Doctoral dissertations in supply chain management: a review of Chinese contributions from 1995 to 2019

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to investigate Chinese doctoral dissertations in supply chain management (SCM) by providing an overview of the evolution of this topic over the past 25 years.Design/methodology/approachThis study reviews 1,945 doctoral dissertations in SCM from 39 Project 985 universities in China.FindingsThe annual number of SCM doctoral dissertations in China varied significantly over time, and the top producers are all strong players in the SCM field with long histories of research. The dissertations use multiple methods, of which mathematical, econometric modeling and simulation, and survey are the most frequently used. Most of the frequently used theories are borrowed from other disciplines. Traditional research topics are frequently investigated in Chinese doctoral dissertations in SCM, but the popular research topics differ by period.Originality/valueThis study has examined Chinese doctoral dissertations in SCM through a literature review. This study provides implications for research topics, methodological approaches, and theoretical lenses for future research. It also disseminates Chinese SCM knowledge to the global academic network to stimulate more SCM research.