A Bibliometric Analysis of Complex Problem-Solving Approaches in Engineering Education
https://doi.org/10.35877/454RI.asci3846
Keywords:
Bibliometric Analysis, Complex Problem-Solving, Complex Engineering Problem Solving, Engineering Education, Research Trends
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Abstract
The evolving landscape of engineering education requires the development of advanced cognitive skills, particularly complex problem-solving (CPS). As engineering challenges grow in complexity, CPS has become a vital competency. However, research on CPS in engineering education remains scattered. This study presents a systematic bibliometric analysis to uncover trends, key contributors, and thematic focuses in CPS-related research. Using the Scopus database and VOSviewer 1.6.20, the study analyzed publications based on co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence. The five-stage bibliometric approach by Masitoh et al. (2021) and Bukar et al. (2023) was adopted, encompassing keyword selection, data retrieval, screening, analysis, and visualization. Findings show a notable rise in CPS publications after 2010, peaking between 2022 and 2024. Dominant keywords include “active learning,” “simulation,” “artificial intelligence,” and “project-based learning,” indicating a shift toward AI-driven, technology-enhanced approaches. China, the United States, and India lead in research output, reflecting global efforts in reforming engineering education. The study highlights the growing emphasis on interdisciplinary and problem-based learning. Despite this momentum, regional disparities remain. Insights from this analysis are valuable for curriculum developers, educators, and policymakers to enhance CPS integration and guide future research toward more holistic and inclusive approaches
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References
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Ishak, H., Mohd Matore, M.E.E. & Mohd Nor, H.A.M. 2025. Bibliometric Analysis Of Adaptive Behavior Research: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) For Children With Disabilities. Journal of Lifestyle and SDG’S Review 5(2): 1–25. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n02.pe03405.
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Nagahi, M., Maddah, A., Jaradat, R. & Mohammadi, M. 2021. Development of perceived complex problem-solving instrument in domain of complex systems. Systems 9(3): 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems9030051
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Perianes-Rodriguez, A., Waltman, L. & van Eck, N.J. 2016. Constructing bibliometric networks: A comparison between full and fractional counting. Journal of Informetrics 10(4): 1178–1195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2016.10.006
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Schweizer, F., Wüstenberg, S. & Greiff, S. 2013. Validity of the MicroDYN approach: Complex problem solving predicts school grades beyond working memory capacity. Learning and Individual Differences 24: 42–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2012.12.011.
Setyaningsih, I. & Jie, F. 2018. Bibliometric analysis of the term “green manufacturing.” International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy 11(3): 315–339. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijmcp.2018.10014233
Talib, S., Alias, B.S., Matore, M.E.@. E.M. & Abdullah, A.H. 2025. Empowering STEM education through the role of principals: a systematic literature review. Journal of Education and Learning 19(1): 570–578. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v19i1.21889
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Wu, H. & Molnár, G. 2022. Analysing Complex Problem-Solving Strategies from a Cognitive Perspective: The Role of Thinking Skills. Journal of Intelligence 10(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence10030046
Wu, Y.C.J. & Wu, T. 2017. A decade of entrepreneurship education in the Asia Pacific for future directions in theory and practice. Management Decision 55(7): 1333–1350. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-05-2017-0518
Wulandari, W. 2024. Bibliometric analysis of research trends in problem based learning and problem solving ability (2002-2022). International Journal of Studies in Education and Science (IJSES) 5(1): 13–28. www.ijses.net28.https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.73https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.73.
Zhang, C., Mohamad, E.M.W., Azlan, A.A. & Qi, Y. 2024. A Bibliometric Analysis of Ehealth Literacy: Evaluating Approaches To Promote Health and Well-Being in the Context of Sdgs. Journal of Lifestyle and SDG’S Review 4(3): 1–30. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v4.n03.pe02450
Zhang, M. & Andersson, B. 2023. Identifying Problem-Solving Solution Patterns Using Network Analysis of Operation Sequences and Response Times. Educational Assessment 28(3): 172–189. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v4.n03.pe02450
Ari Masitoh, P.N., Latifah, S., Saregar, A., Aziz, A., Suharto & Jamaluddin, W. 2021. Bibliometric analysis of physics problem solving. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science Vol. 1796https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1796/1/012009.
Azmin, N.F.M., Mat Isa, C.M., Lee, W.-K., Ibrahim, S.N. & Lian, O.C. 2023. Implementation of Complex Engineering Problem Solving (CEP) and Complex Engineering Activities (CEA) in Malaysian Engineering Curriculum: A Pilot Study. 2023 International Conference on University Teaching and Learning, InCULT 2023 https://doi.org/10.1109/InCULT59088.2023.10482478
Bukar, U.A., Sayeed, M.S., Razak, S.F.A., Yogarayan, S., Amodu, O.A. & Mahmood, R.A.R. 2023. A method for analyzing text using VOSviewer. MethodsX 11(102339): 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2023.102339.
Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., Pandey, N. & Lim, W.M. 2021. How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research 133: 285–296.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070.
Mohd Matore, M.E.E., Khairani, A. Z., Maat, S.M., Ahmad, N.A. & Mohd Matore, E. R., 2018. The Influence Of Intellectual Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ) And Spiritual Quotient (SQ) Against Adversity Quotient (AQ) On Polytechnic Students In Malaysia. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Special Issue on ICETVESS 2017(13): 83–91.
Fahimnia, B., Sarkis, J. & Davarzani, H. 2015. Green supply chain management: A review and bibliometric analysis. International Journal of Production Economics 162: 101–114. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2015.01.003.
Falagas, M.E., Pitsouni, E.I., Malietzis, G.A. & Pappas, G. 2008. Comparison of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar: strengths and weaknesses. The FASEB Journal 22(2): 338–342. https://doi.org/ 10.1096/fj.07-9492lsf
Funke, J. 2001. Dynamic systems as tools for analysing human judgement. Thinking and Reasoning 7(1): 69–89. https://doi.org/10.1080/13546780042000046
Gandasari, D., Tjahjana, D., Dwidienawati, D. & Sugiarto, M. 2024. Bibliometric and visualized analysis of social network analysis research on Scopus databases and VOSviewer. Cogent Business and Management 11(1): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2376899.
Garay-Rondero, C.L., Castillo-Paz, A., Gijón-Rivera, C., Domínguez-Ramírez, G., Rosales-Torres, C. & Oliart-Ros, A. 2024. Competency-based assessment tools for engineering higher education: a case study on complex problem-solving. Cogent Education 11(1): 1-31. https://sci-hub.se/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2392424
Greiff, S. 2017. Interactive problem solving: Exploring the potential of minimal complex systems. The Nature of Problem Solving: Using Research to Inspire 21st Century Learning. (pp. 93–105). https://doi.org/ 10.1787/9789264273955-8-en
Greiff, S. & Funke, J. 2009b. Measuring complex problem solving: The MicroDYN approach. Dlm. Scheuermann, F. & Björnsson, J. (pnyt). The Transition to Computer-Based Assessment. Lessons learned from large-scale surveys and implications for testing hlm. (pp. 1–8). Office for Official Publications of the European Communities. http://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/volltextserver/15502/.
Guo, J.W., She, H.C., Chen, M.J. & Tsai, P.Y. 2023. Can CPS better prepare 8th graders for problem-solving in electromagnetism and bridging the gap between high- and low-achievers than IPS? International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning 18(4): 489–512. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11412-023-09407-y
Hassan, S.A.H.S., Mohd-Yusof, K., Yuan, C.C.C., Phang, F.A., Rahman, N.F.A., Samah, N.A., Zakaria, Z.Y. & binti Ghazali, N.E. 2022. 21st Century Engineering Learning and Teaching: Malaysia Perspective and Direction. ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings
Hernández-Torrano, D. & Ibrayeva, L. 2020. Creativity and education: A bibliometric mapping of the research literature (1975–2019). Thinking Skills and Creativity 35(December 2019): 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2019.100625.
Ishak, H., Mohd Matore, M.E.E. & Mohd Nor, H.A.M. 2025. Bibliometric Analysis Of Adaptive Behavior Research: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) For Children With Disabilities. Journal of Lifestyle and SDG’S Review 5(2): 1–25. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n02.pe03405.
Kulkarni, A. V, Aziz, B., Shams, I. & Busse, J.W. 2009. Comparisons of Citations in Web of Science ,. Jama 302(10): https://doi.org/1092–1096. 10.1021/acs.accounts.5b00404.
Lima, A.A. & Ribeiro, T.D.L.S. 2023. Mapping Sustainable Development Goals Research in Social Sciences: a Bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Lifestyle and SDG’S Review 3: 1–23. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v3.n00.pe01562
Ling, J.H. 2024. Implementation of Complex Engineering Problem Solving Projects in a Malaysian Engineering Programme. Indonesian Journal of Education and Social Science 3(2): 133–150. https://ejournal.papanda.org/index.php/ijess [28 November 2024].
Molnár, G. & Csapó, B. 2018. The efficacy and development of students’ problem-solving strategies during compulsory schooling: Logfile analyses. Frontiers in Psychology 9(MAR): 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00302
Nagahi, M., Maddah, A., Jaradat, R. & Mohammadi, M. 2021. Development of perceived complex problem-solving instrument in domain of complex systems. Systems 9(3): 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems9030051
Novick, L.R. & Bassok, M. 2005. Problem solving. In K. J. Holyoak & R. G. Morrison (Eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning. Cambridge University Press. http://books.google.com/books?hl=fr&lr=&id=znbkHaC8QeMC&pgis=1
Perianes-Rodriguez, A., Waltman, L. & van Eck, N.J. 2016. Constructing bibliometric networks: A comparison between full and fractional counting. Journal of Informetrics 10(4): 1178–1195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2016.10.006
Sabtu, S.H. & Matore, M.E.E.M. 2024. Systematic literature review on the implementation of the Six Sigma approach in education. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education 13(1): 262–270. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v13i1.26196
Schweizer, F., Wüstenberg, S. & Greiff, S. 2013. Validity of the MicroDYN approach: Complex problem solving predicts school grades beyond working memory capacity. Learning and Individual Differences 24: 42–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2012.12.011.
Setyaningsih, I. & Jie, F. 2018. Bibliometric analysis of the term “green manufacturing.” International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy 11(3): 315–339. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijmcp.2018.10014233
Talib, S., Alias, B.S., Matore, M.E.@. E.M. & Abdullah, A.H. 2025. Empowering STEM education through the role of principals: a systematic literature review. Journal of Education and Learning 19(1): 570–578. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v19i1.21889
Verbeek, A., Debackere, K., Luwel, M. & Zimmermann, E. 2002. Measuring progress and evolution in science and technology – I: The multiple uses of bibliometric indicators. International Journal of Management Reviews 4(2): 179–211. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2370.00083
Veríssimo, C., Pereira, L., Fernandes, A. & Martinho, R. 2024. Complex problem solving as a source of competitive advantage. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity 10(2): 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2370.00083
World Economic Forum. 2023. Future of Jobs Report 2023 : Insight Report. Cologny/Geneva. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023.
World Economic Forum. 2025. Future of Job Report 2025: Insight Report. Cologny/Geneva. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025.
Wu, H. & Molnár, G. 2022. Analysing Complex Problem-Solving Strategies from a Cognitive Perspective: The Role of Thinking Skills. Journal of Intelligence 10(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence10030046
Wu, Y.C.J. & Wu, T. 2017. A decade of entrepreneurship education in the Asia Pacific for future directions in theory and practice. Management Decision 55(7): 1333–1350. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-05-2017-0518
Wulandari, W. 2024. Bibliometric analysis of research trends in problem based learning and problem solving ability (2002-2022). International Journal of Studies in Education and Science (IJSES) 5(1): 13–28. www.ijses.net28.https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.73https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.73.
Zhang, C., Mohamad, E.M.W., Azlan, A.A. & Qi, Y. 2024. A Bibliometric Analysis of Ehealth Literacy: Evaluating Approaches To Promote Health and Well-Being in the Context of Sdgs. Journal of Lifestyle and SDG’S Review 4(3): 1–30. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v4.n03.pe02450
Zhang, M. & Andersson, B. 2023. Identifying Problem-Solving Solution Patterns Using Network Analysis of Operation Sequences and Response Times. Educational Assessment 28(3): 172–189. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v4.n03.pe02450
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2025-04-30
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Azizan, M. F., Mohd Matore, M. E. E., & Omar, M. (2025). A Bibliometric Analysis of Complex Problem-Solving Approaches in Engineering Education. Journal of Applied Science, Engineering, Technology, and Education, 7(1), 17-28. https://doi.org/10.35877/454RI.asci3846
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohd Fikri Azizan, Mohd Effendi Ewan Mohd Matore, Marlissa Omar (Author)
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