PARTNERING PROCESS MODEL

Partnering literature to date has focused primarily on the benefits of partnering in the engineering and construction industries. Research has been conducted with the objective of building on this existing body of knowledge by identifying a model process for creating a successful partnering relationship. The partnering process model consists of five steps that a company entering a partnering relationship must work through to ensure a successful partnering experience. Throughout this paper there is a continuous emphasis on two main points. First, the model must be followed in its entirety, and second, the steps of the model must be tailored to the company's needs, objectives, and culture. It is also important that the organization work from the general to the specific, i.e., that business drivers are used to develop objectives, which in turn are used to develop strategies. This approach will ensure consistency and that the desired results are obtained.