How to Write a Dissertation in Management

Studying management involves analyzing human behavior in organizational settings and understanding the dynamics of leadership, influence, and power. Writing an article review in management requires summarizing and critically evaluating an article written by a management professional. Professors assign these tasks to help students engage with industry research and develop analytical skills. Similarly, management professionals often review the work of their peers to contribute to the field’s knowledge base.

This guide provides essential steps and strategies to structure and write an effective article review in management.

Organizing Your Article Review

1. Understanding the Structure of a Review

Before reading the article, familiarize yourself with the general structure of an article review. This will help you approach the reading with a critical eye. A well-organized review should include:

• Summary of the article: Key points, claims, and findings.
• Evaluation of strengths: Positive aspects, meaningful insights, and contributions to the field.
• Identification of weaknesses: Gaps, contradictions, lack of research, or areas needing improvement.

2. Skimming the Article for a Preliminary Understanding

• Read the title, abstract, introduction, and headings to get an overview of the article.
• Identify the main arguments before reading the entire text.
• Take note of terminology and key concepts in management that may require further clarification.

3. Reading the Article Thoroughly

• Highlight essential points and supporting arguments as you read.
• Take notes on the author’s claims, evidence, and conclusions.
• Compare the article’s findings with what you have learned in class or from other sources.
• Evaluate whether the author’s argument aligns with or contradicts existing management theories.

Writing Your Article Review

1. Creating an Effective Summary

• Use your own words to summarize the key points of the article.
• Avoid personal opinions in the summary—focus on conveying the author’s ideas accurately.
• Identify the author’s thesis statement and central arguments.
• Determine which parts of the article are most relevant to your review.

2. Developing a Strong Title

Your title should clearly reflect the focus of your review. Consider whether you want to use a:

• Descriptive title: States the topic (e.g., A Review of Strategic Leadership in Modern Organizations).
• Declarative title: Takes a position (e.g., Why Leadership Theories Need a New Perspective).
• Interrogative title: Poses a question (e.g., Is Servant Leadership Still Effective in Today’s Business Environment?).

3. Citing the Article Correctly

• Provide the full citation in the appropriate format (APA, MLA, or Harvard).
• Example in MLA format: Strauss, A. “The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research.” Arizona Quarterly 50.3 (2015): 198-47. Print.

4. Introducing the Article in Your Review

• State the article’s title, author, publication date, and journal name.
• Example: The article, “The Role of Financial Planning in Corporate Decision-Making,” was written by Christopher Mackeson, PhD, from Harvard University and published in 2023.

5. Writing a Strong Introduction

• Introduce the main themes and arguments of the article.
• Identify the thesis statement (even if it is not explicitly stated).
• State your purpose for reviewing the article.

6. Summarizing the Article

• Explain the main points, arguments, and conclusions using your own words.
• Discuss how the author supports their claims with research or evidence.
• Include direct references to key findings or significant conclusions from the article.
• Keep your summary concise, avoiding unnecessary details.

7. Critiquing the Article

• Assess the clarity, research depth, and relevance of the article.
• Evaluate the author’s methodology and evidence—is it well-supported?
• Identify any biases, gaps, or contradictions in the argument.
• Discuss whether the article contributes valuable insights to the field of management.
• Provide examples or counterarguments from other management literature if necessary.

8. Concluding the Review

• Summarize the article’s key points and your evaluation.
• Discuss the article’s relevance to management studies and practice.
• Suggest areas for future research based on the article’s findings.
• Example conclusion: This review evaluated the article “The Impact of Remote Work on Employee Productivity” by Dr. Jane Thompson. The study offers strong insights into virtual leadership strategies but lacks quantitative data to support its claims. Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies examining the long-term effects of remote work on corporate efficiency.

Finalizing Your Article Review

1. Proofreading and Editing

• Take a break before revising your work for a fresh perspective.
• Check for grammar, punctuation, and clarity errors.
• Ensure that your summary and critique are logically structured and easy to follow.
• Verify that you have cited all sources correctly and adhered to formatting guidelines.

2. Reviewing for Completeness

• Ensure you have identified at least three to four key points from the article.
• Maintain a formal academic tone using third-person perspective.
• Confirm that you have followed your professor’s specific instructions.

Conclusion

Writing an article review in management requires a structured approach that includes summarizing key points, evaluating the author’s arguments, and providing critical insights. By following these steps, you can produce a well-researched and analytical review that enhances your understanding of management literature. With careful proofreading and adherence to academic standards, your review will demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills.