The phrase research and development (also R and D or, more often, R&D), according to the refers to "creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications". At St. Mary's it is believed that one has to upgrade one's knowledge and qualifications to keep abreast with the competition and be the best in the industry. To encourage the members of staff the management of St. Mary's backs up the efforts of the faculty and encourages them to develop and enhance their qualifications and experience by visiting other institutions and offering consultancy to the faculty and students there.