Chapter 2 - Justifying BI: Building the Business and Technical Case

Abstract

It is important to get business intelligence (BI) projects approved with a formal justification process. A careful, well-documented justification can help prevent your project from being labeled a failure. According to studies, the majority of BI projects fail not because of technology shortcomings but from an expectations shortfall. In addition, BI projects have a tendency to be late and over budget when the business needs are not clearly established, and then the project proceeds based on flawed expectations. The BI team needs to make both the business and technical case to determine the need, identify the benefits, and, most importantly, set expectations. With the case established, the BI team needs to estimate scope, costs, schedule, and a return on investment (ROI). Identifying risks and an organization's readiness is critical to determining how realistic expectations are. The steps for justification include:•Building the business case with sponsors and stakeholders•Building the technical case•Assessing readiness•Creating a high-level BI road map•Developing scope, preliminary plan, budget, and ROI calculations•Documenting justification•Obtaining program and project approval