CIPS L5M15 Exam - Topic 2 Question 9 Discussion

Actual exam question for CIPS's L5M15 exam

Question #: 9
Topic #: 2

Robert and Debbie want to formalise a business relationship and share resources to deliver a high-risk, high-value project. What type of relationship should they seek?

DArm's-length relationship

CPreferred supplier

AStrategic alliance

BStrategic partnership

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B

A strategic partnership is a formal, high-involvement relationship with shared resources and joint governance---appropriate where risk/value is high and close collaboration is essential. Strategic alliances can be looser and not always resource-sharing.

by Mozell at Jan 24, 2026, 11:40 AM

Limited Time Offer

25%

Off

Get Premium L5M15 Questions as Interactive Web-Based Practice Test or PDF

Contribute your Thoughts:

Submit Cancel

Milly

1 day ago

Hmm, I'm not sure. Maybe they should just flip a coin and see what happens. High-risk, high-value projects are always a gamble anyway.

upvoted 0 times

...

Letha

6 days ago

I'd say a strategic alliance would be the way to go. It allows them to collaborate without the legal hassle of a formal partnership.

upvoted 0 times

...

Markus

12 days ago

A partnership might be a better option. That way they can have more control over the decision-making process.

upvoted 0 times

...

Shaquana

17 days ago

I think they should go for a joint venture. That way they can share the risks and rewards of the project.

upvoted 0 times

...

Alesia

22 days ago

I feel like a limited liability company could also work, but I’m not confident about the specifics of that structure.

upvoted 0 times

...

James

27 days ago

This sounds similar to a case study we did on strategic alliances. Maybe that's what they should look into?

upvoted 0 times

...

Frankie

2 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I remember something about partnerships being a good option for shared responsibilities.

upvoted 0 times

...

Jules

2 months ago

I think they might need to consider a joint venture since they're sharing resources and taking on a high-risk project.

upvoted 0 times

...

Thora

2 months ago

This question is making me think about the pros and cons of different business structures. I'd want to research the legal and financial implications before recommending anything.

upvoted 0 times

...

Marge

2 months ago

Sounds like they need a flexible arrangement that allows them to pool resources and expertise, while also managing the high-risk nature of the project. Maybe a strategic alliance could work well.

upvoted 0 times

...

Delmy

2 months ago

I'm a bit confused on the specifics here. Do they want to just collaborate, or fully integrate their businesses? That would help determine the right approach.

upvoted 0 times

...

Beatriz

3 months ago

Okay, let's see. High-risk, high-value project? I'm thinking they should look into a joint venture or partnership to share the resources and responsibilities.

upvoted 0 times

...

Lanie

3 months ago

Hmm, this seems like a tricky one. I'd want to think through the risks and potential rewards of different types of business relationships.

upvoted 0 times

...