In the IMM, each management perspective is positioned in turn as the 'target' discipline (situated in the central column of the corresponding relationship chart). This column contains the issues / sub-issues that have been identified (through literature review, case study, interviews, thesis chapter summary and integration of key issues and concepts) as important for active consideration and management. The Model then links issues from the remaining two management perspectives (left and right hand columns) with the sub-issues of the central target perspective for in-depth consideration and evaluation. Where appropriate, issues that appear in each of the two outer columns also link together.
Black arrows flow from the issues that appear in the left and right hand columns to the appropriate sub-issue(s) that appear in the central column; red dotted arrows denote that there is a relationship between two or more issues / sub-issues within the target discipline. It is expected that VfM outcomes will be achieved or improved when public partner decision-makers manage the PPP operational situation effectively by applying appropriate treatment actions to the corresponding issues / sub-issues.
In terms of impact, each sub-issue is classified as 'external', 'internal' or 'both' - represented in the relationship charts as a square, circle or triangle, respectively. 'External' considerations for sub-issues focus upon the accountabilities of service providers - that is, how consortia performance may be improved through public partner intervention. An 'internal' focus relates to the responsibilities of government in holding consortia accountable for delivering contracted services, as well as attempting to improve the capability of its employees, systems and / or processes. 'Both' means that external and internal considerations are necessary (although not always to an equal extent).
The table that appears underneath each relationship chart (that corresponds with each target perspective) provides a summary of factors that may contribute towards achieving VfM outcomes, identifies an evidence-base that may support these realisations and gives a précis of the key treatment actions that may be used to mitigate or resolve the issues.