Blockchain Technology In Supply Chain Research Articles

Blockchain technology and consumers’ organic food consumption: a moderated mediation model of blockchain-based trust and perceived blockchain-related information transparency

Purpose While the application of blockchain technology in the organic food supply chain has been increasingly recognized, the extant knowledge of how blockchain-driven traceability influences consumer perceptions and purchase intentions remains underexplored. Grounded in the stimulus-organism-response theory, this study aims to construct a moderated mediation model to examine blockchain-enabled traceability’s direct and indirect impacts on organic food purchase intention through perceived blockchain-related information transparency, considering the moderating role of blockchain-based trust. Design/methodology/approach A purposive sample of 5,326 Vietnamese consumers was surveyed using the PROCESS macro to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The findings indicate that blockchain-enabled traceability significantly enhances perceived blockchain-related information transparency, which positively influences organic food purchase intention. Furthermore, blockchain-based trust was found to positively moderate both the direct effect of transparency on purchase intention and the indirect impact of traceability on purchase intention through transparency. Practical implications Practical and managerial insights for stakeholders in the organic food sector are also discussed. Originality/value These results contribute to the literature by extending the stimulus-organism-response model to the context of blockchain technology in supply chains and highlighting the critical role of trust in moderating the effectiveness of technological innovations.

A Critical Literature Review on Blockchain Technology Adoption in Supply Chains

Inspired by the discontinuation of the blockchain platform TradeLens, co-developed by IBM and Maersk, due to the lack of the involved supply chain stakeholders’ adoption, a critical literature review on the models of supply chain stakeholders’ adoption of blockchain applications was conducted. This review is significant as it provides insights into the exploration of a more universal approach to investigate which factors really influence blockchain adoption, which is a pre-requisite for the technical sustainability of blockchain technology in supply chains. As observed in the review, the technology acceptance model (TAM), the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) are frequently used in the literature, but little attention has been paid to whether blockchain technology fits the users’ tasks in understanding blockchain adoption in the supply chain. Among the technology adoption theories, task–technology fit (TTF) considers whether a technology fits the tasks, but only two previous studies involved the use of TTF. This study discusses the suitability of these existing models of technology adoption for blockchain applications in supply chains and comes up with a new unified model, namely TOE-TTF-UTAUT. This review also has implications for a more appropriate conceptual research design using mixed methods.

Managerial and Organizational Implications Arising from the Implementation of Blockchain Technology in Supply Chains: An AS-IS and To-Be Analysis

Purpose: The main objective of this research is to highlight the managerial and organizational implications for businesses resulting from the implementation of blockchain logic and technologies. The functionalities of blockchain technologies are compared with the traditional approach to supply chain management to emphasize the impact they can have on managing intra-supply chain relationships and the organizational structure of companies involved in supply channels. Design/methodology/approach: To conduct this study, a conceptual study was carried out, starting from an analysis of the main characteristics of blockchain technologies, to build an AS-IS scenario compared with the TO-BE scenario resulting from the implementation of these technologies within supply chains. To conduct this study, conceptual categories of the viable system approach and process management perspective were utilized. The conceptual analysis was performed using a matrix representation, which correlates material, informational, and financial flows with the dimensions of traceability, transparency, and efficiency, before and after the implementation of blockchains in managing supply chain transactions. Findings: The study highlighted how the principles underlying blockchain can lead to overcoming the traditional indispensable search for trust among supply chain operators. Therefore, through these results, it is possible to hypothesize an improvement in the resilience conditions of companies operating in block–supply chains. Originality/value: This study contributes to investigating the relationship between blockchain and operational consonance among operators in managing interorganizational processes to improve conditions of efficiency, traceability, and transparency, which are functional in the resilience of companies involved in the supply chain compared to the changing dynamics of the context. Research implications: Trustless logic in the implementation of blockchain technologies leads to the configuration of a new concept of trust, connected to the entire supply chain system, as a result of the improvement in the security, visibility, and efficiency conditions of transactions. The increased visibility and transparency developed in block–supply chains prompt all actors involved in the supply chains to rethink information management, given the reduction in informational asymmetries and, thus, the optimization of transaction costs.

Revolutionizing supply chain management: a critical meta-analysis of empowerment and constraint factors in blockchain technology adoption

PurposeThis study conducts a thorough literature review and meta-analysis to explore the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT) in supply chain management (SCM). It aims to identify the potential benefits, challenges, and critical factors influencing the implementation of this technology in supply chains.Design/methodology/approachA systematic analysis of 157 highly cited publications is performed, offering insights into research trends, citations, industries, research methods, and contextual aspects. Thematic analysis is employed to uncover key findings regarding enablers, barriers, drivers, challenges, benefits, and drawbacks associated with BCT adoption in supply chains.FindingsThe analysis highlights the complexities and opportunities involved in adopting BCT in SCM. A proposed model aligns with five dimensions, including inter-organizational, intra-organizational, technological, legal, and to assist businesses in harnessing the potential of BCT, overcoming obstacles, and managing challenges. This model provides practical recommendations for navigating the intricacies of BCT implementation while balancing associated challenges and risks.Practical implicationsOrganizations operating in supply chains can leverage the insights gained from this investigation to position themselves at the forefront of BCT adoption. By implementing the proposed model, they can unlock benefits such as increased transparency, efficiency, trust, and cost reduction.Originality/valueThe novelty of this paper lies in its extensive review of publications on Blockchain Technology adoption in supply chains. It offers insights into various aspects such as enablers, barriers, drivers, challenges, benefits, and drawbacks. Additionally, the paper presents a comprehensive model specifically designed for successful adoption of Blockchain Technology in supply chains. This model addresses multiple dimensions including inter-organizational, intra-organizational, technological, legal, and financial.

VERIFYING THE DETERMINANTS OF BLOCKCHAIN ADOPTION INTENTION: A META-ANALYSIS ON SUPPLY CHAIN STUDIES

Numerous significant variables for the adoption of Blockchain technology in supply chains have been identified empirically. These variables, which influence adoption behavior in a variety of contexts, are discussed theoretically using technology acceptance theories and various other theories and methodological approaches. Given that research have been undertaken in many contexts, it is necessary to validate the previously proposed relationships between factors that facilitate blockchain adoption and the intention to utilize blockchain technology. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate and validate the critical variables that stand out in related studies by using meta-analysis. 38 studies published in SSCI and SCI-E-indexed journals were used after searching WoS, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases and employing various filtering criteria. In addition to the variables considered in the most widely accepted technological, environmental, and organizational classifications, the research results disclose newly emerging or relatively less interesting variables. While the study's empirical findings have managerial implications, this study also provides suggestions for future research agendas.

Analyzing the Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Optimizing Supply Chain Processes in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in optimizing supply chain processes
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) play a pivotal role in optimizing supply chain processes by enhancing demand forecasting accuracy through sophisticated algorithms. They streamline inventory management by predicting demand patterns and automating replenishment tasks, leading to reduced stockouts and excess inventory. AI-powered analytics enable real-time insights into supply chain performance, identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies for proactive decision-making.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of technology acceptance model (TAM), resource-based view (RBV) theory & dynamic capabilities theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyzing the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in optimizing supply chain processes. Encourage supply chain stakeholders to adopt blockchain solutions for enhanced transparency, traceability, and efficiency. Advocate for regulatory frameworks that promote the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chains while addressing concerns related to data privacy, interoperability, and standardization.

Impact of Blockchain Technology on Supply Chain Management Efficiency and Transparency in Pakistan


 Abstract
 Purpose: The aim of the study was to influence the impact of blockchain technology on supply chain management efficiency and transparency
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: A study on the impact of blockchain technology on supply chain management in Pakistan revealed significant improvements in efficiency and transparency. Through blockchain integration, supply chain processes experienced reduced delays and increased automation, leading to streamlined operations. Transparency was notably enhanced, with real-time tracking of goods and secure data sharing among stakeholders, mitigating risks of fraud and error. These findings suggest that adopting blockchain technology holds promise for enhancing supply chain management in Pakistan by fostering greater efficiency and transparency.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovations theory, information processing theory & resource dependency theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of block chain technology on supply chain management efficiency and transparency. Encourage supply chain stakeholders to adopt blockchain solutions for enhanced transparency, traceability, and efficiency. Advocate for regulatory frameworks that promote the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chains while addressing concerns related to data privacy, interoperability, and standardization.

Motivating factors for blockchain technology adoption: a theoretical analysis from the perspective of supply chain collaboration

Purpose This study aims to identify the driving factors that influence blockchain technology adoption in the context of a supply chain (SC), considering three dimensions: technology, transactions and collaboration. Design/methodology/approach An integrative systematic literature review of previous studies was conducted. Using three main dimensions: technology, transactions and SC collaboration, supported by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, transaction cost economics (TCE) and concepts of SC collaboration, the authors categorized factors that contributed to blockchain technology in SC in the extant literature and proposed a theoretical model that covers these three dimensions. Findings The findings reveal that the information sharing category – related to the SC collaboration dimension – is the category with the greatest number of motivating factors for blockchain adoption in the SC context, followed by performance expectancy and behavioral uncertainty. Research limitations/implications The review considers papers published until 2021 obtained from a specific database. Originality/value This study focuses on filling the research gap concerning technology adoption as it considers the interconnection formed by two organizations, interorganizational transactions and SC collaboration, using complementary theories to explain the phenomenon.

Strengthening Supply Chain Visibility With Blockchain: A PRISMA-Based Review

Over the last 5 years, research into the use of blockchain technology in supply chains (SCs) has increased significantly. This is because many firms are faced with the necessity of enhancing SC visibility not just to fulfill statutory obligations, but also to streamline operations, assure the quality of deliverables, and ensure the sustainability of activities. This review article provides a summary of all scientific work published since 2016, with a special emphasis on the business management & accounting and decision science domains, in order to better comprehend the constantly rising knowledge clusters linked with this topic. The prominent contributors and knowledge clusters were identified using suitable bibliometric algorithms on a review corpus of 308 articles extracted from the SCOPUS database. There are five identified knowledge clusters: 1) blockchain for food SC transparency, 2) distributed ledger for sustainable SCs, 3) traceability systems using smart contracts, 4) internet of things for logistics, and 5) the emergence of Ethereum and hyperledger in SCs. This scholarly assessment, in conjunction with PageRank analysis and content mining, assisted in identifying research articles that are prominent in each cluster, which in turn helped in formulating future research avenues for aspiring researchers.

BTCEN Project: Application of Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain

BTCEN Project: Application of Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain

Evaluation of blockchain implementation solutions in the sustainable supply chain: A novel hybrid decision approach based on Z-numbers

Nowadays, because of the increase in global competition and the need to pay attention to sustainable issues, achieve a competitive advantage, reduce costs, and improve Supply Chain (SC) network management, the use of blockchain and its integration have become necessary in the network. The use of Blockchain Technology (BT) leads to transparency, controllability, security, flexibility, visibility, reduction of costs, efficient processes, and achieving sustainable development goals in the SC network. To successfully implement BT in SC, it is necessary to identify and evaluate the operational solutions to solve the challenges and obstacles of BT. Therefore, this study aims to identify and evaluate BT implementation solutions to achieve sustainability in the SC. The novelties and contributions of this research include identifying blockchain solutions to achieve sustainable development goals in the SC, proposing a new application for the agricultural products SC to utilize blockchain, and presenting a novel hybrid decision procedure including the Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) using on Z-numbers for evaluating solutions. The proposed approach can deal with ambiguity in the complex environment of the decision due to the consideration of reliability and uncertainty in the data, reducing the number of pairwise comparisons, low inconsistency rate, reducing the complexity of calculations, ease of implementation, no limit in the number of criteria, no dependence on predetermined scales, and providing compromise solutions based on different opinions of experts. To examine the results, sensitivity analysis, and validation were performed. The findings showed that for the successful implementation of blockchain in the agricultural SC, the infrastructure of this technology must be created and integrated with all levels of the SC, and using BT must be provided through the use of sustainable methods. By developing areas of cooperation and participation through the creation of facilitating rules between different partners in the SC, collective investments can be made in the development of the infrastructure.

Will Blockchain Technology Revolutionize Supply Chain Management?

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess if blockchain technology, which is hailed for its potential to improve supply chain transparency and efficiency, can deliver to this promise (Abreu et al., 2021; Mahyuni et al., 2020; Manzoor et al., 2022; Rennie, 2022; Yiannas, 2018). Supply chains are increasingly complex and full transparency is difficult to achieve and may sometimes be undesired, yet governments worldwide are demanding more transparency especially with respect to the social and environmental sustainability of supply chains (Francisco & Swanson, 2018; Franke, 2021; Najjar, 2021). If blockchain technology allows to close this gap, without compromising corporate confidentiality and efficiency requirements, it might change supply chain management drastically. Most other research in this field remains rather superficial with respect to the fundamentals of blockchain technology and supply chain management. Our study will add to the very limited theoretically founded research on blockchain potentials in supply chains.Study Design: Our paper is conceptual. Based on the extant literature, we compare blockchain technology and its advantages to the characteristics of supply chains and challenges of supply chain management to identify a theoretical fit. We investigate if published case studies of blockchain technology in supply chain management support this. Finally, we devise a conceptual framework for the application of blockchain technology in supply chain management.Findings: There is, currently, very limited use for blockchain technology in supply chain management. It does not provide an answer to several of the challenges that exist in supply chain management. Blockchain technology was primarily devised as encryption technology for virtual entities and transactions involving them and not for tangible objects. Published case studies describing the use of blockchain technology in supply chain management do not contradict these findings.They rely on private blockchain solutions lacking the key benefits of blockchain technology. Our conceptual framework constitutes a reference for a future public blockchain solution for supply chains. It offers solutions for some of the challenges but also cannot solve some fundamental challenges, like power imbalances in supply chains.Limitations: Blockchain technology undergoes rapid development. Future blockchain technology may be faster, less energy-intensive and more integrated with other technologies. This may be aided by developments in hardware, like quantum computing. The findings of this paper are limited to currently available technology.Implications: Companies and governments alike should be very cautious when considering investing in currently available blockchain solutions for supply chain management.

The value of blockchain technology in supply chains with capital constraints: from the perspective of demand volatility

AbstractBlockchain technology (BCT) has the potential to revolutionize the supply chain financing (SCF) system and mitigate the detrimental effects of demand volatility on SCF. As one of the first to examine the effects of BCT implementation in SCF from the perspective of demand volatility, we focus on the impacts of BCT on equilibrium and whether the retailer has the incentive to adopt BCT. We perform a comparative analysis of the Stackelberg game involving three parties under scenarios with and without BCT adoption. We find that when the demand volatility reduction coefficient is sufficiently large, BCT can facilitate a reduction of the ordering quantity while still sustaining the same service level, thus avoiding excessive inventory, and reducing the associated risk of bankruptcy. Additionally, the decreased bankruptcy risk enabled the bank to reduce interest rates. The adoption of BCT can improve the profit of the retailer when the adoption cost of BCT is sufficiently low. Our findings provide management insights into when the small and medium‐sized enterprises should adopt BCT and the interactive decision‐making of all parties in the SCF business after BCT adoption.

A Case Study of How Maersk Adopts Cloud-Based Blockchain Integrated with Machine Learning for Sustainable Practices

In the last six years, there has been a rise in research interest with regard to the applications of blockchain technology in supply chains and how these applications bring benefits to supply chain management. In a broader sense, an essential research focus that has been discussed in the literature is the way in which this emerging blockchain technology in supply chains brings sustainable benefits to a community. The rationale for incorporating cloud technology into a blockchain and integrating the blockchain with machine learning for supply chain applications is to maintain technical sustainability. While previous studies suggested and reported sustainable practices of applying blockchain technology in supply chains, the means with which these practices are brought about by the cloud-based blockchain integrated with machine learning (CBML) have not been thoroughly explored in the literature. The case study presented in this paper aims to fill this gap by exploring technically, environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable practices through the use cases of CBML for supply chain management by the international leading container shipping company Maersk. The use cases by Maersk presented in published documents were collected from the Internet and then analyzed. This document analysis was performed in two ways. The first way was a technical review of the blockchain technology used by Maersk with a consideration of technical sustainability to ensure scalability and big data analytics. The other way was to analyze the applications of the CBML by Maersk to indicate how environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social sustainability can be achieved. On the other hand, this paper also highlights the negative technical, environmental, economic, and social sustainability impacts caused by Maersk and discusses implications for future research directions.

Behavioral drivers of blockchain assimilation in supply chains – A social network theory perspective

This study investigates decision drivers for assimilating blockchain technology in supply chains. The benefits of blockchain accrue when there is collaborative acceptance of supply chain members. We ground our hypotheses in tenets of social network theory to propose that supply chain learning, supply chain collaboration, and network prominence will influence blockchain assimilation by organizations. Based on a cross-sectional group of blockchain users (150 supply chain professionals familiar with blockchain), the study is the first to develop an understanding of behavioral drivers of blockchain assimilation at the organizational level and complements earlier studies focused on the intention to adopt the technology and identification of blockchain benefits. In addition to contributing to a nascent body of literature on the blockchain, we provide psychometrically validated scales for blockchain assimilation and network prominence constructs. The findings have implications for blockchain adoption in supply chain literature.

Blockchain technology in pharmaceutical supply chains: a transaction cost perspective

PurposeAdopting new technologies to improve supply chain activities and processes is essential due to increasingly complex and dynamic business environments. Particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, high-quality standards must be met, requiring transparency and visibility in the supply chain. This research aims at investigating the implementation of blockchain technology in the supply chain of an Egyptian pharmaceutical company.Design/methodology/approachThe research applies a single case-study approach building on the theoretical underpinnings of transaction cost economics. Twenty-five semistructured interviews were conducted with pharmacies and employees of the case company to identify the blockchain technologies' potential for pharmaceutical supply in Egypt. Further analyzing the frequencies of the codes, the authors elaborate on specific relationships between the observed practices.FindingsThe research revealed the potential benefits of adopting blockchain technology. Transaction costs are indeed positively impacted by reduced contracting costs, processing costs and lead times, also ensuring the safe delivery of medications. However, the findings also highlight obstacles related to running costs, awareness and company culture. Regarding supply chain governance, blockchain technology can enhance collaboration within the supply chain as well as with important stakeholders.Practical implicationsInsufficient management of pharmaceutical supply chains (PSC) may affect a company's reputation but also disrupt the patient's healing process due to temperature damage and counterfeit medicines. Blockchain governance, in this vein, can ensure a safer and more reliable supply of pharmaceutical products. For intraorganizational purposes, however, cloud solutions, barcoding and generally digital platforms are rated more frequently than blockchain solutions.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to an advanced understanding how blockchain technology supports PSC, particularly in an emerging country context like Egypt. It thereby confirms and extends previous research as well as adds to the theoretical underpinnings of digitalized supply chains.

Predicting the Blockchain Technology Acceptance in Supply Chains with Inter-Firm Perspective: An Integrated DEMATEL and PLS-SEM Approach

Predicting the Blockchain Technology Acceptance in Supply Chains with Inter-Firm Perspective: An Integrated DEMATEL and PLS-SEM Approach

Blockchain Technology in Supply Chains of Transport Hubs in the People’s Republic of China

Efficient cargo transportation at major transport hubs its management is critical to global trade. Existing systems for organising cargo transportation do not provide traceability, transparency, information security and immutability of data stored and exchanged during various operational processes. Consequently, this negatively affects the performance of transport hubs. The use of digital applications of information and communication technology (ICT) in the transport industry can lead to highly automated processes and more cost-effective solutions. Cargo transportation requires the use of real-time data exchange between the various stakeholders involved in the process. Traditional ICTbased logistics systems use a centralised architecture to allocate and process data and services. However, centralised logistics systems cannot provide secure real-time data access, operational visibility, and trust between participating organisations. Automating various functions of transport hubs with the help of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing can adequately improve the performance of transport hub operations. These operations include automation of the vehicle interface, container yards, intra-port logistics, and the terminal reception area. The objective of the research is to increase the efficiency of organisational and functional activities of transport hubs through digitalisation. Significant are the methods of applying an integrated approach that combines confirmation of feasibility of participation of a port facility in servicing the cargo traffic in terms of delivery «just in time» and of economic feasibility of participation of the facility in the channel of cargo flows to save operating costs. Possibilities for improving the process are considered from the point of view of integration of information exchange between different participants using end-to-end technologies in transport hubs, namely, the blockchain concept, to optimise operations by integrating and exchanging information between participants in the transportation process.

An analysis of strategies for adopting blockchain technology in the after-sales service supply chain

In this paper, we explore strategies for implementing blockchain technology in a supply chain where a manufacturer outsources base warranty (BW) repairs to a retailer and the retailer offers additional after-sales service. We developed a mathematical model and calculated the optimal strategies for supply chain members based on the traditional service platform (TSP), in which the retailer does not use blockchain technology, and on the blockchain service platform (BCSP), where the retailer uses blockchain technology to let the consumer track and trace after-sales service. Our analyses found that the benefits of BCSP include gaining consumers’ trust and earning reward tokens as an appreciation, however its implementation costs make it not always the ideal choice. In addition, based on the combined analysis of reward-tokens and consumers’ trust, we discovered ”triple win regions”, where in one of the regions the BCSP benefits manufacturer and retailer simultaneously, but only if the reward-token value exceeds a threshold. The threshold is based on consumers’ trust level, the failure rate of a product, and the cost of blockchain installation and operation. At the end, numerical analysis was conducted to validate the analytical results.

Barriers to blockchain technology adoption in supply chains: the case of India

In the era of digitalization, Blockchain is an evolving technology that has the potential to change the shape of numerous industries. Blockchain is considered the transforming technology that has the ability to change the conventional supply chain network by providing additional transparency of transactions in terms of information and physical goods. Additionally, the implementation of blockchain technology in the supply chain is required to accomplish the objectives of industry 4.0. However, there has to date been a scarcity of blockchain implementations due to the numerous barriers associated with it. Therefore, the primary aim of this research is to identify and investigate the major barriers to implementing blockchain technology in supply chains. We identified ten significant barriers to adopting blockchain technology through a literature review and expert opinions. Additionally, the finalized barriers were categorized into an influential and influenced group using the DEMATEL method. The findings of this study show that 'influential group' barriers require more attention from the supply chain partners to mitigate these barriers. The primary influential barriers are 'Lack of information sharing,' 'Trust management issues,' and 'Lack of upgraded technologies’, and these barriers require immediate attention from supply chain stakeholders wishing to use blockchain. These findings contribute to improving managerial decisions and digital strategies regarding blockchain within organisations, and how implementation can effectively be achieved.