ISO 9001 research mapping: Trends, findings, and future issues

Abstract

This study analyzes the existing literature on ISO 9001 to identify trends, key scholars, influential journals, significant papers, and this body of work’s overall intellectual, social, and conceptual landscape. The study also proposes potential avenues for further research based on its findings. Bibliometric and content analysis were used to examine 929 relevant journal articles published between 1987 and 2023 and indexed by Scopus or Web of Science (WoS). Bibliometric analysis and visualization of results were conducted using the Bibliometrix R package and Biblioshiny application. This investigation unveils the intellectual, social, and conceptual structures within the literature concerning ISO 9001, shedding light on bibliographic features such as prominent scholars, leading journals, and noteworthy papers. Nine distinct research clusters were identified: integrated management systems; the effects of ISO 9001 implementation and certification; the diffusion of management system standards; ISO 9001:2015; the effective implementation of ISO 9001; levels and difficulties in management system integration; internalization of ISO 9001, withdrawal of ISO 9001 certification, and critical success factor of ISO 9001 implementation; ISO 9001 implementation and lessons learned; and diffusion of ISO 9001-based quality management systems. Key findings from each cluster were synthesized. This research is a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners seeking insights into the current state of ISO 9001 research and areas that warrant further exploration.