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Economic Appraisal & Business Case Development Training

(1 & 2 Day Courses)

Economic Appraisal & Evaluation using “The Northern Ireland Practical Guide to the Green Book” (DFP, 2003)

NI Public Expenditure amounts to over £10 billion annually. The Northern Ireland Practical Guide to the Green Book (NI Practical Guide) is designed to manage this expenditure by representing current Department of Finance & Personnel (DFP) guidance on the appraisal, evaluation, approval, and management of policies & projects. Per the Guide, all proposals planning to spend or save public money (including EU funds), or change the use of public resources, require evidence of suitable appraisal, approval, management & evaluation.

At Elite Training, we offer a 1-day awareness programme and a 2-day Economic Appraisal & Business Case Development training course in Northern Ireland that walks delegates through the Guide’s 10 steps.

Economic Appraisals Awareness (1 day)

Participants gain an understanding of the completion & evaluation process in an economic appraisal, and their role in supporting the process.

Conducting Economic Appraisals (2-day practical)
Provides a case-study-based practical review of the 10 steps in an economic appraisal.

Step 1: Explain the strategic context.

Step 2: Establish the need for expenditure.

Step 3: Define objectives & constraints.

Step 4: Identify & describe options.

Step 5: Identify & quantify monetary costs and benefits of options.

Step 6: Assess risks and adjust for optimism bias.

Step 7: Assess non-monetary costs & benefits (incl. New TSN & Equality).

Step 8: Calculate net present values and assess uncertainties.

Step 9: Record proposed arrangements for financing, management, procurement, marketing, monitoring & evaluation.

Step 10: Assess the advantages between options and present the appraisal results & conclusions.

Elite Training

Contact the team at Elite Training now to discuss our Economic Appraisal & Business Case Development training course in Northern Ireland. Call +44 28 9024 2622 or email enquiries@elitetraining.com now.

“Best training I have taken throughout my time (5 years) in Schrader Technologies. Highly recommended.”

Project Management Essentials delivered by Elite Training, 2017

FAQs – Business Case Development Training

What is the Business Case Development Training course?
This business case development training course provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare, assess, and present strong business cases. Grounded in the Northern Ireland Practical Guide to the Green Book (DFP, 2003), it helps professionals understand how to justify expenditure, evaluate options, and manage public resources effectively.

Who should attend this training?
The business case development training course is designed for anyone involved in policy development, project management, finance, or decision-making within the public sector. It is also valuable for private sector professionals who work with publicly funded projects and need to understand the appraisal and approval process.

What does the training cover?
Our business case development training in Northern Ireland walks participants through the ten key steps of the Green Book appraisal process. Topics include identifying strategic context, defining objectives, analysing options, assessing costs and benefits, managing risks, and evaluating non-monetary factors such as equality considerations. Practical exercises and case studies ensure the learning is applied in realistic contexts.

How long is the training course?
Two formats are available for the business case development training: a one-day awareness programme offering an introduction to the appraisal process, and a two-day practical course where participants work through each step in detail using real-world examples.

How is the course delivered?
Training is interactive and case-study led, with participants engaging in exercises that replicate actual appraisal scenarios. Both public courses and private, tailored sessions are available, delivered either in person or online, depending on organisational needs.

Is this training relevant across different sectors?
Yes. While particularly essential for the public sector in Northern Ireland, the principles of economic appraisal and business case development are relevant for any organisation that must demonstrate accountability and ensure effective use of resources.

Can the training be customised for our organisation?
Absolutely. Content can be tailored to align with the specific challenges and objectives of your team, ensuring maximum relevance and value.

How do I book Business Case Development Training?
To arrange business case development training in Northern Ireland, contact Elite Training NI on +44 28 9024 2622 or email enquiries@elitetraining.com. The team will guide you through available dates, formats, and customisation options.