Research and the formulation of theories go hand in hand

Via Vinci is a university whose teaching and research stem from people’s living and working conditions. Via Vinci is an international community of enterprising teachers and students whose studies and research revolve around the themes of sustainable business and creative leadership. The fundamental precept in their work is that nothing is more theoretical than good practice, and nothing more practical than a good theory. Research work and theories can generate better insights into practice only if practitioners allow themselves to be scrutinised. In other words, we need to challenge entrepreneurs and managers in both public and private sectors to critically analyse themselves and their work, and to publish their research findings.

Via Vinci Research Laboratory
Research & Development at Via Vinci is concentrated in two of the three departments, alongside the Academy, which is responsible for courses and seminars. The Via Vinci Research Laboratory is a study, laboratory, workshop and testing station for research students and their supervisors. The practical settings from which they originate provide the applications, critical tests and sensations, as well as new research topics.

The Research Laboratory receives its commissions from firms and organisations which have a need for research studies, and hence wish to invest in the development and application of knowledge. It goes without saying that the research undertaken by the Research Laboratory is required to meet the highest academic standards and that, before a research project is accepted, it is tested against our business criteria of ‘people, planet and profit’.

The Research Laboratory also provides the following services to postgraduate research students:
• finding and selecting supervisors to match each student’s research topic;
• assisting in the formulation of a clear thesis statement, and helping the student to draft a doctorate research plan;
• matching practical tutors and research assistants with specific research topics;
• facilitating the research, within the confines of contractual agreements;
• organising the DBA or PhD degree ceremony;
• formulating a policy on the publication of reports and seminars in which research findings are disseminated (in conjunction with the Development Department).

What sets us apart from other universities?
What makes the Via Vinci Research Laboratory so different is the fact that:
• Via Vinci is an international university with branches in Europe and South America, and with other locations due to follow in 2008;
• Via Vinci is a private company;
• Via Vinci is officially recognised by the International Association of Science Parks;
• Via Vinci gears its degree programmes towards executives who have a thirst for intellectual stimulation;
• teaching and research at Via Vinci centre on ‘creative leadership’ and ‘innovative and sustainable business’;
• research students are not in a hierarchic relationship with their supervisors and practical tutors;
• because both study and supervision must be undertaken concurrently with the student’s and the supervisor’s work commitments, they are planned to be highly flexible (thanks to the use of digital media).

What are the admission requirements?
In accordance with Article 4 of the AMBA Criteria for the Accreditation of DBA Programmes, the DBA programme is intended for candidates with at least three years relevant professional experience, who wish to make a substantial contribution towards the further professionalisation of managerial practice by undertaking a critical analysis of, and by systematically applying, relevant theories and research findings in their own professional practice.

Candidates must hold either an MBA degree or an equivalent Master’s degree. Both the candidate’s CV and his or her academic qualifications will be subject to verification. Research candidates without the necessary pre-qualifications may be admitted once they have passed a special entrance examination.

Candidates for PhD degrees are subject to the same criteria, with the proviso that no exceptions are made for those not possessing the necessary pre-qualifications.

How much time do you need to invest in your study?
In theory, you can embark on a postgraduate research degree at any time. Most degrees take three years to complete, and consist of a preparatory taught year plus two years spent working on a research project.

During the preparatory year, students are required to take a module entitled ‘Planning academic research’. A summer course on academic discourse is also held during the first year. European students will be able to attend this course in France in 2008.

During this three-year period, research students may expect to spend an average of two days a week on their studies. Although, obviously, the amount of available time varies widely from one individual situation to another, we advise executives to set aside one workday plus eight hours of their spare time every week for their studies.

How much does it cost?
Students enrolling in 2008 pay a total tuition fee of € 34,500 divided into three annual instalments of
€ 11,500. There is no VAT charge. Please note that students may deregister at the end of the first year, without being required to pay any further tuition fees for the two remaining years.