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The article presents the findings of a comprehensive review of 321 import-related articles published in business journals and books during the period 1960–2010.

Using a content analysis, the articles were assessed on four dimensions referring to the research design, scope of research, research methodology, and key thematic areas addressed.

The assessment revealed that this body of research has advanced over time from an exploratory and descriptive phase into one that is characterized by greater maturity and sophistication.

Based on input extracted from the articles reviewed, as well as from a survey conducted among prolific scholars in the field, various theoretical, methodological, and other guidelines for future research are provided.