Task: Business Need

A Business Need, defined through this task, is the first preliminary step that the organization takes towards a change to the business.

Relationships

Roles	Primary: Business Manager	Additional:	Assisting:
Inputs	Mandatory: Business Goals Business Objective Business Strategy	Optional: Business Mission Business Model Business Motivation Model Business Vision IT Strategy Policies and Laws	External: None
Outputs	Business Need

Main Description

A Business Need defines a specific outcome that the enterprise aims to achieve within a specific time frame. It is the result of the analysis of Business Objectives, Business Problems, or a Business Strategy, resulting in the definition of this desired outcome. The identification of an outcome, along with the commitment of the business to make the necessary changes, is this step ... a Business Need is defined (or whatever label that your organization applies to it).

A Business Need is the first preliminary step that the organization takes towards a change to the business. It is define in business terms and is focused on the desired business outcome. The next step is a clearer definition of this need, the definition of a Business Opportunity.

Properties

Predecessor	Business Planning
Multiple Occurrences
Event Driven
Ongoing
Optional
Planned
Repeatable

Usage Guidance

Note that in some organizations these steps, and the associated gates (Gates 0 to 2), may be combined. In other words, only a Business Case is defined and reviewed, followed by a the final decision: Gate 2.