Quantitative Research Methods

MGT 646
Literature Review
Prepared by:
Dr Abdul Aziz Karia

Definition of Literature Review

Step-by-step process that involves the
identification of published and unpublished
work form secondary data sources on the
topic of interest, the evaluation of this
work in relation to the problem and the
documentation of this work (Sekaran &
Bougie, 2010).
Kumar, Talib and Ramayah (2012) - A
process of identifying published or
unpublished research articles that others
have conducted in the areas that are
relevant to the study.

Why Literature Review is Important?

Helps the researcher to develop a good
problem statement.
Provides foundation for developing a
comprehensive theoretical framework.
It ensures no important variable is overlooked
in the process of defining a problem.
The problem statement can be made with
precision and clarity.
Testability and replicability of the findings can
be improve and enhanced.
Reduce a risk of rediscover something that is
already known.

Characteristics of Good Literature

Review
According to Strang (2015), a sound literature review
includes specific traits and characteristics.
i.

Depth and breadth of citation

To demonstrate to the reader both the broad and specific
applications of the research topic.

ii. Relevant and recent literature

Appropriate literature for the time span being considered.
Up to date, state of the art.

iii. Integration of a variety of research across disciplines

Include citations and examples of theoretical and conceptual
frameworks, methodological application, practical skills and
application.

iv. Central theme

Consistently tying back to that thesis or project with the
clear and conciseness writing style.

How to Conduct the Literature Review

i.

Searching for literature

ii. Evaluating the literature

iii. Documenting the literature review

How to Conduct the Literature Review

i.

Searching for literature Not only limited to the

printed list as below, but also includes the
computerized databases and electronic versions.

. Textbooks
. Journals
. Thesis
. Conference proceedings
. Unpublished manuscripts
. Reports
. Newspapers
. The internet

How to Conduct the Literature Review

ii. Evaluating the literature
. Literature search will result a comprehensive
bibliography on the subject.
. Researcher have to carefully select relevant
books and articles.
. Titles from books and articles will indicate which
of the relevant.
. Abstract provides general summary of the
study. This will provides researcher enough
information in deciding relevant information.
. Introduction provides overview of problems
addressed and commonly end up with research
questions.

How to Conduct the Literature Review

iii. Documenting the literature review
. Identifies and highlights the important variables
and documents the significant findings from
earlier research that will serve as the foundation
on which the theoretical framework for the
current investigation can be built.
. Why documenting literature review is important?
Because it convince reader that:
1. Researcher is knowledgeable and done preliminary
homework to conduct research
2. The theoretical framework is guided by previous
research and add solid foundation.

Endnote and Turnitin

i. Endnote
ii. Turnitin

Reference
Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2010). Research methods for business: A
skill
building approach (Fifth ed.). United Kingdom: John Wiley &
Sons
Ltd.
Kumar, M., Talib, S. A., & Ramayah, T. (2012). Business research
methods. Malaysia: Oxford.
Strang, K. D. (2015). The palgrave handbook of research design in
business and management. United States: Palgrave Macmillan.