Workshop on systematic literature reviews

Systematic literature reviews play a vital role in synthesizing existing knowledge and answering critical research questions. By following a structured and replicable protocol, these reviews enable researchers to gather and analyze relevant literature systematically. While the skills acquired through conducting systematic literature reviews are invaluable, the process can be overwhelming due to the vast amount of data involved.

Recognizing this challenge, the UGoveRN network organized a workshop to delve into the intricacies of systematic literature reviews and explore their application in the field of governance studies, led by Sara Özogul (University of Groningen).

The workshop began by discussing the key differences between regular literature reviews and systematic literature reviews. While regular reviews often rely on subjective selection criteria and lack a well-defined methodology, systematic reviews adhere to a systematic approach with a clearly outlined protocol. This rigorous methodology ensures that the findings are transparent, replicable, and unbiased. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for researchers seeking to maximize the impact and validity of their literature reviews.

To provide practical insights into the process of conducting a systematic literature review, Sara Özogul shared her experiences and findings from a published systematic review focused on residential investor types. Attendees gained valuable insights into the step-by-step process, from developing a well-crafted research question to systematically downloading and analyzing the results.

The UGoveRN workshop received positive feedback from its members, who appreciated the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of systematic literature reviews. The practical nature of the workshop allowed participants to acquire concrete skills and knowledge applicable to their own research endeavors. As a result, several participants expressed their intent to conduct systematic literature reviews on governance-related topics, further enriching the academic landscape in terms of governance publications.