Dans un environnement économique toujours plus compétitif, tendu et incertain, les entreprises doivent faire preuve d’adaptabilité, de précaution et d’anticipation. Ce manuscrit aborde ainsi plusieurs thématiques liées à ce constat, qui touchent de près la notion de gestion de trésorerie. Le premier essai de cette thèse montre que la distribution d’un dividende en actions permet aux entreprises de temporairement réduire la rémunération de leurs actionnaires, sans être sanctionnées par ces derniers. Ce mécanisme permet aux entreprises de conserver liquidités et flexibilité en période de contraction de l’économie. Le second essai traite du lien entre risque client et politique de gestion des liquidités. Un risque client accru semble alors pousser les entreprises à détenir plus de trésorerie et à moins recourir aux lignes de crédit. Enfin, le troisième essai justifie de l’intérêt d’établir des relations clients-fournisseurs de long terme. Ces partenariats apparaissent alors comme une source d’efficience et de profitabilité accrues du cycle opérationnel des entreprises. / The increasingly competitive and uncertain economic environment requires firms to show caution and to anticipate their needs. Based on this observation, this thesis discusses several topics that are closely related to corporate cash management choices. The first chapter of this thesis show that offering an optional stock dividend enables firms to temporarily reduce cash outflows to shareholders without being penalized by the market. This peculiar type of payout then allows firms to maintain their levels of liquidity and flexibility during economic downturns. The second chapter focuses on the link between customer risk and corporate liquidity management choices. High customer risk then appears to firms holding higher cash reserves compared to credit lines. Finally, the third chapter highlights the benefits of maintaining long-term buyer-supplier relationships. These partnerships then arises as sources of increased operating efficiency and profitability for firms.

Cette thèse contribue à une théorie générale de la conception du projet. S’inscrivant dans une demande marquée par les enjeux du développement durable, l’objectif principal de cette recherche est la contribution d’un modèle théorique de la conception permettant de mieux situer l’utilisation des outils et des normes d’évaluation de la durabilité d’un projet. Les principes fondamentaux de ces instruments normatifs sont analysés selon quatre dimensions : ontologique, méthodologique, épistémologique et téléologique. Les indicateurs de certains effets contre-productifs reliés, en particulier, à la mise en compte de ces normes confirment la nécessité d’une théorie du jugement qualitatif. Notre hypothèse principale prend appui sur le cadre conceptuel offert par la notion de « principe de précaution » dont les premières formulations remontent du début des années 1970, et qui avaient précisément pour objectif de remédier aux défaillances des outils et méthodes d’évaluation scientifique traditionnelles. La thèse est divisée en cinq parties. Commençant par une revue historique des modèles classiques des théories de la conception (design thinking) elle se concentre sur l’évolution des modalités de prise en compte de la durabilité. Dans cette perspective, on constate que les théories de la « conception verte » (green design) datant du début des années 1960 ou encore, les théories de la « conception écologique » (ecological design) datant des années 1970 et 1980, ont finalement convergé avec les récentes théories de la «conception durable» (sustainable design) à partir du début des années 1990. Les différentes approches du « principe de précaution » sont ensuite examinées sous l’angle de la question de la durabilité du projet. Les standards d’évaluation des risques sont comparés aux approches utilisant le principe de précaution, révélant certaines limites lors de la conception d’un projet. Un premier modèle théorique de la conception intégrant les principales dimensions du principe de précaution est ainsi esquissé. Ce modèle propose une vision globale permettant de juger un projet intégrant des principes de développement durable et se présente comme une alternative aux approches traditionnelles d’évaluation des risques, à la fois déterministes et instrumentales. L’hypothèse du principe de précaution est dès lors proposée et examinée dans le contexte spécifique du projet architectural. Cette exploration débute par une présentation de la notion classique de «prudence» telle qu’elle fut historiquement utilisée pour guider le jugement architectural. Qu’en est-il par conséquent des défis présentés par le jugement des projets d’architecture dans la montée en puissance des méthodes d’évaluation standardisées (ex. Leadership Energy and Environmental Design; LEED) ? La thèse propose une réinterprétation de la théorie de la conception telle que proposée par Donald A. Schön comme une façon de prendre en compte les outils d’évaluation tels que LEED. Cet exercice révèle cependant un obstacle épistémologique qui devra être pris en compte dans une reformulation du modèle. En accord avec l’épistémologie constructiviste, un nouveau modèle théorique est alors confronté à l’étude et l’illustration de trois concours d'architecture canadienne contemporains ayant adopté la méthode d'évaluation de la durabilité normalisée par LEED. Une série préliminaire de «tensions» est identifiée dans le processus de la conception et du jugement des projets. Ces tensions sont ensuite catégorisées dans leurs homologues conceptuels, construits à l’intersection du principe de précaution et des théories de la conception. Ces tensions se divisent en quatre catégories : (1) conceptualisation - analogique/logique; (2) incertitude - épistémologique/méthodologique; (3) comparabilité - interprétation/analytique, et (4) proposition - universalité/ pertinence contextuelle. Ces tensions conceptuelles sont considérées comme autant de vecteurs entrant en corrélation avec le modèle théorique qu’elles contribuent à enrichir sans pour autant constituer des validations au sens positiviste du terme. Ces confrontations au réel permettent de mieux définir l’obstacle épistémologique identifié précédemment. Cette thèse met donc en évidence les impacts généralement sous-estimés, des normalisations environnementales sur le processus de conception et de jugement des projets. Elle prend pour exemple, de façon non restrictive, l’examen de concours d'architecture canadiens pour bâtiments publics. La conclusion souligne la nécessité d'une nouvelle forme de « prudence réflexive » ainsi qu’une utilisation plus critique des outils actuels d’évaluation de la durabilité. Elle appelle une instrumentalisation fondée sur l'intégration globale, plutôt que sur l'opposition des approches environnementales. / This thesis is a contribution to the general theory of design thinking. In the prevalent demand for a sustainable development, the main objective of this research is the construction of a theoretical model of design thinking that contextualizes standard sustainability evaluation tools. The basis of these normative tools is analyzed in four dimensions: ontological, methodological, epistemological and teleological. Indications of potential counter-productive effects of these norms for design thinking confirm the need for a theory of qualitative judgment. Our central hypothesis revolves around the benefits of the underlying conceptual framework of the ‘precautionary principle’ for design thinking, the first formulations of which goes back to the early seventies in Germany, and was in fact created as a way to address the failures of traditional scientific evaluation tools or methods. The thesis comprises five parts. Beginning with a historical perspective, a review of classical models of design thinking, specifically focuses on the evolving approaches for addressing sustainable development. Theories of “green design” coming from the early sixties, theories of ecological design of the seventies and eighties are finally converging on the developing theories of “sustainable design” formulated in the early nineties. The underlying theories of the precautionary principle are then reviewed and explored for the specific context of design within the perspective of sustainability. Current methods of standard risk assessment methods are compared to a precautionary approach, revealing their conceptual limits for design thinking. A preliminary theoretical model for design thinking is then constructed adopting the theories underlying the precautionary principle. This model represents a global vision for judging the design project in a context of sustainability, rather than on traditional approaches for risk assessment, which are purposive and instrumental. The precautionary principle is further explored for the specific context of architectural design. This exploration begins with a historical perspective of the classical notion of ‘prudence’ for guiding architectural judgment. In light of the contemporary issues related to sustainability, we then examine the challenges of judging architectural projects given the increasing international prominence of such standard evaluation methods (i.e. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED). The thesis proposes a reinterpretation of design thinking as proposed by Donald A. Schön is introduced such that the use of tools, like LEED can be contextualized. This exercise reveals an epistemological barrier, which shall be taken into consideration when reformulating the theoretical model. In accordance with a constructivist epistemology, a new theoretical model is therefore confronted to the study and illustration of three contemporary Canadian architectural competitions adopting the standard evaluation method LEED. A preliminary set of ‘tensions’ identified in the judgment process and design thinking is further categorized into their conceptual counterparts. These are: (1) analogical/logical conceptualization; (2) epistemological/methodological uncertainty; (3) interpretive/analytic comparability; and (4) universal/contextual relevance of the proposal. These conceptual tensions are considered as vectors that come into correlation with the theoretical model, enriching it, yet without validating it, in the positivist sense of the word. These confrontations with the real, help better define the epistemological barrier identified above. This thesis therefore highlights the often underestimated impact of environmental standards on the judgment process and design thinking, with particular, albeit non restrictive, reference to contemporary Canadian architectural competitions for public buildings. It concludes by stressing the need for a new form of “reflective prudence” in design thinking along with a more critical use of current evaluation tools for sustainability founded on a global integration rather than on the opposition of environmental approaches.

La littérature abordant les enjeux socio-éthiques et réglementaires associés aux médicaments est relativement abondante, ce qui n’est pas le cas des dispositifs médicaux (DM). Ce dernier secteur couvre une très large diversité de produits qui servent à de multiples applications: diagnostic, traitement, gestion des symptômes de certaines conditions physiques ou psychiatriques, restauration d’une fonction débilitante, chirurgie, etc. À tort, on a tendance à croire que les DM sont réglementés de la même manière que les médicaments, que ce soit pour les exigences concernant leur mise en marché ou des pratiques de surveillance après mise en marché. Or, au cours des dernières années, leur usage élargi, leur impact sur les coûts des soins de santé, et les rappels majeurs dont certains ont fait l’objet ont commencé à inquiéter la communauté médicale et de nombreux chercheurs. Ils interpellent les autorités réglementaires à exercer une plus grande vigilance tant au niveau de l’évaluation des nouveaux DM à risque élevé avant leur mise en marché, que dans les pratiques de surveillance après mise en marché. Une stratégie plus rigoureuse d’évaluation des nouveaux DM permettrait d’assurer un meilleur suivi des risques associés à leur utilisation, de saisir la portée des divers enjeux socio-éthiques découlant de l’utilisation de certains DM, et de préserver la confiance du public. D’emblée, il faut savoir que les autorités nationales n’ont pas pour mandat d’évaluer la portée des enjeux socio-éthiques, ou encore les coûts des DM qui font l’objet d’une demande de mise en marché. Cette évaluation est essentiellement basée sur une analyse des rapports risques-bénéfices générés par l’usage du DM pour une indication donnée. L’évaluation des impacts socio-éthiques et l’analyse coûts-bénéfices relèvent des agences d’Évaluation des technologies de santé (ÉTS). Notre recherche montre que les DM sont non seulement peu fréquemment évalués par les agences d’ÉTS, mais l’examen des enjeux socio-éthiques est trop souvent encore incomplet. En fait, les recommandations des rapports d’ÉTS sont surtout fondées sur une analyse coûts-bénéfices. Or, le secteur des DM à risque élevé est particulièrement problématique. Plusieurs sont non seulement porteurs de risques pour les patients, mais leur utilisation élargie comporte des impacts importants pour les systèmes de santé. Nous croyons que le Principisme, au cœur de l’éthique biomédicale, que ce soit au plan de l’éthique de la recherche que de l’éthique clinique, constitue un outil pour faciliter la reconnaissance et l’examen, particulièrement par les agences d’ÉTS, des enjeux socio-éthiques en jeu au niveau des DM à risque élevé. Également, le Principe de Précaution pourrait aussi servir d’outil, particulièrement au sein des agences nationales de réglementation, pour mieux cerner, reconnaître, analyser et gérer les risques associés à l’évaluation et l’utilisation de ce type de DM. Le Principisme et le Principe de Précaution pourraient servir de repères 1) pour définir les mesures nécessaires pour éliminer les lacunes observées dans pratiques associées aux processus de réglementation, et 2) pour mieux cerner et documenter les enjeux socio-éthiques spécifiques aux DM à risque élevé. / Socio-ethical and regulatory issues about drug development have received substantial coverage in the scientific literature over the years; this has not been the case of medical devices (MD). This latter sector comprises a vast array of products with a multitude of applications: diagnostics, treatment, symptom management for severe physical and psychiatric conditions, restoring physical functioning, surgery, etc. There is a mistaken view that MD are regulated in the same manner as pharmaceutical drugs, whether this be requirements regarding premarket assessment or post-market surveillance. Not only has the extensive use of MD in clinical practice and the resulting impact on healthcare expenditures raised concerns in the scientific and medical communities, but so too have the many recalls for high risk devices in recent years. Regulatory authorities have been challenged to exercise greater vigilance in both the premarket assessment and post-market surveillance of new high risk MD. A more rigorous evaluation strategy for new MD would permit better monitoring of the risks associated with their use, better understanding of the significance of the various socio-ethical issues arising from the use of MD, and thus preserve public confidence. From the outset, it should be noted that national authorities do not have a mandate to assess the significance of socio-ethical issues or the costs associated with the MD that are the subject of an application for marketing approval. This assessment is based primarily on risk-benefit analysis reports generated following the use of MD for a given indication. Evaluation of socioethical impact and cost-benefit analysis are the remit of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) agencies. But research shows that the MD are not only infrequently assessed by HTA agencies, but the consideration of socio-ethical issues is often incomplete; the recommendations of HTA reports are based mostly on a calculation of cost-benefit. However, the high risk MD sector is particularly problematic; many carry risks not only for patients, but their extended use has significant impact on healthcare systems. I argue that Principlism, associated to biomedical ethics, as much to research ethics and clinical ethics, could be adapted to facilitate the recognition and evaluation by HTA agencies of socio-ethical issues involved in high risk MD. The Precautionary Principle could also serve as a tool to help regulatory agencies to enforce understanding, recognition, analysis and management of the risks associated with the use of MD, especially high risk devices. Principlism and the Precautionary Principle could serve as benchmarks to 1) define necessary steps to eliminate gaps observed in the regulatory process, and 2) better understand and document the socio-ethical issues specific to high risk MD.

As informações acerca da performance e impacto socioambientais do fornecedor e do produto são necessárias para o exercício do consumo de forma sustentável. O conhecimento dos impactos socioambientais advindos da produção, uso e pós-consumo é requisito para a livre escolha dos consumidores por produtos que apresentem impactos socioambientais positivos em qualquer dessas fases de seu ciclo de vida. Um dos instrumentos para o alcance do desenvolvimento sustentável é possibilitar o consumo de produtos que utilizem menos recursos finitos da natureza e que tragam melhorias sociais como suas consequências. No Brasil, o fundamento para a inclusão dos dados socioambientais do produto nas informações veiculadas ao consumidor está presente no ordenamento jurídico, na garantia de acesso à informação e no direito à preservação do meio ambiente, ambos inseridos no rol dos direitos constitucionais fundamentais, ao lado do princípio da dignidade da pessoa humana, bem como em preceitos do Código de Defesa do Consumidor e da legislação ambiental. A função social da empresa decorrente do princípio constitucional da função social da propriedade também justifica o dever de veiculação dos dados referentes ao impacto socioambiental de seus produtos e acerca do comportamento socioambiental da empresa. A veiculação desses dados beneficia a concorrência, acarretando o aperfeiçoamento dos próprios meios de produção para atrair os consumidores que optam por produtos sustentáveis. Os deveres de clareza e veracidade, decorrentes do princípio da boa-fé objetiva previstos no CC e CDC, necessitam ser observados na veiculação dessas informações para evitar a maquiagem socioambiental, que é a divulgação da falsa imagem de preocupação socioambiental ao produto. A essencialidade ou utilidade das informações é o parâmetro para sua veiculação sob o risco de ocorrer seu excesso, que impede a correta compreensão de todos os dados apresentados. Até os riscos de impactos socioambientais ainda não comprovados cabem ser informados em atenção ao princípio da precaução. O repasse dessas informações pode e deve ocorrer por todos os meios de comunicação utilizados para a divulgação dos produtos, ressaltando-se o papel da rotulagem. / The information concerning the social-environmental impact of the product and the of the producers performance are necessary for the exercise of the sustainable consumption. The knowledge of the social-environmental impacts of the life cycle impact of the product is a requisite for the free choice of the consumers for products that present positive social-environmental impacts in any of these phases of its cycle of life. One of the instruments for the reach of the sustainable development is to make possible the consumption of products that use less finite resources of the nature and that they bring social improvements as its consequences. In Brazil, is possible to conclude that the legal system establishes the inclusion of the social-environmental data of the product in the information propagated to the consumer. Brazilian Constitution imposes the guarantee of access to the information, the consumer protection and the right of the preservation of the environment, as well as the dignity of the person human being. The social function of the companies, based in the constitutional principle of the social function of the property also justifies the duty of propagation of the referring data to the social-environmental impact of its products and concerning the social-environmental behavior of the company. In the legislative basis, there are strong rules concerning information in the Code of Defense of the Consumer and the environmental legislation. The propagation of these data benefits to the competition, creating incentives to the companies improving the means of production to attract the consumers that opt to sustainable products. The duties of clarity and veracity, attached with the good-faith principle established by Civil Code and Consumer Defense Code, need to be observed in the propagation of this information to prevent the greenwashing, that it is the propagation of the false image of social-environmental concern to the product. The essentiality or utility of the information is the parameter for its propagation under the risk to occur its excess, which hinders the correct understanding of all the presented data. Until the risks of social-environmental impacts not yet proven, they fit to be informed in attention to the Precautionary Principle. The view of this information can and must occur by all means of communication used for the spreading of the products, standing out itself the paper of the labeling.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-29T13:31:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Vanda Lucia Vitoriano do Nascimento.pdf: 1016736 bytes, checksum: c7d1cacf487c696dda232aca1ee0ed1a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-05-18 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The discrimination in the scenery of aids is a complex phenomenon and interferes directly in the prevention of the infection with HIV and in the treatment of those people who live with this diagnostic. It is explained as recurrence of stigma and prejudice and it is understood as a violation of the human rights. In this research, we have tried to know the discriminations suffered by people with HIV/ AIDS in their routine, to understand the reasons to take (or not) these situations to court. For this purpose, we have interviewed professionals working in defense of the human rights in Brazil and people who have already suffered discrimination due to their diagnostic of HIV/AIDS. We have taken as hypothesis that people can: (a) not know their rights; (b) not have information about the existence of this kind of juridical service; (c) fear that this process gives visibility to their condition or (d) find difficulty in proving that they have suffered discrimination. Based on the referential theoretical-methodology of the Social Psychology, our focus of analysis was the discursive practice: the language as an action, and therefore, a result of reality. The results suggest that the discrimination in the scenery of aids is shown in the same way as other kinds of discrimination in our society: in relation to people who are black, who come from the Northwest part of Brazil, disabled people, women, homosexuals among others. One of the obstacles met for the use of juridical instruments in defense of the broken rights is the fact that discrimination may occur in a relation of power and strength that oblige people to be quiet in order to protect their interests and, yet, for being necessary that the discriminations follow the juridical orders. The contexts of health care assistance, of social security and work are determined by a relation of know-can. As a consequence, the discriminations suffered by people in different contexts of their everyday life are seen as banal social practices and frequently people need to protect themselves. This is called social discrimination ( contrary to juridical discrimination). It is necessary to include, in the answers to discrimination, spaces shared in Health care services, ONGs and in the community, also for the professionals that work on the defense of the rights of people with HIV. It is necessary that many strategies are taken to solve this problem, mainly based on solidarity and in the sense of shared community and in social ethics. Finally, we should consider that to understand the processes of production of senses that might help us find answers to a question that still doesn t have an answer: what should we do with the social discriminations that are not considered judicial discriminations? / A discriminação no cenário da aids é um fenômeno complexo e interfere diretamente na prevenção da infecção pelo HIV e no cuidado às pessoas vivendo com esse diagnóstico. É explicado como decorrente do estigma e do preconceito e entendido como violação dos direitos humanos. Buscamos nesta pesquisa conhecer as discriminações sofridas pelas pessoas com HIV/aids em seu cotidiano, compreender as razões para encaminhar (ou não) essas situações de discriminação aos serviços de assessoria jurídica, bem como conhecer as práticas sociais acerca das situações de discriminações e dos direitos humanos. Para tal propósito, realizamos entrevistas com profissionais atuantes na defesa dos direitos humanos no Brasil e com pessoas que sofreram discriminação decorrente do diagnóstico de HIV/aids. Tomamos como hipóteses que as pessoas podem: (a) desconhecer seus direitos; (b) não ter informação sobre a existência desse tipo de Serviço Jurídico; (c) temer que esse tipo de processo dê visibilidade à sua condição de pessoa vivendo com HIV/aids ou (d) ter dificuldade em provar que sofreram discriminação. Com base no referencial teórico-metodológico da vertente construcionista da Psicologia Discursiva, nosso foco de análise foram as práticas discursivas: a linguagem entendida como ação e, dessa forma, constituinte de versões da realidade situadas e sempre dialógicas. Os resultados sugerem que a discriminação no cenário da aids acontece de maneira semelhante a outras formas de discriminação em nossa sociedade: em relação a pessoas negras, nordestinas, deficientes, mulheres, homossexuais entre outros. Um dos obstáculos encontrados para o uso dos instrumentos jurídicos na defesa dos direitos violados é o fato de que a discriminação pode ocorrer com base numa relação de força e de poder que incita a pessoa a se calar para proteger seus interesses e, ainda, por ser necessário que as discriminações se enquadrem na definição do ordenamento jurídico. Os contextos da prestação de cuidados à saúde das pessoas, da Previdência Social e do trabalho são marcados por relações de saber-poder. Como conseqüência, as discriminações sofridas pelas pessoas em diversos contextos de suas vidas cotidianas passam a ser práticas sociais banalizadas e, freqüentemente, as pessoas precisam construir respostas individuais e isoladas para se protegerem. A isso denominamos de discriminação social (em contraposição à discriminação jurídica). É imprescindível incluir, na pauta de respostas à discriminação, espaços compartilhados nos Serviços de Saúde, nas ONGs e na comunidade, tanto para os profissionais que advogam na defesa dos direitos como para as pessoas com HIV. É necessário que sejam utilizadas várias estratégias para resolver tal problemática, fundamentadas, sobretudo, na solidariedade e no sentimento de comunidade compartilhada e em uma ética social. Por fim, consideramos que compreender os processos de produção de sentidos pode nos ajudar a construir respostas para a pergunta que não cala: o que fazer com as discriminações sociais que não são consideradas discriminações jurídicas?

No description available.

By 2050, the world population is projected to exceed nine billion and sustainable development measures are therefore critical. There has been a clear consensus internationally regarding the importance of assessing projects’ environmental impacts as a mean to promote sustainable development. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) system has a fundamental role of being a tool for reaching sustainable development. Therefore, continuously enhancing its quality by evaluating the system is important. This study focused on the quality of the review process in the Swedish EIA system, as it is the last step of quality assurance before the final decision-making. Currently, various authorities are responsible for assessing the quality of the environmental impact statement (EIS), something that can naturally lead to varied review qualities. The purpose of this Master Thesis was to question the quality of the current review process in Sweden’s EIA system and raise awareness as to how it possibly can be improved. An approach to promote consistency in the review process exists in the Dutch EIA system, where a national independent authority built up of experts is set to critically review EISs of complex proposed projects. Objectives of this study were to contribute with research on whether or not Sweden should implement an independent national commission to review the quality of EISs, to identify participants’ views and attitudes regarding the subject and to analyze whether or not it is favorable and possible to change the current system. A comparison with the Dutch review process along with eight semi-structured interviews were completed, and results showed that it is likely that the Swedish review process can improve by implementing a national independent review authority and thus increase the current quality and uniformity. The study also found that it would not lead to any major losses to the current system. By using a national authority, standardized working procedures can be developed and independence can be reached through utilizing impartial reviewers. However, feasible problems include funding regulations and having to modify Swedish EIA legislation. It is also estimated that a national commission would not have sufficient resources to review all incoming EISs, hence, restrictions are required. / År 2050 förväntas världens befolkning överstiga nio miljarder och det är mycket viktigt att vidta åtgärder mot en hållbar utveckling. Det har skett en tydlig internationell enighet om vikten av att bedöma projekts miljöpåverkan som ett medel för att främja en hållbar utveckling. Miljökonsekvensbeskrivningssystemet har en grundläggande roll som verktyg för att nå en hållbar utveckling. Därför är det viktigt att kontinuerligt förbättra dess kvalitet genom att utvärdera systemet. Denna studie fokuserar på kvaliteten av granskningsprocessen i det svenska MKB-systemet, eftersom det är det sista steget i kvalitetssäkringen innan det slutliga beslutsfattandet. För närvarande har olika myndigheter ansvaret för att bedöma kvaliteten på miljökonsekvensbeskrivningen (MKB), vilket naturligtvis kan leda till varierande kvalitet på handläggningen. Syftet med detta examensarbete var att ifrågasätta kvaliteten av den pågående granskningen i det svenska MKB-systemet och öka medvetenheten om hur det möjligen kan förbättras. En strategi för att främja likvärdighet i granskningen finns i det nederländska MKB-systemet, där en oberoende nationell myndighet uppbyggd av experter är satt till att kritiskt granska miljökonsekvensbeskrivningar av komplexa föreslagna projekt. Målet för denna studie var att bidra med forskning om huruvida Sverige bör införa en oberoende nationell kommission för att granska kvaliteten på miljökonsekvensbeskrivningar, att identifiera deltagarnas åsikter och attityder kring ämnet och att analysera om det är fördelaktigt och möjligt att modifiera det nuvarande systemet. En jämförelse med den nederländska granskningsprocessen tillsammans med åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes, och resultaten visade att det är troligt att den svenska granskningsprocessen kan förbättras genom att införa en nationell oberoende granskningsmyndighet och därmed öka den nuvarande standarden och enhetligheten. Studien visade också att det inte skulle leda till några större förluster av det nuvarande systemet. Genom att använda en nationell myndighet, kan standardiserade arbetsmetoder utvecklas och självständighet kan nås genom att utnyttja objektiva granskare. Möjliga problem är finansieringsbestämmelser och behovet av att ändra svensk miljölagstiftning. Det är också sannolikt att en nationell kommission inte skulle ha tillräckliga resurser för att granska alla inkommande miljökonsekvensbeskrivningar, i och med det krävs begränsningar.

This thesis seeks to uncover women’s concerns about chemicals in the household, and, more specifically, in cleaning products. The research is based on semi-structured interviews with women who are primarily responsible for household cleaning and who consciously avoid conventional cleaning products. From a sociological standpoint, the topic remains unstudied. The women were critical of greenwashing and the institutions responsible for chemical regulation. Further, the women’s chemical-free lifestyle defied conventional definitions of activism. Sociological theories of risk are used to help understand women’s avoidance of chemicals. It was found that tenets of the precautionary principle were reflected in their reasoning for avoiding chemicals. Recent biomonitoring and body burden studies have influenced women’s knowledge of chemical risk and their decision to avoid them. The thesis demonstrates that risk-management, in this context, has become an individualized pursuit reflective of the neo-liberal ideology informing chemical regulation. / Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Cette thèse contribue à une théorie générale de la conception du projet. S’inscrivant dans une demande marquée par les enjeux du développement durable, l’objectif principal de cette recherche est la contribution d’un modèle théorique de la conception permettant de mieux situer l’utilisation des outils et des normes d’évaluation de la durabilité d’un projet. Les principes fondamentaux de ces instruments normatifs sont analysés selon quatre dimensions : ontologique, méthodologique, épistémologique et téléologique. Les indicateurs de certains effets contre-productifs reliés, en particulier, à la mise en compte de ces normes confirment la nécessité d’une théorie du jugement qualitatif. Notre hypothèse principale prend appui sur le cadre conceptuel offert par la notion de « principe de précaution » dont les premières formulations remontent du début des années 1970, et qui avaient précisément pour objectif de remédier aux défaillances des outils et méthodes d’évaluation scientifique traditionnelles. La thèse est divisée en cinq parties. Commençant par une revue historique des modèles classiques des théories de la conception (design thinking) elle se concentre sur l’évolution des modalités de prise en compte de la durabilité. Dans cette perspective, on constate que les théories de la « conception verte » (green design) datant du début des années 1960 ou encore, les théories de la « conception écologique » (ecological design) datant des années 1970 et 1980, ont finalement convergé avec les récentes théories de la «conception durable» (sustainable design) à partir du début des années 1990. Les différentes approches du « principe de précaution » sont ensuite examinées sous l’angle de la question de la durabilité du projet. Les standards d’évaluation des risques sont comparés aux approches utilisant le principe de précaution, révélant certaines limites lors de la conception d’un projet. Un premier modèle théorique de la conception intégrant les principales dimensions du principe de précaution est ainsi esquissé. Ce modèle propose une vision globale permettant de juger un projet intégrant des principes de développement durable et se présente comme une alternative aux approches traditionnelles d’évaluation des risques, à la fois déterministes et instrumentales. L’hypothèse du principe de précaution est dès lors proposée et examinée dans le contexte spécifique du projet architectural. Cette exploration débute par une présentation de la notion classique de «prudence» telle qu’elle fut historiquement utilisée pour guider le jugement architectural. Qu’en est-il par conséquent des défis présentés par le jugement des projets d’architecture dans la montée en puissance des méthodes d’évaluation standardisées (ex. Leadership Energy and Environmental Design; LEED) ? La thèse propose une réinterprétation de la théorie de la conception telle que proposée par Donald A. Schön comme une façon de prendre en compte les outils d’évaluation tels que LEED. Cet exercice révèle cependant un obstacle épistémologique qui devra être pris en compte dans une reformulation du modèle. En accord avec l’épistémologie constructiviste, un nouveau modèle théorique est alors confronté à l’étude et l’illustration de trois concours d'architecture canadienne contemporains ayant adopté la méthode d'évaluation de la durabilité normalisée par LEED. Une série préliminaire de «tensions» est identifiée dans le processus de la conception et du jugement des projets. Ces tensions sont ensuite catégorisées dans leurs homologues conceptuels, construits à l’intersection du principe de précaution et des théories de la conception. Ces tensions se divisent en quatre catégories : (1) conceptualisation - analogique/logique; (2) incertitude - épistémologique/méthodologique; (3) comparabilité - interprétation/analytique, et (4) proposition - universalité/ pertinence contextuelle. Ces tensions conceptuelles sont considérées comme autant de vecteurs entrant en corrélation avec le modèle théorique qu’elles contribuent à enrichir sans pour autant constituer des validations au sens positiviste du terme. Ces confrontations au réel permettent de mieux définir l’obstacle épistémologique identifié précédemment. Cette thèse met donc en évidence les impacts généralement sous-estimés, des normalisations environnementales sur le processus de conception et de jugement des projets. Elle prend pour exemple, de façon non restrictive, l’examen de concours d'architecture canadiens pour bâtiments publics. La conclusion souligne la nécessité d'une nouvelle forme de « prudence réflexive » ainsi qu’une utilisation plus critique des outils actuels d’évaluation de la durabilité. Elle appelle une instrumentalisation fondée sur l'intégration globale, plutôt que sur l'opposition des approches environnementales. / This thesis is a contribution to the general theory of design thinking. In the prevalent demand for a sustainable development, the main objective of this research is the construction of a theoretical model of design thinking that contextualizes standard sustainability evaluation tools. The basis of these normative tools is analyzed in four dimensions: ontological, methodological, epistemological and teleological. Indications of potential counter-productive effects of these norms for design thinking confirm the need for a theory of qualitative judgment. Our central hypothesis revolves around the benefits of the underlying conceptual framework of the ‘precautionary principle’ for design thinking, the first formulations of which goes back to the early seventies in Germany, and was in fact created as a way to address the failures of traditional scientific evaluation tools or methods. The thesis comprises five parts. Beginning with a historical perspective, a review of classical models of design thinking, specifically focuses on the evolving approaches for addressing sustainable development. Theories of “green design” coming from the early sixties, theories of ecological design of the seventies and eighties are finally converging on the developing theories of “sustainable design” formulated in the early nineties. The underlying theories of the precautionary principle are then reviewed and explored for the specific context of design within the perspective of sustainability. Current methods of standard risk assessment methods are compared to a precautionary approach, revealing their conceptual limits for design thinking. A preliminary theoretical model for design thinking is then constructed adopting the theories underlying the precautionary principle. This model represents a global vision for judging the design project in a context of sustainability, rather than on traditional approaches for risk assessment, which are purposive and instrumental. The precautionary principle is further explored for the specific context of architectural design. This exploration begins with a historical perspective of the classical notion of ‘prudence’ for guiding architectural judgment. In light of the contemporary issues related to sustainability, we then examine the challenges of judging architectural projects given the increasing international prominence of such standard evaluation methods (i.e. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED). The thesis proposes a reinterpretation of design thinking as proposed by Donald A. Schön is introduced such that the use of tools, like LEED can be contextualized. This exercise reveals an epistemological barrier, which shall be taken into consideration when reformulating the theoretical model. In accordance with a constructivist epistemology, a new theoretical model is therefore confronted to the study and illustration of three contemporary Canadian architectural competitions adopting the standard evaluation method LEED. A preliminary set of ‘tensions’ identified in the judgment process and design thinking is further categorized into their conceptual counterparts. These are: (1) analogical/logical conceptualization; (2) epistemological/methodological uncertainty; (3) interpretive/analytic comparability; and (4) universal/contextual relevance of the proposal. These conceptual tensions are considered as vectors that come into correlation with the theoretical model, enriching it, yet without validating it, in the positivist sense of the word. These confrontations with the real, help better define the epistemological barrier identified above. This thesis therefore highlights the often underestimated impact of environmental standards on the judgment process and design thinking, with particular, albeit non restrictive, reference to contemporary Canadian architectural competitions for public buildings. It concludes by stressing the need for a new form of “reflective prudence” in design thinking along with a more critical use of current evaluation tools for sustainability founded on a global integration rather than on the opposition of environmental approaches.

The author addresses a broad overview of the significant role played by all those new developments and trends in science, technology and innovation (STI), which are applied to the environmental management of mining projects. It also examines the new provisions introduced by the D.S. No. 054-2013-PCM and D.S. No. 060-2013-PCM, as well as their complementary regulations (specifically, those of environmental relevance for the mining sector), in the context of policies aimed at stimulating the economy and promoting private investment that are being implemented by the Government. In addition, the article focuses on different practical situations and evaluates the relevant environmental implications that mining companies usually face when redesigning or modifying the components of their projects. Finally, analyzes the criteria of the Ministry of Energy and Mines concerning the rules on environmental management instruments for the mining industry, and the new regime applicable for amending these instruments, as well as the aspects, scope and measures that are being adopted and discussed with regards to the obligation of updating the approved environmental impact studies. / El autor muestra un panorama amplio del significativo papel que desempeñan los nuevos desarrollos en ciencia, tecnología e innovación (CTI) aplicados a la gestión ambiental de los proyectos mineros. Asimismo, analiza las nuevas disposiciones introducidas por los D.S. No. 054-2013-PCM y 060-2013-PCM, así como sus normas complementarias (específicamente, aquellas de relevancia ambiental para el sector minero), en el marco de las políticas de reactivación económica  y  promoción  de  la  inversión  privada  que  viene  implementando el Gobierno. Además, plantea distintas situaciones prácticas y evalúa las respectivas implicancias ambientales que, muchas veces, las empresas mineras afrontan al momento de rediseñar o modificar los componentes de sus proyectos. Por último, analiza los criterios del Ministerio de Energía y Minas respecto de la normativa en materia de los instrumentos de gestión ambiental en el sector minero (IGA) y del nuevo régimen aplicable a la modificación de los IGA, así como los aspectos, alcances y medidas que se vienen adoptando y discutiendo con relación a la obligación de actualizar los estudios ambientales aprobados.