Framework for enhanced third-party relationships in project networks
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business
ISSN: 1753-8378
Article publication date: 1 June 2015
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates third-party relationships in project networks in the construction industry and seeks increased understanding on how such relationships can be strengthened. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework and propositions on enhanced relationship strength between component suppliers and designers as third parties.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual approach is used in this paper. Previous empirical research on business relationships, project networks and relationship strength is reviewed systematically, to identify factors required for strengthening the relationship in project networks.
Findings
Cooperative practices needed for strengthening the relationships in project networks were identified. The framework on how such practices are associated with relationship strength between supplier and designers was developed. Propositions on strengthening the relationship between component suppliers and designers were stated. These propositions can be developed further and tested in a hypothetic-deductive study.
Research limitations/implications
The research was delimited by the choice of designers as third parties. The authors used some excerpts from the earlier interview study with over 20 designers, to illustrate the issues. Empirical analysis was not included in this paper which causes an evident limitation to validity. Additional research is proposed on analyzing the contractors’ and suppliers’ viewpoints to third-party relationships.
Practical implications
The paper suggests cooperative practices for construction component suppliers to enhance their relationship strength with third parties in project networks.
Originality/value
Limited research attention has been directed at the third-party relationships of suppliers in project networks. This paper offers important knowledge about these less salient relationships in project networks, beyond a simple dyadic relationship in the direct supply chain.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research has been conducted as part of the Future Industrial Services research program, funded by Finnish Technology and Innovation Agency Tekes, companies and research institutes and coordinated by Finnish Metals and Engineering Competence Cluster (FIMECC). The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the financiers, the participating companies and the research consortium of this study.
Citation
Sariola, R. and Martinsuo, M.M. (2015), "Framework for enhanced third-party relationships in project networks", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 8 No. 3, pp. 457-477. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-10-2014-0069
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited