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Overview

Systematic literature reviews (SLRs) are a structured, reproducible method for identifying and synthesising existing research to answer a focused research question. This page will guide you through the concept and process step by step.

What Is a Systematic Literature Review?

An SLR is a scholarly synthesis of evidence on a clearly defined topic, using explicit, pre-specified methods to identify, select, critically appraise, and summarise relevant studies. Unlike ad hoc reading of literature, every decision is documented so the review can be replicated.

  • Minimizes selection bias through predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria​

  • Provides the highest level of secondary evidence for a research question​

  • Common in business research (e.g., management, HRM, strategy, marketing) theses

SLR vs. Traditional Literature Review

Feature Traditional Literature Review Systematic Literature Review
Research question Broad or flexible Narrow and pre-specified
Search strategy Informal, author-led Documented, reproducible
Study selection Subjective Governed by explicit criteria
Quality appraisal Often absent Mandatory
Reporting Variable Follows standards (e.g., PRISMA) ​
Replicability Low High

When Should You Use an SLR?

  • Your thesis research question asks what does the existing evidence show about X?

  • Your supervisor or faculty expects evidence-based synthesis (common in management, HRM, sustainability, entrepreneurship)

  • You have sufficient time; a rigorous SLR takes weeks to months

  • Note: Not every thesis requires an SLR; confirm with your supervisor first

The SLR Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Define Your Research Question / Select Framework

A well-defined research question is the foundation of a systematic literature review. Every subsequent decision (which databases to search, what terms to use, which studies to include) flows directly from it. A question that is too broad produces an unmanageable volume of results; one that is too narrow may yield almost nothing.

Practical Tips

  • Write your question down before searching. Even one sentence written out forces clarity.
  • Test with your supervisor. A good question should take no more than two sentences to explain to someone unfamiliar with the topic.
  • Iterate, but only once. It is normal to refine your question slightly after initial scoping searches reveal how much literature exists. However, finalise it before formal data collection begins and document any changes in your protocol.
  • Avoid "and" creep. Questions like "What is the effect of leadership style on innovation and employee wellbeing and retention?" are three questions in one. Pick the most important element for your thesis argument.
  • Check for existing reviews first. Before committing to your question, run a quick search in PROSPERO or Google Scholar to confirm a recent SLR on exactly your question does not already exist. Finding one is not a dead end; it means you can build on it or update it.
Select Framework

Structured question frameworks give you a reliable method for making your question precise and searchable before you open a single database.

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Different frameworks suit different types of research questions. The table below helps you select the right one for your thesis topic.

Framework Best suited to Research types
PICO Questions about the effect of something Quantitative, experimental
SPIDER Questions about experiences, perceptions, or behaviours Qualitative, mixed-methods
PCC Questions about what exists in a topic area (scoping) Exploratory, mapping reviews
  • Business or management students will most often use SPIDER or PCC, since many management questions ask "how" or "what" rather than "does X cause Y."

Tip: a narrow, answerable question is essential before any searching begins

Step 2: Write a Protocol

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A protocol is a written plan that specifies, in advance, exactly how you intend to conduct your systematic literature review. It is not complete until all 11/12 sub-sections below have been worked through and recorded. Writing the protocol is not a bureaucratic hurdle; it is the mechanism that makes your review transparent, reproducible, and defensible to examiners, supervisors, and future readers.

Step 3: Define Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria

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Step 4: Search the Literature

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  • Which databases to use: Business Source Complete (EBSCO), JSTOR, Google Scholar (supplementary)

  • Constructing a search string using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) and controlled vocabulary (e.g., MeSH, Thesaurus terms)

  • Documenting all searches (database, date, string, results count)

  • Link to library database access page

Step 5: Screen Results

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Step 6: Assess Study Quality

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Step 7: Extract Data

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Step 8: Synthesise Findings

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Step 9: Report Your Review

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