Recent attempts lo define construction procurement reflect the changing and expanding nature of the scope of this important process in realising projects. The definition used in a recent guide to best practice in construction procurement stales that it is 'the framework within which construction is brought about, acquired or obtained'(McDcrmoll 1999, p.4). CIB W921 was established in 1990 asarcscarch group to investigate construction procurement and this global entity of interna- tional researchers have been researching and publishing work through symposia and workshops since that date. Thus, for over a decade a more comprehensive view of procurement has been emerging. A trend towards a more holistic and rela- tionship-based systems view of procurement has become apparent in each of these symposia. This book continues that work by providing a clear focus on the nature of relationship-based procurement systems and the implications for the construction industry. It draws upon examples and concepts gathered from throughout the world and it is fortunate that a recently completed museum project in Canberra, Australia constructed under a project alliance provides a rich source of case study data. We arc able lo draw direct and clear inferences from this project because the authors of this chapter were part of a research alliance commissioned to track and study the project from the first on-site earthworks through to its completion in March 2001.