Achieving VfM from any specific adviser will depend upon both parties understanding the scope of the works and the required advisory outputs. If these are not clearly understood, agreed and documented by the Owner and adviser, then VfM (and any agreed cap on fees) may be jeopardised. As part of its ongoing planning processes, the Owner should also forecast advisory workloads and anticipated fees.
Interfaces between the various advisers on an alliance project need to be managed and clear instructions should be given regarding their respective responsibilities in relation to the work of others. There is also a need to determine at what stages of the alliance project the input of an adviser is required. It is generally unnecessary for all advisers to be involved over the full life cycle of the project.