Problem Management - Business Case

[Rachael]

I am new to problem management and I am trying to get problems resourced. I am putting together a business case document to justify why I need the resource and wondered if anyone can help.

So far I've got

Problem Description
This should cover
Current Problem
Current workaround (if any)
Known Error?

Request for Resource
This should cover
Reasons why resource is needed as soon as possible
Current impact to business / customers / users
Current Costs year to date?
Staff time costs
Current Risks
Any current RFC’s?

Benefits
This should cover
Benefits to the business / customers / users
Overall cost reduction to year end

Implications of not resourcing this Problem
This should cover
Effects to the business / customers / users
Risks
Overall costs to year end

Has anyone a business case form in place and if so, what else considered when justifying the need for resource?
Thanks in advance

[FGD]

I don't have such a form in place, so my reply might be of little worth.
Will you have to present a business case before investigating any type of problem, and should the info you collect be the basis for the RFC? Because if you get the funding for investigating the root cause of multiple incidents, but do not get the funding for implementing a definitive solution, the ROI of the problem investigation is small.

[Rachael]

The problem I have is, it is really difficult to get a Developers time due to them working on current projects and other work.
I am needing a business case to justify why an investigation is needed urgently due to the effect on the business.

The majority of my problems a fix does need to be put in place and it would only be for these cases a business case would be used.

[FGD]

The impact analysis of this particular problem seems to be the most important element; let's wait for more expert opinions.

[m_croon]

Hi Rachael,

I might misinterpret your post, but it seems to me that you are attempting to use a business case solely (?) per case/problem. With this business case you try to claim resources for a particular problem. Now, don't get me wrong: it is a good idea (in fact: very necessary) to have an impact analysis for every problem.

Yet, what about management commitment for problem management? Does management approve of this process in general? That should make it easier for you to claim resources (I know organisations where a certain percentage of resources is in fact reserved for problem management).

Also, try to use those facilities / procedures which are already in place to your benefit. So, instead of re-inventing the wheel, see if you can use tooling, procedures and information that is available in other processes to assist you.

Regards,

Michiel

[asrilrm]

Hi,

I am with the others.
I mean business case would be easy to make up.
If you really want to develop a business case, then I would suggest to use the Benefit/Cost Ratio, unless you need to make investments. In this case ROI would be appropriate.

But the substance is that a problem needs to be fix, and to fix a problem would need resources. IMO it's just as simple as that, without disregarding impacts whatsoever.
I think by making commitment to problem management, your management should be aware about this kind of thing, and ease the way to fit in the problem resolution time.

Cheers,
Asril

[Brian1]

I think Michiel makes a very valid point and one that you need to confirm. In the ideal world part of people's operational duties should be some time directed to incident reduction activites. If your management team does not support this and has chosen to treat resource allocation equal to project work then you may want to use the business case template for projects rather than create your own. I am suggesting this only because as a former manager we are not very good at comparing apples to oranges. Buy someone lunch from your PMO who is liked and well respected. That way when people ask why you are using their form you can repsond by saying I'm using what works for our comapny. they will appreciate it and it will save you time. Also, because you have to go through this process (which can be time consuming) I would suggest narrowing your scope so that you have less to submit.

Hope this is helpful.
Brian