Quelle différence faisons-nous entre Leroy Merlin, Castorama ou encore Bricorama ? Ces organisations se distinguent par un ensemble d’attributs qui façonnent le caractère unique, leur identité. Ce travail de recherche propose de mieux comprendre comment se forme l’identité d’une organisation. Il appréhende la question identitaire sous le prisme du courant de la stratégie comme pratique et la théorie de l’identité organisationnelle. Afin de répondre à la problématique de recherche, la thèse questionne le rôle des parties prenantes, des pratiques et de la matérialité sur le processus de formation de l’identité organisationnelle. L’originalité de ce travail réside dans l’étude de la formation identitaire dès la création d’un intermédiaire de l’innovation dans le secteur de la construction. La recherche repose sur un cas unique longitudinal à dimension ethnographique. Elle inclut une enquête sur la perception des parties prenantes externes de l’identité de l’organisation.Les résultats mettent en évidence le rôle prépondérant des fondateurs mais aussi des salariés dans la formation identitaire. Le cas d’un intermédiaire de l’innovation fait émerger une stratégie de formation de l’identité organisationnelle, le jeu identitaire. Il correspond à l’exploration de plusieurs futurs possibles. De plus, trois pratiques pour « former, réparer, maintenir, renforcer ou réviser » sont mises en évidence. Enfin, les résultats soulignent les effets de l’absence d’un artéfact (une plateforme physique) qui contribue à exacerber le conflit sur l’identité entre les membres.Ce travail de recherche présente aussi des implications managériales visant à comprendre comment former et gérer l’identité au cours du temps. / What difference do we make between Leroy Merlin, Castorama or Bricorama? These organizations are distinguished by a set of attributes that shape their uniqueness, their identity. This research proposes to better understand how organizational identity is formed. The identity question is addressed by taking a strategy as a practice lens and is grounded in organizational identity theory. In order to answer the research question, the thesis is interested in the role of the stakeholders, practices and materiality on the organizational identity formation process. The originality of this work lies in the study of identity formation from inception of an innovative intermediary in the construction sector. The research is based on a unique longitudinal case with an ethnographic dimension. It includes a survey of the perception of external stakeholders about the organization’s identity.The results highlight the preponderant role of founders but also of employees in identity formation. The case of an innovation intermediary reveals a strategy to form organizational identity: organizational identity play. It corresponds to the exploration of several possible futures. In addition, three practices for "forming, repairing, maintaining, strengthening, or revising" identity are highlighted. Finally, the results highlight the effects of the absence of an artifact (a physical platform) that contributes to exacerbate conflict over identity among members.

Of all of the desktop software available, that for the implementation of a database is some of the most complex. With the increasing number of computer users having access to this sophisticated software, but with no obvious way to learn the rudiments of data modelling for the implementation of a database, there is a need for a simple, convenient method to improve their understanding. The research described in this thesis represents the first steps in the development of a tool to accomplish this improvement. In a preliminary study using empirical research a conceptual model was used to improve novice end users’ understanding of the relational concepts of data organisation and the use of a database software package. The results showed that no conclusions could be drawn about either the artefact used or the method of evaluation. Following the lead of researchers in the fields of both education and information systems, a design research process was developed, consisting of the construction and evaluation of a training artefact. A combination of design research and a design experiment was used in the main study described in this thesis. New to research in information systems, design research is a methodology or set of analytical techniques and perspectives, and this was used to develop a process (development of an artefact) and a product (the artefact itself). The artefact, once developed, needed to be evaluated for its effectiveness, and this was done using a design experiment. The experiment involved exposing the artefact to a small group of end users in a realistic setting and defining a process for the evaluation of the artefact. The artefact was the tool that would facilitate the improvement of the understanding of data modelling, the vital precursor to the development of a database. The research was conducted among a group of novice end users who were exposed to the artefact, facilitated by an independent person. In order to assess whether there was any improvement in the novices’ understanding of relational data modelling and database concepts, they then completed a post-test. Results confirmed that the artefact, trialled through one iteration, was successful in improving the understanding of these novice end users in the area of data modelling. The combination of design research and design experiment as described above gave rise to a new methodology, called experimental design research at this early juncture. The successful outcome of this research will lead to further iterations of the design research methodology, leading in turn to the further development of the artefact which will be both useful and accessible to novice users of personal computers and database software. This research has made the following original contributions. Firstly, the use of the design research methodology for the development of the artefact, which proved successful in improving novice users’ understanding of relational data structures. Secondly, the novel use of a design experiment in an information systems project, which was used to evaluate the success of the artefact. And finally, the combination of the developed artefact followed by its successful evaluation using a design experiment resulted in the hybrid experimental design research methodology. The success of the implementation of the experimental design research methodology in this information systems project shows much promise for its successful application to similar projects.

<p>Communication, coordination and cooperation are critical for a successful organization. This master's thesis work presents a literature study of the factors that influence the interface between Research & development and manufacturing functions. Research & development and manufacturing functions rarely share information among each other and rarely combine their skills and knowledge to produce effective and efficient work within organization. This is due to lack of mutual understanding improper communication and coordination among members in the teams. In the late 1990's, competition, Information Technology proliferation, increasing customer demands for better products at shorter lead times emphasized increased need for effective product development. Each function has its specialization and is effective in their domain. Each department has roles and responsibilities to complete given tasks. But they neglect the organizational and management issues and lack the focus where they are a part of a bigger process (i.e. delivering value to customer and making the company successful at the end of the day). The main focus of the thesis is to give deeper knowledge on communication and coordination between Research and Development and manufacturing. This is achieved by review of the articles, analysis and finally synthesis of literature to develop constructs and analysis models. This will help to understand the factors and its interaction. The factors identified are individual responsibilities, artefacts and system or domain understanding, communication idea, control and role distribution, teams, accessibility and arena for personal meetings and finally overall leadership.</p><p>Each factor has its own and unique contribution to success with in the organization. These factors are interrelated and dependent on one another. Artefacts understanding deals with some actions and steps has to be taken in order to executive the give tasks, individual role plays an important role in what sense he\she will contribute to the team as well as to the organization. Even active responsibilities must understand the system or domain and quickly adjust to the environment and get practice on it. Teams are essential tool in any organization, working together creates creative problem solving,  improves effective of communication, improves development skills and ability of an individual, mutual understanding and cooperation among group members all will constitute to the teams. Finally teams are the critical building blocks of an organization. The model developed needs further testing through empirical evidence to increase its validity.</p>

La thèse propose une contribution à une théorie générale de la conception visant à mettre en évidence des concepts communs à une grande variété de domaines.Après une analyse de l'état de la question, la thèse propose un cadre conceptuel ainsi qu'une analyse détaillée des concepts de projet, d'artefact, d'espace de conception, de processus de conception, d'organisation de conception et enfin, des activités cognitives du concepteur. Une étude de cas illustre les différents concepts. Les conclusions mettent en évidence l'apport et les limites de la contribution.

Notre étude s'est construite à partir du constat que la multiplication est un objet mathématique complexe dans ses dimensions épistémologique et cognitive. Le fait que les représentations géométriques puissent favoriser la mise en évidence de significations d'un objet mathématique nous a conduits à la recherche d'une géométrisation de la multiplication pour différents ensembles de nombres. Pour étudier le rapport entre cet objet mathématique complexe -- la multiplication -- et la construction de son sens par les élèves, nous avons conçu des séances expérimentales menées dans des collèges et lycées français. Cette étude expérimentale nous a permis d'analyser en profondeur la maîtrise que les élèves manifestent ou, au contraire, les obstacles qu'ils rencontrent dans un travail mathématique qui nécessite, notamment des changements de cadres et de registres de représentation sémiotique. Les données issues de nos séances expérimentales ont été analysées à l'aide d'une articulation entre différentes approches théoriques. La notion d'Espace de Travail Mathématique et ses genèses permet de rendre compte de la complexité du travail mathématique des élèves. Pour étudier le travail collaboratif entre élèves et le rôle de l'enseignant dans le processus de médiation culturelle, nous avons intégré la médiation sémiotique et la construction sociale des connaissances. L'articulation théorique produite nous a permis de décrire plus finement les relations entre les plans épistémologique et cognitif de l'ETM. Nous arrivons finalement à l'identification et l'analyse de parcours d'individus résultant des interactions produites à l'intérieur d'un Espace de Travail Mathématique.

Communication, coordination and cooperation are critical for a successful organization. This master's thesis work presents a literature study of the factors that influence the interface between Research &amp; development and manufacturing functions. Research &amp; development and manufacturing functions rarely share information among each other and rarely combine their skills and knowledge to produce effective and efficient work within organization. This is due to lack of mutual understanding improper communication and coordination among members in the teams. In the late 1990's, competition, Information Technology proliferation, increasing customer demands for better products at shorter lead times emphasized increased need for effective product development. Each function has its specialization and is effective in their domain. Each department has roles and responsibilities to complete given tasks. But they neglect the organizational and management issues and lack the focus where they are a part of a bigger process (i.e. delivering value to customer and making the company successful at the end of the day). The main focus of the thesis is to give deeper knowledge on communication and coordination between Research and Development and manufacturing. This is achieved by review of the articles, analysis and finally synthesis of literature to develop constructs and analysis models. This will help to understand the factors and its interaction. The factors identified are individual responsibilities, artefacts and system or domain understanding, communication idea, control and role distribution, teams, accessibility and arena for personal meetings and finally overall leadership. Each factor has its own and unique contribution to success with in the organization. These factors are interrelated and dependent on one another. Artefacts understanding deals with some actions and steps has to be taken in order to executive the give tasks, individual role plays an important role in what sense he\she will contribute to the team as well as to the organization. Even active responsibilities must understand the system or domain and quickly adjust to the environment and get practice on it. Teams are essential tool in any organization, working together creates creative problem solving,  improves effective of communication, improves development skills and ability of an individual, mutual understanding and cooperation among group members all will constitute to the teams. Finally teams are the critical building blocks of an organization. The model developed needs further testing through empirical evidence to increase its validity.

Fortement critiqués à la suite des avatars de la « nouvelle économie », les analystes financiers sell-side, salariés des sociétés de courtage, représentent néanmoins des acteurs indispensables et incontournables, tant pour les directions d'entreprise que pour les investisseurs. Cette recherche a pour vocation d'essayer de comprendre comment les analystes financiers sell-side forment leur jugement. La première partie de cette thèse montre comment les recherches antérieurement réalisées en finance ainsi qu'en comptabilité, selon l'appréhension du futur qu'elles retiennent, ont étudié ce phénomène en intégrant progressivement l'inscription sociale de l'analyste. Cette dimension sert de point de départ pour une démarche compréhensive et qualitative, fondée sur la méthode de la Grounded Theory. La seconde partie propose un modèle d'analyse de la formation du jugement en tant que pratique institutionnellement encadrée et localement ajustée. Cette recherche montre comment l'inscription de l'analyste au sein de son « champ organisationnel » le conduit à devoir prendre en compte les modes de raisonnement et à interagir cognitivement avec les autres acteurs.

En démontrant sa capacité d’identifier les pneumothorax, de différencier les différentes causes d’insuffisance respiratoire chez les patients dyspnéiques et de confirmer la position d’un tube endotrachéal lors d’une intubation endotrachéale, l’échographie pulmonaire a pris une place prépondérante dans la prise en charge des patients de soins critiques. La majorité des études, notamment celles sur l’intubation endotrachéale, ont évalué la performance de cliniciens possédant une expérience considérable en échographie pulmonaire et souvent dans un cadre idéal permettant des examens d’une durée prolongée. Considérant la disponibilité grandissante de l’échographie ciblée lors des situations de stabilisation et de réanimation des patients de soins critiques, nous voulions évaluer la capacité d’un groupe de clinicien hétérogène en termes de formation échographique à identifier la présence ou l’absence de glissement pleural sur de courtes séquences (comparable à la durée probable d’un examen lors de condition de réanimation) d’échographie pulmonaire enregistrées chez des patients intubés. Un total de 280 courtes séquences (entre 4 et 7 secondes) d’échographie pulmonaire démontrant la présence ou l’absence de glissement pleural chez des patients intubés en salle d’opération ont été enregistrées puis présentées de façon aléatoire à deux groupes de cliniciens en médecine d’urgence. Le deuxième groupe avait la possibilité de s’abstenir advenant une incertitude de leur réponse. Nous avons comparé la performance selon le niveau de formation académique et échographique. Le taux moyen d’identification adéquate de la présence ou l’absence du glissement pleural par participant était de 67,5% (IC 95% : 65,7-69,4) dans le premier groupe et 73,1% (IC 95% : 70,7-75,5) dans le second (p<0,001). Le taux médian de réponse adéquate pour chacune des 280 séquences était de 74,0% (EIQ : 48,0-90,0) dans le premier groupe et 83,7% (EIQ : 53,3-96,2) dans le deuxième (p=0,006). Le taux d’identification adéquate de la présence ou absence d’un glissement pleural par les participants des deux groupes était nettement supérieur pour les séquences de l’hémithorax droit par rapport à celles de l’hémithorax gauche (p=0,001). Lorsque des médecins de formation académique et échographique variable utilisent de courtes séquences d’échographie pulmonaire (plus représentatives de l’utilisation réelle en clinique), le taux d’identification adéquate de la présence ou l’absence de glissement pleural est plus élevé lorsque les participants ont la possibilité de s’abstenir en cas de doute quant à leur réponse. Le taux de bonnes réponses est également plus élevé pour les séquences de l’hémithorax droit, probablement dû à la présence sous-jacente du cœur à gauche, la plus petite taille du poumon gauche et l’effet accru du pouls pulmonaire dans l’hémithorax gauche. Considérant ces trouvailles, la prudence est de mise lors de l’utilisation de l’identification du glissement pleural sur de courtes séquences échographique comme méthode de vérification de la position d’un tube endotrachéal lors d’une intubation endotrachéale, et ce, particulièrement pour l’hémithorax gauche. Aussi, une attention particulière devrait être mise sur la reconnaissance du pouls pulmonaire lors de l’enseignement de l’échographie pulmonaire. / The field of targeted lung ultrasound in critical care is in constant expansion. Its many proven use include pneumothorax diagnosis, differentiation of the different causes of acute dyspnoea and endotracheal intubation confirmation. These studies on endotracheal intubation evaluated sonographers with extensive ultrasound training using sometimes lengthy exam. Hence, with the growing presence of bedside lung ultrasound we devised a study to evaluate the capacity of a heterogeneous group of physicians, with different levels of ultrasound training, to correctly identify lung sliding on random short sequences of recorded thoracic ultrasound. 280 short ultrasound sequences (4 to 7 seconds) of present and absent lung sliding of intubated patients recorded in the operating room were randomly presented to 2 groups of physicians. Descriptive data, mean accuracy of each participant, as well as the rate of correct answers for each of the sequences was measured and compared for different subgroups. Participants in the second group where instructed that they could abstain from answering in uncertain cases. Mean accuracy was 67.5% (95%CI: 65.7-69.4) in the first group and 73.1% (95%CI: 70.7-75.5) in the second (p<0.001). When considering each sequence individually, median accuracy was 74.0% (IQR: 48.0-90.0) in the first group and 83.7% (IQR: 53.3-96.2) in the second (p=0.006). The rate of correct answer was higher for right hemithorax sequences (p=0.001). Accuracy in lung sliding identification is better when participants have the possibility to abstain themselves from answering in uncertain cases. It is also improved in the right hemithorax, probably owing to the presence of the heart and the lung pulse artefact in the left hemithorax. Considering our results, caution should be taken when using short ultrasound sequences for identifying lung sliding as a mean of confirming endotracheal intubation, particularly in the left hemithorax. Emphasis should also be put on knowledge and identification of the Lung pulse artefact when teaching chest ultrasound curriculum.

The aim of this thesis was to investigate some methods for quantitative analysis of bone structure, particularly techniques which might ultimately be applied post-operatively following orthopaedic reconstruction operations. Initially it was decided to explore the efficacy of MRI in quantifying the bone structure at high resolution by comparing high resolution MRI against 'gold standards' such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and optical histology. This basic study provided a measure of the distortions in the morphological bone parameters derived from MR images due to susceptibility artefacts and partial volume effects. The study of bone architecture was then extended to a model of advanced renal osteodystrophy in a growing rat. For this study, high-resolution micro computed tomography (microCT) was used and as a result of the high resolution images obtained, three new bone morphological parameters were introduced to characterise the bone structure. The desire to study bone architecture post-operatively in hip replacements led to a preliminary study on ex-vivo sheep acetabulae following total hip replacement, to determine the extent that the bone architecture could be investigated around the acetabulum. The motivation for studying the acetabulum was based on the high occurrence of debonding at the bone / prosthesis interface. This study demonstrated the superior nature of 3D MRI over conventional x-ray radiographs in early quantitation of fibrous membranes located between the host bone and the non-metallic implant and/or the bone cement. The presence of such fibrous membranes is strongly indicative of failure of the prosthesis. When using clinical MRI to image post-operative hip replacement, the image quality is severely affected by the presence of the metallic implant. The head of the prosthesis is shaped like a metal sphere and is located in the acetabular cup. This problem was investigated by performing simulations of MR images in the presence of the field perturbation induced by the presence of a metal sphere, with the effects of slice excitation and frequency encoding incorporated into the simulations. The simulations were compared with experimental data obtained by imaging a phantom comprising a stainless steel ball bearing immersed in agarose gel. The simulations were used to predict the effects of changing imaging parameters that influence artefact size and also to show how current metal artefact reduction techniques such as view angle tilting (VAT) work and to identify their limitations. It was shown that 2D SE and VAT imaging techniques should not be used when metallic prosthesis are present due to extreme slice distortion, whereas 3D MRI provided a method that has no slice distortion, although the effects of using a frequency encoding gradient still remain.

Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur barn erfar vardagsteknik, att synliggöra vilken förståelse de har för tekniken samt se hur de använder den. En del av syftet var också att se hur barnen tar sig an tekniken och använder den i sin egen lek. Deltagarna i studien är tre barn på 5 år, som går på samma förskola och avdelning. Metoderna som används i studien är deltagande observation i en planerad vardagsrelaterad aktivitet, där vi tillsammans bakar muffins samt kvalitativ intervju. Studien har utgått från empirin och analyserats utifrån ett teknikdidaktiskt perspektiv. Resultatet lyfter fram barnens tidigare erfarenheter av vardagstekniken och visar en förståelse för olika artefakters funktion. Studien visar att det finns intresse hos barnen, för modern teknik och hur barn använder sig av ett undersökande tillvägagångssätt i sitt användande av tekniken. En annan del av resultatet lyfter fram pedagogens roll och visar svårigheten att behålla fokus på ett planerat lärandeobjekt i en aktivitet med barn. / The purpose of the study is to investigate how children experience everyday technology, to visibly-make their understanding of the technology and see how they use it. Part of the purpose was also to see the children´s approach of technology and use it in their own play. The participants in the study are three children of 5 years who attend the same preschool and department. The methods used in the study are participatory observation in a planned life-related activity, where we together baked muffins, as well as qualitative interview. The study was based on empirical analysis and analyzed from a technical didactic perspective. The result highlights the children's previous experiences of everyday technology and shows an understanding of the different artefacts. The study shows that there is interest with the children, in modern technology and how children use an investigative approach in their use of technology. Another part of the outcome highlights the role of the educator and shows the difficulty of maintaining focus on a planned learning object in an activity with children.