Lecture note on Systematic Literature Review as a secondary research method: for MBA students

Lecture note on Systematic Literature Review as a secondary research method: for MBA students

 

Highlight 5 main ideas of the secondary research method of Systematic Literature Review in the context of MBA dissertation projects.

A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is a rigorous secondary research method that enables MBA students to synthesise existing evidence transparently and reproducibly, helping to justify research questions, frame theory, and identify practical gaps for business problems.libguides.hull.ac+2

1. Explicit, replicable search protocol

·        SLRs require a clearly defined search strategy (databases, keywords, Boolean strings, time frame, language) that another researcher could follow to obtain the same set of studies.link.springer+1

·        In MBA dissertations, this often means searching business databases (e.g., EBSCO Business Source, Scopus, Web of Science) with terms aligned to the research question and inclusion/exclusion criteria.library.soton.ac+1

·        Documenting the protocol strengthens credibility and reduces selection bias, which is crucial when your conclusions will inform managerial recommendations.link.springer

2. Pre‑specified inclusion and exclusion criteria

·        You set explicit criteria for what counts as relevant (e.g., peer‑reviewed empirical studies, specific industries, regions like Asia/Singapore, particular theories or constructs).library.soton.ac+1

·        These criteria are applied consistently to screen titles, abstracts, then full texts, often recorded in a flow diagram (e.g., PRISMA-style).link.springer

·        For MBA projects, criteria should reflect both academic rigour and practical relevance to the business problem you address.library.soton.ac+1

3. Systematic extraction and quality appraisal

·        Instead of just summarising papers, SLRs extract data using a structured template (e.g., aim, theory, method, sample, key findings, limitations).link.springer+1

·        Many SLRs also assess study quality (e.g., design rigour, measurement validity, sample adequacy) to weight evidence and avoid over‑relying on weak studies.link.springer

·        This step turns a narrative overview into an evidence base you can confidently use to build arguments, models, or frameworks in your dissertation.library.soton.ac+1

4. Transparent synthesis and thematic analysis

·        SLRs synthesise findings thematically, conceptually, or methodologically rather than listing studies one by one.jsums+2

·        You identify patterns, contradictions, and gaps across studies (e.g., conflicting results on consumer behaviour drivers, under‑researched segments in Asian markets).libguides.hull.ac+1

·        The synthesis should clearly show how the literature leads to your research question, conceptual framework, or hypotheses—making the “story within the story” of your dissertation explicit.jsums+2

5. Clear contribution: gap identification and agenda setting

·        A core purpose of an SLR in an MBA dissertation is to demonstrate a well‑justified gap: what is known, what is contested, and what is missing for theory and practice.libguides.hull.ac+2

·        The SLR should end with a focused research agenda or proposition set that directly informs your own empirical chapter or case analysis.libguides.hull.ac+1

·        For business‑oriented MBAs, this often includes translating academic gaps into actionable managerial questions (e.g., how dividend policy signals affect investor behaviour in Singaporean firms).library.soton.ac+1

If you’d like, I can map these five ideas onto a sample SLR outline tailored to a marketing or finance MBA topic you’re considering.

 

Where should we explain this secondary research method design: in chapter 2 (Literature review) or chapter 3 (Research methodology) of an MBA dissertation report? Where should we present the research method findings of this secondary research method: in chapter 2 or chapter 4 (presentation of research findings)?

In most MBA dissertations, the design of a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) as a secondary research method belongs in Chapter 3 (Research Methodology), while the findings from that SLR belong in Chapter 2 (Literature Review).edutechprojects+2

Where to explain the SLR method design

Place the methodological explanation of your SLR in Chapter 3, because this chapter is where you justify and describe how you conducted your research.thesisacewriters+1

·        In Chapter 3, you should:

o   State that your study uses a secondary research design based on a Systematic Literature Review.edutechprojects

o   Describe your search strategy (databases, keywords, time frame), inclusion/exclusion criteria, screening process, and quality appraisal approach.thesisacewriters+1

o   Explain your data extraction and synthesis method (e.g., thematic synthesis, conceptual mapping) and any tools used.edutechprojects

o   Justify why an SLR is appropriate for your research question and business problem.thesisacewriters+1

This mirrors how you would describe surveys, interviews, or case studies: the “how” sits in Methodology, not in the Literature Review chapter.edutechprojects+1

Where to present the SLR findings

The substantive outcomes of your SLR—what the literature shows, where there are gaps, and how theories relate—should be presented in Chapter 2 (Literature Review).scribd+1

·        In Chapter 2, you should:

o   Organise the reviewed studies thematically or conceptually around your key constructs (e.g., consumer behaviour drivers, dividend policy effects).premierdissertations+1

o   Summarise and critically evaluate main findings, agreements, contradictions, and limitations across studies.premierdissertations+1

o   Use the SLR to build a gap analysis that leads directly to your research questions or conceptual framework.premierdissertations+1

Chapter 4 (“Presentation of Research Findings” or “Results”) is normally reserved for findings from your primary data collection (e.g., survey results, interview themes, case analysis), not for the literature review itself.scribd+2

Practical mapping for an SLR‑based MBA dissertation

·        Chapter 2 – Literature Review:

o   Thematic presentation of SLR results (what is known/unknown).

o   Conceptual framework and gap statement.premierdissertations+1

·        Chapter 3 – Research Methodology:

o   Full description of SLR as your secondary research method (protocol, criteria, synthesis approach).thesisacewriters+1

·        Chapter 4 – Presentation of Findings (if you also collect primary data):

o   Results from your own empirical work (survey, interviews, financial analysis, etc.).edutechprojects+1

If your entire dissertation is only an SLR with no primary data, some programmes allow Chapter 4 to be reframed as “Synthesis and Discussion of SLR Findings” or merged into an extended Chapter 2; in that case, follow your university’s specific template or ask your supervisor.

** A collection of lecture notes on the subject of research methods for MBA students, 2026 June

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.