Why does a literature review need a different approach than a research summary?
A literature review is not a list of sources summarized one after another.
Synthesis
Supervisors at institutions like the University of Dubai's College of Business Administration grade a literature review on synthesis, meaning how well you organize existing research into themes, identify where studies agree or conflict, and locate the specific gap your own research is positioned to fill.
Research Question
The writer working on your review confirms your specific research question before organizing anything.
Backward Structure
A strong literature review is built backward from that question, with every section existing to show why your study is needed, not just to demonstrate that you read a certain number of papers.
Research Purpose
Not just to demonstrate that you read a certain number of papers.