The solution is like this. First I go through the reference list, and search each item in the body of the paper with the search function provided by the word processor. Any reference that is listed but not cited would be indicated a "NC" preceding. Then go through the main text, put a "NL" in the text where reference was cited but not listed.

Just for backup.

There is a link on the research menu of AIS to “theories used in IS research wiki“. I’ll take this as my main clue of learning. OK, let start with two perspectives of firms.

Resource-based theory of the firm

from http://www.fsc.yorku.ca/york/istheory/wiki/index.php/Resource-based_view_of_the_firm

The resource-based view (RBV) argues that firms possess resources, a subset of which enable them to achieve competitive advantage, and a subset of those that lead to superior long-term performance. Resources that are valuable and rare can lead to the creation of competitive advantage. That advantage can be sustained over longer time periods to the extent that the firm is able to protect against resource imitation, transfer, or substitution. In general, empirical studies using the theory have strongly supported the resource-based view.

Diagram/schematic of RBV theory

Knowledge-based theory of the firm

from http://www.fsc.yorku.ca/york/istheory/wiki/index.php/Knowledge-based_theory_of_the_firm

The knowledge-based theory of the firm considers knowledge as the most strategically significant resource of the firm. Its proponents argue that because knowledge-based resources are usually difficult to imitate and socially complex, heterogeneous knowledge bases and capabilities among firms are the major determinants of sustained competitive advantage and superior corporate performance.

This knowledge is embedded and carried through multiple entities including organizational culture and identity, policies, routines, documents, systems, and employees. Originating from the strategic management literature, this perspective builds upon and extends the resource-based view of the firm (RBV) initially promoted by Penrose (1959) and later expanded by others (Wernerfelt 1984, Barney 1991, Conner 1991).

Although the resource-based view of the firm recognizes the important role of knowledge in firms that achieve a competitive advantage, proponents of the knowledge-based view argue that the resource-based perspective does not go far enough. Specifically, the RBV treats knowledge as a generic resource, rather than having special characteristics. It therefore does not distinguish between different types of knowledge-based capabilities. Information technologies can play an important role in the knowledge-based view of the firm in that information systems can be used to synthesize, enhance, and expedite large-scale intra- and inter-firm knowledge management (Alavi and Leidner 2001).

Cross-validation, sometimes called rotation estimation, is the statistical practice of partitioning a sample of data into subsets such that the analysis is initially performed on a single subset, while the other subset(s) are retained for subsequent use in confirming and validating the initial analysis.

Common Types:

Holdout validation

Repeated random sub-sampling validation

K-fold cross-validation

Leave-one-out cross-validation

Journal of Consumer Research      1.738

Information Systems Research       2.682

MIS Quarterly                                   5.826

Management Science                      1.931

Journal of Marketing Research       1.739

Journal of Marketing                        3.75

Marketing Science                            3.946

……

What shocked me mostly is that the low impact factors of "Management Science". So few people cited articles from this journal? Why it has such a high reputation in all these business schools?

I’ve found a similar one here after a bit of search. Not so bad, I guess.

The structure of a research proposal:

• Introduction and objectives
• Literature and background
• Methodology
• Plans for data analysis
• Timescale and predicted results
• Where to publish

Other guidelines do not have the last one, “where to publish”. But I think it is good for me to begin with the end in my mind.

Some other tips:

• A telephone interview with 800-1000 respondents will cost about 46,000 HKD and almost a week time.

• Once you hire a research assistant, you should prepare to help him or her to start before he/she report duty. And you should keep a track on his/her work progress.

And there were also some discussion about the ongoing research project list or a internal magazine. I think it is a good idea for any other organizations besides a research department.