From data to insights: enhancing literature reviews with bibliometric analysis
Abstract
This paper advocates for a pragmatic approach aimed at demystifying and refining the academic practice of literature reviews, with a particular emphasis on bibliometric analysis. This study adopts a conceptual approach, drawing on an extensive review and synthesis of the existing literature to examine and integrate key ideas in bibliometric methods. Rather than generating new empirical data, the methodology focuses on conceptual analysis to develop a structured understanding and framework of the bibliometric method. This study explored the core areas of bibliometric methods, including a comparative review of major review approaches, an assessment of bibliometric software tools, an examination of bibliometric analysis techniques, an analysis of performance evaluation metrics, an exploration of science-mapping indicators and a systematic outline of the bibliometric analysis process. The work can benefit researchers across disciplines, who may use this study as a foundational reference for exploring specific research areas through the lens of bibliometrics. This study advances the methodological literature by consolidating the core areas and methodological frameworks of bibliometric analysis within literature reviews and discussing emerging developments and methodological considerations relevant to future bibliometric research.