When drawing up a business case for a project always include a 'do nothing' option.

Business analysts and project managers usually assume that the business will understand the need to implement a new project.

Without a 'do nothing' option executives feel as though you’ve got a gun to their heads and they have no option but to go ahead with your project.

The 'do nothing' option will quantify the costs and benefits of not implementing changes - in effect, highlighting the opportunity costs.