Domain

Explanation

Why jigsaw puzzle?

• A jigsaw puzzle is the assembly of various pieces or components into the final target picture or form
• This is equivalent to the research process:

1. Deliberating the puzzle: which research area & topic to focus
2. The final overall picture or form: research title, objectives & scope
3. The pieces: the literature review, knowledge gaps, skills & tools needed plus innovation to find or replace missing
4. Assembly process: research modeling, formulation, validation & verification, applications, findings
5. Finishing: conclusions towards objectives & scope

The overall picture?

• In research, the eventual focus must be as clear, distinct & unambiguous as possible
• The boundary of the picture, the various shapes, colours & connections within the picture as well as the linkages of every piece must be thoroughly scrutinized & incorporated into research
• Quality research would not result from blurred focus, ambiguous boundaries & unsubstantiated interiors

The pieces?

• The required components for research must be accurately sourced, understood & subsequently integrated into the research picture
• These pieces would be in the following possibilities:

1. Missing, unknown: initially unavailable & unrealised - synthesized from the overall research picture & diligently sought after
2. Missing, known: initially unavailable but realised - source for it
3. Available, unknown: available, but unrealised - synthesized from the overall research picture
4. Available, known: available & realised - innovate how best to utilise it & integrate into the overall picture

Assembly?

• Visualising & understanding the required connections between adjacent pieces of individual portions of the overall picture
• Partial trial assemblies for testing & observations, to compare with the overall picture for coherence & reinforcement
• Permanent assemblies based on the literature & experience with more confidence & stable foundations
• Errors arising from misconceptions, high degree of similarities and lack of research judgement