Proposal to develop a comprehensive business partnership model : Inputs from two case studies

This study proposes a detailed partnership model for case company which is a global manufacturing company. The study aims to address the complexities involved in defining a partnership model that includes defining critical success factors, the division of liabilities and analyzing the risks associated with partnership creation. The company faces challenges in understanding how to structure their partnerships. Previous studies on business partnership models, including theories like transaction cost economics (TCE) and resource-based view (RBV), provide valuable insights but do not specifically address the complex dynamics of implementing such a model in a global manufacturing context. This thesis fills this gap by focusing on the unique challenges faced by case company. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data is gathered through thematic semi-structured interviews, while quantitative data is derived from business case calculations based on the estimations from the business experts. The study includes inputs from two case studies within case company and one background interview, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing the success of business partner-ships. The study identifies several critical success factors (CSFs), including mutual interest, communication, trust, quality, and sales acceleration. Additionally, supporting factors are presented to be flexibility, reputation and control. The findings indicate that the desired commercial setup, combined with the CSFs, defines the feasible starting point for liability division in each case. Risk management is ensured through the diversification of risks, contractual terms, and risk mitigation methods. Furthermore, ensuring the financial feasibility of the partnership requires a thorough evaluation of the proposed partnership's key financial metrics in relation to the organization's financial and strategic targets. Finally, the study proposes a business partnership formulation ...