The checklists and diagnostic aids below are designed to assist firms better understand and manage strategic relationships with customers and/or suppliers.

The framework presented draws from a business and science basis, described in "Cash from collaboration:  profiting from partnerships" 'by Michael O'Keeffe, O'Keeffe and Associates, Australia.  In the tool the business relationship is treated as an intangible asset that both partners need to invest in, with future cash flow and strategic options implications.

The first sheet provides the checklist questions and the following two sheets provide the diagnostic aids.  In addition to being able to answer from the business's perspective, the questions can also be addressed from the partners' view - giving both sides of the relationship. The answers can be compared and a gap analysis constructed.

The initial diagnosis is based on two key relationship dimensions of (1) protecting the business interest and (2) working together to grow the business.  A 2 x 2 matrix is built on these two dimensions and businesses classified into one of four quadrants.

The second diagnosis provides a finer-grained analysis of the important facets of the relationship - clarifying weaknesses for management attention.

For further details or inquiries direct them to the Value Chain Initiative Leader care of: info@agfoodcouncil.com or call 780-955-3714 Extension 234.