From transactional to transformational: Building better relationships in major projects

Major Projects Association

In this episode of the Major Projects Association podcast, Executive Director Andy Murray is joined by David Whitmore, Director at MIGSO-PCUBED, to explore the critical role of business-to-business relationships in the delivery of complex major projects.

Drawing on the new research paper ‘Managing strategic relationships in inter-organisational projects', a collaboration between MIGSO-PCUBED and University College London, Andy and David delve into what makes these relationships succeed or fail. They unpack the key distinction between transactional and strategic relationships, why neither should be viewed as inherently adversarial or collaborative, and how leaders can consciously choose and manage the right model for their context.

From insights into exemplary programmes such as East West Rail, Sellafield’s Programme and Project Partners, and the Anglian Water's @One Alliance, to practical lessons for those implementing delivery partner models, this conversation highlights how effective relationship management can make or break project outcomes.

As David notes, successful major projects don’t just rely on sound contracts or strong governance, they depend on leaders who understand, nurture, and strategically manage the web of relationships that underpin delivery. This is a must-listen for anyone involved in shaping, leading, or partnering on major programmes.

Links
Managing Strategic Relationships In Inter-organisational Projects

No More Heroes report

MIGSO-PCUBED’s RelationSHAPE

The rise of the delivery partner
David Whitmore
Director

David is a project & programme management practitioner with a unique mix of safety critical design, procurement and safety case expertise. He has a proven track record of transforming organisations and leading teams of people engaged in delivering complex, high technology projects.

Prior to joining MIGSO-PCUBED and following 7 years in the high voltage power transmission industry, David held director level positions with Rolls-Royce, Horizon Nuclear Power and Atkins working on nuclear major projects including design, manufacture, construction and in-service support projects. He led the project and programme management function for Rolls-Royce’s Submarines business and introduced innovative collaborative working arrangements with client organisations and supply chain companies. In Atkins David led the nuclear engineering function including a secondment to Horizon Nuclear Power as Engineering Director before being appointed as the Major Projects Director for the Atkins Nuclear business.

In MIGSO-PCUBED he is a Strategic Advisor to the CEO. He is developing new thinking for the delivery of major projects in the UK context and he has published a number of academic papers on the transformation of major project delivery. In 2020 he was seconded into Veolia Nuclear Solutions to lead the recovery of the Fukushima inspection programme.

If you would like to know more about the research discussed in the podcast or would like to get involved, please email [email protected].