Le domaine de notre recherche est la décision stratégique au sein des organisations. Plus précisément il s'agit de l'aide à la prise de décision stratégique et de la problématique de l'acquisition des informations utiles pour de telles décisions. D'un côté les ‘informations de terrain' issus des contacts entre personnes, des réunions professionnelles, etc. demeurent essentielles pour les dirigeants. D'un autre côté les journaux quotidiens nationaux et internationaux fournissent un volume considérable de données que l'on peut qualifier de données brutes (Raw data). Mais, outre ces sources classiques, le recueil des informations a évolué de façon considérable avec l'avènement des technologies de l'information et notamment de l'Internet pour ce qui concerne dans notre recherche. Nous avons choisi le domaine concernant l'acquisition des informations de terrain fournies par les journaux nationaux quotidiens : les journaux quotidiens colombiens pour ce qui concernera notre étude empirique. Pour acquérir cette information nous avons proposé sur la base d'une recherche du type « Action Design Research », de concevoir, de construire et d'expérimenter un artéfact permettant de détecter des signaux faibles potentiels issus des données extraites d'Internet et qui aideraient les dirigeants de l'entreprise à découvrir et comprendre leur environnement. L'artéfact a été conçu et construit en deux phases utilisant des concepts théoriques liés à la surcharge de données, à la veille stratégique notamment la VAS-IC® (Veille Anticipative Stratégique – Intelligence Collective) et sur les caractéristiques souhaitables des systèmes informatisés d'aide à la décision stratégique. Après sa construction, l'artéfact a été expérimenté sur un terrain permettant d'évaluer son effectivité. Cette expérimentation a permis d'améliorer nos connaissances sur la pertinence des données numériques dans le processus de la prise de la décision. Les décideurs impliqués ont également pu d'intégrer des nouvelles pratiques adaptées à leurs besoins d'information. / Our research area is around the strategic decision within organizations. More precisely, it is applicable as an aid for strategic decision-making and detecting useful information for such decisions. On the one hand, the ‘information from the field' from the contacts between individuals, business meetings, etc. is always essential for managers. On the other hand, national and international newspapers can provide a considerable volume of data that can be defined as the raw data. However, besides these classical sources, gathering information has changed dramatically with the advent of information technology and particularly internet that is related to our research. We chose the area for the acquisition of ‘information from the field' provided by the national daily newspapers: the Colombian newspaper which concerns to our empirical study. In order to detect weak signals of potential internet base issues which help managers to discover and understand their environment, we proposed a research based on “Action Design Research” type and then applied for designing, building and testing an artifact to gain the required information. The artifact has been designed and built in two phases that is included of using theoretical concepts about the data overload, environmental scanning particularly the “anticipatory and collective environmental scanning model” (VAS-IC®) and the desirable characteristics of strategic decision making support systems. After its construction, the artifact applied to real experimentation that has allowed us to evaluate its effectiveness. Afterwards, we improved our knowledge about the relevance of digital data in the decision making process. The results of all the involved decision makers have been able to integrate these new practices into their information needs.

Background: The Theory of Cultural Distress offers a framework for understanding the potential outcomes in patients who do not receive care that incorporates their cultural beliefs (DeWilde & Burton, 2017).This study represents initial steps in researching the theory byexploring the layering of stressors that place the patient at risk for Cultural Distress. Methods: Utilized aCross-sectional descriptive correlational analysis of intersecting identities (Structural Stressors), ethnicity-related stressors (Otherness) and ethnic-identity (Otherness) to develop understanding of the potential effects of these variables on psychological stress. Independent variables included intersecting identities, perceived ethnic discrimination, concern for stereotype confirmation, own group conformity pressure, and group membership. The dependent variable was perceived stress. Participants were also asked to define the word culture. Results: Stereotype confirmation concern, perceived ethnic discrimination, group membership, and own group conformity pressure were significantly associated with perceived stress. Intersectionality was not significantly associated with perceived stress but was significantly associated with perceived ethnic discrimination. Regression analysis revealed stereotype confirmation concern, own group conformity pressure, and group membership as significant predictors of perceived stress. Participant definitions of culture primarily fell under two themes, Collectiveness and Individualness, indicating that the way we live is highly influenced by our shared experiences, and also a product of individual choices. Discussion: Results indicated that structural stressors had no influence on psychological stress but were associated with perceptions of discrimination. The experience of otherness significantly influenced psychological stress. Additional research and tool development is needed to better understand how structural stressors may influence psychological stress.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Industrial Psychology) )--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

<p>The main sources of teacher stress stem from difficulty in maintaining classroom discipline, time pressures, workload demands, excessive change, being evaluated by others, challenging relationships with colleagues and poor working conditions. This study therefore highlights the significant relationship between occupational stressors and the stress experienced by teachers at high risk secondary schools in the Western Cape. Occupational stress is related to job satisfaction, job overload and job control. The coping strategies of teachers at high risk secondary schools are explored. The results indicate that there were no significant relationships between teacher stress and job satisfaction, job overload and job control at high risk secondary schools in the Western Cape. Job satisfaction however, showed an inverse, albeit not significant relationship to teacher stress. Furthermore, male and female teachers respond differently to these occupational stressors. Females were more prone to the experience of stress than males. The recommendations are based on the conclusions drawn from the study. In conclusion, occupational stress is considered a major source of stress for teachers, which needs to be addressed more vigorously at high risk secondary schools in the Western Cape.</p>

<p>The call centre industry has been one of the fastest growing industries in South Africa. Call centres have for most companies become a basic business requirement for servicing customers. Zapf, Isic, Bechtoldt and Blau (2003: 311) argue that there are high levels of stress amongst employees in call centres, which they believe to be the result of both the work tasks and the interactions with customers. The aim of this study was to establish whether call centre work design and structure contributed to role stress amongst client service representatives (CSRs). It was also the aim of this study to establish whether role stress affected the CSRs‟ levels of job satisfaction and their intentions to quit from their jobs.</p>

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate Stena Metall’s values and how they are communicated within the organization. Background: In the Fall of 2008, the world was shocked by the worst financial crisis in decades. The crisis had deep effects on the Swedish economy, and many companies suffered heavily. The recycling and environmental service company Stena Metall experienced their first negative result in 30 years, and 900 employees had to leave the company. An action program, including an altered culture was established with the purpose to adapt the operations to the new business environmental conditions. Values, which are a part of the organizational culture, were decided to be an important part of the change. To implement these in the entire organization a well-structured communication process is needed. Within these subjects; values and communication, a qualitative study at Stena Metall has been conducted. Method: To fulfill the purpose, a qualitative method has been used. Thirteen interviews were conducted to collect data from different levels of the organization. The interviews were designed differently based on the employee’s level of responsibility in the organization. The theoretical framework used when analyzing the empirical material includes earlier research in the areas of culture, with emphasis on values, and communication. Conclusion: Two set of values have been identified, core values and aspiration values. The findings indicate a gap in the communicational process at Stena Metall. Part of the new information communicated about Stena Metall´s values is lost on its way from the management to the lower levels in the organization. The perception of what the values mean, both core and aspiration values, differs depending on level in the organization.

The endocrine heart synthesises and secretes two polypeptide hormones: the natriuretic peptides (NP) atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). The biological actions of these hormones serve both acutely and chronically to reduce systemic blood pressure and hemodynamic load to the heart, thus contributing to the maintenance of cardiorenal homeostasis. Considerable effort has been focused on the elucidation of the mechanistic underlying ANF and BNP gene expression and secretion but much remains to be determined regarding specific molecular events involved in the cardiocyte secretory function. These hormones are produced by the atrial muscle cells (cardiocytes), which display a dual secretory/muscle phenotype. In contrast, ventricular cardiocytes display mainly a muscle phenotype. Comparatively little information is available regarding the genetic background for this important phenotypic difference with particular reference to the endocrine function of the heart. We postulated that comparison of gene expression profiles between atrial and ventricular muscles would help identify transcripts that underlie the phenotypic differences associated with the endocrine function of the heart as well as identify signaling pathways involved in its regulation. The cardiac atrial and ventricular transcriptomes were analyzed using oligonucleotide microarrays under normal or chronically induced aortocaval shunt volume-overload conditions. Transcriptional differences were validated by RT-PCR and transcripts of interest were knocked-down by RNAi. Comparison of gene expression profiles in the rat heart revealed a total of 1415 differentially expressed genes between normal atrial and ventricular tissues. Functional classification and pathway analysis identified numerous transcripts involved in mechanosensing, vesicle trafficking, hormone secretion, and G protein signaling. Volume-overloaded animals exhibited a progressive increase in cardiac mass over the four-week time course, an increase in expression of known hypertrophic genes, as well as the differential expression of 700 genes within the atria. Volume-overload specifically downregulated the accessory protein for heterotrimeric G protein signaling RASD1 in the atria. In vitro, knockdown of RASD1 in the atrial-derived HL-1 cells, significantly increased ANF secretion, demonstrating a previously unknown negative modulator role for RASD1. The data developed in this investigation provides insight into the expression profiles of genes particularly centered on the secretory function of the heart under normal and chronic hemodynamic overload conditions. Genome-wide expression profile analysis identified RASD1 as being differentially expressed between cardiac tissues as well as being modulated by chronic volume overload. RASD1 emerges as a tonic inhibitor of ANF secretion. The novel function identified herein for RASD1 in the atria is of considerable interest given the fact that secretory impairment of the cardiac natriuretic hormones can negatively impact cardiovascular homeostasis.

The endocrine heart synthesises and secretes two polypeptide hormones: the natriuretic peptides (NP) atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). The biological actions of these hormones serve both acutely and chronically to reduce systemic blood pressure and hemodynamic load to the heart, thus contributing to the maintenance of cardiorenal homeostasis. Considerable effort has been focused on the elucidation of the mechanistic underlying ANF and BNP gene expression and secretion but much remains to be determined regarding specific molecular events involved in the cardiocyte secretory function. These hormones are produced by the atrial muscle cells (cardiocytes), which display a dual secretory/muscle phenotype. In contrast, ventricular cardiocytes display mainly a muscle phenotype. Comparatively little information is available regarding the genetic background for this important phenotypic difference with particular reference to the endocrine function of the heart. We postulated that comparison of gene expression profiles between atrial and ventricular muscles would help identify transcripts that underlie the phenotypic differences associated with the endocrine function of the heart as well as identify signaling pathways involved in its regulation. The cardiac atrial and ventricular transcriptomes were analyzed using oligonucleotide microarrays under normal or chronically induced aortocaval shunt volume-overload conditions. Transcriptional differences were validated by RT-PCR and transcripts of interest were knocked-down by RNAi. Comparison of gene expression profiles in the rat heart revealed a total of 1415 differentially expressed genes between normal atrial and ventricular tissues. Functional classification and pathway analysis identified numerous transcripts involved in mechanosensing, vesicle trafficking, hormone secretion, and G protein signaling. Volume-overloaded animals exhibited a progressive increase in cardiac mass over the four-week time course, an increase in expression of known hypertrophic genes, as well as the differential expression of 700 genes within the atria. Volume-overload specifically downregulated the accessory protein for heterotrimeric G protein signaling RASD1 in the atria. In vitro, knockdown of RASD1 in the atrial-derived HL-1 cells, significantly increased ANF secretion, demonstrating a previously unknown negative modulator role for RASD1. The data developed in this investigation provides insight into the expression profiles of genes particularly centered on the secretory function of the heart under normal and chronic hemodynamic overload conditions. Genome-wide expression profile analysis identified RASD1 as being differentially expressed between cardiac tissues as well as being modulated by chronic volume overload. RASD1 emerges as a tonic inhibitor of ANF secretion. The novel function identified herein for RASD1 in the atria is of considerable interest given the fact that secretory impairment of the cardiac natriuretic hormones can negatively impact cardiovascular homeostasis.

<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this thesis is to investigate Stena Metall’s values and how they are communicated within the organization.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>In the Fall of 2008, the world was shocked by the worst financial crisis in decades. The crisis had deep effects on the Swedish economy, and many companies suffered heavily. The recycling and environmental service company Stena Metall experienced their first negative result in 30 years, and 900 employees had to leave the company. An action program, including an altered culture was established with the purpose to adapt the operations to the new business environmental conditions. Values, which are a part of the organizational culture, were decided to be an important part of the change. To implement these in the entire organization a well-structured communication process is needed. Within these subjects; values and communication, a qualitative study at Stena Metall has been conducted.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>To fulfill the purpose, a qualitative method has been used. Thirteen interviews were conducted to collect data from different levels of the organization. The interviews were designed differently based on the employee’s level of responsibility in the organization. The theoretical framework used when analyzing the empirical material includes earlier research in the areas of culture, with emphasis on values, and communication.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Two set of values have been identified, core values and aspiration values. The findings indicate a gap in the communicational process at Stena Metall. Part of the new information communicated about Stena Metall´s values is lost on its way from the management to the lower levels in the organization. The perception of what the values mean, both core and aspiration values, differs depending on level in the organization.</p>

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