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
Course 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
Contact
- Content related questions
Dr Jasmien Khattab
Email address - Enrolment related questions
ERIM Doctoral Office
Email address
Register directly via the course site. If you have previously attended an ERIM course, you will already have an EUR account. If not, you will be asked to create one to complete your enrolment and receive access to course materials.
- Browse courses: Select the course that interests you and click on 'Register now'.
- Create an account: Submit the details for your account. You will need it to access the course materials via the university’s learning management system.
- Complete registration: Fill out the registration form and submit payment.
- Confirmation: Receive a confirmation email with course details.
ERIM Full-time and Part-time PhD candidates can register free of charge via the university’s student information system, Osiris. A EUR student account is required to log in and enrol.
Course fee: €250 per EC credit
Fee waiver: Available for ERIM members and ERIM Full-time & Part-time PhD candidates.
After submitting your application, you will receive payment instructions. Your spot is confirmed once payment is received. When submitting the online form, you can choose between direct payment or invoice. A fee waiver is available for ERIM members and ERIM Full-time & Part-time PhD candidates.
Course materials will be available via Canvas, the university’s learning management system. You can access them using the account provided upon registration. If you encounter issues, try copying the link into an incognito/private browser window.
By default, all announcements from Canvas are sent to your EUR student email account. You can add your preferred personal email address under Canvas > User Account > Settings > Ways to connect (right side menu).
Participation in ERIM Summer School grants you also access to Erasmus University Library. The online collection includes e-journals, e-books, online articles and other resources. It can be accessed easily through the Library website with your EUR student account.