Mapping optimization techniques in project management

An important function of the project management is to optimize the project in various phases and at different levels. From sourcing and allocation to scheduling and even dealing with uncertainties, the science of operation research (OR) has played an important role in this area. So far, many papers have been published using the optimization science to make various decisions regarding the project management. This study aims to investigate all papers published on the application of optimization in the project management from 1940 to 2019 and shows: a) how the trend has changed over this 79 years period, b) to what direction the trend has changed, c) determines the interesting topics of the recent years, and d) which subjects are more attractive as future studies as the applications of the optimization techniques in the project management