4.1 WP0 – Programme Management

The philosophy of this work package is to build a coherent team between the three institutions, maximising the synergies available within the programme while allowing partners to focus on their core areas of expertise.

The programme management will consist of three committees:

1. Programme Management Committee (PMC)
This committee will comprise of one representative per partner, responsible for the strategic direction of the programme resolving any resource or other conflicts arising from the technical work. Dr W. Donnelly (WIT) will chair this committee.

2. Technical Co-ordinating Committee (TCC)
This committee will comprise of the leaders of the currently active technical tasks, responsible for co-ordinating the research and ensuring dissemination of results within the programme. V Wade (TCD) will chair this committee.

3. Dissemination Committee (DC)
This committee will comprise of one representative per partner, co-ordinating the interaction of the programme with the wider international academic community. It is particularly responsible for ensuring that the project has identified and developed interfaces to key drivers within the smart space community whether through the standards bodies or international research groups. Dr D. Pesch will chair this committee.

In addition each partner will appoint a Site Manager to co-ordinate spending and activity at each partner site, acting as a single point of contact for programme information at that site.

The work packages will produce an annual report that will be available to the HEA and its nominated experts for review and evaluation. The annual report will incorporate information on the progress made to the realisation of the research programme objectives during the reporting period. It will also address the key drivers and collaborations developed throughout the reporting period. It will conclude by providing an overview of its work plan for the next period, including information on any major technical developments that can impact on its programme goals.

The revised programme plan, and deliverable list, as well as archive copies of existing deliverables and working copies of new deliverables will be made accessible securely via a web interface. This on-line area will serve as a virtual focal point for the programme.

On the issue if IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) WIT, TCD and CIT have a proactive policy with regard to protection of intellectual property, patenting and fast tracking of discovery to industry. Each institution has a process in which its researchers, as well as the institution, may benefit from earning on royalties. The procedures applied in any area of M-Zones will be those of the parent institution that are responsibly for that research area.