How to Learn Dutch Posted: 15 Feb 2017 04:00 PM PST Although many Dutch speakers are well versed in foreign languages (especially English, German, and French) learning how to speak their native tongue will give you access to the hearts, minds and culture of Dutch speakers, both in the Netherlands and around the world. Dutch is not an easy language to learn, as it contains many sounds and constructions unfamiliar to the English-speaker. However, these challenges make mastering the Dutch language all the more rewarding. Begin with Step 1 below to get started on your language-learning journey. EditLearning About Dutch - Understand how the Dutch language developed. Dutch is classified as a West Germanic language which is closely related to other languages in this branch, including German, English and West Frisian.
- The Dutch language originally developed from the Lower Franconian dialect of Low German. However modern Dutch has departed from its German origins in that it did not undergo the High German consonant shift and does not use the German umlaut as a grammatical marker.
- In addition, Dutch has more or less abandoned its original grammatical case system and has leveled a lot of its morphology. [1]
- On the other hand, Dutch vocabulary is primarily Germanic in origin (although it contains more Romance loan words) and uses the same word order in sentences (SVO in main clauses and SOV in subordinate clauses).[2]
- Know where Dutch is spoken. Dutch is spoken as a first language by approximately 20 million people, mostly in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is spoken as a second language by approximately another 5 million.
- In addition to The Netherlands and Belgium, Dutch is also used in parts of Northern France, Germany, Suriname and Indonesia and is an official language on the Caribbean islands of The Netherland Antilles.
- The dialects of Dutch spoken in Belgium are known collectively as Flemish. Flemish differs from standard Dutch in several ways, including pronunciation, vocabulary and intonation.
- The language of Afrikaans -- which is spoken in South Africa and Namibia by approximately 10 million people -- is a descendant of Dutch and the two languages are considered mutually intelligible.[3]
- Start with the alphabet and pronunciation. When beginning to learn any language, the alphabet is a good place to start.
- A (ah) B (bay) C (say) D (day) E (ay) F (eff) G (khay) H (hah) I (ee) J (yay) K (kah) L (ell) M (emm) N (enn) O (oh) P (pay) Q (kew) R (air) S (ess) T (tay) U (ew) V (vay) W (way) X (eeks) Y (ee-grek or 'I') Z (zed).
- However, in terms of actual pronunciation, Dutch contains many sounds which are not used in English and can therefore be difficult to learn. The only letters which have the same pronunciation in Dutch as in English are the consonants s, f, h, b, d, z, l, m, n, ng. The letters p, t, and k are formed in the same way, but they are not aspirated (there is no puff of air when they are spoken).
- The best way to learn the pronunciation of some of the more unusual consonant and vowel sounds is to listen to them and repeat. The following overview is not exhaustive, but it will help you to get started:
- Vowels: a (pronounced like "ah" in "calm", but shorter), e (pronounced like "eh" in "bed"), i (pronounced like "ih" in "bit"), o (pronounced like "aw" in "paw", but with rounded lips), oe (pronounced like the "oo" in "too" but shorter), u (pronounced like the "u" in "upset", or "ir" in "dirt") and y (pronounced like the "i" in "pin" or "ee" in "deep", but shorter).
- Consonants: Some consonant sounds that are pronounced very differently in Dutch are ch, sch and g which all produce a guttural sound in the back of the throat (almost like the "ch" in the Scottish word "loch"). The Dutch r can be rolled or guttural, while the j is pronounced like the "y" in "yes". [4]
- Understand Dutch noun genders. The Dutch language classifies all of its nouns into one of two genders -- common (de words) or neuter (het words). This is much less complicated than German , which has three.
- It can be difficult to guess which gender a word is based on how it looks. Therefore, it's better to just memorize the gender of specific words as you learn them.
- The common gender is actually a combined form of the masculine and feminine genders, which are no longer used. As a result, about 2/3 of all nouns belong to the common gender.
- Therefore, a good technique is just to learn all of the neuter nouns. Then you can be confident that any of the nouns you haven't learned are most likely common.
- You can identify neuter nouns by learning a number of rules. For example, all diminutive nouns (which end in je) and all infinitives that are used as nouns are neuter. This is also true for words that end in -um, -aat, -sel and -isme, and for most words that start with ge-, be- and ver-. The words for colors, compass directions and metals are also always neuter.
- Learn some of the most common present tense verbs. As you progress on your journey towards learning Dutch, it is a good idea to memorize some of the most commonly used present tense verbs as they are necessary to start forming sentences.
- Zijn: Present tense of "to be", pronounced "zayn".
- Ik ben: I am (pronounced "ik ben")
- Jij/u bent: You are (pronounced "yay / ew bent")
- Hij/zij / het is: He/she/it is (pronounced "hay/zay/ut is)
- Wij zijn: We are (pronounced "vay zayn")
- Jullie zijn: You are (pronounced "yew-lee zayn")
- Zij zijn: They are (pronounced "zay zayn")
- Hebben: Present tense of "to have", pronounced "heh-buhn".
- Ik heb: I have (pronounced "ik hep")
- Jij/u hebt: You have (pronounced "yay/ew hept")
- Hij/zij/het heeft: He/she/it has (pronounced "hay/zay/ut hayft")
- Wij hebben: We have (pronounced "vay heh-buhn)
- Jullie hebben: You have (pronounced "yew-lee heh-buhn")
- Zij hebben: They have (pronounced "zay heh-buhn")[4]
EditLearning Basic Words and Phrases - Learn how to count. Counting is an important skill in any language, so start by learning the numbers one through twenty in Dutch.
- Een: One (pronounced "ain")
- Twee: Two (pronounced "tway")
- Drie: Three (pronounced "dree")
- Vier: Four (pronounced "veer")
- Vijf: Five (pronounced "vayf")
- Zes: Six (pronounced "zehs")
- Zeven: Seven (pronounced "zay-vuhn")
- Acht: Eight (pronounced "ahgt")
- Negen: Nine (pronounced "nay-guhn")
- Tien: Ten (pronounced "teen")
- Elf: Eleven ( pronounced "elf")
- Twaalf: Twelve (pronounced "twahlf")
- Dertien: Thirteen (pronounced "dehr-teen")
- Veertien: Fourteen (pronounced "vayr-teen")
- Vijftien: Fifteen (pronounced "vayf-teen")
- Zestien: Sixteen (pronounced "zehs-teen")
- Zeventien: Seventeen (pronounced "zay-vuhn-teen")
- Achttien: Eighteen (pronounced "ahgt-teen")
- Negentien: Nineteen (pronounced "nay-guhn-teen")
- Twintig: Twenty (pronounced "twin-tuhg")[5]
- Learn the days of the week and the months of the year. Some more useful vocabulary to get you started includes the days of the week and months of the year.
- Days of the week:
- Monday = Maandag (pronounced "mahn-dahg")
- Tuesday = Dinsdag (pronounced "dinss-dahg")
- Wednesday = Woensdag (pronounced "woons-dahg")
- Thursday = Donderdag (pronounced "don-duhr-dahg")
- Friday = Vrijdag (pronounced "vray-dahg")
- Saturday = Zaterdag (pronounced "zah-tuhr-dahg")
- Sunday = Zondag (pronounced "zon-dahg")
- Months of the year:
- January = Januari (pronounced "jahn-uu-ar-ree"),
- February = Februari (pronounced "fay-bruu-ah-ree"),
- March = Maart (pronounced "mahrt"),
- April = April (pronounced "ah-pril"),
- May = Mei (pronounced "may"),
- June = Juni (pronounced "yuu-nee"),
- July = Juli (pronounced "yuu-lee"),
- August = Augustus (pronounced "ow-ghus-tus"),
- September = September (pronounced "sep-tem-buhr"),
- October = Oktober (pronounced "ock-tow-buhr"),
- November = November (pronounced "no-vem-buhr"),
- December = December (pronounced "day-sem-buhr").
- Learn the colors. Learning the Dutch words for the different colors is a good way to build up your descriptive vocabulary.
- Red = rood (pronounced "rowt")
- Orange = oranje (pronounced "oh-rahn-yuh")
- Yellow = geel (pronounced "ghayl")
- Green = groen (pronounced "ghroon")
- Blue = blauw (pronounced "blaw")
- Purple = paars (pronounced "pahrs") or purper (pronounced "puhr-puhr")
- Pink = roze (pronounced "row-zah")
- White = wit (pronounced "whit")
- Black = zwart (pronounced "zwahrt")
- Brown = bruin (pronounced "bruyn")
- Grey = grijs (pronounced "greys")
- Silver = zilver (pronounced "zil-fer")
- Gold = goud (pronounced "howt")
- Learn some useful words. Adding a few key words to your vocabulary can make a huge difference to your Dutch conversation skills.
- Hello = Hallo (pronounced "hah-low")
- Goodbye = Tot ziens (pronounced "toht seens")
- Please = Alstublieft (pronounced "ahl-stuu-bleeft")
- Thank you = Dank u well (formal, pronounced "dahnk-ew-vehl") or dank je wel (informal, pronounced "dahnk-yuh-vehl")
- Yes = Ja (pronounced "yah")
- No = Nee (pronounced "nay")
- Help = Help (pronounced "hehlp")
- Now = Nu (pronounced "nuu")
- Later = Later (pronounced "lah-tuhr")
- Today = Vandaag (pronounced "vahn-dahg")
- Tomorrow = Morgen (pronounced "more-ghun")
- Left = Links (pronounced "links")
- Right = Rechts (pronounced "reghts")
- Straight ahead = Rechtdoor (pronounced "regh-dore")
- Learn some useful phrases. Next it's time to move on to to some useful, everyday phrases which will help you to navigate basic social interactions.
- How are you? = Hoe maakt u het? (formal, pronounced "hoo mahkt uu hut") or Hoe gaat het? (informal, pronounced "hoo gaht hut?")
- Fine, thank you = Goed, dank u (formal, pronounced "goot dahnk uu") or Goed, dank je (pronounced "goot dahnk yuh")
- Nice to meet you = Aangenaam kennis te maken (pronounced "ahn-guh-nahm keh-nis tuh mah-kun")
- I can't speak Dutch well = Ik spreek niet goed Nederlands (pronounced "ick sprayk neet goot nay-dur-lahnts)
- Do you speak English? = Spreekt u Engels? (pronounced "spraykt uu eng-uls")
- I don't understand = Ik begrijp het niet (pronounced "ick buh-grayp hut neet")
- You are welcome = Graag gedaan (pronounced "grahg guh-dahn")
- How much does this cost? = Hoeveel kost dit? (pronounced "hoo-vale kost dit")[5]
EditGaining Fluency - Obtain Dutch language learning materials. Check out your local library or book store or shop online to see what's out there. Several language publishing companies such as Assimil, Berlitz, Teach Yourself, Hugo, Pimsleur, Michael Thomas, Rosetta Stone, and Lonely Planet have an array of books, audio materials, and computer programs in English on Dutch.
- You will also want to find yourself a good bilingual dictionary---one of the best for Dutch is published by Van Dale and available in a range of language combinations: Dutch-English, Dutch-French, Dutch-Spanish, etc.
- As you advance, you will want to slowly cultivate a Dutch-language library filled with children's books (to start), word puzzle books, non-fiction books, novels, poetry anthologies, and magazines etc. Reading is an invaluable tool to building your language skills as well as exposing yourself to very natural Dutch. When you reach this point, you should also obtain a monolingual Dutch-Dutch dictionary and thesaurus.
- Listen to as much Dutch as possible. This may be a bit challenging if you don't know Dutch people or live in a Dutch-speaking country, however you can start with YouTube and other audio materials and work your way into eavesdropping on Dutch conversations. It is important to get a feel for the language---hear how it sounds, how it works, how it flows.
- Enroll in a Dutch course or hire a Dutch tutor. If where you live has a Dutch or Belgian cultural center and/or has a community of Dutch speakers, ask around and inquire about what's available in terms of language classes or private tutors.
- Proper lessons with native speakers can provide you with a better sense of the language as well as teach you elements of culture that books alone can't.
- Speak Dutch with Dutch-speaking people. Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid if you make mistakes, that's how you learn.
- If a Dutch speaker replies back to you in English, keep on speaking Dutch. Start with a handful of words and work your way up, bit by bit.
- To get yourself to function in Dutch, start by changing your computer and social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) interface settings to Dutch/Nederlands. You have to surround yourself in the language in order to think in the language.
- Travel to a Dutch-speaking country and immerse yourself. Dutch is not as widely spoken or studied a language as say German, Japanese, or Spanish, so it may be difficult to hone your language skills without travelling to a Dutch-speaking country. Both the Netherlands and Flanders offer cultural exchange programs and intensive Dutch-language programs for foreigners through universities, schools, and private institutions.
- Keep an open mind. The best way to absorb a language and culture is to open all of your senses to it.
- In order to speak Dutch, you have to think Dutch and be Dutch. At the same time, don't let stereotypes you've learned about Dutch speakers rule over your expectations, impressions, and mindset when you travel to a Dutch-speaking country.
- Things are not just tulips, marijuana, wooden clogs, cheese, bicycles, Van Gogh, and liberalism.
- The Dutch and Flemish have diaspora communities in many countries around the world including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom the United States, France, the Caribbean, Chile, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Turkey, and Japan---lots of potential people to practice with!
- Dutch has given many words to English such as geek, skeleton, tulip, cookie, cake, brandy, ahoy, buoy, skipper, keelhauling, yacht, drill, sloop, cruiser, keel, pump, dock, and deck. Many are connected with marine/naval activities, a legacy left from the Dutch having a strong seafairing history.
- When your Dutch gets good, you'll be able to watch a well known television game show called Tien voor Taal where Dutch and Flemish teams battle each other over rounds of Dutch-language games ranging from spelling quizzes to cryptograms.
- One very well known Dutch speaker was actress Audrey Hepburn (1929 - 1993). She was raised in the Netherlands during World War II, and her very first film appearance was in fact in a 1948 instructional series titled Nederlands in Zeven Lessen (Dutch in Seven Lessons).
- Dutch is a West Germanic language closely related to Afrikaans and to Low German, and more distantly related to Frisian, English, High German, and Yiddish.
- Dutch (Nederlands) is an official language of the Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders), Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao, and Saint Maarten, three international institutions including the European Union, Benelux, and the Union of South American Nations, and is a regional minority language in north-western France (French Flanders).
- Flemish (Vlaams) is the Belgian variety of Dutch spoken throughout Flanders, but is not a separate language from Dutch. Both the Dutch and Flemings read and write the exact same language with minor differences in vocabulary, slang, grammar, and pronunciation, much akin to American versus British English. In addition, in Flemish, the spoken language contains a few grammatical differences from the written language, since the rules for the latter are imposed by The Dutch Language Union, which does not differentiate between Belgian Dutch and Dutch Dutch. This is why people in Flanders are learnt to write and read the 'official' Dutch in school, even though they never speak the way they write or read it (as opposed to people from the Netherlands). Note that these are just small differences of which the most important ones are the use of gij instead of jij for you and the use of u or uw instead of jou and jouw to express contribution and possession respectivally (in the Netherlands u and uw are considered formal, but in Flemish there is no differentiation so u and uw is used as both the formal and informal form). However, in practice it rarely leads to misunderstandings between people speaking Flemish and Dutch Dutch, since both sides are aware of the small differences.
- Keep in mind that it is more common to use the polite forms of speech in Flanders than in The Netherlands, where it's reserved mostly for addressing older people. However, while you are still learning, it is safer to stick with the polite form as much as possible, so you don't risk offending anyone.
- Don't feel offended if, at first, Dutch speakers reply to you in English when you try to speak to them in Dutch. Speakers merely want to make sure you understand them without a communication barrier. Just don't forget that they appreciate you a lot for trying to learn their language.
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How to Treat Sudden Cardiac Arrest Posted: 15 Feb 2017 08:00 AM PST Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among adults over the age of 40 in the United States and other countries. About as many people die each year from SCA as die from Alzheimer's disease, assault with firearms, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, diabetes, HIV, house fires, motor vehicle accidents, prostate cancer and suicides combined.[1] However, with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an AED, survival rates increase to 38%.[2] Learn how to treat sudden cardiac arrest so that you will know what to do in an emergency. EditDetecting Sudden Cardiac Arrest - Watch for a sudden collapse or fainting. Someone who has just experienced cardiac arrest may lose consciousness and fall to the ground without warning. If you notice someone collapse or faint, go over to the person right away.[3]
- Check for a pulse. If someone has just had sudden cardiac arrest, then that person will not have a pulse. Check the person's radial or carotid pulse to see if you can detect anything.
- The radial pulse is located on your wrist just under the base of the thumb/palm. Feel around the person's wrist, using your index (first finger) and middle finger on one hand until you find the pulse. If you can't feel a beating pattern than there is no pulse.
- The carotid pulse is located on the neck. The carotid arteries are just underneath the jaw on both sides of the neck. Press the same two fingers on one side of the neck in the soft hollow area just beside the person's Adam's apple.[4]
- See if the person is breathing. A person who has experienced a sudden cardiac arrest will also not be breathing. "Look, listen, and feel" if the person is breathing or not.[5] Watch for lung movement to determine if the person is getting any oxygen. Keep in mind that time is critical and every minute that the person is without oxygen increases his risk of permanent brain damage.[6]
- Place your hands, palms down, on the person's chest. Then, check to see if you can feel or see a rise and fall of the chest indicating breathing. An alternative method is to listen for breathing by placing your ear close to the person's mouth.
- Determine if the person is alert. A person who has had sudden cardiac arrest will not be alert either. This means that if you say something to the person, she will not respond or make any sign that she has heard you.[7]
- A good way to check for consciousness is to ask in a loud voice, "Are you okay?"
EditAdministering Basic Life Support - Tell someone to call 911 or call yourself if no one else is around. This should be your first priority. Someone who has suffered sudden cardiac arrest will need immediate medical attention and will need to be taken to a hospital for the best chances of survival. Make sure that you call for help right away or have someone else do so. [8]
- Do not just shout for anyone to call 911. If there are other people around, select one person, look him in the eye, and tell him to contact emergency services. Say something like, "You, the man in the red shirt! Call 911 now!"
- Locate an AED. If you are somewhere that might have a public AED (cardiac defibrillator), ask someone to try to locate it and bring it to you. If one is available right away, then use it. An AED can analyze the heart rhythm, deliver life-saving shocks, and provide instructions as well as images to help you revive the person.
- Check for breathing and a pulse again. Quickly check the unconscious person's pulse and breathing again to see if she has resumed breathing or if you can detect a pulse. If not, then you will need to start CPR.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation allows manual compression of the heart to pump blood and manual assisted breathing to get oxygen to the person. Those who have no pulse and/or are not able to breath on their own require immediate CPR.
- Position the victim. Make sure the person is lying face up. You will need to be able to press on the person's chest and deliver breaths, so turn the person over if he is not lying face up.
- If you suspect head and/or neck injury, do not move the person. This may result in paralysis or other serious complications. Provide as much aid as you can without moving the person.[9]
- Get yourself into position. Before you start delivering CPR, take a moment to make sure that you are in the right position. Place the heel of one of your hands on the center of the chest over the lower part of the bony center (breastbone). Place the heel of the other hand over top on the first hand. Straighten your arms and make sure your shoulders are directly over your hands.
- Begin compressions. Once you are in position, you can begin compressions. Push down hard and fast. Your compressions should press down a minimum of two inches on the chest and allow for full chest recoil as well.
- Your pace should be such that you are delivering about 100 compressions per minute. An easy way to keep this pace is to deliver compressions to the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive."[10]
- Deliver two breaths of air after every 30 compressions. You should count your compressions so that you know when to deliver the two breaths. Before delivering the two breaths, tilt the person's head by back slightly by placing the palm of one hand on the forehead and using your other hand to lift the chin. Once the head is tilted, pinch the person's nose, cover the person's mouth with yours, and blow until you see the chest rise. Give the person two breaths. Each breath should take one second to deliver.[11]
- After completing 30 compressions, deliver the two breaths and then deliver 30 more compressions.[12] Keep repeating the cycle until help or an AED arrives.
- If you are not certified in CPR, you can skip the breaths. The emphasis for a bystander is on delivering chest compressions.[13]
- CPR is exhausting and can be intense (you may break the person's ribs while delivering compressions). It's okay to trade off with someone else if you become exhausted — it doesn't help if you are too tired to deliver CRP properly.
- If you suspect head or neck trauma it is best not to perform the tilt technique, instead a jaw thrust should be performed so as not to aggravate the neck. Place the palms of your hand over the person's cheek bone and place fingers under the angle of the jaw and lift the jaw upward.[14]
EditUsing an Automated External Defibrillator - Understand what an Automated external defibrillator (AED) does. The heart pumps blood or beats due to an internal electrical system. This allows the heart to beat at a constant rhythm. When this system malfunctions or stops, the heart stops beating or beats irregularly losing its rhythm. An AED is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm if necessary.[15]
- If an AED is available, then use it immediately! If it is not available, then continue CPR until it is or until help arrives.
- It is safe to use an AED on a pregnant woman. Defibrillation does not transfer any significant electrical current to a fetus.[16]
- The AED machine only delivers a shock once it has analyzed the heart rhythm and determines if it is needed. If so, it will prompt everyone to stand clear of the person receiving the shock and not to touch them. However, you should still screen to make sure no one is in contact with the person before pressing the "shock" button by yelling "Clear!"
- Find someone who knows how to use an AED if possible. A defibrillator works best when used by someone with proper training. In situations where lots of people are around, ask if anyone knows how to use a defibrillator. If no one is available, do not panic. The machine gives directions and voice prompts once it has been turned on, so that anyone can use it.[17]
- Check for puddles or water near the person. Water conducts electricity, so it is a bad idea to use an AED in wet conditions. You may end up shocking yourself and others as well as the victim. If you notice that the person is lying in or near a puddle, then move the person to a dry area before using the AED.
- Turn on the AED and follow the instructions it gives. Although having some training in how to use an AED is ideal, the device will give you step-by-step instructions on how to use it. You'll hear voice prompts and/or see prompts on a screen. Follow the instructions carefully.
- A 911 operator may also be able to help guide you as you use the device. If you are not sure how to work the AED and no one else is around, call 911 and ask for guidance.[18]
- Expose the person's chest and attach the sensors. If the person's chest is wet, dry it off. AEDs have sticky pads with sensors called electrodes. Apply the pads to the person's chest as pictured/described in the instructions or as described by the voice instructions.
- Place one pad on the right center of the person's chest above the nipple.
- Place the other pad slightly below the other nipple and to the left of the rib cage.
- Press the AED's "analyze" button. The "analyze" button will check to see if the person has a pulse. Before you press the button, make sure no one is touching the person. Stay clear and instruct others to do the same while the machine checks the person's heart rhythm.[19]
- Deliver a shock when the machine instructs you to. If a shock is needed, the AED will let you know when to deliver it. Before you push the AED's "shock" button, stand clear of the person and make sure that others are clear as well.[20]
- Resume CPR after the shock has been delivered. After a shock has been delivered by the AED, resume CPR for two minutes. Give 30 compressions followed by two breaths. After two minutes of CPR check the neck artery for a pulse. If no pulse is present, press the "analyze" button to analyze the heart rhythm again and if a shock is advised deliver shock by pressing the "shock" button.
- Repeat this process until help arrives or pulse returns.[21]
- Don't worry about breaking the person's ribs when doing chest compressions. Broken ribs are minor compared to what may happen to someone who does not receive CPR.
- If you haven't taken a course yet in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), you may want to consider it.
- One of the most common reasons SCA victims do not survive is that bystanders hesitate to call 9-1-1, start CPR and use AEDs right away. If you want to save a life, don't hesitate to get involved. Your actions can only help. Doing nothing is the worst option.
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How to Write a Business Case Posted: 15 Feb 2017 12:00 AM PST A business case provides justification for a proposed business change or plan, and typically outlines the allocation of capital and resources required to implement the proposed business case. A successfully presented business case can act as an impetus for moving forward with a new, alternative plan of action, or it may simply provide a consistent message, or unified vision for future business decisions and operations. A well-drafted business case will expose major or implementable solutions for conquering a business problem, issue or goal in order to provide decision makers with multiple options to choose from. EditUnderstanding the Business Case Subject - Identify and thoroughly understand a relevant business problem, issue or goal. Your first step in creating a successful business case is to clearly identify the business problem, issue or goal that your business case will address. Hold a brainstorming session with your business's decision makers and managers in order to understand the problems that arose and the business goals surrounding the problems.[1]
- It is crucial to clearly define the problem and parameter of the solution. There should be an agreement about the scope between the person authorizing the business case and those who will execute analysis.
- Justification for the project could be based on the benefits to business operations, strategic direction goals, and/or cost benefit analysis.
- Brainstorm about potential options for resolving the business case problem, issue or goal. Both during, and after your initial business case brainstorming session, you should discuss potential solutions and plans with key personnel and management. Identify multiple options for implementing your business case plan in order to determine the most feasible option for resolution.
- For example, if the business case plan revolves around entering a new market, there should be a brainstorming session held in order to determine that different marketing strategies required to make the new market entry a success.
- Don't just go off and write the business case independently, because successful approval and implementation is dependent on support from relevant business stakeholders and managers.
- Review your business's mission statement. Once you have identified potential business problems, issues or goals, and potential options for resolution, you should briefly review your business' mission statement. A well-drafted mission statement should have been created during the initial business planning process, and typically includes a brief explanation of the business's objectives, competitive/market advantages and a short explanation of the business's philosophies and goals. Consider whether your business case is in-line with the mission statement in terms of complying with and furthering business goals, objectives and philosophies.[2]
- Reviewing the mission statement can allow you determine whether the business case and proposed resolution options further the ultimate mission and goals of the business.
- In most cases, you will be following the directions of a superior whose responsibility is to confirm compatibility between mission and the alternative solutions you provide.
- Determine who should write the business case. Typically, one or two people take on the duty of writing a business case. With just one or two writers, the tone and style of the business case will remain consistent. The writer(s) should have knowledge and expertise regarding relevant business operations, and must be open to accepting input from other team members and business leaders.
EditCreating a Strong, Persuasive Business Case - Write down the problem statement. This statement should provide a straightforward explanation of the identified business problem or issue, and discuss the business areas that the business case must address for successful implementation.[3]
- Use the first sentence of the problem statement to concisely present the problem, issue or goal that the business case seeks to resolve. For example, if the business problem is the need to generate additional lines of revenue the problem statement should begin with a statement that: "[Insert business name] is interested in expanding its current revenue stream by [business case's proposed answer to the business problem]."
- Get the approval of those requiring the report before continuing.
- Create a proposed solutions statement. Express the projects and options proposed by the group as a solution to the business problem, goal or issue. Explain in detail how the proposed change/plan addresses and resolves the problem, issue or goal. Include what should be accomplished by implementing the proposed business case plan.[4]
- Indicate what is needed to implement the solution or project, including items like a monetary budget and increased labor numbers. Anything that is needed to complete this solution should be explained in the proposed solutions statement.
- Explain the methods used, and the research conducted in order to come up with the business case plan's proposed options.
- Include information about meetings with surveyed departments and target audiences.
- Provide detailed timelines and time frames for successful project implementation and completion. Provide ideal dates and worst case scenarios for plan implementation, as well as a more general time frame for business case plan implementation and completion.[5]
- Provide the costs associated with the project implementation timeline, as well as the potential costs/losses associated with not implementing the proposed business case plan.
- Explain the potential consequences and losses that could result from the plan not being implemented.
- Draft an executive summary. The executive summary is the first, and most important part of the business case. The business case executive summary outlines the proposed project, that if implemented, would further the identified business goal, and/or resolve the identified business problem or issue. The executive summary will contain the major considerations that will be later discussed in more detail, including the timeline for business case implementation and completion, as well as the projected benefits and costs of business case implementation. [6]
- Begin your executive summary with language such as: "This report is submitted in support of [insert business plan, goal or issue]. Provided is an evaluation and analysis of all relevant financial, marketing and business costs/considerations associated with implementing the suggested recommendations in this business case."
- From there provide an explanation of why the proposed business plan should be implemented, and identify the impacts on the business for not implementing the plan.
EditOrganizing and Presenting a Strong, Persuasive Business Case - Edit your business case draft. After you have completed a first draft of your business case, your next step should be to carefully review your business case for any unnecessary language and grammatical errors. Make sure your business case is formatted in a manner that is easy to ready and clearly displays each of the separate business case sections in underlined or bolded text.
- Present your business case to the personnel who will be instrumental in implementing the business case plan. Get the agreement and feedback of those who will be responsible for implementation. Although, they are not usually the decision makers, the best way to ensure that your business case will be successful is by making sure that the personnel responsible for implementing the plan have the opportunity to review the business case and offer suggestions for changes and other feedback.[7]
- For example, if your business case suggests the implementation of a new marketing strategy as a means to enter new markets, you should definitely take the time to meet with the marketing team in order to ensure that the processes contained in your business case can be feasible implemented by marketing personnel.
- Present your business case to final authority. Your business case should be presented to the management professionals who are responsible for providing approval for new business strategies or plans. Begin with the problem, issue or goal that your business case is addressing. From there talk about the resolution provided by your business case, as well as the different options, and steps that must be taking to bring about resolution.[8]
- Consider using a PowerPoint presentation to add visuals to your business case presentation.
- Brainstorm in advance about any potential concerns that management may have about implementing the business case plan. Make sure to address these concerns during your presentation, instead of waiting for management to raise their concerns.
- The business case must be interesting, concise and presented without industry jargon. Data may be presented using charts and graphs for visual appeal.
- The business case plan can be presented as a written report, or also in the form of a verbal presentation presented to management with the assistance of a powerpoint presentation.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
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