A theme evolution and knowledge trajectory study in AHP using science mapping and main path analysis

The rapid development of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) results numerous theoretical and empirical documents. However, as far as we know, there is no literature focus on the theme evolution and knowledge trajectory of the AHP field until now, which makes it difficult for scholars to grasp the research priorities in this domain. To fill this gap, this study conducts science mapping analysis and main path analysis (MPA) on 1326 documents retrieved from Web of Science (WoS) to explore knowledge development and the main research fronts in the AHP field. This study first reflects the evolution trend of the theme through science mapping analysis based on co-word analysis, and proposes six outstanding research areas in the AHP field. Then, through MPA based on citation relationship, this study finds that outsourcing is one of the future research trends. Overall, this paper not only provides researchers with a comprehensive overview of the AHP domain, but also helps practitioners find the cutting-edge application areas and methods.

Automated summary

This study explores the knowledge development and main research fronts in the AHP field through science mapping analysis and main path analysis. The results reveal the evolution trend of the AHP field, outstanding research areas, and one of the future research trends.