Blockchain is considered a breakthrough technology in the construction industry, with the potential to improve the trust environment and workflow of construction stakeholders. Although recent research offers hints regarding possible contributing elements to blockchain adoption in the construction industry, no specific study has addressed this topic. This knowledge gap hinders the adoption and promotion of blockchain in construction organizations. This study aimed to identify the determinants of blockchain adoption in the construction industry and verify the influence of the combination of various factors on adoption intention. Based on the technologyāorganizationāenvironment framework, a conceptual model of blockchain adoption in the construction industry was constructed. Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires, and 244 professionals in the construction field participated in this study. To evaluate the model hypotheses, we used a two-stage partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) combination. The PLS-SEM revealed that factors such as compatibility, top management support, relative advantage, regulatory support, cost, competitive pressure, organizational readiness, and firm size significantly influence blockchain adoption. The fsQCA indicated that six causal conditions achieve high adoption intention. This is one of the first empirical studies on blockchain adoption in the construction industry, which can aid organizations, policymakers, and project participants in making informed decisions regarding the adoption of blockchain.
Due to the complexity and lack of transparency of traditional supply chains, the introduction and development of blockchain technology is of great interest to the stakeholders involved in the logistics process to improve logistics processes in the supply chain and make them more sustainable. A detailed analysis has been made for the logistics industry in this study, which is discussed to investigate the undeniable benefits of blockchain technology. Today, when we try to determine our application methods in line with sustainable development purposes, it is seen that the logistics industry gains many advantages when it is integrated with blockchain technology. For this purpose, SWOT analysis has been applied as a result of literature review for logistics management, which is one of the sub-activities of supply chain management that applies blockchain technology, and contributes to the application potential in the logistics industry. At this point, some of the strengths that will require the use of blockchain technology in the logistics sector are decentralized structure, effective information sharing, fast response, robust risk management, interprocess integrity, etc. While its weaknesses are low performance, having a complex structure and high energy consumption can be the problem. In addition, some of the opportunities that the sector will gain are the ability to optimize time, solve problems, gain competition, increase sustainability; on the other hand, external threats, cross-integration adoption, new technology, limited data privacy etc. is happening.
Corinne Sim, Haisheng Zhang, Marianne Louise Chang
Regulating and monitoring a traditionally fragmented pharma supply chain has been a global challenge for decades. Without a trusted system and strong collaboration between stakeholders, threats such as counterfeits can easily intercept the supply chain and cause monumental disruptions. Today, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for greater data transparency, better deployment of technology, and improved ways of connecting stakeholder information along the supply chain. There is a need for improved ways of working to help build up supply chain resilience, and one way is by implementing better end-to-end traceability using blockchain technology such as Hyperledger Fabric. This paper will explore the business value that blockchain brings to the pharma supply chain with better end-to-end traceability, with the example of an industry-grade blockchain solution called eZTracker. Through six key features, pharmaceutical manufacturers, patients, and Healthcare Practitioners (HCPs) can now participate in data-sharing, with extended use cases of integrating blockchain with warehouse platforms, a patient-facing mobile application, and an interactive dashboard for real-time verification and data transparency. Beyond anti-counterfeit verification, other potential use cases include effective product recall management, cold chain monitoring, e-product information and more. The effectiveness of a traceability solution is heavily dependent on the amount of data collected and is affected by poor adoption and scalability. Existing limitations that need to be addressed include the lack of mandated serialisation in Asia and blockchain interoperability. To maximise the value of blockchain, collaboration is key. Pharmaceutical manufacturers need to invest in new technologies such as blockchain, to help them break out of data silos, and operationalise data to build supply chain resilience.
Kongmanas Yavaprabhas, Mehrdokht Pournader, Stefan Seuring
This paper aims to investigate the impact of blockchain application on trust levels in supply chains. Through the systematic review of the relevant literature, three dimensions of trust, i.e., the trustor-trustee perspective, forms of trust, and time orientation, are investigated. Our findings show that, first, there are three pairs of trustors and trustees involved in blockchain implementation: (a) the user and the blockchain, (b) two supply chain partners, and (c) the consumer/public and a supply chain unit. Second, the two forms of trust, namely cognition-based and institution-based trust, are likely to be enhanced by blockchain execution, while affect-based trust may not be directly impacted by the technology. Third, the presence of blockchain technology would facilitate swift trust-building between unknown supply chain partners under specific circumstances. Moreover, we also find contradicting assertions among scholars on the implications of blockchain for trust in supply chains. While some studies pointed out that blockchain will enable a trustless trusted scheme, others expected the reinforcement of interorganizational trust. To test these assertions, we develop the blockchain-entrusted supply chain models to present the three-step process of how trust is developed through the blockchain and diffused to supply chain partners and external stakeholders. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10479-022-04868-0.
Mustafa Rehman Khan, Fazeelat Masood, Irum Gul, Muhammad Rahies Khan
Purpose: The general objective of the study was to investigate blockchain technology in supply chain management. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executiveās time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to blockchain technology in supply chain management. Preliminary empirical review revealed that blockchain technology significantly transformed supply chain management by enhancing transparency, traceability, and efficiency. The immutable ledger and decentralized nature of blockchain provided a robust framework for addressing traditional supply chain challenges, such as fraud, errors, and inefficiencies. The technologyās ability to automate processes through smart contracts streamlined operations and reduced costs. However, challenges such as high initial investments, scalability issues, and the need for industry-wide standards were identified as barriers to widespread adoption. The study emphasized the importance of continued research to address these challenges and refine blockchain applications in supply chain management. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Transaction Cost Economics, Resource-Based View (RBV) of the Firm and Agency Theory may be used to anchor future studies on blockchain technology in supply chain management. The study recommended expanding theoretical frameworks to better incorporate blockchain technology's unique aspects into supply chain theories. Practically, organizations were advised to conduct pilot projects and phased rollouts to evaluate blockchain's impact before large-scale implementation, and to invest in training for effective technology management. Policy recommendations included the development of regulatory frameworks and industry standards to facilitate blockchain adoption. Collaboration among industry stakeholders was encouraged to address integration challenges and standardize solutions. Further research into specific applications and the integration of blockchain with other technologies was suggested, alongside investment in education and training programs for supply chain professionals.
Jens Hunhevicz, Pierre-Antoine Brasey, Marcella M. M. Bonanomi, Daniel Hall Ā· 5 authors
This paper outlines why and how blockchain can digitally support and evolve the governance of collaborative project deliveries, such as integrated project deliveries (IPDs), to provide the foundation for novel and disruptive forms of organizational collaboration in the construction industry. Previous work has conceptualized IPDs as a common pool resource (CPR) scenario, where shared resources are collectively governed. Through the use of blockchain and smart contracts for trustworthy peer-to-peer transactions and execution logic, Ostrom's design principles can be digitally encoded to scale CPR scenarios. Building on the identified connections, the paper 1) synthesizes fourteen blockchain-based mechanisms to govern CPRs, 2) identifies twenty-two applications of these mechanisms to govern IPDs, and 3) introduces a conceptualization of the above relationships towards a holistic understanding of collaborative project deliveries on the crypto commons for novel collective organization of construction project delivery between both humans and machines.
Kroz rad se analizira fenomen non-fungible tokena koji su u periodu od 2018. do 2022. postali Å”iroko popularni, a njihove vrijednosti dosezale su po nekoliko desetaka milijuna ameriÄkih dolara u odreÄenim situacijama. Analizira se pozadinska tehnologija koja je bila osnova za stvaranje tehnologije NFT-jeva, te objaÅ”njava kako je blockchain bio predložan za iste, kao i analizira kako je razlika izmeÄu kriptovaluta i NFT-jeva u jedinstvenosti. Radi se i pregled tržiÅ”ta NFT-jeva, kao i udjeli razliÄitih tipova tokena na tom tržiÅ”tu. Prolazi se kroz rast vrijednosti po godinama, korelaciju vrijednosti kriptovaluta i NFT-jeva, a spominje se i razlika u otpornosti kriptovaluta i non-fungible tokena na svjetske ekonomske krize. Analizira se i korelacija izmeÄu velikih prodaja i koliÄine pretraživanja na internetu te se dotiÄe utjecaja krizi na medijsku raÅ”irenost NFT-jeva. Za kraj, radi se pregled nekih zanimljivijih kolekcija i primjeraka NFT-jeva i prikazuju zanimljivi naÄini upotrebe istih. Potom se i prolazi kroz probleme i brojne prevare na tržiÅ”tu non-fungible tokena, te dotiÄe manjka regulacija na cjelokupno tržiÅ”te i naposljetku promiÅ”lja bi li potencijalne regulacije pomogle razvoju tržiÅ”ta.
Supply chain management (SCM) faces a critical security issue because of the asymmetry of information delivered to various parties in the ecosystem and the lack of corresponding supervision. In response, we propose the use of blockchain technology to address the SCM security issues and put forward a blockchain-based SCM framework. We apply design science paradigm to guide the blockchain-based SCM framework development and implementation of a proof-of-concept prototype. We use Hyperledger Fabric and Composer to develop the prototype artifact. Performance evaluation results issued from Hyperledger Caliper prove the superiority and robustness of the proposed blockchain-based framework in terms of security and efficiency requirements, and performance metrics including throughput and latency. Also, the evaluation results show that the IT artifact is stable, and the high stability can reduce the risks of system vulnerabilities and breakdown.
This research explores the role of Blockchain Technology (BCT) integrated with Reverse Supply Chain Networks (RSCN) and evaluates the relationship between BCT and sustainability performance. A qualitative research design was employed to develop a conceptual framework for BCT in RSCN. This research collected and analysed primary and secondary data from four cases as focal-actors. These focal-actors are from multi-industries in Jordan, namely food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and toys. These actors are lead-firms and have experience working with RSCNs and technology applications such as BCT. Primary data were acquired from interviews with managers working in these industries, which were supported by the analysis of secondary data that identified two types of themes: internally focused and externally focused BCT-integrated drivers of RSCNs. The analysis also identified how they leverage sustainability performance improvements, including their use of RSCN approaches and features. This research is one of the few attempts to explore BCT integrated into RSCN for better sustainability performance that contributes to the theoretical and practical knowledge of supply chains within emerging economies. All types of actors-as-stakeholders involved with national programs and projects can adopt the new framework. The key findings contribute to the field of RSCN where the adoption of BCT as a broad-based strategy to attain sustainability goals and reverse chain activities along the supply chain is a goal.
As the global market develops along with technological advances, especially the opening of markets in developing and underdeveloped countries, the logistics industry is considered by managers to be a useful tool to link different functions of corporate strategy. Logistics is the process of planning, implementing and controlling the movement of goods or information that are related to raw materials (inputs) and final products (outputs) from the point of origin to the point of consumption in order to meet customer requirements. The logistics industry brings about many positive effects, not only for the national economy but also for creating equal business opportunities for businesses of all economic sectors. However, large companies in the logistics industry still depend on EDI or APIS to exchange secure authentication data, which increase the security of operations within the industry, but this is the cause of a lot of confusion with serious consequences on the supply chain when it is too dependent on these systems. To minimize the risks and optimize the problems mentioned above, blockchain technology could help the logistics industry to operate optimally. In an era when everything is digitized, from personal information to financial transactions, choosing a system with high reliability and security becomes extremely important. Currently, there are many blockchain development services providers and it is essential to choose the investment in this technology that suits the characteristics and purposes of the logistics organization in question. This study aimed to propose a two-stage fuzzy multicriteria decision-making model for the assessment of blockchain development services providers for logistics organizations. The hybrid MCDM model was evaluated through a real-world case study at a logistics organization. The contribution of this work is the provision of useful guidelines for the evaluation and selection of blockchain technology services providers for logistics companies.
Blockchain and distributed ledger technology (BC/DLT) provides distributed databases with decentralized governance, tamper-proof recording, high availability and non-copyable digital assets, which have made it a natural technological basis for supply chain management. In this paper, we introduce REALISTIC, a novel event-based modeling framework for supply chain networks (SCNs) that includes production processes . It extends McCartyās Resources-Events-Agents (REA) accounting model with secure transformations , which, across the entire SCN, guarantee that certified output resources cannot be digitally produced ex nihilo , but require certified input resources of at least the same amount as what is produced. This generalizes the no-double-spend guarantee of current BC/DLT to (digital twins of) physical resources and their production. Authenticated human or robotic Internet of Things (IoT) actors digitally sign and cryptographically commit to the veracity of real-world events on an immutable database, without having to take responsibility for their aggregate consequences. User-specifiable interpretations, corresponding to queries and analytical functions in database systems, provide auditable aggregate information computed from recorded events across the entire SCN. This includes fine-grained and trustworthy tracing of final products through multiple stages of production processes, semi-finished products, quality certifications and transportation all the way back to their raw materials. We present a case study for an end-to-end coffee supply chain that tracks fine-grained and detailed information from a farmerās coffee cherries to retail coffee bags, involving all its actors. Our model handles product provenance; auditable sustainability, quality and trade information; production processes from parchment via green to roasted coffee; product quality tests; farmer certifications; and transportation across the entire coffee supply chain. It is based on field work involving farmers, cooperatives, processors, traders, importers, and a major roasting company stretching from Colombia to Scandinavia. Its REALISTIC-based modeling is the foundation for the design of our prototype implementation, which includes Ethereum blockchain code, RDBMS-based server code and a web app client. Their source code is publicly available on GitHub.
Naif Al Azmi, Ghaleb Sweis, Rateb J. Sweis, Farouq Sammour
The construction industry plays an essential role in economic development since it is one of the largest industries all over the world. Blockchain has the potential to reshape the structure of all accessible networks in the future. Construction businesses are increasingly interested in embracing blockchain technology to improve supply chain sustainability performance and supply chain resilience in times of globally increasing risks and volatility. This study evaluates the readiness of actors involved in the producing of concrete goods to emphasize the necessity to bring blockchain into the construction industry, as it may be a solution for supply chain resilience and long-term sustainable growth. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in collecting and analyzing the data and testing the hypotheses. Data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed to 300 employees who work within the biggest concrete producing companies in Saudi Arabia. 120 respondents completed the questionnaires. Additionally, confirmatory semi-structured interviews with experts in supply chain financing, IT departments, and procurement departments have been conducted; the studyās findings revealed a low level of blockchain knowledge within Saudi Arabiaās construction industry, since (90%) of respondents have not worked with Blockchain technology. Several technologists barely understand it, and the level of readiness is very low. However, there is a lot of potential, and it is worth investing in it combined with other technologies such as BIM technology. In this study, the authors have sought to provide a measure of Saudi professionalsā attitudes and understanding of blockchain technology solutions within the construction industry in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the studyās novelty aimed to provide a grasp of the conceptual, theoretical, and fundamental features of blockchain technology in the construction industry, as blockchain solutions could benefit the global economy by increasing levels of monitoring, tracing, and confidence in international supply chain resilience.
Jacob Lohmer, Elias Ribeiro da Silva, Rainer Lasch
Scholars are increasingly examining how the distributed blockchain technology can counter specific supply chain and operations management challenges. Various research approaches emerge from different scholarly backgrounds, but the interrelation of research areas and current trends has not been adequately considered in a systematic review. We employ a data-driven content analysis approach to examine previous research on blockchain technology in operations management and supply chain management. We investigate the extent to which blockchain technology was considered in scholarly works, structure the research efforts, and identify trends, interrelated themes, and promising research opportunities. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis is conducted on an extensive literature sample of 410 articles. Results indicate an optimistic attitude due to potentials such as tracking and tracing abilities, efficiency increases, and trust-building. Conceptual studies dominate the literature set, with increasing qualitative research efforts. Grand theories are seldomly addressed in the studies. Blockchain technology is outlined as particularly useful when combined with other technologies like IoT. We also identified sustainability implications of the technology, such as enabling transparency for SC stakeholders. Cryptocurrencies can facilitate further efficiency gains if legal uncertainties are reduced. The study is concluded with managerial and theoretical implications and future research opportunities.
In addition to being a revolutionary technology for all industries, the Internet of Things; has also shown its potential in processes such as supply chain. With the advancement of technology and the emergence of the new era, the challenges of the traditional supply chain that follows a path from top to bottom (suppliers of raw materials to final consumers) are revealed. Also, due to environmental issues and the increasing speed of the changes in the needs of customers in various industries, including the retail industry, which has undergone many changes with the emergence of innovation, the entire path of the supply chain requires the implementation of strategies such as agile and green supply chains and achieving smartness. Therefore, emerging technologies such as The Internet of Things play a significant role in the agility and greenness of the entire retail supply chain. The presence of blockchain technology with decentralized data archiving in supply chain processes based on the Internet of Things guarantees the security of big data and helps in optimal data performance. This helps the agility of supply chain processes. In this chapter, dimensions, components, and key indicators effective in the implementation of an agile smart supply chain based on transformative technologies are examined.
Despite the promising features of blockchain, such as enhancing efficiency, transparency, immutability, cost savings, and traceability, the technology is still not widely adopted across industries. The oil and gas industry uses state-of-the-art engineering solutions for oil and gas exploration but substantially lags behind in using innovative digital technologies that can improve operational excellence. This study proposes a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for assessing blockchain adoption strategies. The framework builds on critical factors for blockchain adoption and four adoption strategies ā single use, localization, substitution, and transformation. Data were collected from ten experts in the Norwegian oil and gas industry using a structured web survey. The Bayesian Best Worst Method (BWM), a probabilistic MCDM method, was used for analysis. The results suggest that three sub-criteria, which are lack of expertise about technology, lack of supply chain partner collaboration, and reducing operation cost, have the most impact on the adoption process. As for blockchain adoption alternatives, the fourth phase, that is, transformation, is the most preferred in the context of the Norwegian oil and gas industry. The proposed framework lays the foundation for companies to understand the critical elements that need improvement to accelerate the blockchain technology adoption process.
Blockchain applications have the potential to greatly improve operational efficiency and effectiveness along the supply chain. Although we know what the barriers to the adoption of blockchain are, we know little about how firms overcome these barriers to reap the benefits of the technology. A particular challenge in adopting blockchain applications is the need to build and implement them among a network of users, requiring firms to collaborate. To manage and advance such collaborative efforts, blockchain projects install a centralised leadership. There is thus a tension between the need for centralised leadership and decentralised control to justify the use of blockchain technology. In this study, we investigate how blockchain projects navigate this tension. We employ a multiple case study methodology to compare five collaborative blockchain applications that are live today. Our findings indicate that the case applications all combine centralised management with decentralised oversight in a similar manner. We argue that this combination of centralised and decentralised control is a great benefit for the successful development and implementation of blockchain applications. The results underline that to benefit from blockchain technology in supply chain applications, an important collaborative organisational effort is necessary.
Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik, Simonov KusiāSarpong, Himanshu Gupta Ā· 6 authors
Abstract The advent of blockchain technologies is transmuting the way conventional supply chains are being managed. Due to the complexity of dealing with many actors involved in the supply chain networks, contemporary supply chains have limited visibility, transparency, and accountability. Likewise, supply chains are increasingly facing the challenge of integration and sustainability. In this vein, blockchain technologies can play a groundbreaking role in improving the traceability, accountability, and sustainability of complex supply chain networks. The present study examines the instrumentality of blockchain technologies in enabling supply chain mapping and supply chain integration. The study also tests the direct impact of blockchain technologies on supply chain sustainability. Data are collected from 132 Malaysian Electrical and Electronics firms using a closeāended questionnaire. The study employs Partial Least SquaresāStructural Equation Modelling (PLSāSEM) and Partial Least SquaresāMulti Group Analysis (PLSāMGA) for analyzing the hypothesized relationships. The results show that blockchain technologies do not have a direct impact on supply chain sustainability. Nevertheless, this finding reveals a robust indirect effect of BT, through SC integration and SC mapping, on the SC sustainability. The study's findings imply that the notion of the sustainable supply chain can be significantly attained by mapping upstream, midstream, and downstream supply chains. The wellāmapped supply chain can further improve supply chain sustainability. The findings of the study also suggest the adoption of blockchain technologies as a broadābased strategy to attain multiātier goals, for example, supply chain mapping, sustainability, and integration.
Abstract The critical role of blockchain technology in ensuring a proper level of traceability and visibility along supply chains is increasingly being explored in the literature. This critical examination must focus on the factors that either encourage or hinder (i.e. the drivers or barriers) the implementation of this technology in extended supply chains. On the assumption that the blockchain will need to be adopted at the supply chain level, the enabling factors and the contingent variables of different supply chains must be identified and analysed. The appropriate identification of supply chain partners is becoming a critical factor of success since the globalization of supply chains makes their management and control increasingly difficult. This is particularly true of the fashion industry. Five blockchain providers and seven focal companies working in the fashion industry were interviewed to compare their different viewpoints on this topic. The results highlight which drivers, barriers, and supply chain variables impact the implementation of the blockchain and specific research propositions are formulated.
Aslı Pelin GĆ¼rgĆ¼n, Mehmet Ilker Genc, Kerim KoƧ, David Arditi
Various stakeholders are involved in managing supply chain processes in construction. Suppliers can hardly tolerate upfront costs when faced with flaws in the payment pipeline. This is a serious problem in building construction that uses a large variety of materials as opposed to civil construction that requires fewer types of materials. Alternative secure payment systems are needed, and the use of cryptocurrencies can be an option. However, cryptocurrencies are seldom used in building construction projects due to several challenges that are mostly ignored in the existing literature. To fill this gap, this study investigates the use of cryptocurrencies in construction supply chains as an alternative payment solution to improve the financial performance of the stakeholders by taking advantage of this economical and traceable financial transaction system. The study involves exploratory, descriptive, and empirical survey research. Accordingly, a literature review, focus group discussions, and statistical analyses (Friedman test, Wilcoxon test, and MannāWhitney U test) were performed. The results imply that a lack of technical knowledge about cryptocurrencies, fluctuations in the value of cryptocurrencies, limited market opportunities, security gaps, personal information required by cryptocurrency systems, no assurance of permanent use, and government actions limiting the use of cryptocurrencies were the most significant barriers against using cryptocurrencies in construction supply chain management. The findings are expected to provide critical information to construction professionals and regulatory agencies about the potential advantages and shortcomings of cryptocurrencies, hence motivating policymakers to create strategies that minimize the concerns of construction professionals about using cryptocurrencies in the building construction industry.
Kamalakanta Muduli, Rakesh D. Raut, Balkrishna E. Narkhede, Himanshu Shee
The blockchain is expected to radically alter peopleās real-time interactions and transactions, culminating in the birth of a new economy in a digital era [...]
This study investigates the influence of blockchain and smart contracts on partnersā trust, increasing visibility, competitiveness, and environmental performance when implemented in manufacturing supply chains. Partial least squares (PLS) was the main method used to test and verify the research model and hypotheses. According to the test results, blockchain and smart contracts positively influence partnersā trust. Increasing trust produces a positive effect on increasing visibility, further promoting competitiveness and environmental performance. However, the vulnerability of smart contracts still causes information security concerns. If smart contracts are adopted for an extended time, partners will worry about problems of information vulnerability stemming from the smart contract, further reducing trust and affecting visibility. Regarding academic implications, this study not only proves the relationship between blockchain, smart contracts, partnersā trust, increasing visibility, competitiveness, and environmental performance. In addition, we also proved the vulnerability of smart contracts; our test results fill these gaps. Regarding practical implications, with extended contract periods, partners may expand their doubt in the smart contract and reduce information sharing, further affecting visibility. Manufacturers are reminded that smart contracts may carry hidden trouble that disrupts the relationship between partnersā trust and visibility.