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The objective of this thesis is to consider whether the institutionalist hypothesis that the choice of organisational form functions to limit the transaction costs of organising productive activities explains a major standard-form contract which is used in building production. I approach this task by demarcating three models of contract which represent different points along a "contracting continuum". Each of the three governance structures - classical contract, relational contracting and the firm - represents a distinct patterning of resource co-ordination and each generates its own configuration of transaction costs. Thus the contracting continuum provides a basis for comparing the cost-reducing strengths and weaknesses of governance structures that vary with respect to their characterisation of relations between economic actors, and of the form and substance of both planning and implementation of decisions. The second part of the thesis focuses on the standardform building contract and its location along the contracting continuum. This part of the thesis addresses the question of "transactional fit" between the building contract and the activity which it purports to regulate. The analysis proceeds by identifying sources of transaction costs in the context and in the practices of building production and examining the governance implications of the contractual responses to such costs. 11 In its conclusions the thesis attempts to evaluate the contribution of institutional analysis our understanding of legal conceptions of contract. By using an industry-wide standard-form contract as a focus, I hope to illustrate some of the strengths and also the limitations of this approach. Building contracts have received little academic attention in the UK., and transaction cost analysis of governance structures is a young science which has been pursued with more enthusiasm by economists than by lawyers. As yet there has been little attempt to relate substantive aspects of the lawyer's understanding of contract to the "new institutional economics". It is hoped that this thesis will make a contribution to that exercise.

In the construction industry project procurement management is a very critical area to be considered, because it is a prerequisite for projects to be successful. Particularly, the selection of a suitable contractor is a difficult task. This has often been carried out by way of a competitive tendering process, which is part of the project procurement management process. To make projects run more smoothly many researchers suggest that trust plays an important role in business relationships. This means that clients may benefit from it if appropriately considered as a contractor selection criterion. For this purpose the researcher aimed to shed light on the question of whether trust in general is considered as a selection criterion. Further, what level of trust and the reasons for trust play a role in the selection process. Interestingly, the significance of trust is largely unnoticed. Therefore, the researcher decided to adopt face-to-face interviews as a means of qualitative research. The qualitative research method enhances an understanding for the subject matter unlike the quantitative research method which tries to gain knowledge. For that reason qualitative research involves the use of unstructured exploratory techniques and some critiques even argue that it lacks replicability. / However, trust can potentially affect the contractor selection and was examined by contributions of previous researchers who also addressed this matter. In the literature review trust is outlined within the commercial context in two parts. The first part has an emphasis on the time before the contract award and is therefore to be found under the heading 'ex ante' whereas the second part focuses on post contract award issues and can be found under the heading 'ex post'. / The literature review also follows up the research questions, whether trust could become a decisive factor for the selection of contractors has been investigated and whether clients are prepared to pay a higher premium for risky projects. According to the findings of this paper four major elements could be determined that enhance trust in contractors. The following ranking order is based on importance, whereas the second place is being shared between two equally important trust concerning elements: 1.The existence of a former business relationship; 2. Client's perception of contractor' reputation and risk exposure for the client; 3.Informed opinion of experienced colleagues who worked together with one or more of the bidding contractors. / Thesis (MProjectManagement)--University of South Australia, 2004.

Thesis (M.A.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 78-79). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.A.)--City University of Hong Kong, 2008. / "Master of Arts in arbitration and dispute resolution." Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on June 1, 2009) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Friedrich-Alexander-Universität zu Erlangen.

Thesis (LLD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Includes abstract in English.

Thesis (doctoral)--Philipp-Universität zu Marburg.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Erlangen.