What can be a potential issue of focusing on shorter-term costs in a business case?

Focusing on shorter-term costs in a business case can lead to larger costs later because such an approach often neglects the long-term implications of decisions. This mindset encourages decisions that may provide immediate financial relief or profitability, but can overlook the broader context, including potential future expenditures or the deterioration of service quality.

For example, a company might decide to cut costs by delaying necessary maintenance or investing less in employee training. While this might result in short-term savings, it can lead to increased operational risks, customer dissatisfaction, and higher repair costs in the future. Thus, prioritizing immediate cost savings can create a cycle of escalating expenses down the line when those short-term decisions manifest negative consequences that require more significant investments to remedy. This potential for larger costs later makes it critical to adopt a more balanced approach that considers both short-term and long-term financial health.