A Bibliometric Analysis of Inventory Management Research

This study presents a bibliometric review of research on inventory management and its relationship with supply chain optimization. Drawing on a Scopus dataset assembled through a PRISMA-guided screening process, the study examines publication patterns, leading journals, authorship and collaboration, citation impact, and the conceptual themes shaping the field. The final dataset is reported as comprising 2,336 publications for the principal bibliometric analysis, while the results section also provides a focused dataset summary for 2016–2025. Analysis using Biblioshiny highlights sustained growth in research output, a broad and interdisciplinary journal base, substantial international collaboration, and recurring themes involving supply chain management, inventory control, optimization, sustainability, and datadriven decisionmaking. The review also identifies opportunities to strengthen collaboration across research communities and to further investigate technology-enabled, multi-objective, and sustainability-oriented inventory policies. By mapping the structure and development of this literature, the study offers an overview of the field’s current research priorities and directions for future work.