Systematic Literature Reviews (SLRs) provide a comprehensive overview of literature related to a topic/theory and synthesize prior studies to strengthen the foundation of knowledge. SLRs are conducted for a variety of purposes. They include learning on a topic of interest, providing a theoretical background/framework, identifying research gaps and discussing future research directions. As such, SLRs may also serve as an early section of an academic thesis or dissertation.
SLRs are “systematic” in following a methodological approach during the literature review process. The seminar is going to provide students a “step-by-step” approach to design and execute a SLR process in the management domain. First of all, we will discuss about the key issues to consider while reading one or more academic contributions. By sub-dividing the SLR process into “steps” (e.g., distinct decisions), we will guide students through the research journey: from the research object to retrieving the relevant literature to be analysed, synthetized and reported. Specific research topics related to new venture creation and innovation management will be proposed to students and analysed in groups also with the help of in-class “guided” hands on sessions.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- understand the key steps of a SLR process;
- conduct a SLR process (e.g., retrieve academic literature, identify the most relevant contributions, critically revise and synthesize the main findings);
- report and discuss the results of a SLR;
learn how to implement a SLR as a piece of research in a broader work (thus enhancing the research rigor and quality of the Master’s thesis).
Moreover, the seminar should stimulate the students’ ability to work in teams and to deliver a structured analysis in a timely manner.