The document provides guidance on completing a literature review for a research project. It discusses collecting relevant literature on the chosen topic, being selective in what to include by considering how each source relates to the research question, and synthesizing the literature to support arguments and identify gaps. The literature review should conclude with a clear research objective and proposal. When writing, the review should develop a critical perspective and use literature to support points rather than just describing sources.

1. The Literature Review You are to complete a literature review on your chosen topic to be submitted to your advisor on April 15th. The review should not exceed 2500 words. The review should identify and synthesize exiting literature in the area and conclude with a clear research objective and proposal for your summer project.Marks Available: 60

2. The literature review is an “informative story of what is known about your research topic – a summary of the state of the art” It serves to demonstrate your understanding of the work done to date, its findings, models, methods, and potential gaps. The literature review enables you to establish a context which highlights the relevance of your question and justifies your research methods.

3. “If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants” Isaac Newton Your review provides you with the opportunity to learn from earlier researchers, to incorporate their ideas, their lines of argument, their use of evidence and established facts into your work. Your literature review is original only to the extent that you have organised and presented it to suit your line of argument. There are no short cuts! You will not be drawing on your own primary research, rather it’s a synthesis of earlier work.

4. Collecting the Literature Identify literature that is relevant to your particular research question and area) Just because it is old, it does not mean that it is out of date. Seminal articles in an area should always be read (Coase). Recent papers will include a Reference List, Textbooks don’t constitute material for a literature review. In general the primary sources should be read. Make sure that your literature is as up to date as possible. Be aware that certain journals will have a tendency to adopt a particular perspective In deciding what papers to include, remember the Provenance, Objectivity, Persuasiveness and Value of the paper.

5. Selecting Papers Know your research question (working title) Always have an objective when reading a paper. Apply the criterion “how does this relate to my research question?” Does it give me a greater understanding of previous literature? Does it clarify the constructs I am interested in? Does it have similar or related propositions to my area of interest Will it inform my methodology, my use of data, will it form a benchmark for my results? You cannot read everything so be selective! You should be reading with a critical and discerning eye looking for particular information. Sometimes meta-analysis can be very useful

6. Meta Analysis The effect of sales promotion on post-promotion brand preference: A meta-analysis. By: DelVecchio, Devon; Henard, David H.; Freling, Traci H.. Journal of Retailing, Sep2006, Vol. 82 Issue 3, p203-213, 11p; DOI: 10.1016/j.jretai.2005.10.001 A meta-analysis of the impact of price presentation on perceived savings.Detail Only Available By: Krishna, Aradhna; Briesch, Richard; Lehmann, Donald R.; Hong Yuan. Journal of Retailing, Summer2002, Vol. 78 Issue 2, p101-118, 18p, 1 Diagram, 7 Charts

7. Selecting Parts of Papers At different stages of your work you may be interested in different parts of papers. Each part of a paper uses a different skillset - learn from it Abstract Introduction Literature review Constructs and construct definitions Propositions/Hypotheses/Models Methodology Analysis and findings Further research

8. Writing a literature Review Remember you are presenting an argument not a descriptive account of earlier research Develop a critical perspective when reviewing other’s work. Identify what points and arguments you want to make and use the literature to provide evidence to support your points and arguments. “Don’t start a paragraph with someone else’s name but rather start each paragraph with the point that you wish to make followed by studies and examples that illustrate and enhance your point” (Roberts, 2004:161). Make sure that you link your paragraphs

9. Advice on Writing (Roberts (2004)) (i) Be Thorough (ii) Write with Authority (iii) Critique rather than report the literature (iv) Avoid the excessive use of quotations (v) Be Selective (vi) Be careful not to plagiarise (vii) Use Primary Sources (viii) Don’t keep repeating yourself or trying to make up the word count

10. References: Roberts C. (2004), The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing and Defending Your Dissertation. California: Corwin Press. Wisker G. (2001), The Postgraduate Research Handbook. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

11. MBS Projects Price search behaviour in the grocery market: Understanding Evolving Shopping Strategies, Behaviours, and Consequences. (3 Students) The relationship between reference prices, promotional reference prices and the buy or wait decision. (3 students) The impact of the “Love Irish Foods” Brand - (3 students) Supervalu Brand and Destination Products - Linking products to Customer characteristics and Occasion (3 students)