Note

A three-stage framework for teaching literature reviews: A new approach
Teresa Smallbone and Sarah Quinton, Oxford Brookes University, England
DOI:10.3794/ijme.94.337
Received: July 2010 Revised: February 2011, May 2011 Accepted: June 2011

Abstract
Writing a literature review yields many academic benefits. It is an appropriate route for management students to learn academic skills, such as how to search databases and to search off line, and to improve practical and theoretical knowledge. It enables theory development unimpeded by the practical obstacles of gaining access to people and organisations to collect data. It requires the development of expertise in research methods, numeracy, attention to detail, and in the analysis and interpretation of data. Despite these benefits, the pedagogic literature has little to say about the best means of teaching students how to research and write literature reviews. This paper develops a three-stage framework for teaching literature reviews which gives explicit guidance for teachers and simplifies the process for students. The framework comprises a means of learning how to carry out a systematically informed search for relevant literature, demonstrated through examples; an approach to learning how to read and deconstruct a text in a critically informed way, through using a template with a questioning approach; and a way explaining how to reconstruct the material, using a simple metaphor to demonstrate how this is done. Keywords: literature reviews; teaching framework; academic skills; synthesis

Introduction
In this paper we set out to discuss the ways in which reviewing academic literature has evolved and then outline a new approach to teaching literature reviews via a three-stage framework. A literature review is a requirement in assessed pieces of written work in management studies for many courses and institutions at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Electronic search engines and greater access to

References: Alexander, P., Murphy, K., & Guan, J. (1998). Differences among low, average and high achieving college students on learning and study strategies. Educational Psychology, 18, 391-407. doi:10.1080/0144341980180403 Bailin, S., Case R., Coombs J. R, & Daniels, L. B. (1999). Common misconceptions of critical thinking. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 31, 269-283. doi:10.1080/002202799183124 Baker, M. J. (2000). Writing a literature review. The Marketing Review, 1, 219-247. doi:10.1362/1469347002529189. Betts, P., & Lound, C. (2010). The application of alternative modes of data collection in UK Government social surveys, a report for the Government Statistical Service. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved June 11, 2010, from http://www.ons.gov.uk/reports-and-publications Bloom, B. S. (1956). A taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. New York: McKay. Boaz, A., Ashby, D., & Young, K. (2002). Systematic reviews: what have they got to offer evidence based policy and practice? London: ESRC UK Centre for Evidence Policy and Practice. Boote, D. N., & Beile, P. (2005). Scholars before researchers: On the centrality of the dissertation literature review in research preparation. Educational Researcher, 34(6), 3-15. Browne, M. N., & Freeman, K. (2000). Distinguishing features of critical thinking classrooms. Teaching in Higher Education, 5, 301-309. doi:10.1080/13562510050084703 Bruce, C. S. (1994). Research students’ early experience of the dissertation literature review. Studies in Higher Education, 19, 217-229. Campbell, R., Pound, D., Pope, C., Britten, N., Pill, R., Morgan, M., & Donovan, J., (2003). Evaluating meta-ethnography: A synthesis of qualitative research on lay experiences of diabetes and diabetes care. Social Science and Medicine, 56, 671-684. doi:10.1016/S0277-9536(02)00064-3 Chamberlain, K., & Burrough, S. (1985). Techniques for teaching critical reading. Teaching of Psychology, 12, 213-215. doi:10.1207/s15328023top1204_8 International Journal of Management Education 9(4), 2011 9 Clegg, S. (2005). Evidence-based practice in educational research: A critical realist critique of systematic review. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 26, 415-428. doi:10.1080/01425690500128932 Collis, J., & Hussey, R. (2009). Business research: A practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students (3rd ed.). Basingstoke, England: Palgrave Macmillan. Cook, D. J., Mulrow, C. D., & Haynes, R. B. (1997). Systematic reviews: Synthesis of best evidence for clinical decisions. Annals of Internal Medicine, 126, 376-380. Cooper, H. M. (1989). Integrating research: A guide for literature reviews (2nd ed.). Newbury Park, CA: Sage. Criollo, R. (2003). Teaching TESOL undergraduates to organize and write literature reviews. The Internet TESL Journal, 9(4). Retrieved May 19, 2010, from http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Criollo-LitReview.html Davies, P. (2000). The relevance of systematic reviews to educational policy and practice. Oxford Review of Education, 26, 365-378. doi:10.1080/713688543 Denyer, D., & Tranfield, D. (2006). Using qualitative research synthesis to build an actionable knowledge base. Management Decision, 44, 213-227. doi:10.1108/00251740610650201 Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (Eds.). (1989). The landscape of qualitative research, theories and issues. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Deurenberg, R., Vlayent, J., Guillo, S., Oliver, T., Fervers, B., & Burgers, J. (2007). Standardization of search methods for guideline development: An international survey of evidence-based guideline development groups. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 25, 23-30. doi:10.1111/j.1471-1842.2007.00732.x Dixon-Woods, M., Bonas, S., Booth, A., Jones, D., Miller, T., Sutton, A., et al. (2006). How can systematic reviews incorporate qualitative research? A critical perspective. Qualitative Research, 6, 27-44. doi:10.1177/1468794106058867 Du Boulay, D. (1999). Argument in reading: What does it involve and how can students become better critical readers? Teaching in Higher Education, 4, 147-162. doi:10.1080/1356251990040201 Foese, A., Gantz, B., & Henry, A. (1998). Teaching students to write literature reviews: A meta-analytic model. Teaching of Psychology, 25(2), 102-105. doi:10.1207/s15328023top2502_4 Ghauri, P., & Grønhaug, K. (2005). Research methods in business studies: A practical guide (3rd ed.). Harlow, England: FT Prentice Hall. Granello, D. H. (2001). Promoting cognitive complexity in graduate written work: Using Bloom’s taxonomy as a pedagogical tool to improve literature reviews. Counselor Education and Supervision, 40, 292-307. Greenhalgh, T. (2001). How to read a paper: The basics of evidence based medicine (2nd ed.). London: BMJ Books. Haig, A., & Dozier, M. (2003). Systematic searching for evidence in medical education - Part 2: Constructing searches. Medical Teacher, 25, 463-484. doi:10.1080/01421590310001608667 Hair, J. F., Money, A. H., Samouel, P. & Page, M. (2007). Research methods for business. Chichester, England: John Wiley. Halpern, N. (2007). The impact of attendance and student characteristics on academic achievement: Findings from an undergraduate business management module. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 31, 335-349. doi:10.1080/03098770701626017 Hammersley, M. (2001). On “systematic” reviews of research literatures: A “narrative” reply to Evans & Benefield. British Educational Research Journal, 27, 543-554. doi:10.1080/01411920120095726 Harris, M. J. (2006). Three steps to teaching abstract and critique writing. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 17, 136-146. Hart, C. (1998). Doing a literature review: Releasing the social science research imagination. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Hawkins, R. G. (1984). International business in academia: The state of the field. Journal of International Business Studies, 15(3), 13-18. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8490491 Institute of Directors. (2007). Institute of Directors skills briefing – December 2007: Graduates’ employability skills. Retrieved June 9, 2010, from http://www.IoD.com Jackson, G. B. (1980). Methods for integrative reviews. Review of Educational Research, 50, 438-460. Jankowicz, A. D. (2000). Business research projects (3rd ed.). London: International Thomson Business Press. Leki, I. (1992). Building expertise through sequenced writing assignments. TESOL Journal, 1(2), 19-23. Liu. Y., & You, X. (2008). Negotiating into academic discourse: Taiwanese and US college students in research writing. International Journal of English Studies, 8(2), 152-172. Lundquist, R. (1999). Critical thinking and the art of making good mistakes. Teaching in Higher Education, 4, 523-530. doi:10.1080/1356251990040408 McNally, R., & Alborz, A. (2004). Developing methods for systematic reviewing in health services delivery and organization: An example from a review of access to health care for people with learning disabilities. Part 1: Identifying the literature. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 21,182-192. doi:10.1111/j.1471-1842.2004.00512.x Metcalfe, M. (2006). Reading critically at university. London: Sage. Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (2002). The qualitative researcher’s companion. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Neber, H., Finsterwald, M., & Urban, N. (2001). Cooperative learning with gifted and high-achieving students: A review and meta-analysis of 12 studies. High Ability Studies, 12, 199-214. doi:10.1080/13598130120084339 Noblit, G. W., & Hare, R. D. (1988). Meta-ethnography: Synthesizing qualitative studies. Newbury Park, CA: Sage. November, P. (2002). Teaching marketing theory: A hermeneutic approach. Marketing Theory, 2, 115-132. doi:10.1177/1470593102002001646 Oakley, A., Gough, D., Oliver, S., & Thomas, J. (2005). The politics of evidence and methodology: Lessons from the EPPICentre. Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice, 1, 5-32. doi:10.1332/1744264052703168 Oakley, A. (2006). Resistances to ‘new’ technologies of evaluation: Education research in the UK as a case study. Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice, 2, 63-87. doi:10.1332/174426406775249741 Ogawa, R. T., & Malen, B. (1991). Towards rigor in reviews of multivocal literature: Applying the exploratory case method. Review of Educational Research, 61, 265-286. Pawson, R. (2001). Evidence based policy: II The promise of realist synthesis. London: ESRC Centre for Evidence Based Policy and Practice. Phillips, N., & Lindsay, G. (2006). Motivation in gifted students. High Ability Studies, 7, 57-73. doi:10.1080/13598130600947119 Pope, C. (2003). Resisting evidence: The study of evidence-based medicine as a contemporary social movement. Health, 7, 267-282. doi:10.1177/1363459303007003002 10 International Journal of Management Education 9(4), 2011 Quality Assurance Agency. (2007). QAA subject benchmark statements: General business and management. Retrieved June 18, 2010, from http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/GBM.pdf Quinton, S., & Smallbone, T. (2005). The troublesome triplets: Issues in teaching reliability, validity and generalisation to business students. Teaching in Higher Education, 10, 299-311. doi:10.1080/13562510500122099 Quinton, S., & Smallbone, T. (2006). Postgraduate research in business: A critical guide. London: Sage. Rigby, K. (2005). “Rocky Mountain Talent Search” at the University of Denver. High Ability Studies, 16, 71-75. doi:10.1080/13598130500115270 Sackett, D. L., Rosenberg, W. M. C., Muir, D., Gray, J. A., Haynes, R. B., & Richardson, W. S. (1996). Evidence based medicine: What it is and what it isn 't. British Medical Journal, 312, 71-72. Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A, (2007). Research methods for business students (4th ed.). Harlow, England: Pearson Education. Smallbone, T., Hartley, J., & Quinton, S., (2007, May). Critical reading: Developing an approach that will engage students. Paper presented at the Annual BMAF Conference 2007: Meeting the challenges facing learning and teaching in a globalised world, Aston University, England. Suri, H., & Clarke, D. (2009). Advancements in research synthesis methods: From a methodologically inclusive perspective. Review of Educational Research, 79, 395-426. doi:10.3102/0034654308326349 Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a methodology for developing evidence-informed management knowledge by means of systematic review. British Journal of Management, 14, 207-222. doi:10.1111/1467-8551.00375 Varndarajan, P. R. (2003). Musings on relevance and rigor of scholarly research in marketing. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 31, 368-376. Wallace, M., & Wray, A. (2006). Critical reading and writing for postgraduates. London: Sage. Yin, R. K. (1989). Case study research: Design and methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Zorn, T., & Campbell, N. (2006). Improving the writing of literature reviews through a literature integration exercise. Business Communication Quarterly, 69, 172-183. doi:10.1177/1080569906287960 International Journal of Management Education 9(4), 2011 11