SMART: System for the development, management and support of strategic alliances

Despite the increasing number of strategic alliances (SAs), how to ensure their success is poorly understood. Studies suggest that up to 75 percent of alliances fail to meet their initial objectives due to a multitude of cultural, political, technological and human factors. If such an eclectic set of competencies is required for success, alliance management is clearly a difficult task for today's manager. Traditionally, managers wishing to develop SA competencies have relied on ad-hoc consultancy services and training. This has not, to date, resulted in a notable improvement in alliance success. The SMART project redresses this growing need by developing a knowledge-based software support system to help managers conceptualise, implement and manage SAs. First, this paper introduces the field of SAs; then the foundations of knowledge-based support systems are discussed. Finally, how the SMART approach will create value for managers is relayed.