FROM SYNTHESIS TO THEORY: WRITING LITERATURE REVIEWS THAT CONTRIBUTE

Course Description:

Writing a literature review is more than summarizing existing research.
A strong literature review critically engages with prior studies,
identifies important gaps, and develops new theoretical insights.




This PhD course focuses on developing literature reviews that
advance theory and offer publishable contributions.
Through three interactive workshops, participants will explore
different review approaches, learn how to synthesize and critically
evaluate existing research, and strengthen the theoretical
positioning and contribution of their own PhD projects.
The course combines practical assignments, interactive discussions,
and feedback on participants' work.




Instructor:

The course will be taught by Professor Dana Minbaeva,
Professor of Strategic Human Capital at King's College London
and an internationally recognized scholar in strategic human
capital and international business.

Drawing on her extensive editorial experience with
Academy of Management Review,
Journal of International Business Studies, and
Human Resource Management, she will share valuable
insights into developing compelling theoretical contributions
and publishing in leading academic journals.




Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand different approaches to conducting literature reviews.


• Critically synthesize and evaluate existing academic research.


• Identify research gaps and opportunities for theoretical contributions.


• Develop the theoretical positioning of their own research projects.


• Strengthen their ability to develop publishable literature reviews.

Course Dates:

5 November 2026, 1:00–4:00 pm

26 November 2026, 1:00–4:00 pm

17 December 2026, 1:00–4:00 pm




The session on 26 November will also include a talk
on publishing context-rich research in leading academic journals.




Assessment and Course Requirements:

To successfully complete the course and receive credits
towards their doctoral studies, participants are required
to actively participate in all three workshops and
complete the following assignments:

• 
  Assignment 1:
  Preparation of one presentation slide and
  a short in-class presentation.
  


• 
  Assignment 2:
  Submission of a two-page written assignment
  addressing the questions provided in the course outline.
  


• 
  Assignment 3:
  Preparation of four presentation slides and
  an in-class presentation.
  

The assignments are designed to help participants
apply the concepts discussed in the workshops
to their own research projects and develop
their theoretical contributions.




Credits:

The course can be credited towards the doctoral study programme,
subject to the applicable programme requirements.




Target Group:

PhD students interested in developing theory-driven
literature reviews and strengthening the theoretical
contributions of their research.




Language:

English




Maximum Number of Participants:

Approximately 8–9 participants. A limited number
of places are available for doctoral researchers
from other chairs.




Application:

To apply, please send the following information:

• Name


• Year of PhD study


• Name of supervisor


• Chair affiliation


• Short motivation letter explaining your interest in the course (maximum one page)

Please submit your application via email to

sekretariat.froese@wiwi.uni-goettingen.de
.




Application Deadline:

25 October 2026




We look forward to receiving your applications!