Phase 3: Commit

Objectives of the Commit Phase

In this phase, ensure that structures, processes, roles, and contributions (cash and in-kind) to achieve the agreed goals are clearly determined and anchored through formal agreements.

Elaborate modes of delivery and the allocation of tasks and responsibilities. Identify necessary skills for operation and secure commitments from core partners and stakeholders on actions and activities.

Clearly establish metrics of success and decide if the partnership will be long-standing entity (if so, how) or if it will terminate or transform.

Elements and overview of the Commit phase tools

1. Develop the business case. Describe how the partnership will create value (Tool 14. Business concept (must)). Consider a balance of funding sources to ensure long-term financial viability. Explain the financial feasibility of the partnership by ordering and analyzing all project costs and revenues (Tool 15. Business case (nice to have)).
2. Develop modes of delivery. Agree on an optimal structure for project delivery (such as a partnership, foundation, or cooperative – see Tool 16. Develop optimal structure of vehicle (must)). Identify the skills needed to deliver the goals, and assess which partners have these skills and which capacities need to be sourced or built (Tool 17. Identify skills needed (must)). Update your project action plan accordingly (Tool 7).
3. Secure commitment by clarifying the partnership’s measure of success and establishing when to terminate or transform the partnership (Tool 18. Develop sustainability strategy (must)). Foster agreements and confirm participants’ commitments (Tool 19 and 20).

Transition key questions checklist

These key questions will help indicate that your partnership is ready to continue to the next phase.

1. Can you describe the logic of how the partnership is expected to work and to create value?
2. Can you explain the financial feasibility of the partnership, ordering and analysing all project costs and revenues?
3. Have you agreed on an optimal vehicle structure to reach the goals of the partnership, including its legal entity (e.g. partnership, foundation, cooperative)?
4. Have you identified the right skills needed to deliver the goals of the partnership, assess who within the partners has them, and which capacities need to be sourced or built?
5. Does your project action plan reflect the discussed business concept, business case and structure of vehicle?
6. Have you established when and how to terminate, hand over, or transform the partnership, and have you made provision for the withdrawal of participants?
7. Do you have enough capacity to reach compromises or agreements with diverse stakeholders, avoiding argument and dispute?
8. Did the partnership participants sign a letter of commitment or a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)?

Key tools and case studies for this phase

Tool 14. Business concept (must)

Tool 15. Business case (nice to have)

Tool 16. Develop optimal structure of vehicle (must)

Tool 17. Identify skills needed (must)

Tool 7. Project action plan (update)

Tool 18. Develop transition strategy (must)

Tool 19. Negotiation practices (nice to have)

Tool 20. Letter of commitment or Memorandum of Understanding (must)