Transforming strategic briefing into project briefs
Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift, 2007
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to describe the process of the client’s operationally determined
requirements as they are translated into a strategic brief and how this is then transformed into a
number of general briefs (outline briefs – four in total) adapted to various project categories so as to
eventually be implemented in approximately 500 projects (through project briefs) distributed
throughout Sweden. In addition, there is a description of the procurement procedure, which was
directly based on briefs and the collaboration between the construction project’s various players
during the design phase, with the aim of clarifying how the development business’s requirements were
tested, developed and gradually implemented in the form of physical solutions.
Design/methodology/approach – Two research methods have been applied: a broad
(comprehensive) case study based on a workshop, interviews and studies of project documentation;
and literature studies with the aim of generalising and analysing the client’s brief work on the basis of
the case studied.
Findings – A number of factors (11 in total) of importance to implementation of the dynamic briefing
are described and discussed in relation to the theoretical discussion in the field (theoretical framework).
The case study supports the picture of briefing taking place as part of a dynamic process during which
all players are responsible for adopting the development operation’s overall goals, developing them
and realising them in the best possible way in the individual project.
Practical implications – The case study describes how business requirements are translated and
developed during a collaborative process involving client and contractor – the brief’s importance as
procurement data. Experience from this case study may also be of benefit to other client organisations
that are to implement national/international projects.
Originality/value – The case study describes new knowledge of how national change processes are
realised as well as collaboration between client and contractor. The paper offers insights for the
academic community, professionals in the construction industry and clients involved in large-scale
facilities and change processes.
Keywords Construction industry, Customer requirements, Project brief, Performance management,
Architecture, Sweden
Paper type Research paper