Linking partnering success factors to project performance : findings from two nation-wide surveys

In this article we present findings from an investigation into the influence of partnering success factors on multi-partner projects’ abilities to meet time schedule, budget, and technical specifications. Our findings are based on the analysis of nation-wide surveys within the engineering consultancy industry in Denmark and Norway, and the research includes empirical data from 124 engineering consultancies. A main conclusion is that in order to meet all three criteria in the project performance measure, i.e. time schedule, budget, and technical specifications, mutual project objectives and commitment are important. To fulfil the two criteria time schedule and technical specifications, trust and collaborative problem-solving are important. To meet the criterion technical specifications, communication is the important partnering success factor. We also find that to positively influence project performance in a project comprising partners from independent firms, the project manager must aim to ensure the presence of the five identified partnering success factors throughout the project.