A well-defined business purpose is an important piece of the purchasing process. The business purpose should indicate the benefit the University will receive from the item(s) or service(s) being purchased.
https://mae.osu.edu/sites/mae.osu.edu/files/uploads/AdminServices/spending_osu_money.pdf
Business Purpose When writing a business purpose to be included with any request for purchase, be sure to consider the following information that will provide a good explanation to others in the workflow process: What product or service is being requested? Who will be using or benefiting from the purchase? Be specific about department, project, or individual. Why is this item or service needed? How will the purchase be used?
A valid business purpose must be entered in the Business Purpose for Item(s) Above text box. A valid business purpose describes the reason for the purchase or payment.
Q: What is a good business purpose?
A: Business purpose should be written so an individual, unfamiliar to the organization’s operation can understand why the transaction occurred. Please refer to Examples of Business Purpose