How to Write an Article Review in Business Studies: Everything You Need to Know

An article review in business studies is a combination of summary, analysis, and evaluation of an academic work written by another scholar. Instructors often assign this type of task to help students engage with professional writings in their field. Writing an article review forces students to study a piece of academic research in depth, analyze its findings, and assess its real-world applicability. Unlike general summaries, article reviews in business studies require a critical perspective, evaluating the article’s effectiveness in addressing real-world business problems and decision-making processes.

Pre-Writing Steps: Laying the Groundwork

Sometimes, an instructor assigns a specific article for review, while at other times, students can select their own. If you have the freedom to choose, pick an article that is relevant, well-researched, and contributes meaningfully to the field of business studies. Additionally, define the angle from which you will review the article. Instead of simply summarizing it, consider analyzing it through a specific lens, such as:

• The validity of the research methods used.
• The applicability of the article’s findings in real-world business environments.
• The author’s theoretical framework and how it compares to existing models.
• Potential biases and gaps in the study.

Example of a focused review topic:

• Examining the Practicality of Business Scaling Strategies in “Challenges of Startup Growth” by C.B. Jackson.
• Evaluating the Accuracy of Consumer Behavior Predictions in “Retail Trends in the Digital Age” by D.E. Collins.

Understanding Your Target Audience

Article reviews in business studies are typically intended for an academic or professional audience. Your readers are likely familiar with business concepts, so while a summary is necessary, the focus should be on critical analysis rather than basic explanation.

Analyzing the Article

Before writing, ensure you thoroughly understand the article by:

1. Reading it in Full: Avoid making assumptions based on abstracts or introductions.
2. Identifying Key Arguments: Note the article’s thesis, supporting evidence, and conclusions.
3. Recognizing Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify any gaps in logic, unsupported claims, or limitations.
4. Considering Practical Implications: How do the article’s findings apply to real-world business scenarios?

Structuring the Article Review

1. Introduction

The introduction should provide a concise overview of the article and your review’s focus. Include:

• The title, author, and publication details.
• A brief summary of the article’s main argument.
• Your thesis statement outlining the key points of your review.

Example:

“In the article ‘Consumer Psychology in E-commerce’ by D. Roberts, the author explores how psychological principles influence online shopping behavior. This review evaluates the validity of the research methodology and assesses the practicality of the article’s recommendations for businesses.”

2. Summary of the Article

Provide a clear, objective summary of the article’s key points, including:

• The main thesis or research question.
• The methods used in the study.
• The key findings and conclusions.
• Any significant recommendations made by the author.

Ensure that this section is neutral and does not include personal opinions or critiques.

3. Critical Analysis

This is the core of your review, where you critically assess the article’s strengths and weaknesses. Consider:

• Content Accuracy: Are the claims well-supported by data and research?
• Research Methodology: Are the methods used appropriate and reliable?
• Practical Implications: Can businesses realistically apply these findings?
• Theoretical Relevance: Does the article contribute meaningfully to the field?

Use specific examples and references from the article to support your analysis.

Example:

“While the article presents compelling data on digital marketing trends, it relies heavily on self-reported survey responses, which may introduce bias. Additionally, the study does not account for external economic factors that may influence consumer behavior.”

4. Conclusion

Summarize your key findings and restate your overall assessment of the article. Conclude with:

• A brief recap of your main points.
• Your final evaluation of the article’s contribution to business studies.
• Suggestions for further research or improvements.

Example:

“Roberts’ analysis of consumer psychology in e-commerce offers valuable insights, but its reliance on self-reported data limits its reliability. Future research should incorporate experimental methods to validate these findings.”

Editing and Proofreading

Before submitting your review, refine your writing by:

1. Ensuring Clarity: Use clear, concise language appropriate for business studies.
2. Eliminating Redundancies: Avoid repeating the same points.
3. Checking for Objectivity: Ensure your analysis is based on evidence rather than personal opinions.
4. Verifying Citations: Ensure all references are properly cited according to academic standards.