Dissertation Title:

The challenges and benefits in partnering relationships between clients and contractors in construction and operation projects related to oil and gas.

To reduce the level of risk associated with construction and operation of oil plants, the clients generally consider partnering with the constructors. But, not always are they able to reach an understanding such that a partnership be established. Initially the contractors have an issue that the clients propose partnerships which are particularly beneficial to them, disregarding the interests of the contractors. Further there are certain challenges, in the environment, government regulations set up or others, which prohibits or restricts the path of creation of a successful partnering relationship between the client and constructor. Generally it is seen that the contractors which take on the activity of drilling and operating the oil plants are regional people but the clients could be multinational organizations or organizations from different countries. This results in considerable level of discussions between them only through which they are able to reach an agreement for carrying out the work. And, since this relationship is particularly important from the prospects of both client and contractors, determining the benefits that can occur and the challenges that restrict the achievement of those benefits are worth acknowledging.

Therefore the aim of the dissertation is studying the relationships of the clients and contractors in the oil construction and production plants globally, to reach a consensus as to the benefits which are pronounced on both parties when they take on a partnering relationship. Further, the aim would extend to identify the challenges which make it difficult for these parties to realize these benefits by restricting their path.

To achieve the aim of dissertation by identifying the benefits of the partnerships and the challenges faced in maintaining those relationships globally, my work would be segregated into two phases, which I would consider one after the other. They would also form the objectives of the work, and would includeidentification of the general relationship between the contractors and clients in a global situation.

For evaluation critical literature review would be undertaken and then the results would be pronounced on its basis. Besides the consideration would be made of the availability of the partnering relationships, to determine the benefits that are derived by both parties through that relationship. It would be considered that the view is not taken from one party's prospective, rather the prospects of both parties will be considered. The research work would then consider the difficulties the client and contractor would encounter with a business relationship that could not sustain a partnering relationship.

This would help identify the causes and the challenges that restrict successful maintenance of the partnering relationship. Finally the research through the information extracted from the literature review determine whether the challenges or the benefits outweigh each other's, and can a partnership relationship be expected between a typical client and contractor in oil& Gas construction and operation in the Globally industry.