A knowledge management case study in partnership and relationship impact: Towards a first class third sector

This paper presents the findings of a case based study that will explore the initial implementation of the Business Excellence Model (BEM) framework within a not-for-profit Third sector (charitable) organisation called Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA). BCHA provides accommodation, learning support and social care to their service users across 60 sites throughout the South West of England. The relationship with the academic has forged links with two universities and resulted in a long term partnership involving synergistic mutually beneficial outcomes that have continued long after the conclusion of the initial project. The KTP concentrated on the development and implementation of a performance management system within a third sector organisation to improve organisational effectiveness. The project exceeded all expectations and provided the foundations for a successful alliance continuing long after the completion of the KTP that has generated results that far exceed the original scope and vision. This paper will assess the partnership and relationship impact of a longitudinal research case study that evolved from a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) started in 2004. Such a case study approach is the preferred method of study for gaining deeper insight (Yin, 1994; Meredith 1998; Saunders et al 2003).