Table 1 Overview of the cases constituting the Five Case Model

The primary question the case must answer about a proposed initiative

Is it needed?

Is it value for money?

Is it affordable?

Is there a viable partnership model?

Is it achievable?

Further questions each case should address

Will the initiative further the country’s aims and objectives?

Is there a clear case for change?

Is there a theory of change?

Have economic cases been compared for a range of implementation options?

Are the options meaningfully different (e.g., provide incremental change or new business models)?

Have costs, benefits, sensitivity, optimism bias and risks been estimated? Have these parameters been adjusted for sensitivity, optimism bias and risk?

Is it the best balance of cost, benefits and risk?

Are the costs realistic and affordable?

Will the country be able to make the required funding available?

Have options been considered for capital expenditure and leasing?

Is the affordability sustainable?

Is there a supplier that can deliver any part of the initiative to be implemented?

Can a value-for-money deal be secured with a supplier?

How will suppliers be selected and assessed?

Is there an appropriate Private Finance Initiative or Public Private Partnership option to be considered and evaluated?

Is the country capable of managing the envisaged initiative?

Does the country have robust systems and processes in place?