High-impact literature reviews synthesize existing knowledge and highlight research gaps. They are often widely read and cited because they serve as key reference points for researchers and practitioners. In this three-day course, you will learn the basic tools to conduct a high impact literature review. You will learn how to conduct a structured literature search, code and analyze the literature, and understand what is required to write a compelling review proposal. As part of the assessment of this course, you will write a review proposal in which all elements of conducting a high impact literature review will be combined.  

Learning goals

• Understanding the different types of reviews
• Identifying an impactful review topic
• Conducting a structured literature search
• Coding and analyzing literature
• Writing a review proposal

Content

In three sessions, the following topics are covered:

Session 1 – Introduction and contribution:

• Different types of reviews and their functions
• Identifying a topic for a high impact review
• Formulating a research question

Session 2 – Literature search:

• How to conduct a structured literature search
• Inclusion/exclusion criteria
• Organizing and coding the literature

Session 3 – Analysis and results:

• Analyzing the literature
• Structuring and writing the review
• Publication outlets for reviewing

In order to get the most out of sessions 2 and 3, it is helpful to spend about 3 hours preparing for those sessions. Preparation for session 2 includes finding your review topic and conducting a (basic) literature search. Preparation for session 3 includes developing a coding scheme to organize your data.

Assessment

Written assignment (100%): A review proposal in AMA or JOM style format of the student’s topic of choice. This is a PASS/FAIL assignment.

Workload (in hours)

• Online/on campus sessions: 3x3 hours
• Session preparation: 2x3 hours
• Required literature: 10 hours
• Assignment/exam: 30 hours

Additional information

In three half days, the most important elements of writing a high impact literature review are covered. Please note that attendance is mandatory. In addition, preparations for sessions 2 and 3 will take 3 hours.

The final assignment will be a written review proposal in the format of Journal of Management or Academy of Management Annals, and is due on Wednesday, July 16, 23.59. This is a pass/fail assignment.

Literature

Cronin, M. A., & George, E. 2023. The why and how of the integrative review. Organizational research methods, 26(1), 168-192. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428120935507

Cropanzano, R. 2009. Writing nonempirical articles for Journal of Management: General thoughts and suggestions. Journal of Management, 35(6), 1304-1311. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206309344118

Elsbach, K. D., & van Knippenberg, D. 2020. Creating high‐impact literature reviews: An argument for “integrative reviews.” Journal of Management Studies, 57: 1277–1289. https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12581

Krlev, G., Hannigan, T., & Spicer, A. 2025. What Makes a Good Review Article? Empirical Evidence From Management and Organization Research. Academy of Management Annals, 19(1), 376-403. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2021.0051

Rousseau, D. M. 2024. Reviews as research: Steps in developing trustworthy synthesis. Academy of Management Annals, 18(2), 395-402. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2024.0132  

Course fee: € 500.

Registration: 

• ERIM Full-time PhD candidates register free of charge directly via Osiris.
• Non-ERIM members register via Osiris. Payment can be done by direct payment or invoice