ISBR Research Centre organized an insightful session titled “Literature Review Simplified – From Search to Synthesis” as part of the Module III Orientation for the FPM 2024 batch. Led by Dr. Raja Sankaran (PhD – IIM Ranchi), Associate Professor at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), Bengaluru, the session provided an in-depth understanding of the systematic literature review process — a cornerstone of robust academic research.
Dr. Sankaran guided scholars through the art of transforming a literature review from a descriptive summary into a synthesis of ideas that identifies research gaps and contributes to theoretical advancement.
Building a Foundation for Systematic Literature Review
Dr. Sankaran emphasized that a literature review is not merely a chronological list of studies but an intellectual synthesis that connects existing research with emerging ideas. He highlighted the importance of database selection, keyword optimization, and the effective use of digital tools such as Mendeley and Zotero for managing citations.
Through engaging examples and live demonstrations, the session showcased how systematic research writing integrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and structural organization — essential for doctoral success.
From Search to Synthesis: Key Learnings for FPM Scholars
The orientation session equipped ISBR research scholars with practical strategies for managing the entire literature review process. The key takeaways included:
- Developing structured approaches to literature search and synthesis.
- Identifying research gaps and aligning them with precise research objectives.
- Enhancing academic writing and referencing skills using citation management tools.
- Integrating literature review findings with the overall research design for coherence.
These insights empowered scholars to move beyond information gathering and develop a conceptual framework that strengthens the foundation of their research proposals and dissertations.
Bridging Research Gaps Through Structured Review
Highlighting the systematic literature review as an iterative process, Dr. Sankaran demonstrated how to create an organized repository of studies using advanced search strategies and keyword filters. He encouraged participants to focus on thematic synthesis, ensuring that every reviewed work contributes to shaping their research direction and hypothesis formulation.
This methodical approach helps scholars discover research gaps, establish theoretical linkages, and enhance the credibility of their doctoral work.
Empowering Scholars with Academic Writing and Research Tools
The session also shed light on modern digital research tools that streamline citation, annotation, and document organization. Platforms such as Mendeley and Zotero were demonstrated as invaluable assets in academic writing, enabling scholars to maintain referencing accuracy and avoid plagiarism while crafting scholarly papers.
The practical guidance offered by Dr. Sankaran helped FPM scholars gain confidence in navigating large datasets, evaluating source quality, and structuring their literature review chapters with precision.
About ISBR Business School: ISBR Business School, located in Bangalore, India, is a premier institution dedicated to providing world-class education in business and management. Accredited by the NBA and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities and the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, ISBR has consistently been ranked as a platinum institute by AICTE-CII. With a diverse student body, a strong emphasis on industry collaboration, and a curriculum designed to foster innovation and leadership, ISBR Business School is committed to shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. The school’s robust placement record and partnerships with top global companies underscore its commitment to excellence and career readiness for its students