Chapter 4: Knowing What to Get|
How do you document your decision?
It's now time to document the recommended technology solution that has emerged as a result of your thinking and analysis. The purpose of doing this is to present to the key decision makers in your organization (or to consider yourself) enough information for them to approve, modify or reject your recommendations. (If you feel that the likely outcome is rejection, then you are better served by developing a stronger case before presenting it.) Even if the decision making process is very informal, or if few people are involved, it is usually still a worthwhile exercise to document your plan as a check on its viability and your own thoroughness. If you can't articulate it, you may be missing a key element.
A business case is the most useful format in which to prepare such documentation. It not only includes a description of your recommended solution, but also documents the anticipated costs and benefits. In short, it should give key decision makers all the information they need to make an approval decision.
See Figure 4.4, Business Case Suggested Table of Contents
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