Format: Live instructor-led online training via Zoom / Microsoft Teams

Systematic Literature Review Techniques Training Course

Course Introduction

The Systematic Literature Review Techniques Training Course is designed to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in conducting systematic, transparent, and evidence-based literature reviews for academic research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and organizational decision-making. In today's knowledge-driven and research-intensive environment, organizations, academic institutions, government agencies, and development partners increasingly rely on systematic literature reviews to synthesize evidence, identify research gaps, evaluate interventions, and support evidence-informed policies and practices. This course provides participants with practical competencies in literature search strategies, evidence synthesis, critical appraisal techniques, and reporting standards necessary for producing high-quality systematic reviews.

The course focuses on the essential components of systematic literature review methodologies, including formulation of review questions, development of review protocols, identification of relevant databases and information sources, literature searching techniques, screening and selection criteria, critical appraisal methods, evidence extraction, synthesis procedures, and preparation of systematic review reports. Participants will gain practical experience in applying internationally recognized systematic review approaches to organize and evaluate existing evidence and generate reliable conclusions that inform research and decision-making processes.

As organizations increasingly emphasize evidence-based practice, scientific rigor, and knowledge management, competencies in systematic literature review techniques have become indispensable for researchers, academicians, postgraduate students, monitoring and evaluation specialists, policy analysts, and development practitioners. This training emphasizes methodological rigor, research transparency, critical thinking, and analytical synthesis approaches that improve research quality, strengthen evidence generation, and support informed strategic planning and policy development initiatives.

Through presentations, practical exercises, collaborative group work, demonstrations, and real-world case studies, participants will develop competencies necessary to plan, conduct, analyze, and report systematic literature reviews effectively. Upon completion of this course, participants will be capable of synthesizing scientific evidence systematically, identifying knowledge gaps, preparing high-quality literature review reports, and contributing to evidence-based research, policy formulation, and organizational learning.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1.     Understand the principles and applications of systematic literature review methodologies.

2.     Formulate review questions and develop systematic review protocols.

3.     Design effective literature search strategies and identify relevant information sources.

4.     Apply screening and selection criteria for evidence identification and appraisal.

5.     Conduct critical evaluation and quality assessment of research studies.

6.     Extract, organize, and synthesize evidence from multiple sources systematically.

7.     Utilize reference management and evidence synthesis tools effectively.

8.     Prepare high-quality systematic literature review reports and presentations.

9.     Identify research gaps and formulate evidence-based recommendations.

10.  Utilize systematic review findings to support research, policy, and strategic decision-making.

Organizational Benefits

Organizations that invest in this training will benefit by:

1.     Strengthening evidence-based planning and decision-making processes.

2.     Improving the quality and rigor of research and policy analysis.

3.     Enhancing knowledge management and information synthesis capabilities.

4.     Supporting strategic planning and policy development initiatives.

5.     Improving program design and intervention effectiveness.

6.     Strengthening organizational learning and continuous improvement practices.

7.     Building staff competencies in research and analytical techniques.

8.     Improving the credibility and reliability of evidence generation processes.

9.     Enhancing innovation through identification of knowledge gaps and emerging trends.

10.  Strengthening organizational performance, accountability, and sustainability.

Target Participants

This course is designed for researchers, academicians, postgraduate students, doctoral candidates, monitoring and evaluation specialists, policy analysts, consultants, program managers, government officials, healthcare professionals, development practitioners, librarians, knowledge management specialists, research coordinators, and professionals involved in research, policy development, evidence synthesis, and strategic decision-making processes.

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Systematic Literature Review Techniques

1.     Principles and concepts of systematic literature reviews

2.     Importance of evidence synthesis and knowledge management

3.     Types of literature reviews and comparative approaches

4.     Systematic review processes and methodological frameworks

5.     Ethical considerations and reporting standards

6.     General Case Study: Developing a systematic review framework for evaluating educational interventions

Module 2: Formulating Review Questions and Developing Protocols

1.     Identifying review topics and defining research problems

2.     Formulating review objectives and research questions

3.     Developing systematic review protocols and plans

4.     Defining inclusion and exclusion criteria

5.     Establishing review timelines and resource requirements

6.     General Case Study: Designing a systematic review protocol for public health policy studies

Module 3: Literature Search Strategies and Evidence Identification

1.     Principles of systematic literature searching

2.     Identifying databases and information sources

3.     Developing keywords and search strings

4.     Conducting electronic and manual literature searches

5.     Managing references and search documentation

6.     General Case Study: Conducting a comprehensive literature search on sustainable development practices

Module 4: Study Screening, Selection, and Critical Appraisal

1.     Screening titles and abstracts systematically

2.     Applying inclusion and exclusion criteria

3.     Assessing methodological quality and study validity

4.     Critical appraisal tools and frameworks

5.     Managing review bias and ensuring transparency

6.     General Case Study: Evaluating the quality of studies examining community health interventions

Module 5: Data Extraction, Evidence Synthesis, and Interpretation

1.     Principles of data extraction and evidence management

2.     Developing evidence extraction frameworks and matrices

3.     Qualitative and quantitative evidence synthesis techniques

4.     Thematic analysis and narrative synthesis approaches

5.     Interpretation of findings and identification of knowledge gaps

6.     General Case Study: Synthesizing evidence on factors affecting organizational performance and service delivery

Module 6: Reporting and Dissemination of Systematic Literature Reviews

1.     Structure and components of systematic review reports

2.     Writing findings, discussions, and conclusions

3.     Developing evidence-based recommendations

4.     Presenting review findings to stakeholders and decision-makers

5.     Utilizing systematic review findings for research and policy development

6.     General Case Study: Preparing and presenting a systematic literature review report to support strategic planning initiatives

General Information

1.     Customized Training: All our courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of participants.

2.     Language Proficiency: Participants should have a good command of the English language.

3.     Comprehensive Learning: Our training includes well-structured presentations, practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and collaborative group work. Our facilitators are seasoned experts with over a decade of experience.

4.     Certification: Upon successful completion of training, participants will receive a certificate from Foscore Development Center (FDC-K).

5.     Training Locations: Training sessions are conducted at Foscore Development Center (FDC-K) centers. We also offer options for in-house and online training, customized to the client's schedule.

6.     Flexible Duration: Course durations are adaptable, and content can be adjusted to fit the required number of days.

7.     Onsite Training Inclusions: The course fee for onsite training covers facilitation, training materials, two coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a Certificate of Successful Completion. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses, airport transfers, visa applications, dinners, health/accident insurance, and personal expenses.

8.     Additional Services: Accommodation, pickup services, freight booking, and visa processing arrangements are available upon request at discounted rates.

9.     Equipment: Tablets and laptops can be provided to participants at an additional cost.

10.  Post-Training Support: We offer one year of free consultation and coaching after the course.

11.  Group Discounts: Register as a group of more than two and enjoy a discount ranging from 10% to 50%.

12.  Payment Terms: Payment should be made before the commencement of the training or as mutually agreed upon, to the Foscore Development Center account. This ensures better preparation for your training.

13.  Contact Us: For any inquiries, please reach out to us at training@fdc-k.org or call us at +254712260031.

14.  Website: Visit our website at www.fdc-k.org for more information.