MGT210 PROJECT MANAGEMENT (2016) LITERATURE REVIEW CHECKLIST What is a literature review? A literature review is a critical analysis of the published literature in the field of study. It describes, summarises, analyses, compares and contrasts, synthesises and evaluates concepts from the literature on a particular topic. The purpose of a literature review is to show what is known in a particular field and identify knowledge gaps and areas of uncertainty and controversy. Often the knowledge gaps and uncertainties will form the basis of further research. Your literature review will be structured as follows: title page, abstract, introduction; body, using relevant headings, and a conclusion. Numbering of each section is not required. LITERATURE REVIEW SECTION CONTENT TITLE PAGE Include: title of the review; name of person or organisation for whom the report was prepared; name/s of person/people who prepared the report; the date; tutorial day and time, word count ABSTRACT States the purpose of the literature review. Outlines the findings/conclusions of the review. Suggests why the review is important/significant (points to future research from the gap in the knowledge identified). INTRODUCTION States the objectives/purpose/thesis of the review (why are you writing a literature review?). Should hook the reader (get their interest i.e. why is this topic important?). States type of sources used to gather information (method). Outlines aspects of the topic to be covered. Outlines the organisational pattern of the review. DISCUSSION/ BODY USING HEADINGS/TABLES AND FIGURES IF APPROPRIATE Critically analyses the published material in chosen field of study. Provides a logical sequence and headings under which the published material is reviewed. Identifies themes, trends and controversies (use the sanity table). Identifies strengths and weaknesses of the research/literature. Addresses the major implications of the findings. Identifies if interpretations lead to new points of view/hypotheses – the gaps in knowledge. Uses tables and figures to summarise/highlight key information. Address the significance of table/figure in the text. _______________________________________________________________________________ Student Life and Learning - Academic SkillsLiterature Review Checklist Page 1CONCLUSION Consolidates and strengthens the arguments and relationships in the literature that have been developing (sums up). Identifies gaps in the knowledge and points to future research. States the significance of the findings/conclusions drawn. Concludes something. LITERATURE Read widely to select the most appropriate sources (minimum of ten academic sources from 2000* onwards and five nonacademic sources). WRITING STYLE Use precise, specific, clear and grammatically correct language. Avoid generalisations. Use double spacing between lines and Arial 12pt font REFERENCES All references cited in the text should be listed in the Reference List. Use Harvard referencing style **(guides available on Portal(Blackboard)/USC Community/My Organisations/Academic Skills/Referencing *This change in the date from 2010 to 2000 has been confirmed by the coordinator. **This is different from the course outline and the coordinator has approved the use of Harvard style only. On-line Resources University of Toronto nd, The literature review, viewed 16 August 2010, . University of Canberra 2008, Writing a literature review 16 August 2010, < http://www.canberra.edu.au/studyskills/writing/literature >. _______________________________________________________________________________ Student Life and Learning - Academic SkillsLiterature Review Checklist Page 2