ASSIGNMENT 1: ACADEMIC LITERATURE REVIEW The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a review of the literature that currently exists on “entrepreneurial opportunity”. The review must include at least four research articles from peer-reviewed journals that pertain to this topic. You will likely need to supplement your literature review with additional materials (i.e., other journal articles on your topic). A literature review is an analysis of what has already been published on a question or issue. You will discover key themes as you research and synthesise the most interesting and relevant information in your review. It is an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Entrepreneurial Opportunities. You will learn to read widely, see patterns and relationships and summarise relevant information. These are all essential skills for research, report writing, and professional practice. Basic outline for the literature review: 1. Introduction to the topic (about two paragraphs in length) What is the area of interest? (i.e. introduce topic; definition of entrepreneurial opportunity) 2.Review of the journal articles In this section, you should SYNTHESIZE and EVALUATE the INFORMATION YOU HAVE GAINED from reading the journal articles you chose. You must include a MINIMUM of four research articles, but you can supplement with other peer-reviewed research. Articles should be published WITHIN THE LAST FIVE YEARS and never more than 10 years old. Research studies should always be referred to in the past tense as they have already been completed. Based on your research into the current literature about your topic, what is known about this topic? Where is the research on your topic weak? What is still unknown about this topic? 3. Summary of material ACROSS the articles (about one paragraph in length): Overall, what can you say is known about this topic? Summarize and integrate the knowledge in brief. Is there general agreement among the authors of these journal articles? If there is disagreement, what were some possible reasons for this? What is still unknown about your topic? This literature review is due on 13th of October 2022 (Week 7) before Midnight and is worth 50% of your grade for this semester for the module. The Review should be approximately 1500-2000 words in length (Font 12, Times New Roman) and follow the Harvard Referencing system. Review Guidelines Conducting the Review: Clearly setting out the parameters of the review: Organizing your Answer: Organise your answer around key issues – What critical themes emerged. – Discuss, analyse and evaluate them in detail • Be careful not to fall into the trap of too much ‘story telling’. Being Critically Evaluative Question the assumptions or key points in the area under investigation Compare different views and information – Avoid generalising – Sweeping statements Establish what your opinions are with regard to the subject area – have you questioned those assumptions? Incorporate relevant claims / evidence / examples Ensure that the material you use is meaningful • Provide evidence from high quality journals to support your claims (in ABI Inform tick the box for ‘peer reviewed’ journals) – Try and avoid over reliance on one or two sources Check the reliability of evidence, the sources, corroboration, etc. e.g., what makes evidence reliable? Summarizing and integrating knowledge The ability to synthesize key knowledge succinctly. – Identification of key themes. – Identification of gaps in current understanding. – Ability to identity future research ideas. Assessment Criteria Content and structure 80% • Critical evaluation of the subject • Justification of points made • Logical and well-developed argument • Effective synthesis and analysis of material • Understanding and interpretation • Extent of reading and range of theory covered • Logical organisation and presentation of the paper • Conclusions Literature Sources 15% • Sources adequately acknowledged and referenced • Representative evidence chosen • Evidence of outside/additional reading and investigation Language and style 5% • Appropriate fluent vocabulary, formal academic tone • Correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, formatting • Fluent sentences, clear transitions, and effective paragraph structure • Effective use of Harvard Referencing Protocols
