DCOM Volume III Appendix 3

Appendix 3: partnering: a teamwork approach

Partnering is a project approach designed to allow the design and construction process to be performed within an environment of mutual trust, commitment to shared goals, and open communication among the client, architect/engineer, construction manager, general contractor (if applicable), and subcontractors. Partnering establishes a working relationship among all of the team members based on a mutually agreeable plan of cooperation and teamwork. Parties to the design and construction process, in agreeing to work under a partnering approach, work to create an atmosphere in which all parties are working in harmony towards mutual goals to avoid claims and litigation.

Partnering as a concept has attracted a great deal of attention due to the tremendous amount of litigation which has occurred in recent years in the construction industry. Adversarial relationships and resulting claims and litigation have resulted in huge legal costs in many construction projects. Partnering has shown that it does not need to be that way. Through close communication and establishing mutually agreeable goals at the beginning of the project, outstanding results can be achieved with no necessity for outside lawyers. The objective is a “win-win” attitude between all parties due to the design and construction process. There are already numerous examples of completed projects which have proven that the partnering process works.

The essential elements of a partnering agreement are as follows: Commitment to partnering by the top management of every organization involved in the project, Trust relationship between all parties through personal relationships and open communication with mutual sharing and understanding of each party's risks and goals. A partnering charter developed jointly by all parties to the project which identifies specific mutual goals and objectives of the partnering participants for continuous evaluation and review against the agreed upon mutual goals. Timely resolution of any disputes at the lowest level possible during the project.

Partnering Advantages Partnering can result in a significantly higher level of quality on a project and can significantly increase the probability of timely and on-budget completion of the project and can reduce the risk of claims and litigation.

Benefits to the employer 1. Greater control of schedule and cost through close communication and regular evaluation of project progress.
2. Higher quality through focusing on mutual goals by team members who are not side-tracked into adversarial relationships.

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