While the external structure establishes an organization using chapters and subchapters, the “internal structure” refers to the order within each individual chapter. Here, the focus is on the so-called “red thread” or logical flow.

This includes, on one hand, clearly communicating this logical sequence to the reader (e.g., through paragraphs or guiding text). On the other hand, it is important that the components of the text are meaningfully connected. According to Brink (2007, p. 143), meaningful connections include hierarchical relationships (superior, equal, subordinate), contrast relations, cause-effect relationships, means-end relationships, part-whole relations, or before-after relations. For example, a literature review on the concept of “customer satisfaction” could be structured effectively by first addressing the causes of customer satisfaction and then its effects.