Study goals
To map emerging trends in project management performance assessment through bibliometric analysis, with an emphasis on conceptual, methodological, and thematic transformations that occurred between 1960–2018 and 2019–2024.
Relevance / originality
The study is original in comparing two distinct historical periods, highlighting the transition from technical to strategic approaches in project performance assessment, incorporating innovation, sustainability, and governance as new thematic axes.
Methodology / approach
A bibliometric-based Research Profiling approach was used, analyzing 877 articles from the SCOPUS database published between 2019 and 2024. The steps involved extraction, categorization, descriptive analysis, and comparison with publications from the period 1960–2018.
Main results
The results indicate a growing integration of strategic indicators, digital innovation, and sustainability in project performance assessment. Fields such as Engineering and Management lead in publications, and keywords reveal trends focused on risk, added value, and organizational impact.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
The study systematizes the evolution of evaluation approaches and proposes the expansion of theoretical models with hybrid metrics and socio-environmental indicators. Methodologically, it contributes by employing Research Profiling as a strategy for mapping scientific transformations in project management.
Social / management contributions
It provides support for managers to adopt more integrated and strategic evaluation practices adapted to complex contexts. It supports data-driven decision-making, promoting greater alignment between technical performance, organizational value, and social impact.