Bibliometric-Systematic Literature Review (B-SLR) Framework

The Bibliometric-Systematic Literature Review (B-SLR) is a structured framework for conducting systematic literature reviews informed by bibliometric analyses.
It is adaptable to various research aims, whether for reviewing existing literature, developing theories, mapping future research directions, or connecting different topics.

The B-SLR framework emphasises critical analysis, timeliness, comprehensive coverage, methodological rigour, coherence, and the originality of contributions, with a focus on generating novel and relevant theoretical insights. It uses non-proprietary and open-source software and sources to adhere to the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science.

Presenting the B-SLR Companion Website

This companion website provides additional resources for supporting authors in applying the B-SLR framework, published in the International Journal of Management Reviews (https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12381).
Here, authors can find a range of tools designed to facilitate the implementation of the B-SLR framework.

Available Resources:

To Cite the B-SLR Framework

APA

Marzi, G., Balzano, M., Caputo, A., & Pellegrini, M. M. (2025). Guidelines for bibliometric-systematic literature reviews: 10 steps to combine analysis, synthesis, and theory development. International Journal of Management Reviews, 27(1), 81–103. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12381

Harvard

Marzi, G., Balzano, M., Caputo, A. and Pellegrini, M.M. (2025) 'Guidelines for bibliometric-systematic literature reviews: 10 steps to combine analysis, synthesis, and theory development', International Journal of Management Reviews, 27(1), pp. 81–103. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12381.

MLA

Marzi, Giacomo, Marco Balzano, Andrea Caputo, and Massimiliano M. Pellegrini. "Guidelines for Bibliometric-Systematic Literature Reviews: 10 Steps to Combine Analysis, Synthesis, and Theory Development." International Journal of Management Reviews, vol. 27, no. 1, 2025, pp. 81–103, https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12381.

IEEE

G. Marzi, M. Balzano, A. Caputo, and M. M. Pellegrini, "Guidelines for bibliometric-systematic literature reviews: 10 steps to combine analysis, synthesis, and theory development," International Journal of Management Reviews, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 81–103, 2025. doi: 10.1111/ijmr.12381.

B-SLR_IJMR_Article.pdf