So I have sorted out the what and how of my lit review, and have decided that it should be organised thematically. I have researched some papers for the first theme, and plan to make notes on A4 paper and then file them in themes. I have developed a 'form' as it were, with boxes and questions (such as reference, source, aims, theoretical implications, criticisms, etc)to fill out on each paper to help with note taking.

I am hoping that when I come to write my lit review I can just go through my notes (which will be in order) and it will make my life easier. What do you guys think of my plan? Am I being way to organised and logical about this process?

No, I think you are approaching this in a very methodical way and I wished I had done that. I wrote my lit review for my year panel in Jan and had it ripped to shreds (not literally but I felt like doing that afterwards!. I am now re-writing it from a different angle and using themes and notes addressing a list of questions about each work but I wish I had been that organised in the first place. It would have saved a lot of time and hassle. So, I think your way of working is very sensible.

Thanks, Its just all the other PhD students in my department think im crazy and laugh at me for labelling all my files!

They are just jealous that you are organised!

Well you will have the last laugh on them. I also have a tight system for tracking ref material - it's very easy to lose sight of the material and forget to use it otherwise.