Mario Thomas

Rethinking Business Cases in the Age of AI

This month's newsletter features my complete five-part series on transforming how organisations evaluate AI investments. Drawing from my experience developing AWS's cloud migration business case tools, I explore why traditional ROI models systematically undervalue AI's unique characteristics and provide practical frameworks for building more effective evaluation approaches.

The articles emerged from conversations with fellow Chartered Directors, Boards and executives who found it difficult to articulate AI's value using conventional business case methods. The series progresses from understanding fundamental limitations to creating compelling presentations that secure stakeholder buy-in.

With research showing 80% of organisations haven't seen tangible EBIT impact from generative AI investments, effective business case frameworks become critical for success. These five articles provide a complete toolkit for evaluating AI investments that balances financial rigour with strategic vision.

Whether you're evaluating your first AI pilot or building a portfolio of transformative initiatives, this series offers practical guidance for navigating the complex challenge of AI investment evaluation.

-Mario

Part 1: What Boards Need to Know

Published 22 April 2025 | 11 minute read

Traditional business cases fail to capture AI's unique value creation patterns. Unlike cloud's sequential adoption path, AI initiatives exist simultaneously across different maturity stages, creating valuation challenges that standard metrics can't handle. This foundational article explores why conventional ROI models struggle with AI's parallel, multi-speed adoption patterns.

Part 2: Creating the Foundation

Published 28 April 2025 | 14 minute read

Five essential building blocks for effective AI investment evaluation: Strategic Purpose, Value Spectrum, True Investment Profile, Readiness Reality Check, and Scaling Potential. Learn how to create business cases that capture AI's multi-dimensional value while maintaining financial discipline, with practical examples demonstrating each component.

Part 3: Finding High-Value AI Opportunities

Published 4 May 2025 | 15 minute read

A systematic approach to identifying high-value AI opportunities beyond obvious applications like chatbots. Learn to evaluate processes across five critical dimensions, assess strategic alignment using Well-Advised, and build balanced portfolios that deliver quick wins while building transformative capabilities.

Part 4: Building Your AI Business Case

Published 12 May 2025 | 18 minute read

A step-by-step guide to building compelling AI business cases that secure approval and set the foundation for successful implementation. Learn to define strategic intent using Well-Advised, structure AI's unique cost patterns, map value across multiple horizons, and design validation plans that evolve with AI maturity stages.

Part 5: Securing Buy-In from the Board

Published 19 May 2025 | 16 minute read

Even meticulously crafted business cases can fail without effective presentation. This final article explores how to present AI investment proposals to boards, addressing their six key areas of concern while building stakeholder confidence. Learn to structure presentations that balance strategic vision with implementation rigour and handle challenging questions that determine outcomes.

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