How to Conduct a Literature Review for a Business Capstone Project

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A literature review is an essential component of your MBA Capstone project. It synthesizes existing research on your chosen topic, providing a foundation for your own study. A well-conducted literature review not only shows your understanding of the subject matter but also highlights gaps in the research, guiding your project’s direction.

1.1 Purpose of a Literature Review

The purpose of a literature review is to:

  • Identify existing research: Collect and review existing studies, theories, and findings relevant to your topic.
  • Analyze trends and gaps: Understand the current state of knowledge, identify trends, and locate gaps in the research that your project can address.
  • Build a theoretical foundation: Develop a theoretical framework for your Capstone project, grounding your research in established theories.

1.2 Steps for Conducting a Literature Review

  • Define your topic: Narrow down your research question. The broader the topic, the more difficult it will be to find relevant literature. Be specific about the business issue or opportunity you are investigating.
  • Search for sources: Use academic databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, and Business Source Complete to find peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and reports. Additionally, consider including industry reports and white papers if relevant.
  • Analyze the literature: Assess the quality and relevance of each source. Focus on studies that are directly related to your research question. Summarize key findings, methodologies, and conclusions.
  • Synthesize the information: Don’t just list studies—compare and contrast them. Identify common themes, trends, and areas of disagreement or uncertainty.
  • Document gaps: Highlight areas where research is lacking or where your Capstone can add new insights.

1.3 Writing the Literature Review

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce the focus of the literature review and its relevance to your Capstone project.
  • Body: Organize the body thematically or chronologically. Discuss the most relevant research in each section, comparing studies and identifying gaps.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the major themes, highlight the gaps in the literature, and position your research question within the context of existing studies.

Published by Lisa