Introduction. Bibliotherapy is still in its infancy in Sweden compared to the USA which is seen as a pioneer country when it comes to applied bibliotherapy. Research on bibliotherapy shows that the benefits are many and the negative side effects are few, if any. This thesis seeks to understand what factors affect the diffusion of bibliotherapy among Sweden’s public libraries.   Method and theory. A link to a web based qualitative survey questionnaire was emailed to public libraries in all regions of Sweden. 90 individuals responded by answering the questionnaire which served as the basis for the analysis. E. M Rogers theory on the Diffusion of innovations was applied to gain a deeper understanding of the collected data.   Analysis. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the collected data. Meaning units were chosen from the data and then condensed without losing the underlying meaning. Subthemes and themes were then extracted from the condensed meaning units. The data was analysed in relation to E. M. Rogers theory and previous research which is presented in this paper.   Results. Six themes arose during the analysis of the collected data: the role of libraries, employee's needs, effects of bibliotherapy, the concept of therapy in bibliotherapy, knowledge of bibliotherapy and other methods than bibliotherapy. The results of the analysis of the collected data are presented under each theme.  Conclusion. The results show that the factors which affect the diffusion of bibliotherapy among Sweden’s public libraries are: knowledge, interest, time, resources, and the name bibliotherapy which in itself causes confusion and expectations.

Intérêt du sujet : Dans le domaine de la grande consommation, de nombreuses innovations échouent sur le marché européen. L’innovation étant une des variables clé du modèle économique des sociétés occidentales, l’identification des vecteurs de réussite ou d’échec des produits nouveaux est fondamentale pour le succès des entreprises. Parmi les trois groupes de déterminants de l’acceptation des produits nouveaux (les caractéristiques liées à la personne, au produit ou au système social), nous nous intéressons au dernier, jusque là négligé par la littérature.Objectif : Identifier les freins sociaux qui interviennent dans le processus de diffusion d’une innovation.Contribution attendue : Les apports théoriques attendus de ce travail doctoral sont triples :(1) la prise en compte de la théorie des représentations sociales pour la compréhension du comportement d’achat innovateur; (2) la détermination des éléments de la représentation sociale des panneaux solaires photovoltaïques et la mise en évidence d’une potentielle segmentation par la représentation; (3) et l’identification de freins potentiels à l’acceptation de produits nouveaux.Méthode : Deux études ont été menées : tout d’abord une étude de la représentation sociale des panneaux solaires photovoltaïques au travers de deux méthodes (n=97 et n=205) ; puis une étude des motivations à l’achat de panneaux solaires photovoltaïques par les récits de vie(n=16). Principaux résultats : Ce travail doctoral a permis de mettre en évidence trois freins à la diffusion des panneaux solaires photovoltaïques : (1) le changement social induit par l’acceptation de l’innovation; (2) la potentielle multiplicité des représentations sociales et le problème que cela engendre sur la communication interpersonnelle; (3) et le refus d’appartenance au groupe de référence perçu du produit nouveau. / Topic of interest: in the fast moving consumer good, many innovations fail to introduce the European market. Innovation is a key variable in the economic model of Western societies,therefore identifying the success or the failure antecedents is crucial for the company’s success. Among the three groups of antecedents of the acceptance of new products(personal, product and social characteristics), we will focus on the last one, which has been neglected in the diffusion literature.Objective: Understanding the social barriers which intervene in the innovation diffusion process.Contribution expected: The expected theoretical contributions are threefold: (1) introducing the social representation’s theory to understand the innovative consumer behavior; (2)determining the photovoltaic solar panels’ social representation’s association and highlighting a potential segmentation through the social representation; and (3) identifying the potential barriers to innovation acceptance.Method: Two studies were conducted: first, a study on the social representation of photovoltaic solar panels using two methods (n=97 and n=205); then a study on the motivation in installing photovoltaic solar panel using life stories (n=16)Main results: This doctoral work highlight three barriers to photovoltaic solar panels diffusion: (1) the social change induced by the innovation’s acceptance; (2) the potential multiplicity of the social representations and the way it affects the interpersonal communication;

Problématique : La société québécoise affiche un intérêt marqué vers des systèmes alimentaires durables, visant à maintenir la santé humaine et de la planète par l’entremise des aliments nutritifs, tout en favorisant le développement économique et social. Dans cette perspective, les gestionnaires de services alimentaires d’établissements de santé peuvent privilégier des pratiques de menus durables (PMD). Peu de recherches existent sur les PMD dans ce contexte, et il s’avère donc important d’étudier leur faisabilité dans les établissements de santé québécois. Objectif : Cette étude vise à évaluer la faisabilité de l’adoption de PMD dans les services alimentaires des établissements de santé québécoises. Méthodologie : Suivant une approche d’application de connaissances intégrée et en partenariat avec le programme Nourrir la Santé (Fondation McConnell), une étude qualitative a été réalisée au moyen d’entretiens individuels semi-dirigés auprès de dix-sept gestionnaires de services alimentaires, recrutés par échantillonnage intentionnel dans dix des trente établissements de santé du Québec. La théorie révisée de la diffusion des innovations, décrivant les neuf déterminants principaux liés aux processus de diffusion d’une innovation (les PMD) dans un système social complexe (les organisations de santé), a structuré la collecte et l’analyse des données. Résultats : Les gestionnaires rapportent être motivés par les PMD. Toutefois, la mise en oeuvre d’actions concrètes s’avère difficile par manque de priorisation organisationnelle. Les défis, plus nombreux que les éléments facilitateurs, incluent la complexité perçue des PMD, le contexte du système de santé, le manque considérable de ressources et l’absence de politiques claires du Ministère de la Santé. Pour une meilleure adoption des PMD, les gestionnaires de services alimentaires ont besoin d’un soutien organisationnel accru, des directives ministérielles claires et plus de collaboration entre tous les acteurs du système alimentaire. Discussion : Cette recherche contribue à une compréhension approfondie de l’expérience de gestion en matière d’adoption de PMD dans divers contextes régionaux et institutionnels. Les résultats suggèrent un besoin de création de partenariats, ainsi que du soutien et des stratégies pouvant éliminer les barrières principales à l’adoption de PMD. / Background: In many societies, as in Quebec, there is an increased interest towards sustainable food systems. Food sustainability aims to maintain human and planetary health through nutritious food, all the while promoting economic and social development. In this perspective, foodservice managers in healthcare institutions can prioritize sustainable menu practices (SMPs). As there is little research on SMPs in this context, it is of uttermost importance to understand their feasibility in healthcare institutions. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the feasibility of adopting SMPs in Quebec healthcare institutions. Methods: Following an integrated knowledge translation and exchange approach and in partnership with Nourish (McConnell Foundation), a qualitative study was carried out using semi-structured interviews with seventeen foodservice managers, recruited through purposeful sampling in ten of thirty healthcare institutions in Quebec. The revised Diffusion of innovations theory, describing the nine principal determinants of the processes of the diffusion of an innovation (SMPs) in a complex social system (healthcare organization), structured the interview guide for data collection and the codebook for data analysis. Results: Managers report being motivated by food sustainability, however this does not always translate to concrete actions due to its lack of prioritization in foodservices. Challenges to adopt and implement SMPs are considerably more recurrent than facilitators. Key barriers include perceived SMP complexity, the context of the healthcare system, a substantial lack of resources and shortfalls in clear political directives from Ministry of Health. Amongst enhanced support and ministry guidance, foodservice managers need increased collaboration between all food system actors for better SMP adoption. Discussion: This research contributes to in-depth understanding of the managerial experience in SMP adoption in various regional and institutional settings. Findings suggest the need for food system partnerships, as well as support and strategies that would remove important barriers in SMP adoption.

Augmented reality (AR) has seen a rise in public and corporate interest in recent years and with Apple's announcement of the Vision Pro headset, it is an exciting time to study the technology. The question on many people's minds is if AR is the computing platform of tomorrow or if it is a fad. However, this uncertainty is generally the case for emerging technologies and challenges exist with adoption for it to go from interest to value creator. This research paper explores technology adoption and the current state of Augmented Reality (AR) adoption in a mobile context, by utilizing common innovation frameworks. These frameworks were Diffusion of Innovations, Hype Cycle, and Disruptive Innovations. There seems to be a disparity between the practical and theoretical understanding of technology adoption. Some concepts are misused or unused in practice but well understood in theory and the other way around. This ambiguity and disparity could lead to suboptimal theory development and practical application. The purpose of this paper is to explore emerging technology adoption and to nuance the academic and practical knowledge of technology adoption, by studying the AR. It is important to evolve understanding in this area to decrease resource waste and to increase societal and technological progress. This paper analyzed Google's ARCore data, search topic data, and research publications data and interviewed AR companies to answer the research questions. The results were first that the level of mobile AR adoption is at 40 percent of the total AR mobile market. Secondly, the current interest in AR is 50 to 60 percent compared to the peak interest in 2016 while research isincreasing exponentially. Finally, the study found that the technology is not disruptive to a high degree at the moment. / Argumented reality (AR) eller förstärk verklighet har fått ett ökat intresse bland allmänheten och företag under de senaste åren, och med Apples tillkännagivande av Vision Pro-headsetet är det en spännande tid att studera tekniken. Frågan som många ställer sig är om AR är morgondagens datorplattform eller om det är en modefluga. Denna osäkerhet är dock generellt sett fallet för ny teknik och det finns utmaningar med införandet för att den ska gå från intresse till värdeskapande. I det här forskningsdokumentet undersöks teknikadoption och det aktuella läget för Augmented Reality (AR) i en mobil kontext, genom att använda vanliga innovationsramverk. Dessa ramverk var Diffusion of Innovations, Hype Cycle och Disruptive Innovations. Det verkar finnas en skillnad mellan den praktiska och teoretiska förståelsen av teknikadoption. Vissa begrepp missbrukas eller används inte i praktiken, men är väl förstådda i teorin och tvärtom. Denna tvetydighet och skillnad kan leda till suboptimal teoriutveckling och praktisk tillämpning. Syftet med denna artikel är att utforska ny teknik och nyansera den akademiska och praktiska kunskapen om teknikadoption genom att studera AR. Det är viktigt att utveckla förståelsen inom detta område för att minska resursslöseriet och öka de samhälleliga och tekniska framstegen. I den här artikeln analyserades Googles ARCore-data, data om sökämnen och data om forskningspublikationer, och AR-företag intervjuades för att besvara forskningsfrågorna. Resultaten var för det första att användningen av mobil AR ligger på 40 procent av den totala mobila AR-marknaden. För det andra är det nuvarande intresset för AR 50 till 60 procent jämfört med toppen 2016, samtidigt som forskningen ökar exponentiellt. Slutligen visade studien att tekniken för närvarande inte är särskilt disruptiv.

The current and increasing advances in computer technology has afforded more ubiquitous use of multimedia design for information presentation. This research addresses university faculty's use of web media objects: text, images/graphics, animation, audio and video (Oracle, Inc., 1996) for their course instruction. The framework used to assess the inclusion of web media objects in university course instruction was Rogers' (1995) Diffusion of Innovations model. The innovation was the inclusion of web media objects into university course instruction. The innovation was diffused through a faculty development workshop. It was determined that three factors influenced a faculty member's decision to adopt and implement the innovation: technology, pedagogy, and presentation style. Quantitative, qualitative, and observational data were used to draw conclusions about the influential factors associated with adoption of the innovation. This research resulted in a number of pertinent outcomes. Those outcomes included: information regarding faculty members' perceptions towards the innovation adoption, adoption barriers and general lessons learned, potential design guidelines for advanced multimedia training developers and training support systems, and recommendations for improving the adoption of web media objects for university course instruction. Results revealed that innovation characteristics: compatibility, trialability, relative advantage and observabilty are most important to consider for the adoption of web media objects for university course instruction. Discussion includes recommendations for improving faculty perception regarding these innovation characteristics and other related issues. / Master of Science

Information, communication and entertainment (ICE) appliances are consumer electronics and information and communication technologies (ICT). Forecasts suggest that ICE appliance use will soon become the most significant domestic electricity end-use in the UK. Knowledge concerning “real world” ICE electricity consumption is currently limited and it has been suggested that this deficiency could lead to ineffective policy programmes. This socio-technical study measured ICE appliance electricity consumption in fourteen UK households’ and undertook household interviews to explore the behavioural factors that influenced the measurements recorded. The interviews were informed by two social psychology theories: (i) Triandis’ (1977) Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour (TIB); (ii) Rogers’ (2003) Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DIT). The study supports the position that ICE appliance use and standby power consumption are significant electricity end-uses in UK homes. Key appliances that contributed to the sample’s average electricity consumption are identified. Inconspicuous electricity consumption from network appliances is an issue of particular concern due to policy gaps. The interviews found that a range of internal and external factors influenced ICE appliance use. Behavioural intentions and habits were found to be facilitated or impeded by personal ability, knowledge and physical constraints. Social structures and expectations also supported the more expansive ownership and use of ICE appliances and energy consumption was an issue largely excluded from adoption decisions. The findings imply that a multifaceted approach is required to reduce household ICE appliance electricity consumption. This study supports the recent implementation of minimum energy performance standards and provides further recommendations that include: (i) improved product design; (ii) the expansion of mandatory energy labelling; (iii) improved electricity consumption feedback in UK homes; (iv) the use of behaviour change campaigns; (v) the integration of ICE appliance energy saving objectives into UK policies.

Concerns over the environmental impacts of the transport sector have led to the United Kingdom (UK) Government establishing a legally binding commitment of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (relative to the 1990 baseline) through the Climate Change Act 2008. The decarbonisation of the transport sector by 2050 will substantially contribute towards achieving this target. Technological innovations, therefore, have an important role in supporting policy objectives. One innovation that is being developed for this purpose in the transport sector is an alternative fuel vehicle. While there are several alternative fuel vehicle technologies, the only two with zero tailpipe (exhaust) emissions are battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Both of these technologies are not yet at a stage in their development where they can successfully compete with conventional fuel vehicles (internal combustion engine vehicles). They face a variety of technological hurdles that include range, performance, cost, and infrastructure. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are not commercially available, although battery electric vehicles have been on the commercial market for several years. Uptake of alternative fuel vehicles is occurring at a slower pace than hoped by policy makers and manufacturers. The aim of this thesis is to examine the factors influencing the decision to adopt an alternative fuel vehicle, and is underpinned by Rogers (2003) Diffusion of Innovations theory. The Innovation-Decision Process from this theory posits that an individual must first know about an innovation before forming an attitude about it. Innovativeness is instrumental in determining the knowledge an individual has of an innovation and how early in the diffusion process they are likely to become an adopter. Perceptions of the innovation are influential in forming an attitude towards it. The focus of the research is on Birmingham, the UK s second largest city. The first stage of the research involves establishing the locations of individuals across the city that possess socio-demographic characteristics associated with early adopters of alternative fuel vehicles. This is achieved by applying cluster analysis to Birmingham census data, which enabled the identification of a strong spatial cluster of potential early adopters in the suburb of Sutton Coldfield. In the second stage of the research, a household questionnaire was undertaken with 413 respondents in Sutton Coldfield. The analysis of the questionnaire data firstly involves the verification of the early adopter characteristics from stage one by examining the relationship of these characteristics with innovativeness. Analysis is then undertaken of the level of knowledge and the perceptions that the respondents have of alternative fuel vehicles. The final step in the analysis is an evaluation of the characteristics of current models of electric vehicles and how well aligned they are with the driving needs and vehicle expectations of respondents. The results confirm that the knowledge of alternative fuel vehicles is limited and individual perceptions have led to the development of negative attitudes towards them. Socio-demographic characteristics were significant in influencing these factors. There were 5% (21) of respondents who have previously considered the adoption of an electric vehicle but have not yet done so. There is evidence from the survey of active rejection among a small number of respondents. The reasons largely relate to three problems: purchase price, limited range, and poor infrastructure availability. However, the majority of respondents have passively rejected alternative fuel vehicles, such that they have never given consideration to the adoption of one. This confirms that a concerted effort is required to inform the general public about alternative fuel vehicles. Opportunities for increasing adoption have been identified for policy and marketing, including education and awareness-raising campaigns.

No description available.

Knowledge mobilization has been described as putting research in the hands of research users. Few studies have examined knowledge mobilization within community-based organizations (CBOs). To address this research gap, this dissertation examines knowledge mobilization within a CBO that supports people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Research suggests that communication channels, or the means by which a message is delivered, may affect knowledge mobilization. This dissertation presents four manuscripts examining how communication channels were used by the CBO to disseminate physical activity guidelines and intervention strategies to people with SCI. Manuscript 1 investigated reach and effectiveness of an event-based knowledge mobilization initiative delivered by the CBO using interpersonal communication channels to disseminate the guidelines to people with SCI. Results indicated that the event-based knowledge mobilization initiative was effective for initial dissemination of the guidelines. However, further long-term efforts are needed. Manuscript 2 describes how the event-based knowledge mobilization initiative was implemented by the CBO. Recognizing that support personnel are important messengers, the reach and effectiveness of the initiative for persuading support personnel to disseminate the guidelines was examined. Results indicated that an event-based knowledge mobilization initiative can be implemented by a CBO and may be an effective strategy for CBOs to disseminate information to support personnel. Manuscript 3 further examined the role of communication channels in the process of knowledge mobilization within the CBO using network analysis. Results indicated that CBO staff and volunteers’ integration within interpersonal communication channels was associated with greater knowledge of evidence-based physical activity resources and engagement in physical activity promotion behaviours. Manuscript 4 examined the feasibility of training peers with SCI to learn an evidence-based approach to physical activity promotion called Brief Action Planning. Findings indicated that Brief Action Planning is a tool that can be feasibly learned and potentially used by peers to promote physical activity to their mentees through interpersonal communication channels. Overall this dissertation contributes to a small but emerging body of literature examining knowledge mobilization in CBOs. Findings indicate that through a community-university multidisciplinary partnership and appropriate communication channels, a CBO can effectively and feasibly disseminate evidence-based physical activity information. / Thesis (Ph.D, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2013-08-28 17:27:32.841

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.