BUS 410: Theory and Practice of Business Research

What is a literature review?

A literature review is a compilation of previous research and writing on a particular topic. It provides a critical analysis of this research and writing through summary, classification, comparison and evaluation. In a literature review you are required to present:

• established findings
• conflicting evidence
• gaps in the body of scholarship relating to your topic 

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Why are you asked to write a literature review?

You are asked to write literature reviews so that you can demonstrate that you are able to:

• determine what has already been written on a topic
• identify previous approaches to the topics
• identify central issues in the field of Business
• integrate what previous researchers have found
• Identify important issues still unresolved