Circular supply chain management: a bibliometric analysis-based literature review

Zhang, A. , Duong, L., Seuring, S. and Hartley, J. L. (2023) Circular supply chain management: a bibliometric analysis-based literature review. International Journal of Logistics Management, 34(3), pp. 847-872. (doi: 10.1108/IJLM-04-2022-0199)

Abstract

Purpose: Supply chain management (SCM) research has contributed to the transition to a circular economy (CE). Still, confusions exist on the related terms, and no review has mapped out the development trends in the domain. This research clarifies the boundaries of the relevant concepts. Then, it conducts a comprehensive review of the circular SCM (CSCM) literature and identifies opportunities for future research. Design/methodology/approach: Using relevant keywords, 1,130 journal articles published in December 31, 2021 were identified. Unlike the published reviews, which mainly relied on content analysis, this review uses bibliometric analysis tools, including citation analysis, co-citation analysis and cluster analysis. The review identifies general trends, influential researchers, high-impact publications, citation patterns and established and emergent research themes. Findings: The extant CSCM literature includes five prominent clusters: (1) reverse channel optimization; (2) CSCM review and empirical studies; (3) closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) and consumers; (4) CLSC and inventory management and (5) CLSC and reverse logistics (RL). Significant research gaps exist in the use of secondary and longitudinal data, a wider range of theories, mixed-methods, multi-method, action research and behavioral experiment. The least researched topics include zero waste, industrial symbiosis, circular product design, sourcing and supply management and reuse. Originality/value: This is the first bibliometric analysis-based literature review on CSCM. It clarifies the interrelated supply chain sustainability terms and thus reduces related confusion. It offers insights into the patterns in the CSCM literature and suggests important research directions.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding: Dr. Abraham Zhang acknowledges partial funding support from the 2020 Endeavour Fund, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment of New Zealand (Project title: Amiomio Aotearoa - A Circular Economy for the Wellbeing of New Zealand).
• Keywords: Circular economy, circular supply chain management, closed-loop supply chain management, sustainable supply chain management, literature review.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Zhang, Dr Abraham
• Authors: Zhang, A., Duong, L., Seuring, S., and Hartley, J. L.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: International Journal of Logistics Management
• Publisher: Emerald
• ISSN: 0957-4093
• Published Online: 20 January 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Logistics Management 34(3):847-872
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy