Supply chain management and institutional theory: bibliometric analysis, theoretical insights, and topic modeling

Abstract

This paper analyzes current supply chain management (SCM) literature through the lens of management theories. The research traces the evolution of supply chain management from its background in production and operations management to its emergence as an independent discipline. The study systematically identifies shifts from closed to open system perspectives and examines supply chain management, evaluating internal and external factors.
Methods: Bibliometric analysis, theoretical analysis, and topic modeling.
The paper uses the Web of Science and Scopus databases to understand how the supply chain relates to other management theories. The results show that several theories are mentioned repetitively within both databases. One such theory is the institutional theory, which is later analyzed in depth. Additional keyword research in the databases helps model potential topics for future research. The topic modeling results provide potential thematic areas for future research.
The study’s limitations include the following: focusing solely on bibliometric analysis and topic modeling. Future research can consist of a systematic literature review or mixed-methods research. Also, other theories such as Stakeholder theory and Organizational theory in relation to supply chain management may be explored.