Figure 1
(1) Research Practices
There are four Research Practices that are being developed based on the TIPS framework.

•    People Research Practice:  themes relating to the management of people
•    Innovation Research Practice: themes relating to the management of Innovation
•    Technology Research Practice: themes relating to the management of technology
•    Systems Research Practice:  themes relating to  using systems thinking

See Research Projects for more information…

(2) Communities of Practice
A key aim of the research is to support a body of knowledge for each Practice sustained by communities of practice , that will support  Faculties, by guiding and resourcing  students’ work and  informing course material. The idea is that ultimately students will have a rich array of analytical instruments that will be integrated into PMAs.  Student work inturn tests models and add to the Body of Knowledge. We will also be establishing Research Chairs. Da Vinci Research will also be involved in seeking out funding/sponsorship/internships for research conducted by students.

(3) Associates support
The Associate network is a key component of Da Vinci Research’s strategy. It can provide research resources to Associates in a number of ways including:

•    Looking after and providing an academic rigour to current research  programmes that the Associate has constraints on doing itself
•    Enabling an Associate to add research capabilities to the projects and work that they wish to pursue with their clients and/or their own network.
•    Creating an environment in which  Associates can conduct their own research leveraging off the expertise contained in the network including students.  

(4) Communications
It is an essential part of the Da Vinci Research’s role to create a broad awareness for the Institute and its Faculties around the work that is done. At the moment there are three forums for doing this but these will grow as further media relationships are developed:  

•    Management Today: is a monthly publication that has a 5000 strong subscriber base including other business schools. The Institute has a slot in the publication where it can show case its work.  We are seeking contributions from facilitators, students, and Faculty.
•    Curiosita: is a monthly forum for contemporary thinking on the Management of Technology, Innovation and People in a Systemic way, hosted by The Da Vinci Institute. Interested parties are invited to join a community of enquirers including PhD students, faculty and any other interested individuals who assemble to present and discuss their work, and to provide mutual support in the quest for continuous learning.
•    Institute Conference:  The first Institute conference will be at the end of October and will have as its main theme Innovation. It is the intention to run at least one such themed conference a year. These are research driven conferences, using the findings of research projects as a platform for discussion with delegates.  

Contributions to these forums are sought from facilitators, students and faculty.