What does it mean to say that a particular piece of prose is scientifically meaningful?
What kinds of qualities of research predict impact?
While those in academics may have developed a rich and deep understanding of these questions, for the moment I have found the following list of qualities as an ambitious standard to strive for. Although not every piece of work that is published by helva satisfies every criteria, this standard is a representation of the ideal that we strive for and a benchmark of accountability to be judged on.
Value-add
Unambiguous
Error free
Comprehensive
Solid argument
Verifiable
Systematic
Novel
Insight
Perspective
Open-ended
Value-add
Solves or provides key information required to solve a problem
Unambiguous
Well defined and scoped, concise and relevant to problem statements.
Error free
Factual, accurate
Comprehensive
Information and details which are directly related to or likely to influence or change the problem outcomes are addressed
Solid argument
Evidence provided for claims, assumptions and conclusions use scientific method, established theory and qualified technical references
Verifiable
results can be traced, verified, and reproduced
Systematic
Procedures, guidelines, derivations, principles and assumptions are valid and transparent
Novel
Original, not a duplicate or summary of established experience and knowledge within the organisational scope.
Insight
Contains new information, observations, deductions and conclusions. Identifies relevant causes and mechanisms which may not be directly observed
Perspective
Adapts the conceptual frameworks, scope, and perspectives most appropriate to derive and communicate the product results
Open-ended
Acknowledges areas of less certainty and multiple possible interpretations and conclusions. Provides a roadmap for further product improvement
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