BCA, Business Case Analysis: Examples, Concepts and Techniques - Hardcover

Brannock, James W.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 097478138X ISBN 13: 9780974781389

Publisher: STS Publications, 2004

Synopsis

A business case analysis is one of the most common types of reports used by modern businesses and governmental organizations. Yet, despite the nearly universal need for instructions on how to conduct a BCA, few comprehensive sources exist. BCA Business Case Analysis fills this void.

About this title

Synopsis

This book first takes the reader through a simple example - the '8 day BCA' (Part 1). This illustration provides an easy to understand approach for a relatively simple decision support problem - whether or not to upgrade existing office computers. It is deceptive, however, in that it acquaints the reader with many of the analysis tools that are actually used for much more complex business decisions - and that are often found in expensive management studies. The book then progresses into an overview of the concepts behind these decision support approaches (Part 2). Featured are topics dealing with the historical development of the techniques, and with the inevitable need to reconcile human perceptions with 'mechanical' calculations. A socio-technical theory is presented as a potential approach for reconciliation of human-mathematical aspects of business decisions. Next, comprehensive examples of specific decision support techniques illustrate calculations and algorithms for many of the most common business situations (Part 3). Examples for specific techniques include how to develop economic, statistical and risk analyses, human process modelling and network analysis.

Also, simulation, linear programming and inventory models (for both consumables and reparable items) are illustrated. In these detailed examples the book reveals many of the 'secrets' that professional consultants use for all sorts of business analysis situations. Finally, step-by-step procedures provide both descriptive report guidelines and an example final briefing for finished BCA reports (Part 4). Following this basic approach, the reader learns how to conduct their own business case analysis; or, alternatively, what they should expect when consultants are used. This comprehensive 'how to' approach that considers both behavioural and management science aspects to decision support situations. It provides a refreshing, rarely found combination of these business decision support approaches.

About the Author

Jim Brannock is the author and coauthor of over 20 critical works for business case studies. He has 30 years experience as a management consultant, with a PhD. that concentrated in sociotechnical systems theory. In this book he includes a comprehensive, yet suprisingly easy to learn set of example, concepts, and techniques - many that the reader can apply almost immediately.

Edition details

• Publisher: STS Publications
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 097478138X
• ISBN 13: 9780974781389
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 398