FRSB HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING WORKSHOP ON SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW FOR HIGH-IMPACT JOURNALS

Dr Sarah Abdulkareem Salih

SRI SERDANG, 14^th August 2024 - On 14 and 15 August 2024, the Faculty of Design and Architecture (FRSB) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) marked a significant milestone by hosting one of the first workshops on Systematic Literature Review entitled “HOW TO WRITE AND PUBLISH SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW IN HIGH IMPACT JOURNAL.” The workshop aimed to train researchers to conduct and prepare a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and/or Scoping Review (SR) from A to Z for high-impact journal publication. This pioneering workshop was not only focused on the intricacies of SLR but also delved into various other types of literature reviews, including Scoping Reviews (SR), relevant for journal article publication, thesis writing, and survey tool development. The workshop was a collaborative effort organized by the PUTRA DESIGN NUCLEUS (PDN) team, led by Dr Mohd Fabian Hasna and miss NurFitriah Mohamad Norwan, and speaker Dr Sarah Abdulkareem Salih, a faculty member with experience in SLR and SR methodologies 

This event was a landmark for FRSB as it was one of the first to comprehensively address the entire process of conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), including the steps involved, the development of a review protocol, and the utilization of specialized software tools.Held at the FRSB Seminar Hall, the workshop spanned two full days, from 8 am to 5 pm, offering an intensive yet rewarding experience for the participants. The event attracted a diverse group of 42 participants from over 13 different academic fields, including management education, multimedia systems, landscape and urban planning, architecture and design, integrated design, computer research, food security, modern language and communication, mass communication, health science and medicine, clinical psychology, clinical nutrition, and environmental biotechnology. Among the attendees were an Associate Professor, a member of the UPM library staff, and 40 graduate students pursuing Master’s and Ph.D. degrees.The first day of the workshop introduced participants to the fundamental concepts of SLR, SR, and literature review methodologies. We provided a thorough overview of how to conduct both SLR and SR from start to finish. The day was packed with practical demonstrations, including a session on how to conduct the SLR utilizing UPM's extensive databases and how to effectively use Mendeley Desktop for managing references, which is crucial for organizing and conducting comprehensive literature reviews. I have guided the participants through the process of downloading, installing, and effectively using Mendeley Desktop to streamline their review process. By the end of the day, participants had gained a solid understanding of how to approach SLR and SR, equipped with the tools necessary to conduct thorough and systematic research.

The second day was equally intensive, focusing on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a gold standard in systematic review methodology. Participants were guided through the practical steps of implementing PRISMA in their research, learning how to prepare a well-structured SLR draft suitable for submission to high-impact journals. The workshop also offered invaluable tips on how to navigate the often daunting process of getting these reviews published, emphasizing the importance of meticulousness and adherence to guidelines. Most importantly, the workshop was designed to be highly interactive, with participants encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions, which further enriched their learning experience. In addition to the formal sessions, I shared my personal experiences and best practices for writing and publishing different types of SLR and SR. This personalized touch added significant value to the workshop, as participants were able to gain insights from real-world examples and apply them to their own work.The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony attended by FRSB Dean, Associate Professor Ts. Gs. Dr. Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof; who rewarded the participants with a certificate of participation and commended the initiative and the participants' dedication. The event was not just an academic exercise; it was a collaborative and community-building effort. Undoubtedly, the participants were served a delicious breakfast and lunch that were specially prepared for the attendees.The success of the workshop was evident not only in the number of participants but also in the high level of interaction and engagement throughout the two days. The enthusiasm and commitment of the participants were clear, as many requested additional sessions for further discussion and personalized tutoring. In response to this demand, a follow-up session was organized on August 21, where participants had the opportunity to share their preliminary research results and discuss them in depth with me and their peers. This session, held from 9 am to 3 pm, provided a valuable platform for participants to receive feedback and refine their SLR approaches This workshop stands as a testament to FRSB’s commitment to fostering a culture of high-quality research and publication among its students and faculty. By equipping participants with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience on systematic reviews, the workshop has not only enhanced the participants' research capabilities but also fostered continuous improvement within our academic community. We hope that this workshop will contribute to cutting-edge research training that meets the evolving needs of the academic community in UPM and Malaysia that FRSB is committed to continuing to provide.

Date of Input: 09/09/2024 | Updated: 09/09/2024 | marini