Interpretive structural modelling: a comprehensive literature review on applications

Abstract

Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach is mainly utilised for developing structural relationship among the elements associated with an issue or problem. In recent years, application of ISM approach has tremendously increased in different application areas. In the current work, a comprehensive literature review on the applications of ISM approach has been carried out. This literature review is based on 406 research papers published in 183 journals since its inception. The classification scheme adopted for this paper consists of ten application areas: (1) supply chain and logistics management; (2) quality management; (3) manufacturing system; (4) safety, health and environment management; (5) information management; (6) service management; (7) governance; (8) financial management; (9) energy management; (10) marketing management. Furthermore, literature has been classified on the basis of: (1) integration with other approaches; (2) publication year; (3) publication journal; (4) authors' nationality; (5) ISM version. The literature analysis will act as an information bank for the researchers keen to apply ISM approach in their research area.