Mapping Key Concepts and Thematic Development in Sports Management: A Scientometric Perspective

چکیده مقاله

Purpose: This study provides a scientometric overview of sport management research, with particular emphasis on the thematic structure and keyword dynamics of the field. Methodology: A keyword-based approach was used for data collection, employing the terms “sport management” and “sports management” within the titles or author-indexed keywords of publications. A total of 5,743 English-language articles were retrieved from the Scopus database. Following data normalization and preprocessing, the dataset was analyzed using comprehensive scientometric tools. The study examines the overall scientometric profile of the field, including temporal trends, citation patterns, and domain distribution, as well as thematic developments within sport management literature. VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R package were utilized to perform keyword analysis, co-occurrence mapping, and thematic clustering. Findings: The results identify eight primary thematic domains within sport management research: Organizational Strategy and Technological Integration; Athlete Health and Injury Management; Athlete Performance and Sport Psychology; Governance, Safety, and Health Policy; Sustainable Sport Event Management; Social Equity and Inclusion in Sport; Sport Tourism and Environmental Sustainability; and Participant Motivation and Volunteerism. Several of these domains demonstrate thematic overlap, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Conclusion: The findings indicate a shift in sport management research from traditional and foundational themes toward technology-oriented topics, particularly those related to big data and machine learning. Value: These findings provide insights for future research while expanding the understanding of sport management. By offering an evidence-based overview of thematic developments, the study provides academics, practitioners, and policymakers with a foundation to guide future developments and strategic decision-making.