PARTNERSHIPS & RESOURCES is defined as
How the organisation plans and manages its external partnerships and internal
resources in order to support its policy and strategy and the effective operation
of its processes.
THERE ARE FIVE SUB-CRITERIA WITHIN THE CRITERION
4a External partnerships are managed.
4b Finances are managed.
4c Buildings, equipment and materials are managed.
4d Technology is managed.
4e Information and knowledge are managed.
Partnerships are defined as a working relationship between two or more parties creating added value for the customer. Partners can include suppliers, distributors, joint ventures and alliances.
Developing effective partnerships requires a change in the relationship between buyer and seller. This, in turn, may require training, system definition or coaching in order to be effective. As with any process of change within an organisation an external catalyst can assist and smooth the process by bringing knowledge of best practice and providing independent assessment of issues.
Resources are all those things, other than people, that need to be managed effectively to ensure continuing growth and profit.
Financial, building, materials and equipment management processes are well developed but may need to be re-oriented to support developments in policy and strategy. At the same time technology, information and knowledge management are not as well understood in many organisations.