Hello,

You begin with an idea , if you wish look for co-author put it down on paper and then go about finding related literature ,to get a view of work done by others in same domain or area ,that is where you find the gaps and then you rethink your idea if possible to fill the gaps,decide on methodology for data collection,analysis and interpretation and then finally now set the paper in a sequence beginning with abstract and then full paper,last the references ,however as you go along this journey do keep a diary of all the references hard or digital.

I have written all my papers at my work place,i am professor in business school.

Hello,

You begin with an idea , if you wish look for co-author put it down on paper and then go about finding related literature ,to get a view of work done by others in same domain or area ,that is where you find the gaps and then you rethink your idea if possible to fill the gaps,decide on methodology for data collection,analysis and interpretation and then finally now set the paper in a sequence beginning with abstract and then full paper,last the references ,however as you go along this journey do keep a diary of all the references hard or digital.

I have written all my papers at my work place,i am professor in business school.

My experience in writing papers is definetely limited in comparison to other members of RG, but anyway, that is how I work. 

At first there is the idea, which might be inspired by various data collected, assumptions, previous readings, etc.

As soon as the idea is formed, literature search follows. That would include identification of research findings, methodologies in order to form the relevant research questions and of course the plan. 

Data collection and analysis follows, as well as conclusions. 

I write both at home and at work, depending on my schedule. I would assume this applies to many people. 

Like I said though I am not the most experienced person.

After having the results, I advise you to see the guide of the journal where you want to publish your research work. Attached you will find an example.

Dear colleague

When studying at throughout college, you will likely be asked to prepare research papers. A research paper can be used for exploring and identifying scientific, technical and social issues. If it's your first time writing a research paper, it may seem daunting, but with good organization and focus of mind, you can make the process easier on yourself. Writing a research paper involves four main stages: choosing a topic, researching your topic, making an outline, and doing the actual writing. The paper won't write itself, but by planning and preparing well, the writing practically falls into place. Also, try to avoid plagiarism.

To learn more you can see following link:

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Research-Paper

Thank you and Good luck

Thanks to all who responded... Could you please also address the third question "Do you write in the office or at home? Can this be done during "normal work" or is it something extra?"

Thanks @ Jiří Ambros for a good question.

What time do you start writing?

It depends on whether it is a purely theoretical result, or a serious experimentation was a significant part of it, whether you are a solo author, or you have co-authors. Theoretical results supposed to reach a harmony between a clearly defined problem, and its resolution idea, methods, logic, and mathematics. Once it is all in place – it is time to start writing!

Works based on experimental methods require more ingredients to be completed first – the ideological basis for the experimentation is to be established, the results (being sometimes quite unpredictable) are to be thorough checked and analyzed, and discussed within the organization. Once a consensus of the results reliability, meanings, and values has reached a unanimous rather positive trust – it is time to start writing!     

… do you write when you are sure that you have read everything about the topic... or you start right after reading some and seeing the gap?

Key references are quite clear from the start, but the complete references checklist is required with patching a number of possible gaps.

Do you write in the office or at home? Can this be done during "normal work" or is it something extra?

To a large extent, it depends on the author’s individual preferences and opportunities. In my experience, it is a quite short but a very challenging time, when sometimes you are forgetting where are you at, and is it day or night?

Thank you very much for advice... especially the last one is very one :-)

Do you start writing from the moment you have an idea or you wait until all pieces are together (theory, data, results)? I usually start writing when I have formulated my results in tables and/or figures.

The same with references - do you write when you are sure that you have read everything about the topic... or you start right after reading some and seeing the gap? The second, in general, is true.

Do you write in the office or at home? Can this be done during "normal work" or is it something extra? I write at both office and home. The writing of papers, for me, is something extra.

Regards