Evolution of a supply chain firm constellation for innovative construction products : an instrumental case study

![CDATA[The events that led to the development of a network of alliances forming a constellation of organisations are described through the key participants' experiences. The constellation's primary aim in the first instance is to pursue international projects to provide low cost affordable housing. This strategy is the entry strategy to the international market. The case study revealed a deeper layering of strategies and organisational structure associated with the constellation. The research inquiry is qualitative and specifically, based upon the methodology of constructivism. The case study is descriptive in the first instance but more importantly instrumental in providing particular insight into the importance of two elements of alliance network design- strategic rationale and structural form. The purpose of the alliance was both short term, related to a specific project and long term in relation to innovative product development. Its structural form was designed around a 'tight' core alliance organisation with equity partnerships. However a variety of alliance types develop related to the strategy for the core group. The governance structure is flexible and evolves as the strategic rationale evolves from the short term to the long term.]]