KCS uses a reusable research lifecycle from a relevant application situation to evidence, research gaps, objectives, activities, evaluation and contribution.
The research lifecycle turns a broad area of interest into a justified question, a suitable study and a clearly stated contribution.
01
Context
Field and real problem
→
02
Evidence
Research and practice
→
03
Direction
Gap, question and objectives
→
04
Conduct
Methods and activities
→
05
Contribute
Evaluation and communication
Figure: Complete research lifecycle
A relevant situation provides the starting point. Existing research and practice reveal what is known and where an unresolved problem remains. The gap supports precise questions and objectives, which guide the choice of methods and activities. Evaluation determines what was learned and how the result contributes to knowledge or practice.
Who this is for
Bachelor’s and Master’s students, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, supervisors and applied research teams.
The problem we help solve
A broad topic becomes research only when a relevant unresolved problem, justified question, suitable method and evaluable contribution are connected.
How KCS approaches the work
Work progresses through four connected stages, from clarifying the need to producing a result that can be reviewed and used.
Start with the field or application situation.
Examine existing research, projects and practice.
Identify unresolved gaps and derive motivation and problem statements.
Formulate the overall goal, questions and objectives.
Choose a justified framework and methods.
Conduct, evaluate, conclude and communicate the contribution.
Concrete examples
An AI assistant topic becomes a study of whether source-grounded answers improve decision quality for a defined user group.
A software prototype is evaluated against research objectives rather than presented as a contribution by itself.
What you can receive
Research Direction Brief
Exposé and plan
Traceable objectives and activities
Evaluated contribution
ENGAGE WITH KCS
Engage KCS on your research or teaching need
Contact KCS if you need research direction, supervision support, a workshop, a research review or an institutional programme.
Your enquiry will reference: How KCS Conducts Research.
