Article ID: | iaor1998117 |
Country: | United Kingdom |
Volume: | 25 |
Issue: | 1 |
Start Page Number: | 29 |
End Page Number: | 42 |
Publication Date: | Feb 1997 |
Journal: | OMEGA |
Authors: | Sarkis J., Meade L. M., Liles D. H. |
Keywords: | decision theory: multiple criteria |
The objective of this paper is to help define and introduce the concept of justifying strategic relationships and agreements among enterprises. When enterprises choose major strategic projects they go through a management decision process that includes planning, analysis, evaluation, implementation, and improvement (auditing) of these projects. Analytical and decision tools to aid in strategic decision making are relatively rare; tools to aid in strategic alliance formation are almost non-existent. This paper presents the argument that strategic alliances and relationships among enterprises can be analyzed using a strategic justification approach which will require that each side of a partnership or alliance makes a ‘business case’ that will justify such a relationship. Some of the pertinent managerial and research issues within the area of strategic alliances, along with a discussion on its evolution are presented. A tool that can support the strategic alliance management process is presented. An illustrative example for the tool and its supporting methodology will provide additional insights.