Partnership

Question 1

Give examples of different partnership forms

Answer 1

Project (Tactical) Partnering - a method of applying project specific management in the planning, design and construction profession without the need for third part involvement

Strategic Partnering - a formal partnering relationship that is designed to enhance the success of multi-project experiences on a long term basis

Facilitator - A neutral individual designed to assist with the organisation and running of initial project workshops and to provide advice on partnering where necessary. No executive function in contract.

Question 2

What is meant by partnering, alliancing and collaborative working.

Answer 2

Partnering - Developing a win-win relationship, based on trust and teamwork, involves sharing information and rewards

Collaborative working - Similarly to partnering, the development of collaborative working environments involves the establishment of clear strategies, values and structures between organisations in order to achieve long term goals

Alliancing - A formal relationship between two or more parties with a common goal; it differs from partnering in that organisations remain separate throughout the process

Question 3

What are the benefits of partnering?

Answer 3

Increased project efficiency through a more harmonious and less confrontational work ethic

Reduced chances of claims and litigation upon project completion

Allow better control of project cost and programme via an open cost and cost predictability regime

Increased probability of delivery to time and budget

Allows better management of risk

Question 4

What are the key factors for success in partnering?

Answer 4

Belief from all parties

Commitment of all levels of the project team

Clear understanding of benefits and pitfalls

Commitment to being open, honest and truthful

An understanding by all parties of others key interests

Clear allignment of objectives at all levels

Question 5

Examples of partnering successes from the tunnelling industry

Answer 5

London Bride Station 1996

• Delays due to heathrow collapse
• Wasn’t initially intended to be a partnering relationship
• Worked together to get back on track

Ramsgate 1999

• Early partnering type contract using NEC
• Client open to what they could afford
• Full of VE

M25 Holmesdale

• ECI contract
• Excellent relationships and complete openness from the outset