Identifying the emergence and development of new technologies has become an essential ability for firms competing in dynamic environments. Nonetheless, current technology intelligence practices are unstructured and vaguely defined. Moreover, the existing literature in future technology studies lacks strong, systematic explanations of what technologies are, where technologies come from, and how new technologies emerge and evolve. The present study builds on Structuration Theory, and proposes the structurational model of emerging technologies (SMET). The SMET suggests not only an ongoing view of technologies as social objects, but also a process for thinking through scientifically the complex, multidimensional and emergent dynamic of social and technological change. The SMET proposes that the emergence and development of a new technology can be tracked by examining systematically and collectively the extent of development of its technology-related social structure – its degree of structuration. The degree of structuration of a technology is an ongoing process instantiated in social practices, and can be observed through visible patterns or specific social outcomes of systemic activity organized in three analytical dimensions: structures of meaning, power, and legitimacy. The SMET assumes that the conceptual initiation of a new technology triggers new patterns of social activity or a signal of technological change; thus, the variation in the slope or trajectory of the degree of structuration of a technology may indicate an early signal of technological change. The SMET sets a foundation for identifying early signals of technological change when it is used on a systematic basis. Empirically, the study conducted an exploratory case study in the Internet industry. The study employed a sequential transformative mixed method procedure, and relied on 77 Internet experts to create retrospectively a systematic and collective interpretation of the Internet industry in the last ten (10) years. The test of hypotheses was based on only seven (7) Internet technologies due to time and instrumental constraints. The results confirm the fundamental relationships among constructs in the model, and support, thus, the SMET. The degree of structuration of a technology is revealed as a process independent of individuals’ participation in the enactment of a technology. Technological outcomes are explained by the extent of development of structures of meaning, power, and legitimacy (i.e., the degree of structuration of a technology). Moreover, influential technological outcomes shape individuals’ perspectives over time – i.e., the structurational effect. Hence, the study not only provides evidence that supports this novel theoretical framework, but also illustrates methodologically how to identify the emergence and development of new technologies. Likewise, the study discusses the implications of these results for technology management practices (e.g., product and technology development, innovation policies, and technology transfer activities). Lastly, the study recognizes limitations and suggests further research avenues.

Les structures mécaniques complexes résultent de l'assemblage de plusieurs composants, possédant souvent des propriétés mécaniques différentes, reliés à leurs interfaces par différents types de jonctions. L'hétérogénéité des comportements dynamiques de ces sous-structures et leurs sollicitations extérieures vont générer des efforts sur la structure principale et des accélérations importantes au niveau des équipements embarqués, affectant leur fonctionnement, leur fiabilité, leur sécurité. Il est alors nécessaire de les protéger en les isolant du reste de la structure.Ces travaux concernent la maîtrise des niveaux vibratoires et visent à fournir une méthode de caractérisation dynamique des interfaces entre différentes sous-structures. Celle-ci est ensuite intégrée dans une démarche visant à minimiser la puissance transmise entre des sous-structures sources et réceptrices.Une méthode de modes de flux de puissance a été développée, dont les valeurs et efforts propres fournissent, respectivement, des informations quantitatives et qualitatives sur les flux de puissance à l'intérieur d'une structure. Son application à l'étude de la puissance transmise entre deux sous-structures permet d'identifier les directions et les participations des principaux chemins de puissance transitant par les jonctions.Ces résultats ont été appliqués afin de proposer une méthodologie de conception robuste des interfaces de structures. Deux démarches d'optimisation ont été comparées visant à minimiser la puissance transmise par rapport aux paramètres de raideurs des jonctions. L'importance de considérer la robustesse de ces solutions a été soulignée par une approche complémentaire non-probabiliste.

Accomplishing desired benefits from investments in planned change is problematical for organizations, their leaders and the change agents charged with delivery. This is despite a well-developed literature, replete with advice on how change should be achieved. Examination of this literature shows the primary focus on change agents and their practices. This research widens the focus by observing the influence of change agents, change recipients and line managers on organizational routines undergoing planned change. It examines the interplay between stability and change in organizational routines, adopting a social practice perspective, and the routine intended to change as the unit of analysis (Feldman and Pentland, 2003, 2005). The research builds on claims that to understand the patterns of action within routines requires the internal dynamics – the claimed duality between ostensive (in principle) and performative (in practice) aspects - to be examined. A research method to operationalize the study of this claimed duality was devised following the principles of Strong Structuration (Stones, 2005). This method enabled a unique conceptualization of the study of routine dynamics, focused on planned change from the perspective of multiple, interdependent actors. Two cases of change agents following the advice in the planned change literature were explored. In one case, stability of the routine persisted when change was intended. In the other, change was relatively easy to achieve irrespective of change agent actions. The primary contribution is the demonstration of how the attitudes to change of change recipients, line managers and change agents influence the internal dynamics of routines undergoing planned change. Other contributions pertain to the method of ‘unpacking’ organizational routines and its potential for shaping future practice. This research does not offer new ‘normative’ advice but instead sensitizes planned change practitioners to the level of analysis they need to carry out to ensure that their interventions are suitably designed.

This study investigates the factors that influence appropriate use of audit support systems. Appropriate use is use of an audit support system in a manner consistent with how the audit firm expects the system to be used. Investigating appropriate use of audit support systems is important because the extent to which these systems can assist auditors achieve efficient and high quality audits depends on how auditors use them. Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST) (DeSanctis and Poole, 1994) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) (Ajzen, 1991) are combined to model the relationship between constructs hypothesised to increase the probability that audit support systems are used appropriately. The theoretical model decomposes two TPB antecedents, perceived normative pressure (or subjective norms) and perceived behavioural control, into the exogenous constructs hypothesised to influence whether audit support systems are used appropriately. Perceived normative pressure is decomposed into two socio-ideological control mechanisms, team and firm consensus on appropriation. Perceived behavioural control is decomposed into self-efficacy and two technocratic control mechanisms, perceived system restrictiveness and perceived audit review effectiveness. (For complete abstract open document)

Building and maintaining business relationships is becoming increasingly important as organisations seek to improve their competitive advantage by entering long-term relationships with strategic business partners. It is suggested that the quality of the relationship determines the likelihood of maintaining an ongoing relationship between buyers and sellers. Research in the area of business-to-business relationship quality is still in its infancy with limited agreement of the dimensions of relationship quality or even the definition of relationship quality in a business-to-business context. The aim of this Interpretivist study, set in the financial services industry in Australia, was to develop an understanding of what participants in a dyadic business relationship perceive to be the attributes of a high quality relationship. Methodologically the research took a case study approach to the collection of primary data through the use of open-ended depth interviews. Epistemologically the research derived categories and concepts from the social actors engaged in the mutually constructed social reality of the business relationship dyad. This formed the basis for understanding the quality concept by describing relationship-based activities and meanings. The findings indicate that some dimensions of relationship quality are identified dyadically whereas other dimensions are buyer or seller specific. Some dimensions of relationship quality suggested by the literature emerged from the data generated for this study, while others were previously unidentified, including good product, reciprocity, face-to-face contact, problem resolution, efficiency of service, staff consistency, business support and hierarchy of contacts. The findings suggest four implications for professional practice: the need for face-to-face contact; the importance of establishing a hierarchy of contacts across the business relationship; the suggestion that relationship quality is a continuum rather than a destination; and the suggestion that problem resolution may be a catalyst for relationship strength.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / The overarching objective of this thesis is to investigate and examine several contemporary IC theories and how they are utilised in practice so that understandings of the IC concept can be developed, in order to answer in part the main research question of “How does IC in action influence organisations?” The content of the thesis is based on a review of IC from both a theory and practice perspective and four empirical papers that examines IC theory as it is implemented in practice. In combining these papers into a coherent piece of work, a critical research perspective, as outlined by Alvesson and Deetz (2000), has been utilised as the theoretical framework. The term ‘critical’ is used in this thesis not to find fault with contemporary theory and practice of IC but rather to examine and question the application of IC theory into practice. The end result of doing so is the narrowing of an identified gap between IC theory and practice. A ‘critical’ analysis of IC in action is justified because the development of the concept of IC parallels that of ‘critical’ theory in that both have evolved from changing conditions in society as technology and the proliferation of knowledge that have fundamentally altered the conditions under which organisations operate. The overarching findings of the thesis are based on three outcomes of critical research being insight, critique and transformative re-definitions. Insight into IC is developed by examining contemporary IC frameworks as they have been applied. Critique is developed by putting to the test the implications for organisations as a result of implementing these contemporary IC frameworks. Last, transformative re-definition is achieved by opening a discourse on the impact of implementing IC practices so that academics and practitioners can develop critical, relevant and practical understandings that begins the process of change and develops practical managerial skills. More importantly this thesis identifies how the development of tools to reduce ‘causal ambiguity’ about how intangible resource help create (or destroy) value has the potential to raise the profile of IC as a strategic management technology. But from the wider view of the critical perspective, it is not the intention of this thesis to prescribe specific formulae for the measuring, management and reporting of IC, nor does it intend to further develop theory. So while the individual papers may proffer that certain avenues proved productive in developing insights, critique and transformative re-definition, these avenues are not offered as the preferred way of investigating IC. More specifically the goal of a critical perspective is to open a discourse. The opprurtinity for academics and practitioners to engage in discourse is enabled by the thesis’ focus on the issues identified by highlighting the gap between IC theory and practice. Furthermore, each of the included papers offers the opportunity for further discourse by way of the opportunities that remain for future research. Additionally, the thesis achieves exemplifies a number of different approaches to conducting research into IC practice that puts to the test particular aspects of IC theory in order to develop insights and understandings of IC in practice. As the empirical material only examines a fraction of contemporary IC theory there is scope for further research and thus discourse into the implementation of IC theory into IC practice. This future research should not be constrained by a particular method of research as exemplified in the variety of methods employed to gather the empirical material for the papers which stretches along the continuum of qualitative and quantitative research. This too provides an avenue of for future discourse.

Dans ce travail nous nous intéressons à la segmentation d’image 3D. Le but est de définir un cadre permettant, étant donnée une problématique de segmentation, de développer rapidement un algorithme apportant une solution à cette problématique. Afin de ne pas être restreint à un sous ensemble des types de problématique de segmentation, ce cadre doit permettre de mettre en oeuvre efficacement les différentes méthodes et les différents critères de segmentation existants, dans le but de les combiner pour définir les nouveaux algorithmes. Ce cadre doit reposer sur un modèle de structuration d’image qui représente la topologie et la géométrie d’une partition et permet d’en extraire efficacement les informations requises. Dans ce document, les différentes méthodes de segmentation existantes sont présentées afin de définir un ensemble d’opération nécessaire à leur implémentation. Une présentation des modèles existants est faite pour en déterminer avantages et inconvénients, puis le nouveau modèle est ensuite défini. Sa mise en oeuvre complète est détaillée ainsi qu’une analyse de sa complexité en temps et en mémoire pour l’ensemble des opérations précédemment définies. Des exemples d’utilisation du modèle sur des cas concrets sont ensuite décrits, ainsi que les possibilités d’extension du modèle et d’implémentation sur architecture parallèle. / In this work we focus on 3D image segmentation. The aim consists in defining a framework which, given a segmentation problem, allows to design efficiently an algorithm solving this problem. Since this framework has to be unspecific according to the kind of segmentation problem, it has to allow an efficient implementation of most segmentation techniques and criteria, in order to combine them to define new algorithms. This framework has to rely on a structuring model both representing the topology and the geometry of the partition of an image, in order to efficiently extract required information. In this document, different segmentation techniques are presented in order to define a set of primitives required for their implementation. Existing models are presented with their advantages and drawbacks, then the new structuring model is defined. Its whole implementation including details of its memory consumption and time complexity for each primitives of the previously defined set of requirements is given. Some examples of use with real image analysis problems are described, with also possible extensions of the model and its implementation on parallel architecture.

Esta dissertação tem por foco analisar e compreender o processo de estruturação do setor de produção de cachaça artesanal da região do Litoral Norte do Rio Grande do Sul. Com o objetivo de delinear o processo de estruturação do setor e desvelar as práticas que estão sendo construídas, incluindo o modo como o são e a que(m) favorecem, buscou-se elementos da teoria da estruturação proposta por Giddens (2009) que traz a interação ação-estrutura que dinamiza as articulações iniciais de um processo de institucionalização. Outros insights são advindos de conceitos desenvolvidos por Berger e Luckmann (2009) na obra “A construção social da realidade” e da teoria neo-institucionalista (ZUCKER, 1977, DIMAGGIO; POWELL, 1999, DiMAGGIO, 1988, 1991, TOLBERT; ZUCKER, 1999, MEYER; ROWAN, 1999, SCOTT; MEYER, 1999, SCOTT, 1999, 2001). O esforço de análise e compreensão desse processo de estruturação, considerando uma correlação entre a ação dos atores do setor e sua estruturação, foi apoiada pela perspectiva da análise de discurso através do modelo discursivo de institucionalização proposto por Phillips et al. (2004). Esse modelo é composto por 7 proposições teóricas e considera uma relação mutuamente constitutiva entre discurso, texto e ação, e objetiva demonstrar a importância dos textos e dos discursos no processo de institucionalização. A partir da aplicação parcial desse modelo, proposições anteriores ao processo de institucionalização, foram analisadas as ações e textos dos atores que compõem o setor e prospectados seus respectivos discursos. Dentro do escopo desse trabalho, o modelo discursivo de institucionalização sinalizou as ações e textos indicativos de um processo de estruturação e revelou as relações desiguais de forças entre os atores que compõem o setor. A pesquisa de campo revelou que o processo de estruturação está sendo delineado por dois discursos: um discurso que se destaca em que um conjunto de atores, que detém interesses específicos e recursos dentro do setor, desenvolve ações estratégicas para se distinguirem das demais organizações através do produto cachaça artesanal; e, um discurso em que um conjunto de atores busca minimizar a relação de dependência das organizações informais e garantir a sobrevivência dos produtores rurais através do desenvolvimento de alternativas de produção para a região em que estão inseridos. Perceber o delineamento desse processo de estruturação e as possíveis conseqüências para o setor de cachaça artesanal permitiu desvelar relações construídas a partir de interesses específicos de algumas organizações. Esta pesquisa apresenta insights que podem ser úteis sobre as possibilidades de um eminente processo de institucionalização do setor. Fato que pode resultar na construção de uma legitimidade limitada ao entendimento de alguns propósitos específicos, acarretando em um enrijecimento nas relações entre os atores que, seguramente, trará implicações, econômicas, sócio-culturais e organizativas para a totalidade dos atores envolvidos, representando um “risco” a demandas mais particulares das comunidades onde se inserem as organizações. / This work focuses on the analysis and comprehension of the structuring process of the craft cachaça’s productive sector that is located in the region of the North Coast of Rio Grande do Sul. In order to delineate this sector’s structuring process and unveil the practices that are being built, including how and who(m) they favor, we sought evidence of the struturation theory proposed by Giddens (2009) that brings the action-structure interaction which drives the joints of an initial process of institutionalization. Other insights are coming from concepts developed by Berger and Luckmann (2009) on his work "The Social Construction of Reality" and the neo-institutional theory (ZUCKER, 1977, DIMAGGIO, POWELL, 1999, DiMaggio, 1988, 1991 TOLBERT, ZUCKER, 1999 MEYER, ROWAN, 1999, SCOTT, MEYER, 1999, SCOTT, 1999, 2001). The analysis and understanding effort of this structuring process, in which the correlation between the sector actors’ actions and its structuring process, was supported by discursive analysis perspective through the discursive model of institutionalization proposed by Phillips et al. (2004). This model consists of seven theoretical propositions and considers a mutually constitutive relationship among discourse, text and action, and aims to demonstrate the importance of texts and discourses in the institutionalization process. Departing from this model’s partial implementation, which are propositions prior to the institutionalization process; we analyzed the sector actor’s actions and texts and prospected their respective discourses. Within this work’s scope, the institutionalization’s discursive model signaled the actions and texts proper of a structuring process and revealed the unequal power relations between the sector’s actors. The research field revealed that the structuring process is outlined by two discourses. First, a discourse that stands in an actors’ group which has specific interests and resources within the sector and develops strategic actions to distinguish themselves from other organizations across the craft cachaça product, and second, a discourse in which a set of actors seeks to minimize the informal organizations’ interdependence and ensure the farmers’ survival through the development of production alternatives for the region where they live. The realization of this structuring process’ design and the possible craftwork industry’s consequences allowed us to reveal relations constructed from some organizations’ special interests. This research provides insights that can be useful on the possibility of an imminent institutionalization process of the sector. The fact, in which may result in the construction of a limited legitimacy to the understanding of some specific purposes and also may result in stiffened relations between actors, will undoubtedly bring, to all the actors involved, economic, socio-cultural and organizational implications, which mean a “risk” to more specific demands for the communities where this organizations are inserted.

L'intérêt porté au développement de matériaux thermoélectriques est grandissant car ils permettent de créer des sources d'énergie renouvelable, dites « vertes », ce qui s'inscrit pleinement dans la stratégie de lutte contre le réchauffement climatique. A ce jour le rendement de tels systèmes reste faible, le coût de développement élevé, et les plages de températures d'utilisation sont limitées. Dans ces travaux de thèse différentes pistes sont explorées pour développer des matériaux innovants à base de chalcogènes, principalement le tellure. Les principaux résultats portent sur les points suivants. (i) Une étude par spectroscopies couplée à des calculs théoriques a permis de mieux comprendre les phénomènes de conduction dans les verres du système Cu-As-Te. (ii) La recristallisation complète de verres de formulation Ge20Te77Se3 dopés a été réalisée pour pousser à son terme la logique dite du Phonon Glass Electron Crystal (PGEC).(iii) Différents modes de synthèses ont été mis en œuvre pour suivre les propriétés thermoélectriques de matériaux de formulation CuPb18SbTe20 (frittage, SPS, flash-SPS, hybrid flash-SPS). (iv) Accroissement de 170% des performances d'alliage du système Pb-Sb-Te en générant des vacances de sites (composés non-stœchiométriques). (v) Le suivi des conséquences du dopage de GeTe par un seul élément a montré la nécessité d'un co-dopage pour simultanément accroître la conductivité électronique et le Seebeck. (vi) Le co-dopage In-Bi de GeTe a permis de créer des niveaux résonants (In) et d'accroitre la diffusion thermique (Bi). (vii) Enfin, le résultat le plus remarquable porte sur le co-dopage Ga-Sb de GeTe qui permet d'effectuer de l'ingénierie de structure de bandes. Couplé à une synthèse par hybrid flash SPS ces matériaux prometteurs permettent d'obtenir un zT 2 sur une large gamme de température (600–773 K). / With the performance of direct conversion between thermal and electrical energy, thermoelectric materials, which are crucial in the renewable energy conversion roadmap, provide an alternative for power generation and refrigeration to solve the global energy crisis. But the low efficiency of the current materials, their usual costs, availability, and limited working temperatures, drastically constrain their application. Hence, the search for new and more efficient thermoelectric materials is one of the most dynamic objectives of this thesis. The key milestones achieved from this thesis work includes: (i) elucidating the mechanism for hole conductivity in Cu-As-Te glasses by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and quantum simulations; (ii) formulating a novel approach to achieve phonon-glass electron-crystal mechanism by crystallizing the Ge20Te77Se3 glasses by excess doping with metals or semi-metals (glass-ceramics); (iii) demonstrating the effect of processing route on the thermoelectric performance of CuPb18SbTe20 and highlighting the advantage of hybrid-flash spark plasma sintering technique, i.e., better optimization of electrical and thermal transport properties and achieving multi-scale hierarchical architectures; (iv) improving the thermoelectric performance of Pb-Sb-Te alloys (enhancement by 170%) by tuning their cation vacancies (Pb deficiencies); (v) understating the impact of doping just a group-11 coinage metal, or group-13 element on GeTe solid-state solution and recapitulating the need for pair substitution; (vi) substantially enhancing the average zT of In-Bi codoped GeTe; (vii) achieving a remarkably high and stable zT of close to 2 over a wide temperature range (600 – 773 K) by manipulating the electronic bands in Ga-Sb codoped GeTe, which has been processed by hybrid flash-spark plasma sintering, thus making it a serious candidate for energy harvesting systems.

The continued growth of aviation poses a major challenge to climate change mitigation. Many argue that absolute reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will not be possible without restricting demand and call for fundamental changes in travel patterns, particularly flying shorter distances. However, research shows that voluntary behaviour change in this area is unlikely: even those who express concern over aviation emissions are unwilling to sacrifice their travel plans for the sake of the environment. It has been argued, therefore, that researchers and policy makers should direct their attention to the collective nature of unsustainable air travel, rather than blaming individual passengers for their “choices”. This thesis provides an in-depth and socially situated understanding of long-haul flying within the gap year context, which is an increasingly popular activity for the British youth. Drawing on Giddens’s structuration theory and using data from a study, which employed a variety of qualitative research methods, this thesis first positions the gap year as a social practice, characterized by shared social meanings, norms and resources; second, it explores factors influencing its current long-haul character; and third, examines the role of agency in gap year participation and mobility decisions. The findings suggest that travel to (often several) long-haul destinations is a particularly desirable, appropriate and convenient way of “doing a gap year” and that opportunities for making more sustainable choices, whilst not completely absent, are constrained. Moreover, the rules and resources that form the terrain for action for prospective gap year takers are shaped by numerous networked agents. As such, this thesis joins the calls for redefining the problem of unsustainable mobility from that of individual “choice” to collective travel practices. Strong structuration is suggested as a particularly useful conceptual framework to study non-routine forms of travel, such as gap years. Policy implications are discussed, specifically potential interventions that could shift the gap year practice into a more sustainable trajectory, or substitute it for a less carbon-intensive equivalent.