In the business case lifecycle, what are the first two 'gates' a business case goes through?

In the business case lifecycle, the initial two gates represent critical stages in ensuring that a project is viable and well-defined before proceeding further. The first gate, the feasibility study, focuses on determining whether the proposed project or solution is viable, considering factors such as market demand, technical capabilities, and cost-effectiveness. This stage is essential as it helps stakeholders assess the practicality of the project and whether it aligns with organizational goals.

The second gate, the requirements specification, involves gathering detailed requirements that the project needs to fulfill to meet stakeholder expectations and to ensure the solution can effectively address the identified problem or opportunity. This stage sets the foundation for planning, designing, and executing the project. By clearly outlining what is required, teams can avoid scope creep and stay aligned with project objectives.

These two stages are critical because they help organizations make informed decisions early in the project lifecycle, improving the chances of project success and ensuring that resources are allocated to initiatives that have been validated as feasible and clearly defined.