How to Organize a Literature Review in Business Capstone Papers
Organizing a literature review is critical for synthesizing existing research and presenting a coherent narrative that aligns with your Capstone project goals.
5.1 Steps to Organize a Literature Review
- Start with a Clear Structure: Divide your literature review into themes or categories. These could include business theories, market trends, previous research findings, or industry reports.
- Summarize Key Findings: For each category or theme, summarize the key findings from the literature, linking them to your research question.
- Critically Evaluate Sources: Don’t just summarize the literature—evaluate it critically. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different studies and identify contradictions or gaps.
- Theoretical Frameworks: If you’re using a specific business theory (e.g., Porter’s Five Forces), structure part of your literature review around that theory.
- Gap Identification: Conclude the literature review by identifying gaps in the research that your Capstone project will address.
5.2 Tips for Writing a Literature Review
- Be Organized: Ensure each section of your review flows logically from one to the next. Use headings and subheadings to guide the reader.
- Be Critical: Assess the reliability and applicability of each source. Highlight key insights and weaknesses in the existing research.
- Link to Your Research: Make sure your review is tied to your project’s goals. Use the findings to build a strong foundation for your research and recommendations.
These steps and frameworks will help you conduct a comprehensive MBA Capstone project that combines theoretical research, business analysis, and strategic recommendations.
