What Is a Scoping Literature Review?

A scoping literature review is a form of evidence synthesis that maps the existing body of literature on a broad topic. Unlike a systematic review, a scoping review does not typically assess the quality of included studies. Instead, it aims to identify the volume, nature, and characteristics of available research. It helps researchers clarify key concepts, define operational definitions, and uncover gaps that justify future primary research or systematic reviews

For postgraduate students in Dubai, a scoping review is particularly valuable when your research area is emerging, complex, or crosses multiple disciplines. It provides a structured yet flexible method to understand what is already known without the stringent quality appraisal demands of a systematic review.

When Should You Choose a Scoping Review?

  • Your research question is broad and exploratory, such as "What is known about online learning challenges among working professionals in the UAE?"
  • You want to identify the types of evidence available (qualitative studies, RCTs, case reports, policy documents).
  • You need to clarify key definitions or concepts used inconsistently across literature.
  • Preparing for a future systematic review and want to first map the available evidence.
  • Your dissertation committee has asked for a comprehensive overview of a poorly understood phenomenon.

Key Differences Between a Scoping Review and a Systematic Review

FeatureScoping ReviewSystematic Review
Research questionBroad and exploratoryNarrow and focused
Quality appraisalUsually not performedAlways performed
Synthesis typeNarrative or thematicNarrative, quantitative, or meta-analysis
OutcomeMapping of evidenceAnswer to a specific question
Time required4 to 8 weeks8 to 16 weeks
Best forEmerging topicsWell researched topics

Our Scoping Review Methodology

We follow the internationally recognised framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005), supplemented by the updated guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. This ensures your review meets academic standards and can be reproduced by other researchers.

The Seven Steps of Our Scoping Review Service
1
Clarifying the Research Question
Define broad research question, key concepts, target population, outcomes. Example: effectiveness of project based learning in Gulf engineering education.
2
Identifying Relevant Studies
Comprehensive search strategy (keywords, MeSH, Boolean) across Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest + grey literature.
3
Selecting Studies
Two independent researchers screen titles/abstracts, then full text. Disagreements resolved by third reviewer.
4
Charting the Data
Standardised extraction: author, year, country, design, population, key findings, gaps.
5
Collating, Summarising, Reporting Results
Narrative summary supported by tables/diagrams answering research question.
6
Consulting with Stakeholders (Optional)
Arrange consultations with experts or end users to validate findings.
7
Final Delivery
Fully referenced, plagiarism-free document in formal UK English, including PRISMA ScR flow diagram, characteristics table, and research gaps.
What You Receive in Your Scoping Review Report
Title page with your name, university, submission date
Abstract summarising review question, methods, key findings
Introduction: background & justification for scoping review
Methods: search strategy, databases, inclusion criteria, data charting
Results: PRISMA ScR flow diagram, study characteristics table, narrative summary
Discussion: interpreting findings, gaps, implications for research/practice
Conclusion: main contributions & limitations
Complete reference list (APA, Harvard, Vancouver, or your style)
Appendices: full search strategy, data charting form, supplementary materials

Who Can Benefit From This Service?

Our scoping literature review service is designed for a wide range of clients.

Undergraduate students completing a final year research project or dissertation

Master’s students, particularly those in taught programmes with a research component.

Doctoral students (PhD and professional doctorates) who need to map the literature before conducting primary research.

Early career researchers applying for grants or ethical approval.

Academic professionals preparing policy briefs or evidence maps for government or institutional stakeholders

Healthcare professionals conducting service evaluations or quality improvement projects

Why Choose Dissertation Dubai for Your Scoping Review?

We offer distinct advantages that set us apart from other academic support services in the UAE.

100% original content

Written from scratch based on your topic. Free Turnitin plagiarism report included.

UK English expertise

Formal British English, spelling & grammar for UK affiliated universities in UAE.

Methodological transparency

Complete audit trail: every search, screening decision & data extraction step documented.

Confidentiality

Personal information never shared. NDA available upon request.

On time delivery

We meet deadlines even for urgent requests. Late delivery = partial/full refund.

Unlimited revisions

Revised until you're fully satisfied (within reasonable period).

Pricing and Timeline

The cost and duration of your scoping review depend on the breadth of your topic and the volume of available literature

Small scoping review

undergraduate or small master’s project

2 to 4 weeks

Covers approximately 20 to 50 included sources.

Standard scoping review

typical master’s or early doctoral project

4 to 6 weeks

Covers approximately 50 to 100 included sources.

Extensive scoping review

doctoral thesis or grant application

6 to 8 weeks

Covers more than 100 included
sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer distinct advantages that set us apart from other academic support services in the UAE.

Generally no. Scoping reviews synthesise already published data. However, some universities require ethical approval for any student research. Check your institution’s policy.

Yes. We can assist with manuscript preparation and journal selection. Additional fees apply.

That is perfectly acceptable for a scoping review. Your report will highlight the absence of evidence as a key finding and recommend future research.

Yes. If you order a scoping review alongside other dissertation chapters, we provide a package discount.

Ready to Begin?

Do not let the complexity of a scoping review delay your dissertation progress. Contact Dissertation Dubai today. Send us your topic or draft research question, and we will provide a free consultation and a fixed price quote within one working day.