A bibliometric analysis of reverse logistics from 1992 to 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a bibliometric analysis of Reverse Logistics (RL) with the aim of unveiling its intellectual structure. It suggests a theoretical framework of related fields often ambiguously studied such as Supply Chain Management (SCM), Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM), Closed-Loop Supply Chain Management (CLSCM), and Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM). This research first defines RL with respect to other closely related theoretical fields. The building blocks of RL since 1992 are then derived through both a unidimensional and a multidimensional analysis to determine whether RL is indeed a field of research. The analysis reveals that RL is an emerging field with a strong identity. It is based on a distinctive body of authors and common references structured around four clusters: (1) Green Supply Chain Management, (2) RL network design, (3) Remanufacturing and (4) RL concepts and practices. Finally, trends and future directions of research are identified.