). These proposed changes covered a range of different parts to the process such as the point of entry, engagement, and learning opportunities.
Our BCA is a principles-based approach for developing business cases. It is fundamental to the decision-making process for National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) activities.
Feedback from our annual stakeholder surveys have highlighted that business cases are a source of frustration. We want to simplify the process – where we can – to help reduce the time and cost of developing business cases.
We have proposed changes and asked for feedback on them to work so we know whether we are heading in the right direction with our plans to improve the process for our stakeholders.
Business Case Refresh consultation document [PDF, 1.8 MB]
The feedback provided a lot of useful insights, which we have considered and taken onboard. Now that we have analysed the information from the consultation, we want to provide you with an update on the key findings and our next steps.
The consultation survey was completed by 95 respondents with a good representation of people from local government, private organisations, and Waka Kotahi. Respondents also had a wide range of experiences and interests with business cases.
Generally, the proposed changes were well received, and respondents saw the changes as a necessary step in the right direction. There was good support for each of the 12 proposed changes individually, and as a whole.
Overall, 77% of respondents were satisfied that the package of proposed changes would improve the process. Only 7% were dissatisfied.
Much of the feedback from those that were dissatisfied with the proposed changes believed the BCA itself was fundamentally flawed and wanted it gone. We had stated from the outset that removing or replacing the BCA was not within the scope of this consultation, as this is a Treasury requirement.
Full consultation report [PDF, 840 KB]
The proposed changes following consultation feedback and implementation plan [PDF, 794 KB]
The findings from the consultation, the proposed changes adjusted to respond to consultation feedback, and the next steps for the Business Case Refresh have been presented to and approved by the Waka Kotahi Board.
Work has already begun to implement the changes. The nature of the changes means they can come into effect progressively. They will largely be implemented from the end of 2022 to early in 2023.
The completion of the consultation and beginning the implementation of these changes is a big step towards simplifying the process and helping to reduce the time and cost of developing business cases.
We appreciate the input we have received from our stakeholders and are committed to keeping this conversation going once these changes are implemented. Our BCA team will be taking a continuous improvement approach as part of their work programme. This means we will be looking to continue with discussions on changes that could be made going forward.
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