Value for money in project alliances

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on findings from a doctoral thesis examining value for money in alliance projects. It provides a summary of the thesis findings, explains the thesis author's doctoral journey and the context of both the thesis and the university program.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of the thesis reported upon here utilised a combination of interviews with domain experts, reflection on practice and a Delphi panel to develop and refine a value for money/best value outcome model for alliance projects. The thesis research approach is described in this paper.FindingsResults from the thesis indicate that a robust model for demonstrating value for money in an alliance project is feasible and the model was both developed and tested through the Delphi panel.Practical implicationsThe paper's findings achieve two ends. First, the paper presents a summary of an important development in project alliancing practice; second, the paper adds to the body of knowledge surrounding the motivation and “lived experience” of mature professional doctoral candidates when balancing demanding careers and doctoral‐level study.Originality/valueThis research expands the conceptual view and practical assessment of value for money in project alliancing.