Bibliometric Analysis of International Research Conducted in the Field of Sustainable Development in Sports

Ensafi Kochameshki, Milad; Kashef, Seyed Mohammad; Abdavi, Fatemeh

doi:10.22124/jsmd.2024.25361.2833

Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

¹ PhD candidate in Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

² Professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

³ Associate Professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2024.25361.2833

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present research was to study the bibliometric study of the research conducted in the field of sustainable development of sports.
Methodology: This research is a type of bibliometric review research and it was done with the methods of functional analysis, analysis of citation networks and keyword analysis. In order to draw scientific maps, Excel, Vosviewer, Rstudio and Maxqda software were used. The statistical population of the research is 486 articles, of which 386 articles were selected as a sample during the document screening stage.
Results: The findings of the research show that in the period of 2001 to 2023, 386 documents have been included in the analysis portfolio of the field in question, of course, 187 publications published these 386 studies and the annual growth of production Science in this field is 4.28%. The average number of citations that the studies have received is 9.096, which is a very good value in the desired field, but the results show that there are few articles with many citations, while there are many articles with few citations. Also, according to the functional goals and content analysis of the research, most of the researchers of developed countries pay attention to this scientific field, and in the top articles of this field, most of the words related to sports events and attracting tourists have been the attention of the top researchers.
Conclusion: by recognizing the best fields of study in the field of sustainable development in sports, which have mostly been conducted in developed countries and some developing countries; We can express these questions, where is sustainable development in our sports industry? What strategic and operational plans have we developed in this field? What requirements do we have in this field? Therefore, we can say that the questions derived from the results of this research are considered to be the needs of sustainable development in our country and can be very useful research fields in the direction of sustainable development in the country's sports.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Sport Development and Sustainable Development

References

Abraham, S.J., Lyon, P.J., & Schreiber, K. (2006). John Howland Rowe Bibliography. Ñawpa Pacha, 28(1), 203-218. [‏.https://doi.org/10.1179/naw.2006.28.1.012]

Alhaddi, H. (2015). Triple bottom line and sustainability: A literature review. Business and Management Studies, 1(2), 6-10.‏ [http://dx.doi.org/10.11114/bms.v1i2.752.]

Archambault, É., & Larivière, V. (2009). History of the journal impact factor: Contingencies and Consequences. Scientometrics, 79(3), 635-649. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-007-2036-x‏]

Aria, M., & Cuccurullo, C. (2017). bibliometrix: An R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis. Journal of Informetrics, 11(4), 959-975.‏ [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2017.08.007]

Askun, V., & Cizel, R. (2020). Twenty years of research on mixed methods. Journal of Mixed Methods Studies, 1(1), 1-16.‏ [https://doi.org/10.14689/jomes.2020.1.2]

Bryant, R., Clements, A., Feltes, C., Groenewegen, D., Hoggard, S., Mercer, H., ... & Wright, J. (2017). Research information management: Defining RIM and the Library’s Role. OCLC Research.‏[https://doi.org/10.25333/C3NK88]

Casey, M.M., Payne, W.R., Eime, R.M., & Brown, S.J. (2009). Sustaining health promotion programs within sport and recreation organisations. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12(1), 113-118. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2007.08.007]

Chen, C., Dubin, R., & Schultz, T. (2014). Science Mapping. In (pp. 271-284). [https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-12-2015-0114]

Collins, A., Jones, C., & Munday, M. (2009). Assessing the environmental impacts of mega sporting events: Two options?. Tourism Management, 30(6), 828-837. [‏https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2008.12.006]

Faucheux, S., O’Connor, M., & Van Der Straaten, J. (1997). Sustainable Development: Concepts, Rationalities and Strategies: Editors’ Introduction. In Sustainable Development: Concepts, Rationalities and Strategies (pp. 1-15). Dordrecht: Springer Netherland. [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-3188-1_1]

Flagestad, A., & Hope, C.A. (2001). Strategic success in winter sports destinations: a sustainable value creation perspective. Tourism Management, 22(5), 445-461. [‏https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(01)00010-3]

Ghorbani, M.H., & Safari Jafarloo, H.R. (2021). The functions of Sport and Physical Education for Iran's Sustainable Development (A Grounded Theory model). Journal of Sport Management and Development, 10(1), 32-46. [https://‏doi.org/10.22124/JSMD.2021.5048] [In Persian]

Godin, B. (2006). On the origins of bibliometrics. Scientometrics, 68(1), 109-133.‏ [https://doi:10.1007/s11192-006-0086-0]

González-Alcaide, G. (2021). Bibliometric studies outside the information science and library science field: uncontainable or uncontrollable? Scientometrics, 126. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-021-04061-3]

Han, J., Kang, H.-J., Kim, M., & Kwon, G.H. (2020). Mapping the intellectual structure of research on surgery with mixed reality: Bibliometric network analysis (2000–2019). Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 109, 103516. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbi.2020.103516]

Harzing, A.W. (2025). Everything you always wanted to know about research impact. In How to get published in the best management journals (pp. 117-131). Edward Elgar Publishing. [‏https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035322435.00015]

Hozhabri, K., Ramezaninejad, R., & Shaji, R. (2021). Snakes and Ladders of Sustainable Development Through Sport in Iran. Sport Management Studies, 13(67), 259-287. [‏https://doi.org/10.22089/smrj.2020.8621.2945] [In Persian]

Hopwood, B., Mellor, M., & O'Brien, G. (2005). Sustainable development: mapping different approaches. Sustainable Development, 13(1), 38-52. [https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.244]

Hemmatinezhad Touli, M., Shafiee, Sh., Hemmatinezhad Touli, M., & Taslimi, Z. (2023). Designing a Model of the Role of Sport in World Peace. Journal of Sport Management and Development, 12(3), 170-191. [https://doi.org/10.22124/JSMD.2023.23175.2735] [In Persian]

Houlihan, B., & Green, M. (Eds.). (2011). Routledge handbook of sports development (Vol. 2, pp. 379-383). London:Routledge.‏[https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203885581&type=googlepdf]

Janik, A., Ryszko, A., & Szafraniec, M. (2020). Scientific landscape of smart and sustainable cities literature: A bibliometric analysis. Sustainability, 12(3), 779. [‏https://doi.org/10.3390/su12030779]

Jiménez-García, M., Ruiz-Chico, J., Peña-Sánchez, A.R., & López-Sánchez, J.A. (2020). A Bibliometric Analysis of Sports Tourism and Sustainability (2002–2019). Sustainability, 12(7). [https://doi:10.3390/su12072840]

Levermore, R., & Beacom, A. (2009). Sport and development: Mapping the field. In Sport and international development (pp. 1-25). London: Palgrave Macmillan UK.‏ [https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230584402_1]

Lindsey, I. (2008). Conceptualising sustainability in sports development. Leisure Studies, 27(3), 279-294. [‏https://doi.org/10.1080/02614360802048886]

Maguire, M. (2011). The future of corporate social responsibility reporting. [‏https://hdl.handle.net/2144/22727]

Mondalizadeh, Z., Ehsani, M., Kouzechian, H., & Honari, H. (2021). Sustainable development of sports; Concepts, obstacles and solutions. Journal of Sport Management and Development, 10(1), 1-10. [‏https:// doi:10.22124/JSMD.2021.5029] [In Persian]

Martín-Martín, A., Thelwall, M., Orduna-Malea, E., & Delgado López-Cózar, E. (2021). Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic, Scopus, Dimensions, Web of Science, and OpenCitations’ COCI: a multidisciplinary comparison of coverage via citations. Scientometrics, 126(1), 871-906. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-020-03690-4\]

Moral-Muñoz, J. A., Herrera-Viedma, E., Santisteban-Espejo, A., & Cobo, M. J. (2020). Software tools for conducting bibliometric analysis in science: An up-to-date review. Profesional de la Información, 29(1). [https://doi.org/10.3145/epi.2020.ene.03]

Nations, U. (2016). The Sustainable Development Goals 2016. Retrieved from [Link]

Ortega, J.L. (2015). Relationship between altmetric and bibliometric indicators across academic social sites: The case of CSIC's members. Journal of Informetrics, 9(1), 39-49. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2014.11.004]

Page, M.J., McKenzie, J.E., Bossuyt, P.M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T.C., Mulrow, C.D., . . . Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372(71). [https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71]

Pesta, B., Fuerst, J., & Kirkegaard, E.O.W. (2018). Bibliometric Keyword Analysis across Seventeen Years (2000–2016) of Intelligence Articles. Journal of Intelligence, 6. [https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence6040046]

Pfahl, M., Casper, J., Trendafilova, S., McCullough, B.P., & Nguyen, S.N. (2015). Crossing boundaries: An examination of sustainability department and athletics department collaboration regarding environmental issues. Communication & Sport, 3(1), 27-56. [https://doi.org/10.1177/2167479513519253]

Sherry, E., & Schulenkorf, N. (2016). League Bilong Laif: rugby, education and sport-for-development partnerships in Papua New Guinea. Sport, Education and Society, 21, 513-530. [https://doi:10.1080/13573322.2015.1112780]

Skinner, J., Zakus, D.H., & Cowell, J. (2008). Development through sport: Building social capital in disadvantaged communities. Sport Management Review, 11(3), 253-275 [https://doi.org/10.1016/S1441-3523(08)70112-8]

Smith, A. (2009). Theorising the relationship between major sport events and social sustainability. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 14(2-3), 109-120. [https://doi.org/10.1080/14775080902965033]

Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333-339. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039]

Vall, S.E. (2007). Community development and sport participation. Journal of Sport Management, 21, 571-596. [https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.21.4.571]

Wang, B., Pan, S.-Y., Ke, R.-Y., Wang, K., & Wei, Y.-M. (2014). An overview of climate change vulnerability: a bibliometric analysis based on Web of Science database. Natural Hazards, 74, 1649-1666. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-014-1260-y]

Wang, C., Lim, M.K., Zhao, L., Tseng, M.-L., Chien, C.-F., & Lev, B. (2020). The evolution of Omega-The International Journal of Management Science over the past 40 years: A bibliometric overview. Omega, 93, 102098. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2019.08.005]

Winn, M. I., & Kirchgeorg, M. (2005). The siesta is over: a rude awakening from sustainability. Environmental Strategy and Competitive Advantage,126(1), 871-906. [https://doi.org/10.4337/9781845426859]

Zahedi, S., & Najafi, G. (2007). Conceptual expansion of Sustainable Development Lecturer of humanities. Human Sciences MODARES, 10(4), 43-76. [Link] [In Persian]

Söderholm, P., Hellsmark, H., Frishammar, J., Hansson, J., Mossberg, J., & Sandström, A. (2019). Technological development for sustainability: The role of network management in the innovation policy mix. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 138, 309-323. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2018.10.010]

Park, J., Uhm, J.P., Kim, S., Kim, M., Sato, S., & Lee, H.W. (2022). Sport Community Involvement and Life Satisfaction During COVID-19: A Moderated Mediation of Psychological Capital by Distress and Generation Z. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 861630. [https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.861630]

Mikkonen, M., Korsberg, M., Lehtonen, K., & Stenvall, J. (2022). Sport policy in Finland. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 14(4), 715-728. [https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2022.2127837]

Lohana, S., Imran, M., Harouache, A., Sadia, A., & Ur Rehman, Z. (2023). Impact of environment, culture, and sports tourism on the economy: a mediation-moderation model. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 36(3), 2222306. [https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2023.2222306]

Dai, J., & Menhas, R. (2020). Sustainable development goals, sports and physical activity: the localization of health-related sustainable development goals through sports in China: a narrative review. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 1419-1430. [https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S257844]

Bibliometric Analysis of International Research Conducted in the Field of Sustainable Development in Sports

References

References

Volume 15, Issue 3 - Serial Number 47Autumn- 47September 2026Pages 99-128

Volume 15, Issue 3 - Serial Number 47
Autumn- 47
September 2026
Pages 99-128