Synthesis

Literature review brings together current body of subject knowledge.
Most academic papers are relatively short (<10 pages) therefore cannot contain current body of knowledge, just reference to parts that are reported on in paper.
Papers typically make only small contribution to body of knowledge.
Need to read a lot of papers.
Literature review demonstrates ability to bring together information and present it in clear & understandable way.
The synthesis takes info from wide range of sources and results in a coherent whole.