Where does the literature review fit within the context of research?
The near ubiquitous of the literature review in so many disciplines and areas of policy development must not be allowed to mask the there are essentially three contexts in which a literature review will be showcased:
1 As a component, or even entire ingredient, of a dissertation, thesis or other academic deliverable.
2 As a peer-reviewed publication, typically in a journal or, depending upon the discipline, as a book chapter.
3 As a report resulting from a funded research project or other commissioned research or consultancy.