Karim Rejeb
57217361542
Publications - 45
Industry 5.0 as seen through its academic literature: an investigation using co-word analysis
Publication Name: Discover Sustainability
Publication Date: 2025-12-01
Volume: 6
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Industry 5.0 marks a pivotal advancement in manufacturing and bridges cutting-edge technology with human creativity to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and workplace dynamics. Despite its growing relevance, there remains a significant knowledge gap due to the lack of comprehensive reviews that synthesize the breadth of research and practice in this rapidly evolving field. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of Industry 5.0 and examines a corpus of 915 journal articles from the Scopus database, spanning from January 2016 to May 2024. The study aims to map the evolving landscape and thematic trajectories of Industry 5.0, highlighting its integration with advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and human-centric systems. The findings indicate significant trends in the field, including a shift from theoretical underpinnings to practical applications and the growing emphasis on sustainability and human–machine collaboration. These thematic areas highlight the transformative potential of Industry 5.0 to enhance operational efficiency, workplace dynamics, and environmental sustainability within the industrial sector. By employing bibliometric and co-word analysis, this study addresses existing knowledge gaps and provides a nuanced understanding of the interdisciplinary interactions and future directions in Industry 5.0. The findings reveal the critical role of emerging technologies in driving the next industrial revolution, suggesting that future research should focus on integrating these technologies with socio-economic objectives to fully realize the potential of Industry 5.0. In terms of originality, this study sets a foundation for future explorations and practical implementations that can contribute to more sustainable, efficient, and human-centric industrial practices.
Open Access: Yes
Exploring the state-of-the-art of halal food research using latent Dirichlet allocation
Publication Name: Discover Food
Publication Date: 2025-12-01
Volume: 5
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The rapid growth of the halal food (HF) industry has created a pressing need for a comprehensive synthesis of the existing body of knowledge. However, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding the key themes, patterns, and emerging areas in HF research. This study addresses this gap by systematically analyzing the HF literature to identify key themes, patterns, and emerging areas of interest in the HF field. The study employs latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA)-based topic modeling to uncover and map the underlying themes in the HF literature, analyzing 738 publications from Scopus to determine the main topics and trends in HF research. The analysis reveals six main topics in HF research: (1) HF quality, safety assessment, and production methods; (2) HF supply chain management; (3) HF detection and authentication methods; (4) HF and Islamic culture; (5) HF and consumer behavior; and (6) HF and tourism and hospitality. The study identifies an overall increasing trend in HF research over the years, with particular emphasis on HF supply chain management and consumer behavior, while HF and Islamic culture received comparatively lower levels of attention. This study offers a novel and comprehensive analysis of the HF literature using LDA-based topic modeling, highlighting the key themes and patterns in the field. The insights derived from this study hold significant theoretical and practical implications for researchers, policymakers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers in the rapidly growing HF industry. By identifying the main areas of focus and research gaps, the study serves as a valuable foundation for further research and analysis in the field, ultimately contributing to the ongoing development and evolution of HF research.
Open Access: Yes
The impact of machine learning applications in agricultural supply chain: a topic modeling-based review
Publication Name: Discover Food
Publication Date: 2025-12-01
Volume: 5
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Machine learning (ML) has become a pivotal element in agriculture, providing groundbreaking solutions to tackle intricate issues related to productivity, sustainability, and resource management. A comprehensive examination of the current literature is crucial as the discipline evolves, allowing for the identification of significant themes, trends, and focal discussions. The current study employs latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA)-based topic modeling to examine 1114 publications regarding ML applications in agriculture, sourced from the Scopus database. The analysis indicates notable expansion in ML studies, featuring leading publications across various interdisciplinary fields. Six primary areas have been identified: precision agriculture and remote monitoring, molecular and food composition analysis, food systems and agricultural applications, quality assurance and adulteration detection, advanced financial and technological applications in ML, and predictive modeling for agricultural success and efficiency. Every topic is examined to highlight its contributions and possible avenues for further investigation. The analysis offers theoretical perspectives on the interdisciplinary aspects of ML in agriculture, along with practical applications for farmers, agribusiness experts, policymakers, and technologists. This study represents the first thorough review of ML applications in agriculture utilizing the LDA approach. It provides a current and comprehensive understanding of the field, while also uncovering emerging areas and opportunities for future exploration.
Open Access: Yes
Industry 5.0 research: an approach using co-word analysis and BERTopic modeling
Publication Name: Discover Sustainability
Publication Date: 2025-12-01
Volume: 6
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study addresses a substantial knowledge gap by conducting a complete evaluation of the present landscape and future directions of Industry 5.0. It recognizes the need of synthesizing a wide body of relevant research in order to get a better understanding of the complex nature of Industry 5.0. Using a comprehensive and systematic approach, the current study performed a co-word analysis and BERTopic modeling on a carefully selected dataset of 933 journal articles, sourced from Scopus and originally published between 2016 and 2024. These techniques facilitated the identification and analysis of significant patterns and uncovered integration of technology progress with human-centered strategies in Industry 5.0 frameworks. The study reveals the significant impact of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber-physical systems, and blockchain processes, on improving operational efficiency, security, and sustainability. The study highlights the significance of incorporating these technologies into industrial processes to promote settings that are creative, productive, and attentive to human requirements. The trend analysis uncovers dynamism within Industry 5.0 research, which is featured by a blend of technological innovation, sustainability, and ethical considerations. Combined, these shape a future where these components are deeply interconnected. The research has significant implications, as it provides theoretical advancements and practical recommendations that might impact future industrial policy and firm operations. This study addresses a significant need by offering valuable information on how to combine technical advancements with ethical and sustainable approaches. The goal is to improve productivity and promote the well-being of society. This work is groundbreaking inasmuch as it is one of the first extensive studies in this field. It establishes an important guide for future academic research and practical use in the changing landscape of Industry 5.0.
Open Access: Yes
Mapping the research landscape of blockchain and crowdfunding
Publication Name: Financial Innovation
Publication Date: 2025-12-01
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Blockchain technology and crowdfunding (CF) have emerged as disruptive forces in the finance and entrepreneurship landscape, potentially transforming traditional modes of capital raising and investment. This study investigates the intersection of blockchain technology and CF to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. By examining 219 publications sourced from Scopus, this study employed descriptive statistics, article co-citations, and keyword co-occurrence to identify key bibliometric indicators, themes, and trends. The findings reveal a surge in research activity related to blockchain and CF, emphasizing initial cryptocurrency offerings, financial technology (Fintech), and the role of blockchain in improving transactional efficiency, disintermediation, and venture capital CF. Keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals diverse research themes, including smart contracts, fundraising campaigns, sustainable entrepreneurship, and Islamic Fintech. Based on the findings of this analysis, several implications and directions for further investigation are highlighted. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to analyze the intersection of blockchain technology and CF using scientometric techniques systematically.
Open Access: Yes
When Industry 5.0 Meets the Circular Economy: A Systematic Literature Review
Publication Name: Circular Economy and Sustainability
Publication Date: 2025-08-01
Volume: 5
Issue: 4
Page Range: 2621-2652
Description:
This paper examines the convergence of Industry 5.0 and the circular economy, emphasizing the role of emerging technologies in promoting sustainability via human-centric approaches. In contrast to Industry 4.0, which prioritizes automation and digitalization, Industry 5.0 stresses the synergistic integration of technology, environmental sustainability, and human collaboration to enhance resource efficiency and minimize waste. Using co-word analysis and BERTopic modeling on 283 journal articles extracted from the Scopus database, this research identifies key trends and themes linking Industry 5.0 and the circular economy. The study findings demonstrate the use of automation, machine learning, and 3D printing in sustainable manufacturing, which aligns with circular economy principles by optimizing resource efficiency and reducing waste. The topic modeling analysis further demonstrates the role of blockchain, cybersecurity, and human-centric AI in enabling closed-loop systems while assuring transparency and accountability in circular production models. The collaboration between humans and machines emerges as a crucial topic highlighting the need for adaptive manufacturing systems to balance productivity and environmental responsibility. The findings indicate that Industry 5.0 increasingly aligns with circular economy goals, paving the way to more sustainable, resilient, and human-centric industrial processes. This study offers valuable insights for academics and practitioners, indicating that the confluence of technology, sustainability, and human involvement will propel the future of industrial innovation.
Open Access: Yes
The nexus of IoT and aquaculture: A bibliometric analysis
Publication Name: Applied Food Research
Publication Date: 2025-06-01
Volume: 5
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The Internet of Things (IoT) in aquaculture presents significant opportunities for improving the sector's productivity, sustainability, and resilience. This study aims to achieve two primary goals: to deliver an extensive overview of IoT applications in aquaculture and to pinpoint emerging trends and research gaps, thereby directing future academic endeavors in the aquaculture field. Through bibliometric analysis, which involved keyword co-occurrence and article co-citation network analyses, we investigated 428 publications from 2012 to 2024 retrieved from Scopus. The review indicates a significant rise in investigative efforts, especially in recent years, highlighting the sector's increasing focus on the role of IoT in tackling the distinct challenges aquaculture faces, including water quality monitoring, disease prevention, and resource efficiency. Prominent themes recognized encompass advanced aquaculture systems, water quality and health monitoring, and sophisticated forecasting tools. This investigation enhances the existing knowledge base by emphasizing key themes, significant studies, and essential technological advancements in IoT-enabled aquaculture, providing one of the initial bibliometric assessments in this swiftly developing field. Future research should focus on enhancing interoperability among IoT devices, improving data security and privacy, integrating artificial intelligence for predictive analytics, and expanding IoT applications to support small-scale and resource-constrained aquaculture operations.
Open Access: Yes
Knowledge flows in industry 4.0 research: a longitudinal and dynamic analysis
Publication Name: Journal of Data Information and Management
Publication Date: 2025-06-01
Volume: 7
Issue: 2
Page Range: 123-145
Description:
Industry 4.0 represents a significant shift in industrial practices, presenting unique opportunities to improve manufacturing via advanced digital technologies and sustainable processes. The rapid growth of Industry 4.0 research has uncovered a significant knowledge gap and emphasized the need for studies adopting dynamic and longitudinal perspectives to understand this field’s evolution comprehensively. This study meticulously analyzes 10,176 articles to investigate the thematic evolution and knowledge transfer mechanisms within Industry 4.0. The examination reveals four distinct sub-periods, each characterized by thematic transitions, starting with foundational themes such as simulation and cyber-physical systems, progressing to later focuses on cloud computing, convolutional neural networks, and digital twin technologies. As research progresses, themes like production facilities, monitoring, and security highlight the shift towards automation, real-time monitoring, and strong data security measures. Five primary thematic domains are identified: (1) core enablers of sustainable smart manufacturing, (2) innovation and strategic transformation, (3) smart and secure manufacturing systems, (4) advanced data-driven manufacturing technologies, and (5) AI-driven real-time monitoring and production. These domains illustrate a transition from fundamental enablers like the Internet of Things (IoT) to more intricate AI-based applications. The main path analysis indicates a shift in emphasis, moving from essential digital integration towards sustainability, digital transformation, and resource efficiency applications. The findings reveal significant implications and highlight Industry 4.0 as a driving force for sustainable and resilient industrial ecosystems.
Open Access: Yes
Tracing knowledge diffusion trajectories in the research field of cyberbullying
Publication Name: Heliyon
Publication Date: 2025-01-15
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
In today's digital age, cyberbullying has emerged as a pervasive issue that affects individuals across various social media platforms and digital communication channels. This review explores the developmental trajectory of cyberbullying as an interdisciplinary academic field, employing a unique combination of co-word analysis and main path analysis (MPA) across a substantial body of 5183 documents. This integrated methodological approach allows for a nuanced examination of the evolution of themes and influential works within the realm of cyberbullying research. The findings highlight a complex landscape where initial focus areas, such as the behavioral and psychological triggers of cyberbullying, progressively expand towards exploring effective preventive measures and intervention strategies. Key themes identified include the impact of digital literacy, the dual role of social media as both a vector and a tool against cyberbullying, and the potential of technological advancements in detecting and mitigating cyberbullying. This comprehensive mapping and analysis deepens our understanding of cyberbullying and highlights the dynamic nature of this field, suggesting new directions for future research and practical applications to effectively address cyberbullying across various social and technological contexts. This study represents a pioneering effort in synthesizing a broad spectrum of research to offer detailed insights into the changing dynamics of cyberbullying, marking a significant contribution to both academic knowledge and practical approaches to handling cyberbullying.
Open Access: Yes
A systematic review of female entrepreneurship using co-word and main path analyses
Publication Name: Quality and Quantity
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The objective of this paper is to provide a thorough examination of the developmental trajectory of female entrepreneurship research in order to address the lacuna in the literature. The study employs a combination of co-word analysis and main path analysis (MPA) to conduct a systematic review of the citation network of female entrepreneurship research. This methodology facilitates the identification of dominant themes and foundational works, thereby mapping the gradual diffusion of knowledge throughout the field. The results indicate that critical themes, including the role of social networks in empowering female entrepreneurs, gender biases, access to finance, and entrepreneurial motivation, are present. The MPA delineates the manner in which early works concentrated on gendered challenges, while more recent research has explored topics such as innovation, work-life balance, and microfinance in developing economies. Furthermore, the study underscores emerging trends, including the influence of digitalization and institutional barriers on entrepreneurship. This study is the first to integrate co-word analysis with MPA in the context of female entrepreneurship, thereby offering a comprehensive and innovative perspective on the field’s evolution. In doing so, it provides valuable insights into the evolving research landscape, emphasizing critical gaps and suggesting promising areas for future investigation. This method establishes a precedent for the implementation of more data-driven reviews in the field of entrepreneurship research.
Open Access: Yes
Precision agriculture: A bibliometric analysis and research agenda
Publication Name: Smart Agricultural Technology
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 9
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The emergence of precision agriculture (PA) has brought a radical change in the agriculture sector and significantly contributed to agronomic development. In recent years, academic research on PA has increased at an unprecedented pace. However, a comprehensive picture of how PA can benefit the agriculture sector is still lacking. In addition, there is a clear scarcity of studies on PA that evaluate the impact of this paradigm on agriculture resources and inform practitioners about the importance of data-driven farming and agriculture. Therefore, we attempted to employ a bibliometric method to ascertain the current state-of-the-art and dynamics of PA. The findings of the analysis highlighted four distinct phases and the most predominant enabling technologies in PA. Additionally, we reviewed the key trends and put forth insightful recommendations for future research by researchers and practitioners. In terms of contributions, this review developed an integrative framework comprising PA-related technologies, PA application areas, and PA advantages. Furthermore, the challenges of PA were identified and categorized into four broad groups. Finally, the study's novelty resides in its systematization of the PA literature and its recommendations of several research directions for advancing PA in the agriculture sector.
Open Access: Yes
Drone Applications in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: A Systematic Review Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation
Publication Name: Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering
Publication Date: 2024-09-01
Volume: 49
Issue: 9
Page Range: 12411-12430
Description:
As an emergent technology, drones have grown increasingly integral to the logistics and supply chain management (SCM) sectors. This review paper seeks to address this gap by analyzing a carefully curated dataset of 96 journal articles, sourced from Scopus and Web of Science, concerning drone applications in logistics and SCM. Our study reveals a rising trend in drone-related logistics and SCM research and highlights the growing significance of this technology. Using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), we distilled the corpus into ten distinct topics and provided a comprehensive overview of the field’s thematic landscape. The most prominently studied themes were drones for humanitarian logistics and SCM and optimization of last-mile delivery using drones and trucks in urban logistics. These areas underscore the promise of drones in addressing humanitarian challenges and urban logistics optimization, respectively. Conversely, the least explored topics were drones safety and utility and drone delivery and consumer behavior in food logistics. To our knowledge, this is the first paper applying LDA to examine drone applications in logistics and SCM, offering novel insights into the current state of the literature. Moreover, based on our findings, we propose a future research agenda to encourage further exploration into under-studied areas and to sustain the momentum of this exciting field.
Open Access: Yes
Analyzing Barriers to Internet of Things (IoT) Adoption in Humanitarian Logistics: An ISM–DEMATEL Approach
Publication Name: Logistics
Publication Date: 2024-06-01
Volume: 8
Issue: 2
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background: Effective humanitarian logistics (HL) is essential in disaster response. The “Internet of Things” (IoT) holds potential to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of HL, yet adoption is slowed by numerous barriers. Methods: This study employs interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to explore and classify barriers to IoT integration in HL. Results: A total of 12 barriers were identified, classified, and ranked according to their driving power and dependence. Key barriers include lack of standardization, organizational resistance, data quality issues, and legal challenges. Conclusions: Overcoming these barriers could significantly improve relief operations, reduce errors, and enhance decision-making processes in HL. This investigation is the first of its kind into IoT barriers in HL, laying the groundwork for further research and providing valuable insights for HL managers.
Open Access: Yes
Mapping the scholarly landscape of TikTok (Douyin): A bibliometric exploration of research topics and trends
Publication Name: Digital Business
Publication Date: 2024-06-01
Volume: 4
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The TikTok platform has become widely popular among younger generations and has influenced various industries and aspects of life. This systematic literature review, using bibliometric methods, aims to examine the evolution of TikTok research from its initial development to its current status. A total of 402 journal articles from 2019 to 2022 were systematically selected from the Web of Science Core Collection. Descriptive statistical analysis identified the most contributing academic institutions, nations, journals, scholars, and influential studies. Using CiteSpace, three visualization types were implemented: cluster views, timezone views, and timeline views. The study results indicate that several TikTok research clusters exist, which summarize important topics such as the platform's overall impact on society, politics, culture, as well as human-centric issues such as social attachment, functional tics, and their implications for public health. According to the co-word analysis, TikTok research revolves around body consciousness, social behavior, consumer behavior, and news media. The comprehensive mapping of TikTok research provides valuable insights into the current state of knowledge and identifies numerous relevant technical and social areas for future investigation. As the first bibliometric review of TikTok research, this study offers an important foundation for future scholarly inquiry in various areas.
Open Access: Yes
Blockchain technology in the renewable energy sector: A co-word analysis of academic discourse
Publication Name: Heliyon
Publication Date: 2024-04-30
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The transformative potential of blockchain technology in the renewable energy sector is increasingly gaining recognition for its capacity to enhance energy efficiency, enable decentralized trading, and ensure transaction transparency. However, despite its growing importance, there exists a significant knowledge gap in the holistic understanding of its integration and impact within this sector. Addressing this gap, the current study employs a pioneering approach, marking it as the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis in this field. We have systematically examined 390 journal articles from the Web of Science database, covering the period from 2017 through the end of February 2024, to map the current landscape and thematic trajectories of blockchain technology in renewable energy. The findings highlight several critical thematic areas, including blockchain's integration with smart grids, its role in electric vehicle integration, and its application in sustainable urban energy systems. These themes not only illustrate the diverse applications of blockchain but also its substantial potential to revolutionize energy systems. This study not only fills a crucial gap in existing literature but also sets a precedent for future interdisciplinary research in this domain, bridging theoretical insights with practical applications to fully harness the potential of blockchain in the renewable energy sector.
Open Access: Yes
Exploring the impact of ChatGPT on education: A web mining and machine learning approach
Publication Name: International Journal of Management Education
Publication Date: 2024-03-01
Volume: 22
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence model, has garnered significant interest within education. This study examined public sentiment regarding ChatGPT's influence on education by utilizing web mining and natural language processing (NLP) techniques. By adopting an empirical approach and leveraging machine learning models to process 2003 web articles, the study extracts valuable insights. The results indicate that ChatGPT has emerged as a crucial educational tool, offering advantages for both students and educators. Notably, the study emphasized ChatGPT's role in enhancing students' writing abilities and fostering dynamic, interactive learning environments. ChatGPT's capacity to address a broad spectrum of questions demonstrates its versatility and adaptability, contributing to more inclusive and personalized educational experiences. However, the study also uncovered challenges tied to academic integrity, such as plagiarism and cheating, which stem from incorporating AI-driven tools like ChatGPT into education. This raises concerns regarding ethical aspects, including responsible AI usage and data privacy, and highlights the need for institutions to develop guidelines and policies for AI tool implementation in education. This study's findings hold theoretical and practical implications for integrating ChatGPT into educational settings. It is the first to employ web mining and NLP techniques to analyze public opinions on ChatGPT's impact on education comprehensively.
Open Access: Yes
Smart Logistics for Sustainable Food Industries
Publication Name: Smart Food Industry the Blockchain for Sustainable Engineering Volume II Current Status Future Foods and Global Issues
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 292-306
Description:
Food production, processing and preservation have all advanced significantly over the years. Despite this, the safety and quality of food have been questioned in the aftermath of a long series of food frauds and food safety crises. Adding to the existing complexities related to food safety management and food fraud mitigation, calls for a stronger focus on sustainability have gradually increased in response to the negative effects of climate change and system shocks such as the COVID pandemic. These calls are exacerbated by claims of excessive water consumption for food animals and crops as well as toxic discharges. To meet the expectations of an expanding global population, there is an urgent need to leverage new technologies and embrace digital transformation in order to improve sustainability across the food industry. In this context, smart logistics emerges as an innovative paradigm for integrating novel technologies and realising the potential of cyber-physical systems to improve food logistics operations. Additionally, smart logistics has the potential to improve food chain transparency and ensure timely delivery of perishable food while increasing flexibility and improving efficiency. This chapter discusses emerging technologies that serve as a foundation for smart logistics and are critical enablers for the development of a sustainable food industry. It is primarily focused on a variety of food logistics operations, including warehousing, transportation, and distribution. Technological advancements such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics (BDA), Blockchain Technology (BT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are discussed.
Open Access: Yes
Uncovering the themes and trends in crowdfunding research using Latent Dirichlet Allocation
Publication Name: Management Review Quarterly
Publication Date: 2025-09-01
Volume: 75
Issue: 3
Page Range: 2033-2066
Description:
Crowdfunding (CF) has become a significant force in the entrepreneurial landscape, offering an innovative alternative to traditional financing channels for startups and projects. As the field expands, it is crucial to systematically analyze the existing literature to identify key themes, patterns, and emerging areas of interest. To achieve this goal, this study investigates the CF literature using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA)-based topic modeling based on 1,678 publications extracted from the Scopus database. The review reveals significant growth in CF research, with top journals spanning diverse disciplines. Eight main topics are identified, including CF campaign success and financing, donation-based CF, social effects of CF, entrepreneurial projects and rewards in CF, financial and fintech aspects of CF, CF project success and performance, P2P lending models and credit risk assessment, and equity CF and venture capital. Several research directions are suggested for each topic to advance the CF field. The theoretical and practical implications are also discussed. To the authors’ best knowledge, this study represents the first systematic analysis of the CF literature using the LDA approach, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of this field and highlighting emerging areas of interest and potential research directions.
Open Access: Yes
The research landscape of industry 5.0: a scientific mapping based on bibliometric and topic modeling techniques
Publication Name: Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Industry 5.0 (I5.0) marks a transformative shift toward integrating advanced technologies with human-centric design to foster innovation, resilient manufacturing, and sustainability. This study aims to examine the evolution and collaborative dynamics of I5.0 research through a bibliometric analysis of 942 journal articles from the Scopus database. Our findings reveal a significant increase in I5.0 research, particularly post-2020, yet highlight fragmented collaboration networks and a noticeable gap between institutions in developed and developing countries. Key thematic areas identified include human-robot collaboration, data management and security, AI-driven innovation, and sustainable practices. These insights suggest that a more integrated approach is essential for advancing I5.0, calling for strengthened global collaborations and a balanced emphasis on both technological and human-centric elements to fully realize its potential in driving resilient and sustainable industrial practices. This study provides the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of I5.0, offering valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners.
Open Access: Yes
Tracing Knowledge Diffusion Trajectories in Scholarly Bitcoin Research: Co-Word and Main Path Analyses
Publication Name: Journal of Risk and Financial Management
Publication Date: 2023-08-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 8
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
In the burgeoning field of bitcoin research, a cohesive understanding of how knowledge and insights have evolved over time is lacking. This study aims to address this gap through an exploration of 4123 academic articles pertaining to bitcoin. Utilizing co-word analysis and main path analysis (MPA), it uncovers key themes and seminal works that have substantially influenced the field’s progression. The identified clusters, including safe haven, internet of things (IoT), proof of work (PoW), market efficiency, sentiment analysis, digital currency, and privacy, shed light on the multifaceted discourse surrounding bitcoin. The MPA, incorporating both forward and backward local paths, traces an evolving narrative, starting from an in-depth exploration of bitcoin’s structure, anonymity, and contrasts against traditional financial assets. It tracks the shift in focus to broader market dynamics, volatility, speculative nature, and reactions to economic policy fluctuations. The analysis underscores the transformation of bitcoin research, from its beginnings as a decentralized, privacy-oriented currency to its role in global economics and green financing, revealing a complex narrative of an innovative financial instrument to a multifaceted entity. Implications drawn from this analysis include the need for further research on the potential integration of bitcoin within emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity, the implications of bitcoin’s interplay with traditional financial systems, and the environmental impacts of bitcoin and blockchain utilization. Overall, the current study not only enhances our understanding of the bitcoin field but also charts its dynamic evolution and stimulates further academic inquiry.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/jrfm16080355
Examining Knowledge Diffusion in the Circular Economy Domain: a Main Path Analysis
Publication Name: Circular Economy and Sustainability
Publication Date: 2023-03-01
Volume: 3
Issue: 1
Page Range: 125-166
Description:
The circular economy (CE) field has recently attracted significant interest from academics and practitioners. CE represents a departure from the linear economy, which is characterised by unsustainable resource production and consumption. The growing number of publications necessitates a comprehensive analysis of this field. This is the first systematic examination of the knowledge base and knowledge diffusion pathways in the CE domain. We analyse a Web of Science dataset containing 5431 articles published between 1970 and 2020. To create a comprehensive review of the CE domain, we conducted a keyword co-occurrence network analysis. We examined four distinct types of main paths using the main path analysis (MPA) technique: forward, backward, global, and key-route. According to the analyses, CE research focuses on six primary research themes: CE and sustainability, bioeconomy, CE practices, lifecycle assessment and industrial symbiosis, construction activities, and waste management. In addition, the MPA demonstrates that the CE literature has recently focused on Industry 4.0 technologies and their contribution to CE. This is the first attempt to depict the genealogy of CE research so that scholars can comprehend the domain’s evolutionary structure, identify hot topics, and capture the history, development status, and potential future directions of CE research.
Open Access: Yes
How augmented reality impacts retail marketing: a state-of-the-art review from a consumer perspective
Publication Name: Journal of Strategic Marketing
Publication Date: 2023-01-01
Volume: 31
Issue: 3
Page Range: 718-748
Description:
Augmented reality presents numerous opportunities and challenges for marketers to enrich the retail shopping experience. Although the technology is well established, practical marketing applications are rare, and the existing literature is unstructured. We conduct a systematic literature review with the goal of synthesizing the latest developments in the field and developing research propositions. We analyze 91 papers and identify four major enablers of AR in retail marketing: enhancement of the consumer experience, improvement of the customer-brand relationship, support of marketing activities, and promotion of marketing competitiveness. The challenges of AR adoption in marketing include technical limitations, consumer-oriented challenges, technological immaturity, and organizational challenges.
Open Access: Yes
Drones for supply chain management and logistics: a review and research agenda
Publication Name: International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications
Publication Date: 2023-01-01
Volume: 26
Issue: 6
Page Range: 708-731
Description:
This study examines the potentials and challenges of drones, or unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs), in supply chain management (SCM) and logistics. A systematic literature review was performed to capture the dynamics surrounding drones and to provide a timely and comprehensive overview of what has been studied so far and what needs to be investigated in the future. 55 publications were selected and thoroughly analysed. The findings of this study illustrate that the potential strengths of applying drones in SCM and logistics are: (1) support of humanitarian logistics, (2) reduced delivery time, (3) reduced cost, (4) improved flexibility, and (5) increased sustainability. In addition, the challenges posed by drones in SCM and logistics are grouped into technical, organisational, safety-related, and regulatory issues. This study also investigates real-life drone deployments in SCM and logistics and sets forth an agenda for future research.
Open Access: Yes
Blockchain technology in the smart city: a bibliometric review
Publication Name: Quality and Quantity
Publication Date: 2022-10-01
Volume: 56
Issue: 5
Page Range: 2875-2906
Description:
Blockchain can function as a foundational technology with numerous applications in smart cities. The objective of this paper is twofold. First, it provides a detailed overview of the extant literature on blockchain applications in smart cities; second, it reveals the trends and suggests future research directions for scholars who wish to contribute to this rapidly growing field. We conducted a bibliometric review using a keyword co-occurrence network and article co-citation analysis. The analysis includes the assessment of 148 articles published between 2016 and 2020 in 76 academic journals. The review results demonstrate that the number of articles devoted to the study of blockchain applications and smart cities has increased exponentially in recent years. More importantly, the research identifies some of the most influential studies in this area. The paper discusses trends and highlights the challenges related to the deployment of blockchain in smart cities. To the authors’ best knowledge, this represents the first study to review the literature from leading journals on blockchain applications in smart cities using bibliometric techniques.
Open Access: Yes
A bibliometric analysis of humanitarian logistics
Publication Name: Acta Technica Jaurinensis
Publication Date: 2022-05-25
Volume: 15
Issue: 2
Page Range: 74-90
Description:
Recent years have seen a surge in interest in humanitarian logistics (HL) research. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 894 HL-related studies. The publications were chosen using a combination of keywords from their titles, abstracts and author-supplied keywords from the leading database Scopus. The publications were classified according to their publication year, country of origin, type of publication, most relevant journals, and most influential authors. The review’s findings indicate that over a four-decade period, HL research progressed through three distinct stages. In terms of national contribution, the United States of America leads with the most studies published on HL. Additionally, the HL literature is advanced primarily through academic journal articles. The Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management is the leading journal in the field, with 148 articles published. The study makes a significant contribution by providing relevant analysis that may inform and guide scholars and researchers as they explore the evolution of HL research and foster networking and collaboration opportunities across multiple institutions.
Open Access: Yes
The Internet of Things and the circular economy: A systematic literature review and research agenda
Publication Name: Journal of Cleaner Production
Publication Date: 2022-05-20
Volume: 350
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
In recent years, the concept of a circular economy (CE) has gained importance and attracted significant attention among scholars and practitioners. Research that examines the role of modern technologies in supporting the transition from a linear economy to the CE is therefore highly needed. This article analyzes and classifies existing research at the intersection of the CE and the Internet of Things (IoT), as an enabling technology. While studies on both concepts have proliferated, there is a lack of research that systematizes the literature and clarifies the relationship between the IoT and the CE. In order to achieve this, we reviewed a total of 170 academic articles published between 2007 and 2021 from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Based on the coding of keywords, four categories can be identified: (1) IoT-related technologies in the CE context, (2) enablers of IoT in the CE, (3) barriers to IoT adoption in the CE, and (4) the impacts of the IoT on the sustainability of (circular) economies. The current study is the first attempt to use a keyword coding approach to better understand IoT research in the CE domain. The review findings identify important drivers and enablers and provide a structured framework for research in this field. Finally, this study highlights several research directions that may provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners.
Open Access: Yes
Big data in the food supply chain: a literature review
Publication Name: Journal of Data Information and Management
Publication Date: 2022-03-01
Volume: 4
Issue: 1
Page Range: 33-47
Description:
The emergence of big data (BD) offers new opportunities for food businesses to address emerging risks and operational challenges. BD denotes the integration and analysis of multiple data sets, which are inherently complex, voluminous and are often of inadequate quality and structure. While BD is a well-established method in supply chain management, academic research on its application in the food ecosystem is still lagging. To fill this knowledge gap and capture the latest developments in this field, a systematic literature review was performed. Forty-one papers were selected and thoroughly examined and analysed to identify the enablers of BD in the food supply chain. The review primarily attempted to obtain an answer to the following research question: “What are the possibilities of leveraging big data in the food supply chain?“ Six significant benefits of applying BD in the food industry were identified, namely, the extraction of valuable knowledge and insights, decision-making support, improvement of food chain efficiencies, reliable forecasting, waste minimization, and food safety. Finally, some challenges and future research directions were outlined.
Open Access: Yes
Barriers to Blockchain Adoption in the Circular Economy: A Fuzzy Delphi and Best-Worst Approach
Publication Name: Sustainability Switzerland
Publication Date: 2022-03-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 6
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Blockchain can help to fundamentally alter aspects of circular economy (CE) activities and overcome pressing sustainability issues. Nevertheless, limited studies have investigated the barriers to blockchain adoption in the CE. This study aims to close the knowledge gap by providing a comprehensive review of the barriers hampering the adoption and integration of blockchain technology in the CE. An integrated approach based on fuzzy Delphi and best-worst methods has been applied to analyze and rank the barriers. Sixteen barriers to blockchain adoption in the CE were identified from the academic literature and validated by a panel of experts. The findings from the fuzzy Delphi technique identified ten significant barriers for further analysis. Then, using the best-worst method, the optimal weights were determined based on the experts’ judgment to recognize the importance of each barrier. The findings from this method showed that a lack of knowledge and management support, reluctance to change and technological immaturity are the most significant barriers. In contrast, the least significant barriers are investment costs, security risks, and scalability issues. Theoretically, this study is the first to apply an integrated approach combining fuzzy Delphi and best-worst techniques to prioritze the barriers to blockchain adoption in the CE. It also provides valuable insights for managers and decision-makers that can be used to optimize blockchain implementations in the CE.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/su14063611
Modeling enablers for blockchain adoption in the circular economy
Publication Name: Sustainable Futures
Publication Date: 2022-01-01
Volume: 4
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Blockchain technology can play a crucial role to facilitate the transition from a linear to a circular economy. This article evaluates those enablers that influence technology adoption in the circular economy. A comprehensive literature review and feedback from experts revealed nineteen critical enablers. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology was used to determine the cause-and-effect relationships between them. The findings identified five critical causal enablers: transparency, security, smart contracts, traceability, and enhanced collaboration. Effect enablers were identified as immutability, decentralization, privacy, automation, information sharing, and enhanced regulation.
Open Access: Yes
Digitalization in food supply chains: A bibliometric review and key-route main path analysis
Publication Name: Sustainability Switzerland
Publication Date: 2022-01-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Technological advances such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, big data, social media, and geographic information systems represent a building block of the digital transformation that supports the resilience of the food supply chain (FSC) and increases its efficiency. This paper reviews the literature surrounding digitalization in FSCs. A bibliometric and key-route main path analysis was carried out to objectively and analytically uncover the knowledge development in digitalization within the context of sustainable FSCs. The research began with the selection of 2140 articles published over nearly five decades. Then, the articles were examined according to several bibliometric metrics such as year of publication, countries, institutions, sources, authors, and keywords frequency. A keyword co-occurrence network was generated to cluster the relevant literature. Findings of the review and bibliometric analysis indicate that research at the intersection of technology and the FSC has gained substantial interest from scholars. On the basis of keyword co-occurrence network, the literature is focused on the role of information communication technology for agriculture and food security, food waste and circular economy, and the merge of the Internet of Things and blockchain in the FSC. The analysis of the key-route main path uncovers three critical periods marking the development of technology-enabled FSCs. The study offers scholars a better understanding of digitalization within the agri-food industry and the current knowledge gaps for future research. Practitioners may find the review useful to remain ahead of the latest discussions of technologyenabled FSCs. To the authors’ best knowledge, the current study is one of the few endeavors to explore technology-enabled FSCs using a comprehensive sample of journal articles published during the past five decades.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/su14010083
Humanitarian Drones: A Review and Research Agenda
Publication Name: Internet of Things Netherlands
Publication Date: 2021-12-01
Volume: 16
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study investigates the capabilities, performance outcomes, and barriers of drones applied to humanitarian logistics (HL). A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize prior research on drones and cumulatively identify current knowledge gaps which require further investigation. In order to identify the relevant literature on the topic, a rigorous research protocol was applied for the retrieval and selection processes. In total, 142 publications fulfilled the selection criteria and were thoroughly analyzed. The findings of this review paper summarize the capabilities, barriers and performance outcomes of humanitarian drones applied to logistics operations, management, and governance in a comprehensive framework. More specifically, three important capabilities (i.e., transportation and delivery; surveying and monitoring; communication and integration), three performance outcomes (i.e., flexibility and responsiveness; cost reduction; sustainability) and adoption barriers in three areas (i.e., technology; organization; environment) were identified. Based on these findings, future research directions are derived for the capabilities of humanitarian drones, their performance outcomes, and their respective barriers. This study analyzes potential applications of drones in the humanitarian field and presents a comprehensive agenda that structures and guides further research on the topic.
Open Access: Yes
Blockchain Technologies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: A Bibliometric Review
Publication Name: Logistics
Publication Date: 2021-12-01
Volume: 5
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The emergence of blockchain technology has sparked significant attention from the supply chain management (SCM) and logistics communities. In this paper, we present the results from a thorough bibliometric review that analytically and objectively identifies the intellectual structure of this field, the seminal papers, and the most influential scholars. We employ a knowledge domain visualization technique to generate insights that go beyond other review studies on blockchain research within logistics and SCM. The analysis starts with selecting a total of 628 papers from Scopus and the Web of Science that were published during 2016–2020. The bibliometric analysis output demonstrates that the number of blockchain papers has rapidly increased since 2017. The most productive researchers are from the USA, China, and India. The top academic institutions contributing to the literature are also identified. Based on network analyses, we found that the literature concentrates mainly on the conceptualization of blockchain; its potentials for supply chain sustainability; its adoption triggers and barriers; and its role in supporting supply chain agility, trust, protection of intellectual property, and food/perishable supply chains. Besides systematically mapping the literature, we identify several research gaps and propose numerous actionable research directions for the future. This study enriches the extant blockchain literature, provides a timely snapshot of the current state of research, and examines the knowledge structure of blockchain research in logistics and SCM with the help of evidence-based scientometric methods.
Open Access: Yes
Wireless sensor networks in agriculture: Insights from bibliometric analysis
Publication Name: Sustainability Switzerland
Publication Date: 2021-11-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 21
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study investigates how wireless sensor network (WSN) applications in agriculture are discussed in the current academic literature. On the basis of bibliometric techniques, 2444 pub-lications were extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed to identify the temporal distribution of WSN research, the most productive journals, the most cited authors, the most influential studies, and the most relevant keywords. The computer program VOSviewer was used to generate the keyword co-occurrence network and partition the pertinent literature. Findings show the remarkable growth of WSN research in recent years. The most relevant journals, cited countries, and influential studies were also identified. The main results from the keyword co-occurrence clustering and the detailed analysis illustrate that WSN is a key enabler for precision agriculture. WSN research also focuses on the role of other technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and unmanned aerial vehicles in supporting several agriculture activities, in-cluding smart irrigation and soil management. This study illuminates researchers’ and practition-ers’ views of what has been researched and identifies possible opportunities for future studies. To the authors’ best knowledge, this bibliometric study represents the first attempt to map global WSN research using a comprehensive sample of documents published over nearly three decades.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/su132112011
Big data for sustainable agri‐food supply chains: a review and future research perspectives
Publication Name: Journal of Data Information and Management
Publication Date: 2021-09-01
Volume: 3
Issue: 3
Page Range: 167-182
Description:
Research on agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) has attracted significant attention in recent years due to the challenges associated with sustainably feeding the global population. The purpose of this study is to review the potentials of big data for sustainable AFSCs. One hundred twenty-eight (128) journal articles were selected to identify how big data can contribute to the sustainable development of AFSCs. As part of our focus, a framework was developed based on the conceptualization of AFSCs in the extant literature to analyse big data research in the context of AFSCs and to provide insights into the potentials of the technology for agri-food businesses. The findings of the review indicate that there is a noticeable growth in the number of studies addressing the applications of big data for AFSCs. The potentials of big data for AFSC sustainability were synthesized in a summary framework, highlighting the primary resources and activities that are ready for improvement with big data. These include soil, water, crop and plant management, animal management, waste management and traceability management. The challenges of big data integration in AFSCs, the study’s implications, contributions, and the future research directions are highlighted in detail.
Open Access: Yes
Blockchain research in healthcare: a bibliometric review and current research trends
Publication Name: Journal of Data Information and Management
Publication Date: 2021-06-01
Volume: 3
Issue: 2
Page Range: 109-124
Description:
The literature on blockchain-enabled use cases has grown exponentially over recent years. Yet, studies are missing that apply bibliometrics and visualization techniques to unravel the dynamics and current discussions pertaining to the nexus of blockchain technology (BCT) and the healthcare field. To close this knowledge gap, we examine the knowledge base and research hotspots of BCT research in the field of healthcare. We carry out a series of bibliometric analyses on the extant literature, including the scholarly production, developmental pattern of the annual total number of authors, and identification of productive academic institutions, countries, and leading authors. Additionally, we conduct a keyword co-occurrence analysis and identify the major research hotspots and trends for the future. The findings of this research are valuable for scholars and practitioners who seek to better understand the development status, dynamics, and trends pertaining to BCT in healthcare.
Open Access: Yes
Integrating the Internet of Things in the halal food supply chain: A systematic literature review and research agenda
Publication Name: Internet of Things Netherlands
Publication Date: 2021-03-01
Volume: 13
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
To address consumers’ concerns regarding food integrity, halal food businesses need to rethink their conventional supply chains and leverage new technologies. The emergence and proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) - the use of interconnected devices, sensors, and technologies to orchestrate, monitor, and optimize supply chain processes - holds innovative potentials for the halal food supply chain (HFSC). Despite the growing popularity in supply chain management and logistics, the potentials and challenges of IoT in the HFSC remain – unexplored and further research is required. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to address this knowledge gap and review IoT research within the context of HFSCs. To begin, over seventy-three (73) papers were analyzed using both bibliometric techniques and in-depth content analysis. The results reveal that IoT offers five major benefits for the HFSC; namely, traceability of products, enhancement of supply chain efficiencies, facilitation of livestock management, authentication of foods’ halal status, and monitoring of halal certifications. Several challenges were identified, including the technical limitations of IoT devices, technological immaturity, lack of user acceptance, and cost and regulatory barriers. The study's findings provide deeper insight into the current state of IoT research in the halal food literature, its development, challenges and future research avenues for scholars, policy makers and the HFSC community.
Open Access: Yes
Are Halal Food Supply Chains Sustainable: A Review And Bibliometric Analysis
Publication Name: Journal of Foodservice Business Research
Publication Date: 2021-01-01
Volume: 24
Issue: 5
Page Range: 554-595
Description:
Halal food supply chains (HFSCs) are increasingly characterized by fragmentation, complexity, and uncertainty. Halal food consumers are becoming more demanding for food quality and compliance with Islamic dietary law. As sustainability is a multidimensional concept that entails several aspects and interpretations, the objectives of HFSCs significantly overlap with the sustainable dimensions of the food ecosystem. The purpose of this study is to examine the inherent sustainable aspects and characteristics of HFSCs. Therefore, a systematic literature review and a bibliometric analysis were conducted to redress the lack of academic attention being given to the relationships of HFSCs with sustainability. Selected 74 papers were coded and analyzed according to the dimensions of sustainability, namely, the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The review primarily attempts to provide answers to the following research question: What are the sustainable aspects of HFSCs? We provide a comprehensive analysis of the three critical components of sustainability, offering a broad and comprehensive picture of many critical issues in HFSCs. Finally, the contribution of the study, the scope of future research, and the limitations are highlighted in detail.
Open Access: Yes
Enablers of Augmented Reality in the Food Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review
Publication Name: Journal of Foodservice Business Research
Publication Date: 2021-01-01
Volume: 24
Issue: 4
Page Range: 415-444
Description:
The food industry represents one of the most critically important sectors of the economy. Food is a basic necessity for human life and requires specialized handling, preparation, and logistics to be safe for human consumption. Moreover, food supply chains have become more globalized, fragmented, and complex. Food industry stakeholders are forced to reconsider conventional ways of managing food chains and coping with the latest technology innovation trends. As technology unlocks several opportunities in supply chains, food businesses have a vested interest in exploring Augmented Reality (AR). AR denotes the technology of overlaying virtual objects upon the real-world environment. Despite being a well-established technology, AR possibilities in the food supply chain remain an unexplored research area. Therefore, to fill this knowledge gap and capture the latest developments in this field, we conducted a systematic literature review. Fifty-one (51) publications were thoroughly analyzed to identify the enablers of AR in the food industry. Findings revealed five main areas where AR potentially offers substantial business value. These include food process efficiencies, food decision-making, food marketing, food training, and food safety. Finally, research contributions, trajectories and limitations were highlighted.
Open Access: Yes
Halal food supply chains: A literature review of sustainable measures and future research directions
Publication Name: Foods and Raw Materials
Publication Date: 2021-01-01
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Page Range: 106-116
Description:
Introduction. Although sustainability represents a high-profile topic in supply chain management, it remains an unexplored research area for Halal food supply chains (HFSCs). Hence, to bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify the measures necessary for the development of sustainable HFSCs and potential research gaps at the nexus of sustainability and Halal food literature. Study objects and methods. We carefully analyzed forty (40) papers selected from leading, highly-ranked journals to answer the following research question: “What are the measures necessary for the development of sustainable Halal food supply chains?” Results and discussion. The findings revealed that the improvement of Halal processes through the implementation of quality management systems, the effectiveness of Halal labeling, and the use of technology could enhance the economic performance of HFSCs. Furthermore, HFSC’s sustainability efforts are strengthened by enhancing trust and transparency benefitting human resource skills development, promoting animal welfare issues, and increasing regulatory compliance. The implementation of environmental protection measures is a primary driving factor for environmental sustainability activities. Environmental sustainability could be fostered by a shift to the application of greening practices and the support of environmentalism in the Halal food industry. Conclusion. The findings of this study provide critical managerial implications for Halal food practitioners as they can have a summary of the previous studies and thus use it as a benchmark for introducing sustainable measures in their Halal food firms.
Open Access: Yes
Internet of Things research in supply chain management and logistics: A bibliometric analysis
Publication Name: Internet of Things Netherlands
Publication Date: 2020-12-01
Volume: 12
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study reviews Internet of Things (IoT) research in supply chain management (SCM) and logistics. A thorough review and bibliometric analysis were conducted to analytically and objectively unearth the knowledge development in IoT research within the context of SCM and logistics. The analysis started with the selection of 807 journal articles published over a two-decade period. Then, the articles were analyzed according to bibliometric parameters such as year of publication, sources, authors, and institutions. A keyword co-occurrence network was used to cluster the pertinent literature. Results of the review and bibliometric analysis reveal that IoT research has attracted significant attention from the SCM and logistics community. Three leading journals published widely on IoT and the fifteen most productive authors are identified. Based on the keyword co-occurrence clustering, the IoT literature in SCM and logistics is focalized on RFID technology, Industry 4.0 technologies, reverse logistics, and additionally covers various industries, such as the food, retailing, construction, and the pharmaceutical sector. The study provides researchers with a better understanding of IoT research in SCM and logistics and existing knowledge gaps for further research. Practitioners may benefit from the review to keep abreast of the current discussions and applications of IoT in diverse industrial sectors. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current review is one of the few attempts to investigate IoT research in SCM and logistics using a comprehensive set of articles published during the past two decades.
Open Access: Yes
Blockchain Technology in the Food Industry: A Review of Potentials, Challenges and Future Research Directions
Publication Name: Logistics
Publication Date: 2020-12-01
Volume: 4
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising technology with far-reaching implications for the food industry. The combination of immutability, enhanced visibility, transparency and data integrity provides numerous benefits that improve trust in extended food supply chains (FSCs). Blockchain can enhance traceability, enable more efficient recall and aids in risk reduction of counterfeits and other forms of illicit trade. Moreover, blockchain can enhance the integrity of credence claims such as sustainably sourced, organic or faith-based claims such as kosher or halal by integrating the authoritative source of the claim (e.g., the certification body or certification owner) into the blockchain to verify the claim integrity and reassure business customers and end consumers. Despite the promises and market hype, a comprehensive overview of the potential benefits and challenges of blockchain in FSCs is still missing. To bridge this knowledge gap, we present the findings from a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of sixty-one (61) journal articles and synthesize existing research. The main benefits of blockchain technology in FCSs are improved food traceability, enhanced collaboration, operational efficiencies and streamlined food trading processes. Potential challenges include technical, organizational and regulatory issues. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our research and present several ideas for future research.
Open Access: Yes
Blockchain and supply chain sustainability
Publication Name: Logforum
Publication Date: 2020-01-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 3
Page Range: 363-372
Description:
Background: Supply chain sustainability is a central concern of most organizations. The main objective of sustainable supply chains is to create and maintain long term economic, social, and environmental value for all stakeholders involved in delivering products and services to markets. As sustainability constitutes one of the critical drivers of innovation, the recent emergence of blockchain technology typifies the disruptive impact of digital innovation on supply chain sustainability. Blockchain is a foundational technology that poses a shift in the development of supply chain sustainability. Methods: Despite the increasing importance of blockchain in improving supply chain efficiencies and bringing societal changes, research investigating its potentialities from the lens of sustainability is scarce. Therefore, the primary goal of this paper is to fill this knowledge gap and synthesize the literature from leading journals on the topic of blockchain and its relation to supply chain sustainability. Papers were collected from different scientific databases and carefully analyzed. The possibilities of blockchains are identified and classified according to the triple bottom line framework, namely the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. Results and conclusions: The majority of studies focused on the economic implications of blockchains on supply chains. The sustainable economic aspects of the technology identified in the reviewed literature are mostly the transformational potentials of blockchains and their capabilities to drive new disintermediated business models, higher operational efficiencies, cost advantages, and additional sources of value creation. The social empowerment of supply chains is found through the ability of blockchain to create trustful relationships among supply chain partners, increase food safety, support humanitarian logistics, and promote social equity. Moreover, firms attempting to move forward in their environmental policies and strategies can use blockchain to extend their efforts to improve their environmental practices across the supply chain, reduce the strain on energy and natural resources, and offer environmentally friendly products.
Open Access: Yes
Covid-19 and the food chain? Impacts and future research trends
Publication Name: Logforum
Publication Date: 2020-01-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 4
Page Range: 475-485
Description:
Background: Throughout history, the world has witnessed natural disasters affecting businesses and societies with varying degrees of disruption. COVID-19 (henceforth C19) constituted a significant system shock and a stark reminder of the fragility and sensitive nature of supply chains. The pandemic has exerted considerable societal and economic pressure and has had an adverse impact on food supply chains in particular. Many food processing operations were forced to alter activities or close temporarily due to outbreaks. Societal lockdowns, travel restrictions, business closures and quarantine have led to structural changes in the productivity of economies and impacted the mental health and financial wellbeing of citizens. Methods: We present a critical review of the literature to explore the impact of C19 on the food supply chain. We collected data from journal articles retrieved from a leading scientific database (i.e., Scopus), books, chapters, conference proceedings, reports, and a variety of Internet websites. For the literature search, we used the following words; "COVID-19" and "food". Results and conclusions: The findings of the review suggest that the C19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for food supply chains. We reveal that C19 has raised food insecurity and food safety concerns, increased supply chain and logistics costs and radically changed consumer behavior. On the positive side, the pandemic has improved awareness of food waste and the importance of self-grown foods. We generated nine research propositions to foster future academic research. Our study also highlighted the need to advance this literature and calls for increased attention from the supply chain management and logistics community to further analyse and quantify the impact of C19 on the food chain.
Open Access: Yes
Blockchain and Smart Cities: Co-Word Analysis and BERTopic Modeling
Publication Name: Smart Cities
Publication Date: 2025-08-01
Volume: 8
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Highlights: What are the main findings? Blockchain plays a foundational role in supporting secure, interoperable infrastructure for key urban services, particularly through integration with IoT, edge computing, and smart contracts. Research has shifted from general blockchain exploration to sector-specific applications, including decentralized healthcare, energy trading, smart mobility, and drone coordination. What is the implication of the main finding? Blockchain enables cross-sectoral innovation in smart cities by enhancing transparency, data integrity, and trust across complex urban systems. As both a technological and ethical infrastructure, blockchain supports the development of secure, resilient, and sustainable smart city ecosystems aligned with Industry 5.0 values. This paper explores the intersection of blockchain technology and smart cities to support the transition toward decentralized, secure, and sustainable urban systems. Drawing on co-word analysis and BERTopic modeling applied to the literature published between 2016 and 2025, this study maps the thematic and technological evolution of blockchain in urban environments. The co-word analysis reveals blockchain’s foundational role in enabling secure and interoperable infrastructures, particularly through its integration with IoT, edge computing, and smart contracts. These systems underpin critical urban services such as transportation, healthcare, energy trading, and waste management by enhancing data privacy, authentication, and system resilience. The application of BERTopic modeling further uncovers a shift from general technological exploration to more specialized and sector-specific applications. These include real-time mobility systems, decentralized healthcare platforms, peer-to-peer energy exchanges, and blockchain-enabled drone coordination. The results demonstrate that blockchain increasingly supports cross-sectoral innovation, enabling transparency, trust, and circular flows in urban systems. Overall, the current study identifies blockchain as both a technological backbone and an ethical infrastructure for smart cities that supports secure, adaptive, and sustainable urban development.
Open Access: Yes
A bibliometric investigation of chatbot applications in business and management
Publication Name: Discover Applied Sciences
Publication Date: 2025-10-01
Volume: 7
Issue: 10
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Chatbots have become a pivotal technology in business and management. Despite their growing adoption, existing research on chatbots is diverse and fragmented, lacking a cohesive overview of the field’s development and emerging trends. This study aims to answer the core research question: “What are the major research patterns, influential contributors, and emerging themes in chatbot-related literature within business and management between 2018 and 2024?” To address this, a structured four-step bibliometric methodology was applied to systematically collect, screen, and analyze relevant literature. A total of 331 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2018 and 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science database. Bibliometric and metadata analyses were conducted using CiteSpace software, including keyword co-occurrence, co-citation, and collaboration network visualizations. The findings show a steady rise in chatbot publications, with the highest output in 2023 (88 articles) and 2024 (85 articles). Prolific authors include Mou Jian, Lova Rajaobelina, and Xueming Luo, while top institutions are the University System of Ohio and the Indian Institute of Management. Core themes include AI, customer service, trust, and consumer experience, with emerging topics such as large language models and service quality. Influential cited works focus on anthropomorphism, technology acceptance, and generative AI. This study provides quantitative insights into the evolution of chatbot research, highlights key contributors and trends, and offers practical implications for improving chatbot design and adoption in business contexts.
Open Access: Yes
