Writing Doctoral Dissertation Literature Review: Identifying the Prerequisites, Corequisites and the Iterative Process for Writing the Literature

Abstract

Aim/Purpose: Identify the prerequisites, the corequisites, and the iteration processes in organizing and writing the literature review chapter of doctoral dissertations. Background: Writing the literature review chapter of doctoral dissertations presents unique challenges. Students waste a lot of time identifying material to write, and the experience is generally that of frustration and time delay. Methodology: Paper reviews literature to identify levels of information helpful for writing the literature review chapter: prerequisites, corequisites, and iteration process. Contribution: Paper identifies and explains the prerequisites, the corequisites, and iteration steps that go into organizing the reviewed literature and suggests putting them into use when starting the literature review chapter of a doctoral dissertation. Findings: Writing a doctoral dissertation literature review is long and complicated be-cause some delve into the writing without much preparation. By identifying what is helpful prior to commencing and during the writing as well as being cognizant of the repetitive steps, this paper sheds light on what goes on during the preparation for writing the literature review. Recommendations for Practitioners: Before delving into the writing of the literature review, it will be helpful to identify the prerequisites, the corequisites, and the iteration process that goes into the writing of literature review. Recommendations for Researchers: More research is needed to give detailed suggestions on what to do during the writing of the literature review. Impact on Society: The findings of this research will help doctoral mentors/advisors guide students in completing the chapter on literature review.