Purpose: This thesis explores the bi-directional flows of material perceived by manufacturing firms in the supply chain and accordingly derive suggestions to properly manage these flows to increase customer satisfaction and reduce cost. Methods: A literature review was summarized in a conceptual framework. This framework was then illustrated in a case. In this case, 11 semi-structured interviews, 3 participant observations and 3 types of archival records were collected. Analysis and discussion of the preliminary conceptual framework compared to the case was the basis for the modified conceptual framework that was designed. Main findings: In general material flows downstream the supply chain, but because of quality issues, recycling or returns material need to flow upstream the supply chain. This thesis provides a holistic view of how to manage these flows with a modified conceptual framework. Academic contributions: Previously, almost no academic research has been conducted on decision variables when it comes to managing material flows upstream the supply chain. This thesis contributes to closing this gap by suggesting different actions to properly manage the bi-directional flow of material. Furthermore, previous research addressing how to manage material flows has been re-accessed and expanded. Managerial implications: By using the framework, practitioners can determine helpful activities to increase customer satisfaction and reduce cost. This means management gets directions of where to allocate their resources. Limitations: The perspective and evidence in this research are only collected from the manufacturer’s point of view, valuable insight from suppliers and customers may have been overlooked. The suggestions of how to manage the bi-directional flow of materials have not been tested and the outcome of these recommendations has not been compared to KPIs or other measurements.

Cette thèse s'inscrit dans la thématique du stockage de l'hydrogène sous forme d'hydrure métallique. Pour pallier aux coûts importants des éléments utilisés pour l'élaboration des matériaux hydrurables, il est possible d'utiliser des alliages de pureté moindre comme précurseurs. Cela implique la présence d'éléments supplémentaires dans matériaux. Le matériau étudié appartient à la famille des composés intermétalliques Ti-V-Fe de structure cubique centrée. Cette structure est connue pour donner de fortes capacités réversibles d'absorption d'hydrogène durant une utilisation dans des conditions proches de l’ambiant. Grâce à une modélisation des principaux paramètres des hydrures formés à partir de ces alliages, il est apparu que le composé Ti15V71Fe14 présente des pressions d’équilibre intéressantes à température ambiante. Toutes les propriétés de ce matériau de référence ont été mesurées par diffraction des rayons X, microsonde de Castaing, microscopie à balayage électronique et banc d’hydruration. Une petite quantité des éléments d’addition est ajoutée individuellement puis ensemble dans la composition du matériau référent. Les échantillons sont analysés et les résultats sont comparés à ceux obtenus avec le référent. Il apparait que l’aluminium forme une solution solide de structure cubique centrée simple et améliore la capacité d’absorption du matériau référent. Il en est de même pour le silicium malgré un comportement plus complexe avec l’apparition de plusieurs phases supplémentaires. En contrepartie la vitesse d’absorption de l’hydrogène dans le matériau est diminuée / This Ph.D takes place on the hydrogen storage theme in metal hydride. In order to reduce the cost of the elements used for the preparation of hydridable materials, it is possible to use lower purity alloys as precursors. The compound selected belongs to the body centered cubic family consisting of Ti, V and Fe. This structure is known to store reversibly good quantities of hydrogen in conditions close to ambient. Thanks to modeling of the main parameters, it appears that the compound Ti15V71Fe14 presents interesting equilibrium pressure at room temperature. All properties of this reference material are measured by X-ray diffraction, EPMA, scanning electron microscopy and hydriding apparatus. A small amount of alloying elements has then been added individually then together in the composition of the reference material. Samples are analyzed and the results are compared to the referent. It appears that aluminum forms a solid solution of body centered cubic structure and improves the absorption capacity of the reference material. It is the same for silicon despite more complex behavior with the formation of several additional phases. In return the absorption kinetic of the material is reduced

本論文旨在提供台灣廠商在統合專利制度下之歐洲專利策略建議。本論文首先介紹以歐洲專利公約為主之現行歐洲專利制度，其次再介紹統合專利制度與統一專利法院制度。接著再以現階段我國廠商於歐洲專利申請狀況切入，分析現階段我國廠商於歐洲專利之布局狀況，再針對未來即將施行之統合專利制度，對台灣廠商之申請人及專利權人提出策略建議。 歐洲專利公約自1977年生效後，申請人向歐洲專利局遞交歐洲專利申請後，經過指定國程序，即可在歐洲專利公約之會員國間取得專利保護。某些會員國亦會要求遞交翻譯文件及繳納相關規費。然而，相比於美國、日本及中國，現行的歐洲專利制度是分離破碎的，進而導致申請人須負擔高額的申請費用與訴訟成本，同時亦有許多法律不確定性。在2013年2月，歐盟終於完成協商，正式簽訂確立歐洲統合專利與統一專利法院之條約。統一專利法院將在所有參與之會員國間擁有專屬管轄權。統合專利制度之下，申請人獲得歐洲專利之費用下降、申請程序更為簡化，且提供更有利於申請人之申請方式。如此，統合專利制度預期將提升申請專利之效益與吸引更多的申請者。統一專利法院制度之專屬管轄權，將提升專利有效性與訴訟之法律安定性，且訴訟相關費用之減免，亦有利於專利權人。 統合專利制度的所有準備工作雖已於2015年陸續完成，但仍需要德國、英國及另外任一個歐盟成員國批准歐洲統一專利條約方可生效，預計最快可在2017年達成。統一專利法院亦於2016年3月完成裁判費用之規定，並陸續完成各級法院之選址與訴訟案件性質之分類。專利權人與專利申請人應要謹慎思考在新制度下可能帶來之各種挑戰，特別是台灣廠商需要評估在新制度下之專利策略。因此，本文將針對新制度介紹，希冀能提供欲前往申請的台灣廠商專利佈局之策略建議。 / First of all, this Article overviews current European patent system in particular with the system under European Patent Convention. This Article also summarizes the features of new system and considers the practical steps which should be taking now in preparation for the start of new regime. European Patent Convention has entered into force since 1977. Under European Patent Convention, applicant can deliver their application to EPO and once the mention of the grant is published, the patent has to be validated in each of the designated states to keep its protective effect. In a number of member states, the patent proprietors may have to file a translation of the specification and pay fees. However, the current European patent system has been the fragmentation compared to the United States, Japan and China. This has caused to a high cost of application and lawsuit and also a high level of uncertainty. In February 2013, the European Union formally signed an agreement established a single European patent and the Unified Patent Court. The court will have exclusive jurisdiction for all participating Member States. Through European unitary patent system and Unified Patent Court, this new system reduces the costs of obtaining a patent, simplifies procedures, and regulates the language issue in a user-friendlier manner than before. Therefore, unitary patent system are expected to enhance the efficiency and attractiveness. All preparation of unitary patent system is accomplished before 2015, but still need the Germany, the Untied Kingdom and two other European member states to ratify the agreement. The beginning of 2017 is now said to be the earliest that can be achieved. Owing to the new patent system, patent proprietors and applicants, especially Taiwanese enterprises should be contemplating their patent strategy for meeting the challenge created by this new patent right. Thus, the Article presents patent strategy for Taiwanese enterprises under new patent system in Europe.