Discover the key purposes of literature review in business research. Learn how it helps identify research gaps, develop theoretical frameworks, design research, and assess methodologies. Ideal for BITM, BBA, and BBS students in Nepal.
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A literature review is a critical component of any research project. It serves as the foundation for understanding existing knowledge, identifying gaps, and guiding the design of new studies.
- In Business Research Methods, literature review helps students and researchers build credibility, improve research quality, and align their studies with existing academic and professional knowledge.
For BITM, BBA, and BBS students in Nepal, mastering literature review techniques ensures better research design, accurate methodology selection, and high-quality project outcomes.
Concept of Literature Review/Survey:
A literature review is a comprehensive and systematic review of existing research and scholarly articles related to a specific topic or area of study.
- It involves collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing information from previously published materials such as books, academic journals, theses, and reports to understand the current state of knowledge and identify gaps, trends, or contradictions.
The purpose of literature review is to convey what knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic in the past and what are their strength and weakness.
A literature review is desirable before starting a research for the following reasons:
- To see what has and has not been investigated so far.
- To develop general explanation for observed variations in a behaviour or phenomena.
- To identify potential relationship between variables that helps to formulate researchable hypotheses.
- To identify data sources that other researchers have used.
- To develop alternative research work.
- To identify issue that is left in the previous studies.
- To identify the methodology that is used by other researchers.
According to P. Haywood and E.C Wragg: “A literature review is the process of locating, obtaining, reading and evaluating the research literature in the area of your interest”
Purposes of Literature Review in Business Research
A well-conducted literature review has multiple purposes that benefit researchers, organizations, and students alike.
1. To Know the Research Conducted in the Chosen Field
Before starting a research project, it is essential to understand:
- What studies have already been conducted
- Key findings and conclusions of previous research
- Trends in the field and emerging areas of interest
Why It Matters:
This prevents duplication of research and helps researchers build upon existing knowledge rather than repeating prior work.
2. To Identify the Research Gap
A research gap is an unexplored or under-researched area within a field. Literature review helps:
- Detect inconsistencies or contradictions in prior research
- Highlight unaddressed questions or problems
- Identify new perspectives or topics for study
Example:
If prior studies on employee motivation focus mainly on corporate offices, there may be a gap in research on remote working environments.
3. To Develop a Theoretical Framework
Literature review provides the basis for constructing theoretical frameworks by:
- Linking key concepts
- Establishing relationships between variables
- Providing a foundation for hypotheses formulation
Why It Matters:
A strong theoretical framework strengthens research credibility and guides methodology selection.
4. To Develop Research Design
Reviewing literature helps in designing a research project by:
- Choosing appropriate study type (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method)
- Selecting variables, sample size, and data collection tools
- Understanding methodological approaches used in prior studies
Example:
If prior research used surveys to study customer satisfaction effectively, a new study may adopt a similar approach.
5. To Update on Current Issues
Literature review keeps researchers informed about current trends, debates, and issues in the chosen field.
- Ensures relevance of the research topic
- Incorporates recent innovations, policies, and practices
- Aligns the study with contemporary academic and industry discussions
6. To Know Research Methodology
Literature review provides insights into:
- Methods and techniques used in prior research
- Advantages and limitations of different approaches
- Best practices for data collection and analysis
Why It Matters:
Understanding methodology ensures that researchers select the most suitable and reliable approach for their study.
7. To Know the Research Design
Examining previous research helps in:
- Understanding sample selection techniques
- Identifying data collection methods
- Evaluating analysis strategies and statistical tools used
Why It Matters:
A proper research design ensures accuracy, reliability, and validity in new research projects.
8. To Assess the Success of Various Research Designs
Literature review allows researchers to:
- Evaluate which research designs have been effective
- Understand why certain methodologies failed or succeeded
- Adapt proven techniques to improve study outcomes
Example:
If longitudinal studies on consumer behavior provided consistent insights, a researcher might choose a similar design for a new study.
Conclusion
A literature review is more than a summary of previous studies—it is a critical analytical tool that guides the entire research process. By identifying gaps, informing research design, updating knowledge, and building theoretical frameworks, literature review enhances the quality, relevance, and credibility of business research.
For BITM, BBA, and BBS students in Nepal, mastering literature review techniques is essential for academic excellence and producing impactful research projects.
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FAQ Section
1. Why is a literature review important in business research?
It helps identify prior research, uncover gaps, build theoretical frameworks, and guide research design.
2. How does literature review help identify research gaps?
By analyzing previous studies, researchers can pinpoint unexplored areas, inconsistencies, or under-researched topics.
3. Can literature review influence research methodology?
Yes, it provides insights into successful methods, data collection tools, and analysis techniques used in past studies.
4. How does literature review keep research updated?
It informs researchers about current trends, debates, innovations, and contemporary issues in the field.
5. Does literature review improve research credibility?
Absolutely. It demonstrates awareness of prior work, provides a theoretical foundation, and strengthens the validity of new research.