Work integrated learning and trending areas for future studies: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis
Asian Education and Development Studies
ISSN: 2046-3162
Article publication date: 12 April 2024
Issue publication date: 25 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study intends to conceptually and technically examine the literature on work integrated learning (WIL) through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. The present study addresses eight distinct research questions: (1) descriptive features of the extracted literature on WIL, (2) publications trends and thematic evolution in the field of WIL, (3) the most relevant and high-impact sources on WIL, (4) the most global cited articles on WIL, (5) the most relevant and high-impact authors on WIL, (6) the most relevant countries on WIL, (7) outcomes of Bradford’s Law of Scattering and Lotka’s Law of Scientific Productivity and (8) trending research avenues for future studies in the field of WIL.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study employed systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis mapping techniques to analyze 1,295 articles extracted from the Scopus database. The analysis utilized Biblioshiny software and VOSviewer software as the primary tools.
Findings
The findings reveal that WIL constitutes a steadily expanding subject discipline, showcasing a notable 23.28% annual growth in scientific production spanning from 2002 to 2023 (July). Australia, South Africa and Canada emerged as the most productive countries within the field of WIL, as evidenced by their cumulative scientific production. The thematic map of keyword analysis suggests several burgeoning avenues for future researchers in the WIL domain, including education, reflective practices, curriculum, employability skills, international students, learning and self-efficacy.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the WIL discourse by providing a comprehensive literature review. The present study’s findings hold significance for graduates, universities, employers, the higher education industry, policymakers, regulators and the broader community.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to the editor-in-chief, the editorial board of the Asian Education and Development Studies Journal and Emerald Publishing for their valuable cooperation in the article publication process. Moreover, I thank anonymous reviewers for constructive comments to enhance the quality of the article. This research received no specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Citation
Amarathunga, B. (2024), "Work integrated learning and trending areas for future studies: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis", Asian Education and Development Studies, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 97-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-12-2023-0175
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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