Value Model vs Value Case

Understanding the Difference Between Value Model vs Value Case

Table of Contents

What is the difference between Value Model and Value Case?

 

Value Model and Value Case are two different approaches used in business to determine the value of a project or investment.

 

The Value Model is a quantitative approach that uses financial metrics to calculate the net present value, return on investment, and other financial measures to determine whether a project is worth pursuing. On the other hand, the Value Case is a qualitative approach that looks at the strategic benefits and the impact a project will have on the organization.

 

The Value Model is often used in situations where the financial measures are critical to the success of the project. This approach is commonly used in situations where the investment is large, and the financial risks are high. It is important to note that the Value Model does not take into account the intangible benefits of a project, such as increased employee morale or improved customer satisfaction.

 

The Value Case, on the other hand, looks at the strategic benefits of a project and considers both the tangible and intangible benefits. This approach is commonly used in situations where the investment is smaller, and the financial risks are lower. The Value Case is often used to justify investments in projects that do not have a clear financial return but are strategic in nature.

 

Understanding the differences between the Value Model and Value Case is critical in determining the right approach for your business' Continuous Business Improvement efforts. The size and goals of your business should be taken into consideration when choosing the right approach. Additionally, using the SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI) can help you choose the right approach. It is important to define metrics for measuring success and ensure effective communication and collaboration to ensure successful implementation.

 

In conclusion, both the Value Model and Value Case have their benefits and are essential in determining the value of a project or investment. In business interested in practicing CBI, one or more value models may go into creating a Value Case. Choosing the right approach for your business requires a thorough understanding of your business size and goals, as well as effective use of the SAP CBI process.

 

Value Model

 

When exploring the topics of Value Model and Value Case, it's important to understand their definitions, benefits, and how they work. The Value Model employs a quantitative methodology that concentrates on financial metrics, including net present value and return on investment, to ascertain the possible triumph of a project or investment. By using these metrics, companies can make informed decisions about where to allocate resources and which projects to pursue. The benefits of the Value Model lie in its ability to provide concrete, numerical data that can be used to justify decisions to stakeholders and investors.

 

Value Case is More Holistic

 

In contrast, the Value Case takes a more holistic approach by considering both tangible and intangible benefits, such as improved employee morale and enhanced customer satisfaction, to determine the strategic value of a project for the organization. This qualitative approach is particularly useful for justifying investments in projects that may not have an immediate financial return but are crucial for the long-term success of the business.

 

Understanding how each approach works is crucial in determining which one is right for your business. If your company is large and risk-averse, the Value Model may be the preferred approach. However, if your company is smaller and more focused on strategic goals, the Value Case may be a better fit. Regardless of which approach you choose, it's important to define metrics for measuring success and to communicate effectively with stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.

 

Understanding the definitions, benefits, and workings of both the Value Model and Value Case is vital in making informed decisions about project and investment allocation. By using the SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI) and following best practices for implementation, businesses can choose the right approach for their needs and achieve success in their continuous improvement efforts.

 

Value Case

 

When exploring the topics of Value Model and Value Case, it's important to also consider the incorporation of individual value models and benchmarking. This can often include a comparison of internal results with benchmarks from third-party providers, such as SAP's Value Lifecycle Manager, which is a valuable source of benchmark information. By incorporating these models and benchmarks, companies can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential value of a project or investment and make more informed decisions. It's crucial to define metrics for measuring success and to continuously communicate effectively with stakeholders to ensure successful implementation. Understanding how each approach works and the benefits they offer is essential in determining which one is right for your business. By following best practices for implementation and utilizing the SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI), businesses can choose the right approach for their needs and achieve success in their continuous improvement efforts.

 

Which one is right for your business?

 

Factors to consider when choosing between Value Model and Value Case

 

Business Size

 

When considering the impact of business size on choosing the right approach between Value Model and Value Case, there are several factors to keep in mind. For larger businesses with more resources, the Value Model may be a better fit as it provides a more quantitative approach to determining the potential success of a project or investment. For smaller businesses, the Value Case approach may be more suitable as it considers the bigger picture and takes into account the intangible benefits of a project, such as increased employee satisfaction and customer loyalty.

 

In addition to size, businesses should also consider their industry and the competitive landscape when choosing the right approach. For example, a highly competitive industry may require a more quantitative approach to ensure that resources are being allocated effectively and efficiently. On the other hand, a business in a less competitive industry may be able to focus more on the intangible benefits of a project and the strategic value it brings to the organization.

 

Ultimately, the impact of business size on choosing the right approach is just one factor to consider. It is important to take a holistic approach to decision-making, considering all relevant factors and using tools like the SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI) to ensure that the right approach is chosen for each individual project or investment.

 

Business Goals

 

When it comes to choosing between the Value Model and Value Case approaches, it's essential to align your business goals with the right approach for your particular business model. This means taking a holistic approach to decision-making and considering all relevant factors, including the size of your business,  industry, competitive landscape, and overall strategy.

 

Achieve Higher Perceived Value

 

By doing so, you can ensure that the approach you choose to value creation is tailored to your specific needs and goals, and that the project and its related value proposition or investment you pursue aligns with your overall business strategy.  It is key to ensuring you achieve a competitive advantage from the investment in this project, or any other, for that matter.  In the eyes of your customer's, and most importantly, their willingness to pay premium prices, having a clearly perceptible competitive differentiator is a critical.

 

Boost Company Performance

No matter which of the four elements of value identified in a recent Harvard Business Review article "The Elements of Value", which include the following categories:

 

  • Social Impact
  • Life Changing
  • Emotional
  • Functional

Your business case needs to clearly focus on one of them in order to boost company performance, if you hope to get it approved.  In many cases, a well thought out project delivers value more than one category.

 

Goal Alignment

 

To align your business goals with the right approach, it's important to define clear objectives and metrics for measuring success. These objectives should be aligned with your overall business strategy and should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. By doing so, you can ensure that your approach is focused on achieving your desired outcomes and that you have a clear roadmap for measuring progress and success.  

Business Value Creation Roadmap

In order to create predictable business value, it's important to understand the concepts of Business Case, Value Proposition, Value Model and Value Case. These approaches help businesses determine the potential success of a project or investment, taking into account both quantitative and qualitative factors. Most organizations of any size will often be asked to evaluate multiple business cases when it comes to funding them.  That's why it is imperative for businesses to establish standards with which to create business cases.  While there are generally accepted guidelines for business case development, there is vast variation in what actually gets created. 

 

Aligned Business Goals

 

By aligning business goals with the right approach and utilizing tools like the SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI), businesses can ensure that their approach is tailored to their specific needs and objectives. Communication and collaboration with stakeholders is also crucial to ensure everyone is aligned on the project goals and potential roadblocks are identified and addressed early on. Defining clear and measurable metrics for success is also a key factor in achieving predictable business value. By following best practices for defining a Value Model and building a Value Case, businesses can establish which metrics will be used to track progress and determine whether or not the project is achieving its desired outcomes.

Communication and Collaboration

Another key factor to consider when aligning your business goals with the right approach is communication and collaboration. It's important to involve all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process and to ensure that everyone is aligned on the goals and objectives of the project or investment. By doing so, you can ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and that any potential roadblocks or challenges are identified and addressed early on.

 

Ultimately, aligning your business goals with the right approach requires a deep understanding of your business and a willingness to adapt and evolve as needed. By leveraging tools like the SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI) and following best practices for implementation, you can ensure that your approach is tailored to your specific needs and goals and that you achieve success in your continuous improvement efforts.

 

The SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process

 

How SAP CBI can help you choose the right approach

 

Understanding SAP CBI

 

The SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI) is a four-step process that can help businesses choose the right approach for their continuous improvement efforts.

 

  • Prepare:  The first phase is Prepare, which involves defining clear objectives and metrics for measuring success. The second step is 

  • Analyze:  The second phase is Analyze, which involves gathering data and analyzing it to determine the potential value of a project or investment. 

  • Realize: The third phase is Realize, which involves implementing the project or investment and monitoring progress to ensure that it is on track to meet its objectives. 

  • Verify:   The final phase is Verify, which involves evaluating the success of the project or investment and making any necessary adjustments.

 

By following these four phases and utilizing the SAP CBI methodology, businesses can ensure that they are choosing the right approach for their needs and achieving success in their continuous improvement efforts.

 

Which CBI Flavor

 

In the world of continuous business improvement, there are four flavors of CBI that businesses can use to their advantage:

 

  • Strategy Assessment
  • Business Assessment
  • Solution Assessment
  • and Technical Assessment.

 

Each of these approaches consists of specific steps that can help businesses narrow down the best approach for their unique needs. Here are a few bullet points to help explain what each of these flavors of CBI consists of:

  • Strategy Assessment: This approach involves analyzing the overall strategic goals of the business to determine which projects or investments align best with those goals. It involves defining clear objectives and metrics for measuring success and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned on the goals of the project or investment.

  • Business Assessment: This approach takes a more holistic approach by considering both tangible and intangible benefits of a project or investment. It involves gathering data and analyzing it to determine the potential value of a project, as well as identifying any potential roadblocks or challenges that may arise.

  • Solution Assessment: This approach involves evaluating potential solutions to a problem or challenge to determine which one is the most effective. It involves gathering data and analyzing it to determine the potential value of each solution and identifying any potential risks or challenges associated with each.

  • Technical Assessment: This approach focuses specifically on the technical aspects of a project or investment. It involves evaluating the technical feasibility of a project or investment, as well as identifying any potential technical challenges or risks that may arise.

By understanding the steps involved in each of these approaches, businesses can choose the right approach for their unique needs and achieve success in their continuous improvement efforts.

 

Best Practices for Defining a Value Model and Building a Value Case

 

A value case within the context of a SAP CBI engagement, normally consist of the following elements:

 

  • Program Definition
    • Objectives
  • Program Timeline
    • Programs in Gantt Chart Format
  • Program Value View
    • Programs in Cost/Benefit Graphs

 

Defining Metrics

 

When it comes to measuring the success of a project or investment, metrics are key. Within the context of KPIs, metrics refer to the specific data points that will be used to track progress and determine whether or not the project is achieving its desired outcomes. Establishing which metrics will be used, and how they will be computed, is a key part of a well-written value case. By defining clear objectives and metrics for success, businesses can ensure that their approach is focused on achieving their desired outcomes and that they have a clear roadmap for measuring progress and success. It's important to choose metrics that are specific, measurable, and relevant to the project or investment, and to continuously communicate effectively with stakeholders to ensure successful implementation. By doing so, businesses can ensure that they are on track to achieve their desired outcomes and that they are making the most of their resources.

 

While choosing the right approach between Value Model and Value Case is essential for achieving success in continuous improvement efforts, it is also critical to define who will own and have stewardship of metrics throughout the lifecycle of the project. Defining metrics is key to measuring the success of a project or investment and ensuring that the approach is focused on achieving desired outcomes. Selecting metrics that are tailored to the project or investment and are specific, measurable, and relevant is crucial.

 

Consistent communication with stakeholders is also essential to ensure a successful implementation. By doing so, businesses can ensure that they are on track to achieve their desired outcomes and make the most of their resources. In addition to defining metrics, businesses should also consider aligning their business goals with the right approach, taking a holistic approach to decision-making, and using tools like the SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI) to ensure success.

 

Communication and Collaboration

 

The critical role of the Customer Project Sponsor cannot be overstated when it comes to communicating the results of an improvement project to all business stakeholders. By using the agreed upon KPI framework that supports the value case, the Project Sponsor can ensure that any deviations from the project objectives are detected early, allowing for corrective actions to be taken. Effective communication and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders is key to a successful implementation. It is important to involve everyone in the decision-making process and ensure that all parties are aligned on the goals and objectives of the project or investment. By doing so, potential roadblocks or challenges can be identified and addressed early on, leading to a smoother and more successful project or investment. Ultimately, a holistic approach to decision-making, utilizing tools like the SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI), can ensure that the right approach is chosen for each individual project or investment, leading to greater success and improved outcomes.

 

Conclusion

 

Recap of key takeaways and final thoughts

 

Key Takeaways

 

In summary, aligning business goals with the right approach requires a deep understanding of the business and a willingness to adapt and evolve business processes as needed.

 

Defining clear objectives and metrics for measuring success, as well as involving all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process, are key factors in achieving success.

 

Utilizing tools like the SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI) can also ensure that the right approach is chosen for each individual project or investment.

 

Additionally, defining metrics, choosing the right approach between Value Model and Value Case, and consistent communication with stakeholders are essential for measuring the success of a project or investment.

 

Effective communication and collaboration with all stakeholders, with the support of the Customer Project Sponsor, can lead to a smoother and more successful implementation. By following these best practices for aligning business goals with the right approach, businesses can achieve greater success in their continuous improvement efforts.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Once a customer is live on SAP, it's important to remember that the process of continuous business improvement should never end. The SAP system is constantly evolving, and by taking a methodical and structured approach to improvement, businesses can multiply their ROI from their investment in SAP.

 

Utilizing tools like the SAP Continuous Business Improvement Process (CBI) and following best practices for implementation can help businesses tailor their approach to their specific needs and goals, ensuring success in their continuous improvement efforts. By defining clear objectives and metrics for measuring success, choosing the right approach between Value Model and Value Case, and consistent communication with stakeholders, businesses can measure the success of their project or investment and make the most of their resources. Ultimately, a holistic approach to decision-making, supported by tools like the SAP CBI, can lead to greater success and improved outcomes in continuous business improvement efforts. For further reading, check out SAP's website for additional resources and best practices.

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Lonnie D. Ayers, PMP

About the Author: Lonnie Ayers is a Hubspot Certified Inbound Marketing consultant, with additional certifications in Hubspot Content Optimization, Hubspot Contextual Marketing, and is a Hubspot Certified Partner. Specialized in demand generation and sales execution, especially in the SAP, Oracle and Microsoft Partner space, he has unique insight into the tough challenges Service Providers face with generating leads and closing sales using the latest digital tools. With 15 years of SAP Program Management experience, and dozens of complex sales engagements under his belt, he helps partners develop and communicate their unique sales proposition. Frequently sought as a public speaker in various events, he is available for both inhouse engagements and remote coaching.
Balanced Scorecard Consultant

He also recently released a book "How to Dominate Any Market - Turbocharging Your Digital Marketing and Sales Results", which is available on Amazon.

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