Thesis (doctoral)--Leuphana Universität Lüneburg, 2006. / Includes bibliographic references (p. 299-350).

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The thesis takes as its focus collaborative regional organisational networks. It is argued that in knowledge intensive sectors, such collaboration clusters are an important factor for being competitive in a global economy. To substantiate this claim, both a regional case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Information and Communications and Electronics Technology (ICTE) cluster forum is undertaken and a single firm case of MicroVision Software, a member of the cluster forum. The introductory chapter provides background about the global extent of collaborative activity especially in the high technology and knowledge-intensive sectors. Chapter 2 examines how regions across the world have developed strategies to grow and maintain their economic strengths in the knowledge economy. This is primarily described through two reference cases studies. The case of the Humberside Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) conducted by Fryer, comprising around 70 organisations, is an example of how the principles of complexity theory can be implemented to yield a network model based on autonomy, connectivity, feedback, community and leadership. This case provides a reference model for how to provide an enabling environment for collaborative knowledge networks. The flat panel display (FPD) research done by Spencer demonstrates the effectiveness of successful regional strategies for convergent, knowledge-diffusion networks. Spencer’s work shows that whilst most FPD technologies were initially invented in US laboratories in the 1960s, all portable computers produced after 1989 contained Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens that were primarily manufactured in Asia. Spencer found that regions were most competitive when the regional knowledge-diffusion networks are at their highest density levels and when guided by a strategic centre. Chapter 3 turns to the macro case study of the KZN ICTE Cluster Forum. The forum was established to address factors identified in a study commissioned by the KZN DEDT, which found that whilst the electronics sector in KZN has many innovative firms and skilful graduates, knowledge diffusion networks are virtually non-existent. The case study shows how this forum tried to encourage collaboration, but failed to accomplish most of its goals. Chapter 4 provides a micro case study of a particular organisation, MicroVision Software, that participated in the KZN ICTE Cluster Forum. The case takes the form of participatory or action research, because it is about the author's own journey as an entrepreneur. The case study shows the critical role that network ties and networked organisation played in the projects undertaken. It is shown how the organisation underwent many phases of re-invention as a result of changes in the ICT environment. It is argued that the various education management systems developed, which involve large systems integration challenges, can only succeed if a clustered organisation is developed around it. The concluding chapter considered how the ICTE Cluster Forum could be re-invigorated, given the lessons from the reference case studies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis fokus op organisatoriese streeksamewerkingsnetwerke. Hierin word daar argumenteer dat in kennis intensiewe sektore in die globale ekonomie sulke samewerkingsnetwerke ‘n sentrale kompeterende faktor is. Om hierdie stelling te bevestig word twee gevallestudies ondersoek, naamlik die KwaZulu-Natal Information and Communications and Electronics Technology (ICTE) groepsforum en ‘n enkele firma, MicroVision Software, wat ‘n lid is van hierdie forum. Die inleidende hoofstuk skets die agtergrond van die globale omvang van samewerkingsnetwerke met die klem op die hoë tegnologie- en kennis- intensiewe sektore. Hoofstuk 2 ondersoek hoe streke wêreldwyd strategieë ontwikkel het om hulle ekonomieë te groei en hulle ekonomiese voordeel te handhaaf in die kennis- ekonomie. Dit word hoofsaaklik beskryf met die hulp van twee gevallestudies wat as verwysingspunt dien vir die latere gevallestudies wat uitgevoer is. Die geval van Humberside Training and Enterprise Council (TEC), ‘n ondersoek van ongeveer 70 organisasies deur Fryer, is ‘n voorbeeld van hoe die beginsels van kompleksiteitsteorie geimplimenteer kan word om ‘n netwerkmodel te vestig wat geskoei is op outonomie, konneksies, terugvoerlusse, en leierskap. Die geval bied ‘n verwysingsraamwerk vir die skep van ‘n vrugbare omgewing vir samewerkende kennisnetwerke. Die platpaneelskerm (Flat Panel Display) industrie navorsing deur Spencer demonsteer die effektiwiteit van suksesvolle streekstrategieë vir uiteenlopende, kennisgebaseerde verspreidingsnetwerke. Spencer se werk illustreer dat alhoewel die meeste platpaneelskerm-navorsing aanvanklik in Amerikaanse laboratoria plaasgevind het, alle skootrekenaars wat na 1989 vervaardig is, vloeikristalskerms (LCD) wat van Asië afkomstig was bevat het. Spencer het bevind dat areas hoogs kompeterend was wanneer kennisgebaseerde verspreidingsnetwerke op sy hoogste digtheidsvlakke was en deur ‘n strategiese sentrum bestuur is. Hoofstuk 3 fokus op die makro gevallestudie van die KZN ICTE groepsforum. Die forum is gestig om kwessies wat geїdentifiseer is in ‘n studie aangevra deur die KZN DEDT aan te spreek. Dié studie het bevind dat alhoewel die elektronika sektor in KZN bestaan uit baie innoverende firmas en bedien is deur bekwame graduandi, het kennisgebaseerde verspreidingsnetwerke feitlik nie bestaan nie. Die studie toon hoe hierdie forum samewerking aangemoedig het, maar tog gefaal het in die meeste van sy doelwitte. Hoofstuk 4 bied ‘n mikro gevallestudie van ‘n spesifieke maatskappy, Microvision Software, wat deel was van die KZN ICTE groepsforum. Dit handel oor die outeur se eie wedervaringe as ‘n entrepreneur en is dus aksie navorsing. Dié gevallestudie belig die kritiese rol wat netwerke gespeel het in die sukses van die projekte wat die maatskappy onderneem het. Dit wys hoe die maatskappy verskillende fases van herontdekking en herposisionering as gevolg van voortdurende verandering in die inligtingstegnologie-landskap ondergaan het. Daar word geargumenteer dat die verskeie opvoedkundige bestuurstelsels ,wat grootskaalse integrasieuitdagings bied, slegs suksesvol kan wees wanneer daar ‘n samewerkingsnetwerk daar rondom gevestig word. Die finale hoofstuk oorweeg die moontlikhede van herlewing en bemagtiging van die ICTE groepsforum.

M.Phil. / Procurement, design and construction of an engineering or building project is a process that involves the broadest range of engineering and construction skills. There are risks throughout that can lead to a strategy that cannot succeed in terms of time, cost effectiveness, quality and profitability. There are also various contracting approaches employed in both building and engineering construction projects. Each has its own advantages, disadvantages, degree of flexibility, incentives and allocation of risks. A risk profile leads to important aspects considered in selecting a suitable contracting strategy for a construction project. The risk considered includes among others the design and functionality, variations, errors and/or omissions, budget overruns, price fluctuations, project timing, change in quantities, design and construction defects, etc (Morton and Jagger, 1995). In South Africa's tradition, the responsibilities of design and construction of projects have been separated, where the contractors undertake to provide the works in accordance with employer's and/or employer's agent's design and specifications. Disadvantages of this strategy include among others the fact that the design and specifications may not suit the construction process in terms of time cost savings. More than often this approach results in an adversarial relationship between the professional team and the contractor, and between professional team members. Globally, especially in developed countries, projects were executed using design and build strategy (Construction world, April 2006). This is an arrangement whereby the contractor assumes the responsibility of producing the design and the works. Recently the construction industry has been experiencing an unprecedented high level of economic growth both locally and in the global arena. In an attempt by construction stakeholders to redefine the approach to contracting to facilitate delivery, partnering evolved to bring all parties together to form common goals, to integrate design and construction into a collaborative working by involving contractors at an earlier stage, to set up mechanisms to resolve disputes and to share the risk and rewards of projects (Gould and Joyce, 2003).

Research Purpose: Customer focus has become increasing critical in order for organisations to effectively compete. Organisations operate in continuously changing environments, with dynamic customer needs requiring that organisations frequently revisit their strategic objectives. Supply chain integration provides organisations with an opportunity to keep up with these changing environments, offering a platform for collaboration with external partners. This research explores three of the customer-focused supply chain capabilities and their relationship with organisation’s operational efficiency and overall performance Research Methodology: A quantitative and descriptive correlational research approach was conducted, with a self-administered online survey questionnaire sent to selected employees of FMCG organisations. A basis of the research was formed through a literature review focused on supply chain integration, in particular on the three forward-integration capabilities of customer-closeness, use of integrative technologies, and information and knowledge sharing. The research carried out descriptive analysis and correlational testing between the forward-integrated supply chain capabilities, and operational efficiency and overall organisational performance effects. Research Findings: analysis carried out suggests that the three forward-integration capabilities contribute positively to process improvement of supply chain integration efficiency and organisational performance. Organisations should increase focus on their relationship with customers, embrace the use of technology and employ information as a strategic resource. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / lmgibs2014 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

D.Phil. / The new millennium brought its own pressures to bear on organisations insofar as competitiveness and profitability is concerned. Globalisation required businesses to become more competitive through the elimination of waste, reducing costs and improving general business processes. The improvement of business processes has been around since the early 1990’s, but due to a number of factors organisations were wary of change. The major reasons were that the methodologies that were available were abused when business processes were investigated for possible improvement. Organisations utilised the available methodologies to achieve cost savings in the most obvious place, staff reductions. Before the advent of globalisation it was sufficient, but after globalisation more is expected from organisations. The security exchanges place undue pressure on organisations to perform with higher profit expectations. Customers were demanding better and cheaper products from organisations. Shareholders had higher expectations for the monies invested in an organisation. A consequence of the downsizing of organisations was that the value added by organisations was shrinking. Employees, shareholders and customers felt cheated. Business leaders were questioning the existing methods in which production were undertaken. The management of large conglomerates, multinationals and even small business was yearning for improvements. In the global economy organisations were looking to expand their market share. Many achieved it through mergers or takeovers. The organisations that were taken over were in some instances not on the same standards of performance as the parent company. Quick results were required to assure a reasonable return on investment for the parent organisation. Business leaders and consultants ran out of ideas how to achieve the return on investment required. Many of the organisations returned to the tried and trusted methodologies of improvement. The researcher was requested by ASSA ABLOY Southern Africa to assist them in achieving lean status through the implementation of recognised improvement methodologies. iii The research of the methodologies of BPR, lean production, lean techniques, Quality management six-sigma and associated methodologies were undertaken. The purpose was to determine whether the theories remained valid in the 21st century. The reason was that some of the methodologies were developed during the 1900’s and were improved upon during the 1990’s. The main thrust of the study was the need for improvements where processes were neglected for a long period of time. In instances as described, a need for radical interventions becomes necessary. The methodology of BPR was investigated to establish the relevancy of the methodology in the global environment. Even though the methodology was developed in the 1990’s it was still an authoritative methodology. The methodology delivered the necessary radical improvements that can aid an organisation in becoming more competitive. The correct application of the methodology by an organisation can produce the desired results. The study of the methodology produced clear procedures that had to be followed for the success of an improvement project. The conclusion from the study of the literature was that the methodology could be applied to ASSA ABLOY Southern Africa. To achieve it certain modifications had to be made to the methodology. As the study progressed it became apparent that the methodology of BPR will be insufficient to achieve lean status. Therefore the methodology of lean production was studied in combination with BPR. The methodology of lean production demands that an organisation eliminate waste and reduce cost. The single most important source of waste and cost is the holding of inventory. The holding of excess inventory masks the real reasons why an organisation is not performing well. It is that the organisations processes are dysfunctional. Different classes of waste were identified during the research as well as the costs that are incurred as a result. Different strategies were identified to prevent the wastes and cost to occur or at least minimise it. The lean methodology identified a number of other methodologies that could be utilised to achieve lean status. The methodologies of Kaizen, Kanban, standardisation, small batch production and many others were identified. iv The methodologies focussed on inventory, capacity, facilities and labour. The conclusion was arrived at that it was an authoritative set of methodologies. Most of the methodologies originated from Japan. It became apparent that the management of quality was very important to be competitive. Inferior quality was major contributors towards waste and cost. A number of methodologies were investigated. In some instances the research postulated the fact that a combination of the methodologies studied was better suited to the achievement of lean status. The researcher applied the methodologies to the case study of ASSA ABLOY South Africa and spectacular improvements were achieved. Even though lean status was not achieved by the organisation during 2006 and 2007 they are well on their way to do so. The only prerequisite is that ASSA ABLOY Southern Africa remains true to the methodologies and apply them diligently.

Ph.D. (Business Management) / This study is premised on the recognition that small and medium enterprises have a potential to significantly contribute to national economies through job creation, economic growth and innovation. However they have limitations with regard to resources that are required to achieve a competitive advantage, a prerequisite to survive and be successful in the globalised economy that is epitomised by intense competition. The potential that these enterprises hold can only be realised when they can compete effectively in the globalised market. The literature review conducted identified that there are a number of resources and capabilities that enterprises require to achieve a competitive advantage. There are however specific resources and capabilities that are pertinent to achieving and retaining competitive advantage under the prevailing intense competition emanating from the globalisation process. These are technology know-how, finance, human resources and leadership capabilities, the independent variables in this study. Given the resource limitations experienced by small and medium enterprises, literature reviewed further indicated that interorganisational relationships can be a source for resource gaps experienced by enterprises. In particular the relationships with large enterprises are considered to be an effective platform for accessing resources and capabilities by small and medium enterprises. However, it is recognised in literature that the identified resources and capabilities must enable small and medium enterprises to innovate, produce quality products and/or services, be efficient and effectively respond to customers if competitive advantage is to be achieved. In this study innovation, quality, efficiency and customer responsiveness were identified as mediating variables. In view of the problem identified above, that is achieving and maintaining competitive advantage in the globalised economy by small and medium enterprises, the primary objective of this study is to establish how interorganisational relationships with large enterprises influence the competitive advantage of small and medium enterprises. Competitive advantage is the dependent variable in this study and was measured in terms of cost reduction and unique and/or improved products and/or services.

Organisations are faced with the reality of having to compete on the global market. It has therefore become critical now more than ever, for managers of these organisations to adopt strategies that will ensure competitive advantage and sustainability into the future. Knowledge has been identified as a strategic asset that can be leveraged to gain this competitive advantage. Unfortunately, the nature of organisations prevents them from having the ability to hire new individuals each time a knowledge gap is identified. Strategic alliances have identified as platforms where knowledge possessed by an alliance partner can be accessed by the other party through the process of knowledge transfer. In order for this process to be effective, both the teaching and the learning partner have to have certain organisational values that promote the transfer of knowledge. This study investigated the organisational values that promoted knowledge transfer in strategic alliances within the context of the construction industry. An additional dimension of knowledge context, i.e. whether knowledge is technical or non-technical, was also investigated to assess if it had a bearing on the organisational values required for knowledge transfer. The study also sought to establish how tensions caused by conflicting values were managed in the context of strategic alliances. The research took the form of an exploratory qualitative study where twelve managers of EPCM/construction companies were interviewed. The insights drawn from the respondents then formed the basis of the research findings. The research identified willingness to learn, willingness to teach, relationship, trust and quality focus as the top five most cited organisational values that are perceived to promote knowledge transfer in strategic alliances. The conflicting organisational values of adaptability and predictability were found to promote technical and non-technical contexts, respectively, and a model was developed on how to effectively manage tensions between alliance partners. Recommendations were then made to managers and academics. / Dissertation (MBA) --University of Pretoria, 2014. / zkgibs2015 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

In an increasingly volatile business environment, new product introduction is no longer a strategic option but a necessity for companies to sustain competitive advantage and for countries to achieve national economic prosperity. This is particularly true in such emerging economies as People's Republic of China, where traditional manufacturing enterprises are striving to achieve the move from 'Made in China' to 'Created in China'. Focusing on the issue of new product introduction by strategic alliances, I propose a theoretical model on the relationship between procedural justice, cross-functional integration and new product introduction. Albeit the notion that cross-functional integration can greatly facilitate the successful implementation of projects is widely acknowledged, contemporary research on cross-functional integration and new product introduction has paid insufficient attention to the issue of procedural justice. Research on whether, how and when cross-functional integration and new product development could be facilitated or promoted from a justice perspective is still in its infancy. Based on the findings of my field study in 2015-2016, I consider it necessary to take into account the effect of procedural justice in current streams of research on cross-functional integration and new product introduction. I argue firms that establish strategic alliances should pay greater attention to the issue of procedural justice in new product introduction. Moreover, I posit that the relationship between procedural justice and new product introduction is mediated by cross-functional integration. Finally, to address the discrepancies in previous research regarding the relationship between cross-functional integration and new product development, I test the effect of an insufficiently tested moderator, i.e., actual new product introduction strategy, on that relationship. Analyzing data from multiple sources in China, I obtain evidence in support of these arguments, finding procedural justice to exert a positive effect on new product introduction, and cross-functional integration and new product introduction strategy to exert a partial mediating effect and moderating effect, respectively.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This Study Project attempted to understand and analyse the key elements of strategic alliances in order to develop a practical model and structured approach for business to successfully justify, identify, assess, select, implement and manage alliances that will create maximum value for all parties involved and enhance the likelihood of alliance success. The objective was to obtain an end-ta-end and integrated picture of how to successfully apply strategic alliance as a business tool in today's dynamic and challenging business environment. The study showed that companies of today are facing an overwhelming number of external and internal challenges and pressures. These challenges are putting increased pressure on companies' resources, skills, management and other capabilities to develop new strengths and deliver products and services quicker and at a lower cost. Traditional methods of addressing these challenges, such as internal resource development or acquisition of a business that possesses the required capabilities, are proving to be inadequate and often force companies to sacrifice essential elements such as: speed to market, organisational agility and control. Strategic alliances offer an alternative. Strategic alliances can offer significant advantages for companies who are lacking in particular competencies or resources by securing these through links with partners who possess complementary skills or assets and may also offer easier access to new markets and opportunities for mutual synergy and learning. Alliances will avoid the permanency of strategies such as mergers and acquisitions and enable two-directional exchange of resources and competencies as apposed to the pure financial nature of outsourcing. The first step in the alliance process is the formulation of the alliance strategy. The alliance strategy will dictate which partner and alliance form is most appropriate, what the company expects to get out of the alliance and how risks will be managed. The alliance strategy is a building block or extension of the corporate strategy and must be aligned with the mission, goals and objectives that were set by the strategic process. The formulation of the alliance strategy must be based on an analysis of the external market circumstances and the company's internal resources and competitive capabilities. By defining an alliance strategy the company ensures that all alliances-related activities are consistent and structured. Once the strategic alliance strategy, objectives and format has been determined the company can start to identify and select a partner that has got the ability and competency that is required by the alliance and at the same time has got a similar need to be involved in the alliance. Partner selection requires a structured process to ensure that the alliance strategy and selected form is translated into and represented by key business attributes or areas that are affected by the alliance. The organisation must be clear about what its strategic objectives are and what the partner profile is it is looking for. These objectives are linked to criteria or requirements that the potential partner must comply to, in order to meet the alliance objectives. The partners are now ready to determine how each organisation will engage with the other to reach common objectives of the alliance. This is achieved through a process of negotiation and work definition. The negotiation is 'non zero-sum based' which means that one company's gain is not at the loss of the other company. The alliance business plan is developed during this stage and acts as the blueprint of the future alliance operations. During this stage it is crucial that the leadership of the two companies is actively involved and visible in the process. Managing strategic alliances introduces a complex combination of new management challenges that often need to be coordinated and addressed. It is the alliance management's responsibility to establish a relationship of trust between the companies, address cultural issues and ensure that there is a continuous process of two-way learning. These solutions and the original alliance agreement will however be temporary because the alliance is founded upon relationships that have a dynamic of their own and are subject to the influence of external changes bearing on the alliance, which requires that the alliance needs to transform and adapt to these changes on a regular basis. Strategic alliances are certainly not a new concept in South Africa. But the adoption rate of strategic alliances seem to be slow compared to world standards and opportunities for both local and international alliances have not been capitalised on. Alliances can enable South African companies to remove unnecessary duplication between companies, access international skills and technology, build on synergies and reach global markets in a cost effective and swift way. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING:Die doel van hierdie Studie Projek was om die sleutelkomponente van strategiese alliansies te ontleed en te verstaan om sodoende 'n praktiese model en gestruktureerde benadering vir besigheid te ontwikkel om alliansies suksesvol te kan regverdig, identifiseer, analiseer, selekteer, implementeer en bestuur om maksimum waarde vir alle partye betrokke te skep asook die alliansie se waarskynlikheid van sukses te verhoog. Die doelwit was om 'n geintegreerde end-tot-end beeld te verkry van hoe om strategiese alliansies suksesvol aan te wend as 'n besigheidsgereedskapstuk in vandag se dinamiese en uitdagende besigheidsomgewing. Die studie het gewys dat besighede van vandag 'n oorweldigende aantal eksterne en interne uitdagings en druk moet verwerk. Hierdie uitdagings sit toenemende druk op maatskappy hulpbronne, vaardighede, bestuur en ander bevoegdhede om nuwe sterkpunte te ontwikkel en produkte en dienste vinniger en teen laer koste te verskaf. Tradisionele metodes hoe om hierdie uitdagings te adresseer soos interne hulpbronontwikkeling of aanskaffing van 'n besigheid wat die nodige bevoegdheid besit, is bewys om onvoldoende te wees en forseer maatskappye gereeld om essensiële elemente soos: tyd na die mark, organisasie buigbaarheid en beheer op te offer. Strategiese alliansies bied 'n alternatief aan. Strategiese alliansies kan maatskappye wat 'n tekort het aan spesifieke vaardighede of hulpbronne, betekenisvolle voordele bied deur middel van 'n skakel met 'n vennoot wat oor komplementerende vaardigehede en hulpbronne beskik asook makliker toegang gee tot nuwe markte en geleenthede gebasseer op sinergië en kennis uitruil. Alliansies sal die permanentheid van strategië soos samesmeltings en aanwendings vermy en maak tweerigting uitruil van hulpronne en vaardighede moontlik teenoor the suiwer finansiële natuur van besigheid uitfaseer. Die eerste stap in die alliansie proses is die formulering van die alliansie strategie. Die alliansie strategie sal dikteer waarom een vennoot en alliansie vorm beter is as enige ander beskikbare opsie, wat die maatskappy verwag om uit die alliansie te kry en hoe risiko's bestuur sal word. Die alliansie strategie is 'n bou blok of verlenging van die korporatiwe strategie en moet belyn wees met die missie en doelwitte wat bepaal is gedurende die strategiese proses. Die formulering van die alliansie strategie moet gebasseer wees op 'n analiese van die eksterne markomstandighede en die maatskappy se interne hulpbronne en kompeternde vaardighede. Die definering van die alliansie strategie verseker dat alle alliansie-verwante aktiwiteite konsikwent en gestruktureerd gedoen word. Sodra die strategiese alliansie strategie, doelwitte en alliansie formaat bepaal is kan die maatskappy begin om 'n vennoot te identifiseer en te selekteer wat beskik oor die vermoë en vaardigehede wat benodig word deur die alliansie en terselftertyd ook 'n soortgelyke behoefte het om betrokke te raak by die alliansie. Vennootseleksie vereis 'n gestruktureerde proses om te verseker dat die alliansie strategie en geselekteerde form omgeskakel word in 'n en verteenwoordig word deur sleutel besigheidskenmerke of areas wat geaffekteer word deur die alliansie. Die besigheid moet duidelik wees oor wat die strategiese doelwitte is en wat die vennoot profiel is wat verlang word. Hierdie doelwitte word verbind aan kriteria of vereistes waaraan die voornemende vennoot moet voldoen om te verseker dat die alliansie doelwitte bereik word. Die venote is nou reg om te bepaal hoe elke organisasie met die ander sal handel om sodoende die ooreengekome doelwitte van die alliansie te bereik. Dit sal bereik word deur 'n proses van onderhandeling en werk definisie. Die onderhandelinge is nie gebasseer op wen en verloor nie, wat beteken dat een maatskappy se wins is nie die ander maatskappy se verlies nie. Die alliansie besigheidsplan word ontwikkel gedurende hierdie fase en dien as 'n uitleg vir die toekomstige alliansie funksies. Dit is krities dat die maatskappye se leiers aktief betrokke raak by die proses op hierdie tydstip. Die bestuur van strategiese alliansies stel bekend 'n komplekse kombinasie van nuwe bestuur uitdagings wat gekoordineer en geadresseer moet word. Dit is die verantwoordelikheid van die alliansie bestuur om 'n verhouding van vertroue tussen die organisasies te vestig, kulturele probleme te adresseer en te verseker dat daar 'n deurlopende proses van twee-rigting kennis uitruil is. Hierdie oplossings asook die oorspronklike alliansie ooreenkoms sal egter tydelik wees as gevolg van die feit dat die alliansie gebasseer is op verhoudinge wat dinamies is en afhanklik is van eksterme veranderinge wat 'n invloed het op die alliansie en vereis daarom dat die alliansie gedurig moet aanpas by die veranderinge. Strategiese alliansies is glad nie 'n nuwe konsep in Suid Afrika. Die aanneem tempo van strategiese alliansies in vergelyking met wêreld standaarde is egter heelwat stadiger en geleenthede vir beide plaaslike en internasionale alliansies is nog nie op gekapitaliseer nie. Alliansies stel Suid-Afrikaanse maatskappye in staat om onnodige duplikasie tussen mekaar te verwyder, toegang te kry tot internasionale vaardighede en tegnologie, te bou op sinergië en wereld markte te bereik in 'n koste effektiewe en spoedige wyse.