What is the name of the process where a facilitator meets with major participants before a project to identify shared goals?

• A. Partnering
• B. Mediation
• C. Arbitration
• D. Lean scheduling

Answer: (A)

Partnering is the practice of bringing key project participants together before work begins to establish a shared goals and mutual objectives. In this approach, a facilitator guides discussions with owners, designers, and contractors to create a common vision, align expectations, and set ground rules for collaboration. The outcome is often a partnering charter or agreement that outlines goals, decision-making processes, risk-sharing, and communication channels. This upfront alignment helps prevent conflicts, improve cooperation, and steer the project toward a smoother execution.

Mediation is about resolving disputes after they arise, arbitration involves a third party making a binding decision, and lean scheduling focuses on optimizing the timetable to reduce waste—none of these centers on identifying shared goals at the front end.