A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Business Process Management and Knowledge Management Integration: Bridging the Scholarly Gap

Abstract

In the ever-evolving landscape of organisational optimisation, the integration of business process management (BPM) and knowledge management (KM) emerges as a critical challenge. Beyond the opportunity to expedite the improvement of the organisation’s operations, this integration serves as a gateway to unlocking the full potential of organisational knowledge and digital transformation. With its comprehensive evaluation of the dimensions of research on BPM and KM, this article aims to unveil predominant topics and evolving trends within this intersection. By doing so, it seeks to catalyse meaningful advancements in organisational management practices, underscoring the relevance and importance of this topic to the audience. The authors conducted a rigorous research process. Using bibliographic analysis, they selected 359 publications from the Scopus database. They employed performance analysis and scientific mapping methods to extract meaningful insights facilitated by MS Excel and VOSviewer applications. Additionally, they conducted an in-depth analysis of 37 publications chosen through bibliographic coupling analysis. The findings highlight a significant gap in the scholarly discourse on BPM and KM, which is evident in the limited research outcomes and minimal influence on decision-making processes. This study reiterates the need for increased dedication to this research realm, particularly in areas identified in the future research agenda recommendations, to stimulate significant advancements in organisational management practices. This paper stands out from the up-to-date reviews by offering a unique contribution to the BPM and KM integration field. While these reviews often focus on specific niches within the broader domain, this study takes a holistic approach. It provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on integrating BPM and KM, delving into the quantity and quality of existing research. It also identifies emerging themes and potential directions for future scholarship, ensuring a robust understanding of the integrative landscape of BPM and KM.