One page. Conservative numbers.
Decision-makers don't need an essay. They need the problem, the cost, a benefit they believe, and what you're asking for.
The one-pager
Six Sections
- Problem, in hours or rands
- What you propose, in one line
- Full cost: licences, setup, training
- Benefit, estimated low
- Risks and the controls on them
- The decision you need
What sinks it
Common Mistakes
- Vendor “up to” figures quoted as fact
- Training and review time left out
- No baseline to measure against
- Benefits nobody can verify later
Believable beats impressive.