Systematic Literature Review: Building a Foundation for Novel Research

On Saturday, 20 September 2025, the Centre for Research of IAEI UK organised an online research training titled “How to Prepare and Write a Systematic Literature Review”. The session was delivered by Astrid Harningtyas and moderated by Kemala Putri Ayunda, with active participation from IAEI UK members and management.

The training emphasised the crucial role of the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) in academic research. Unlike a traditional narrative review, an SLR provides a structured approach to mapping existing studies within a field, enabling researchers to identify key developments, research gaps, and opportunities for novelty. For early-stage PhD students in particular, the SLR is invaluable in offering a roadmap of the academic landscape, helping them avoid duplication and position their work to generate original contributions.

One of the methodological tools highlighted during the session was the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. PRISMA guides researchers through a transparent and reproducible process that includes defining research questions, setting inclusion and exclusion criteria, documenting database search strategies, screening and eligibility checks, and synthesising findings. By following this framework, researchers are able to produce systematic reviews that are rigorous, credible, and trustworthy, ensuring that their conclusions rest on a solid and well-documented foundation.

The discussion also brought forward some of the ongoing debates around the practice of SLR. On the one hand, authors often feel the need to ensure the quality of their review by including only peer-reviewed journal articles. Yet, in the case of emerging topics, much of the relevant discussion and innovation is often found in other sources, such as book chapters or working papers, which raises questions about inclusivity and comprehensiveness. On the other hand, while some senior academics continue to question the overall value of SLR papers compared to empirical studies, for many young scholars these reviews remain an essential entry point into their field, offering clarity and structure in navigating vast amounts of literature.

The workshop concluded with a call from the Centre for Research inviting participants to contribute to a collective book project (bunga rampai). This initiative aims to provide IAEI UK members with a platform to channel their innovative and original ideas, strengthening not only their individual scholarly contributions but also the collective academic spirit of the organisation.

Through this initiative, IAEI UK reaffirms its commitment to empowering its members with research capacity-building programmes. By equipping young scholars with robust tools such as the SLR and fostering collaborative projects, the organisation continues to advance a culture of academic excellence and meaningful knowledge creation.

Contributor: Muhamad Rizky Rizaldy