A Model-Based Approach to Systematic Review of Research Literature

A systematic approach to develop a literature review is attractive because it aims to achieve a repeatable, unbiased and evidence-based outcome. However the existing form of systematic review such as Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Systematic Mapping Study (SMS) are known to be an effort, time, and intellectual intensive endeavour. To address these issues, this paper proposes a model-based approach to Systematic Review (SR) production. The approach uses a domain-specific language expressed as a meta-model to represent research literature, a meta-model to specify SR constructs in a uniform manner, and an associated development process all of which can benefit from computer-based support. The meta-models and process are validated using real-life case study. We claim that the use of meta-modeling and model synthesis lead to a reduction in time, effort and the current dependence on human expertise.