Contracting as a Science

Abstract

This presentation will convey the results of an effort to examine the feasibility that contracting might be viewed as a science. It will explore the essential characteristics of science and how these might apply to the concept of a contracting science, identify potential schools of contracting thought, identify and discuss the relationship of contracting to several of the established social sciences, identify the principal social science theories applicable to contracting research, identify a contracting paradigm (or paradigms) and potential contracting theories and principles, examine the nature of contracting research and practice, and present thoughts and ideas toward a general theory of contracting which, hopefully, will generate discussion and debate regarding the tenets of contracting.