Hossein Mehri Khonakdari, Hossein Sadeghi Saghdel, Abbas Assari Arani, Amir Hossein Mozayani
Since 2008, when Bitcoin was introduced as the first cryptocurrency, the world has witnessed a rapid growth of cryptocurrencies. Along with the rapid growth of cryptocurrencies, the need for study and research in this field increases. The effects of the expansion of cryptocurrencies on the economy is one of the important challenges in this field. In this paper, the expansion of cryptocurrencies in Iran's economy has been investigated using the SWOT method. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of cryptocurrencies were examined and presented in the form of a 2×2 table. Then, to quantify the results, the AHP method was used and the items specified in the SWOT method were prioritised by using experts' opinions. Finally, the appropriate strategies in this field for Iran's economy were explained.
The application of Blockchain to enhance the industry's social economic resilience is widely of concern in the science, technology, and pharmaceutical industries. The research discusses the resilience of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in the face of global health challenges and how blockchain can improve supply chain transparency and efficiency through its unique distributed ledger (DLT) technology. The report uses literature review methods to analyze the application of blockchain technology to real-time data sharing in the API supply chain and its impact on improving API supply chain adaptability, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing risk management capabilities. As can be seen from the result, through the real-time data sharing by the distributed ledger (DLT), the API supply chain can more effectively respond to the fluctuation of the environment and market to enhance its social and economic resilience. This research demonstrates the potential of blockchain technology in optimizing pharmaceutical supply chain management to safeguard human health and well-being.
This study investigated the impact of blockchain-driven supply chain analytics on the dimensions of lean, agile, resilient, green, and sustainable (LARGS) supply chain management, as well as supply chain innovation (SCI) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). The research involved 262 managers and vice presidents of supply chains from large- and medium-sized manufacturing companies listed in the Tehran Stock Exchange. A hybrid approach utilizing structural equations modelling with partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) technique was employed for data analysis. The findings demonstrated a significantly positive effect of blockchain-driven supply chain analytics on SCI, the LARGS supply chain, and SSCP. Additionally, SCI exhibited a significantly positive impact on the LARGS supply chain and SSCP. Moreover, the LARGS supply chain was shown to have a significantly positive influence on SSCP. Both SCI and the LARGS supply chain played positive and significant mediating roles in the impact of blockchain-driven supply chain analytics on SSCP. Furthermore, the LARGS supply chain also acted as a significant mediator in the effect of SCI on SSCP. Lastly, SCI had a positive and significant mediating role in the impact of blockchain-driven supply chain analytics on the LARGS supply chain. In conclusion, it can be inferred that blockchain-driven supply chain analytics contributes to the enhancement of SSCP through the facilitation of SCI and the promotion of LARGS supply chain principles.
Purpose This study aims to identify and analyse critical success factors (CSFs) for the successful implementation of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in the Nigerian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a quantitative approach that uses snowball sampling techniques to identify professionals participating in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data virtually, using Google Forms, resulting in 217 valid responses. The collected data were subjected to rigorous statistical analysis (descriptive and inferential) to identify and prioritise the CSFs and evaluate the participants’ awareness and knowledge of DLT. Findings This study revealed 24 key CSFs that are pivotal in ensuring the effective implementation and adoption of DLT in the Nigerian construction industry. Furthermore, the research highlights a moderate level of awareness, but significantly low knowledge of DLT among industry professionals. Practical implications The findings of this study will benefit professionals, practitioners and policymakers in the Nigerian construction industry by providing insights into the potential of DLT to improve construction operations. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by identifying the CSFs for implementing DLT in the construction industry and shedding light on the current level of awareness and knowledge within the Nigerian context. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners and researchers, providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making and developing effective strategies to enhance DLT adoption in the construction sector.
Anticipatory action (AA) refers to a series of interventions executed when a hazard presents imminent danger, as indicated by forecasts, early warnings, or pre-disaster risk analyses. It involves proactive measures undertaken by individuals or organizations before an expected disaster to lessen its impact on people, assets, and infrastructure likely to be affected. An increasing array of inter-governmental bodies, governments, United Nations entities, global non-governmental organizations, and Red Cross and Red Crescent movements, have been delving into and utilizing anticipatory action. It has been heralded globally by governments, donors and organizations alike as being a more protective, practical, and cost-effective method of disaster risk management. However, ongoing pilots by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partners have exposed a significant level of friction between the capacity and speed of existing systems and stakeholders to execute these processes in a manner that is synchronized and timely enough to have the intended impact. This research investigates the potential of blockchain technology to streamline AA programs. It analyzes existing academic and non-academic sources (scholarly and gray literature) to develop a framework for identifying which blockchain applications can be most beneficial. By viewing smart contracts, data oracles, and decentralized finance (DeFi) as a toolbox, the framework examines how these technologies can be used to digitize and simplify AA processes. For AA practitioners, this approach offers a practical solution to potentially increase efficiency and speed within existing program structures. Additionally, it may have the secondary benefit of simplifying cash transfer delivery. Ultimately, this piece seeks to be more thought-provoking than prescriptive; as both areas of work (AA and blockchain technology) are continuously evolving, hopefully new cross-sectoral collaborations can ensue and provide more granular insights on what AA and blockchain synergies look like in practice.
The adoption of blockchain technology helps to track and trace products in supply chains and enhance consumer trust. This paper considers a three-tier supply chain consisting of a supplier, a manufacturer, and a retailer, within which the supplier and the manufacturer may output defective products unintentionally. The goal is to explore the strategy of adopting blockchain technology for the supply chain considering possible product defects. We obtain three main results. First, counterintuitively, while the adoption of blockchain technology can benefit firms with either high or low product defect rates under certain conditions, firms with low product defect rates will benefit more from adopting blockchain technology than firms with high product defect rates. Moreover, the adoption of blockchain technology can achieve a win-win situation for firms and social welfare. Second, the retailer’s risk-aversion stimulates the supplier and the manufacturer to adopt blockchain technology but hinders the retailer from adopting it. Third, product defects and the retailer’s risk-aversion affect blockchain technology implementation cost sharing among supply chain members in both directions, depending on the retailer’s quality inspection input, consumer traceability awareness, and blockchain efficiency. This study provides useful management insights for practitioners of blockchain technology.
Green supply chain management (GSCM) integrates environmental considerations into supply chain functions from product design to end-of-life management. This chapter examines the emerging applications of artificial intelligence (AI) for advancing sustainability across supply chain operations and decision-making. Specifically, it reviews the use of AI-powered analytics, optimization algorithms, machine learning systems, and distributed ledgers for enabling circular resource flows across global value chains. The chapter also critically evaluates the successes, limitations, risks, and ethical considerations of current AI applications in GSCM. Challenges related to data quality, algorithmic bias, job automation risks, and operational integration complexities are discussed, along with mitigation strategies. Case studies demonstrating AI's impact on solving real-world supply chain sustainability issues are incorporated. The chapter broadens the discussion to encompass economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability, as well as AI's role in enhancing supply chain resilience.
Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution to address persistent challenges like lack of transparency, inefficient tracking, and counterfeiting issues in pharmaceutical supply chains. However, there are still limitations in integrating blockchain with existing legacy systems, lack of common standards, scalability concerns due to its decentralized architecture, and lack of regulatory clarity that need to be addressed before successful implementation in the pharmaceutical industry is feasible. This review explores the potential benefits and current use cases of blockchain in enabling drug traceability, establishing authenticity and integrity of data, facilitating smart contracts for seamless financial transactions, and optimizing overall supply chain operations. The current blockchain-based solutions employed by various stakeholders like drug manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, hospitals, and regulators across the different stages of the pharmaceutical value chain are reviewed in this article. Recent research efforts to mitigate the key challenges are discussed, including technical improvements in blockchain architecture for increased security and privacy, the use of permissioned blockchains, innovative consensus protocols to improve scalability, and growing regulatory guidance. The future outlook highlights the tremendous opportunities for blockchain to enable end-to-end visibility, accountability, automation, real-time monitoring and combating counterfeiting in pharmaceutical supply chains through collaborative efforts among stakeholders.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the key barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT) in the construction industry. This investigation seeks to understand the challenges that hinder the implementation of blockchain in this sector. Design/methodology/approach The study begins with a comprehensive review of relevant literature to identify the main barriers to blockchain adoption in construction. It then uses an integrated approach using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) and Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement to investigate the interrelationships among these barriers. In addition, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is used to establish cause-and-effect relationships between the identified barriers. Findings The study’s integrated TISM and DEMATEL methodology reveals several crucial barriers to blockchain adoption in the construction industry, including regulatory uncertainty, data privacy and security concerns, limited knowledge and expertise and dependence on blockchain operators. It also identifies scalability issues, uncertain benefits and lack of collaboration as dependent barriers, influenced by other identified barriers. Originality/value This study contributes original value by applying an integrated methodological approach to understand the complex interrelationships and dependencies among barriers to blockchain adoption in the construction industry. The findings provide decision-makers with insights to prioritize and effectively manage the key driving barriers, enhancing the understanding and strategic planning for blockchain implementation in this sector.
Blockchain technology faces significant challenges related to sustainability, including issues with optimisation, as well as high energy and gas consumption—factors that developers may sometimes neglect. We introduce a methodology to analyse the key sustainability topics discussed by Go-Ethereum developers, using thematic analysis of their issues and comments from Github. Our approach uses the BERT model to conduct an in-depth topic analysis, enabling us to study the underlying themes and trends in developer’s conversations regarding energy use and sustainability. We assess the sustainability of the identified topics using the five dimensions outlined in the Sustainability Awareness Framework (SusAF): economic, social, individual, environmental, and technical. Our goal is to shed light on how much attention developers pay to sustainability and energy consumption issues. The findings from this qualitative analysis aim to encourage technologists to incorporate these considerations into their future projects, in order to achieve better outcomes in terms of sustainability and reduced consumption.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics (BDA) into Supply Chain Management (SCM) has transformed the industry by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of current AI applications in SCM, focusing on demand forecasting, inventory management, logistics, and transportation. Various AI techniques, including time-series forecasting, clustering, neural networks, SARIMA, and LSTM models, are discussed in detail. The impact of cutting-edge technologies on supply chain traceability and efficiency, such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), is also examined in this article. Despite the significant advancements, challenges such as gaps in closed-loop supply chains, terminology inconsistencies, and the need for better technical-managerial alignment persist. This review recognizes future research directions to address and solve these challenges and highlights the potential for AI to drive further innovations in SCM. Through case studies and bibliometric analyses, this paper underscores the significance of a comprehensive strategy for supply chain redesign, integrating physical, facilities, and information management to enhance sustainability and market responsiveness. Keywords— Supply chain management , Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Analytics (BDA), Demand forecasting, Inventory management, Logistics optimization, Blockchain , Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Transportation, Tactical planning, Strategic planning, Advanced available-to-promise (AATP), Sustainability in supply chain.
Blockchain technology has emerged as a game changer in many sectors particularly supply chain management. To enhance transparency, security and efficiency within the supply chain operations, this study focuses on developing and implementing a blockchain-based system. By using latest technologies like ReactJS for front-end development, Solidity for smart contract creation and Ethereum blockchain as the underlying layer, this work introduces an innovative way of handling movements in the supply chain. Specifically, it enables real-time tracking of goods; worker roles management; and keeping valid data records for supply chains through unchangeable files. In this case, it is providing up to date information on transactions taking place regarding these systems of exchange. In order to ensure that some key challenges are addressed, such as those related to traditional models of supply chain, there is a need for cryptocurrency transactions to be mandatory within the framework of this system so as to eliminate any possible risks involved making it secure from tampering actions with this medium. The paper will therefore present a detailed discussion about the architectural design of this system; how it was put into practice and finally what tangible benefits were derived out of its implementation in relation to supply chain management in India (as illustrated by a case study). The research findings demonstrate that besides its suitability as a tool for upgrading existing frameworks along the entire global value chains, blockchain can play an important role towards trust building and encouraging accountability on different sides at the core of modern-day business workflows.
Syed Abdul Rehman Khan, Adnan Ahmed Sheikh, Nadir Munir Hassan, Yu Zhang
The growing awareness about natural resource scarcity is spreading across industries, compelling businesses to implement sustainability initiatives. The service sector, including small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) involved in logistical operations, is actively pursuing measures to achieve the expected sustainability goals. In recent years, incorporating sustainable service quality attributes (SSQAs) has become a crucial strategy for attaining competitive advantages and sustainability objectives. In this context, the current study examines sustainable service quality attributes’ role in achieving sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) and obtaining triple bottom line sustainability outcomes. Data were obtained from 295 logistics service-providing SMEs using the purposive sampling technique. The acquired data were then analyzed using the structural equation model. According to the findings, SSQAs have a positive association with SSCP. The moderating roles of blockchain technology (BT) and environmental uncertainty (EU) were significant between SSQAs and SSCP. SSCP also mediated between SSQAs, BT, and TBL. Meanwhile, EU and BT also have a significant influencing role between SSQAs and SSCP. The study adds to the body of knowledge within the domain of sustainability, by testing the unique interaction between sustainable service quality attributes and SSCP. Likewise, the use of blockchain technology as a moderator on a given relationship is empirically unique in itself. The study also provides the first of their kind findings on the subject matter in the context of 295 logistics service-providing SMEs from a developing country like Pakistan. The study’s findings are helpful for managers in transforming their services by embedding the SSQAs and developing their workforce to be equipped with the knowledge and facilities necessary to achieve TBL outcomes.
Marios Vasileiou, Leonidas Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Christina Kleisiari, Paolo Prosperi · 10 authors
Abstract Within food Supply Chains (SCs), food products labeled through Geographical Indications (GIs) hold paramount importance as distinctive and culturally significant entities, ensuring the integrity and distinctiveness of regional specialties. By strictly regulating the geographic origin and production methods, the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) not only guarantees the preservation of traditional practices but also safeguards the cultural legacy and identity of the regions where genuine PDO products are produced. However, the very mechanisms safeguarding PDO authenticity can be exploited within globalized food systems, creating opportunities for fraudulent activities and intentional or unintentional adulteration. This study specifically delves into the overarching realm of PDO SCs, using PDO Feta cheese as a prominent case study. Through an assessment of Feta cheese SC in Greece, encompassing the Delphi Technique with the amalgamation of the design stages of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Vulnerabilities Assessment and Critical Control Point (VACCP), and Threat Assessment and Critical Control Point (TACCP) methodologies, the operations, vulnerabilities, and critical control points are scrutinized. The results indicate multifaceted vulnerabilities and Critical Control Points (CCPs) in the Feta cheese SC that need to be addressed and constitute a precursor for augmenting PDO SCs. Moreover, the utilization of Blockchain Technology (BT) exhibits intrinsic potential for enhancing the administration of supply chains with the potential to fundamentally transform data management practices and foster increased levels of trust among stakeholders.
Bilge Gokhan Çelik, Yewande S. Abraham, Mohsen Attaran
The emergence of construction 5.0 marks a shift toward a human-centric approach to digitization within the construction industry. Along with diverse digital innovations related to this shift, blockchain technology offers vast opportunities for the construction industry, including streamlining project management processes, enhancing transparency in payment processes, and improving contract administration. This paper systematically reviews 109 articles using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol to examine the applications of blockchain in construction, identifying twenty-three topics across eight thematic areas. These areas were further mapped using VOSviewer Online version 1.2.3 to identify interrelationships among the themes and highlight their broad impact. Key features like immutability, security, transparency, and traceability show promise in contract administration, supply chain logistics, facilities management, and sustainability. However, the study also describes the challenges of adopting blockchain in construction, emphasizing the need for enhanced stakeholder education, improved regulatory frameworks, and the creation of industry-specific blockchain platforms to support its acceptance in the construction industry. Emphasizing emerging blockchain applications and the adoption challenges equips researchers and practitioners with the knowledge of these applications and their significance to construction practices.
The booming development of customised e-commerce makes e-commerce supply chains experience a severe test of consumer service level (CSL). An efficient e-commerce supply chain resilience optimisation method addressing economic performance and service performance is proposed to improve customised services under disruption risks. The proposed method includes a hybrid strategy considering both a resistance strategy with blockchain (BCT) adoption and time-dependent recovery strategies simultaneously. A two-stage multi-period multi-product stochastic programming with BCT adoption is then proposed, which (1) implements BCT as the resistance strategy in the pre-disruption stage; (2) collaborates four recovery strategies in the post-disruption stage; (3) supports the e-tailer in making decisions and optimises his profit and order fulfillment time while taking product priorities into account. Using the actual data of Chinese e-commerce during the public health emergency in 2020, it is demonstrated that (1) the applicability of the model with BCT adoption in both supply chain resilience and CSL improvement; (2) the performance of the hybrid strategy in long-term disruption management; (3) the efficiency and robustness of the proposed solution approach for multi-objective high-dimensional stochastic programming problems. E-tailers can optimise decision-making under long-term disruptions by the proposed methodology in practices.
The rise in the cost of essentials affects every nation around the world, but it has become a major concern for developing nations. It is getting increasingly difficult to keep up with rising prices for everyday items in these countries, where the majority of the population is from the middle class or lower middle class. Inflation, pandemics, wars, and other important variables all contribute to price increases. There may be another significant factor at play, which is supply-chain corruption. The supply chain's unreliable, chaotic, and opaque nature is to blame for this corruption. We are concentrating on the agri-food supply chain in our study. Because many of the current agri-food supply chains are intricate and challenging to monitor, dishonest parties can exploit the situation. Therefore, we suggested a thorough blockchain-based agri-food supply chain to identify the source of price increases. The private Ethereum blockchain was used in the suggested system. Since the private Ethereum blockchain is more efficient, safe, and fast, it was chosen. Smart contracts were created to describe the system and its underlying rules and laws. Furthermore, in order to showcase the usefulness of our smart contracts, we exhibited a sample decentralized application to support our hypothesis. We also gave the system a complete security and vulnerability assessment to make sure it is operating properly and is protected from threats and attacks. Due to the use of blockchain, the system is immutable, transparent, and simple to track and monitor. The proposed system has demonstrated greater transparency, traceability, reliability, speed, security, and cost-efficiency compared to conventional systems. It effectively traces the origin of corruption in the supply chain, providing a more straightforward means to tackle concerns related to price hikes.
Jaime Govea, Walter Gaibor-Naranjo, William Villegas-Ch
Currently, in the digital era, critical infrastructure is increasingly exposed to cyber threats to their operation and security. This study explores the use of blockchain technology to address these challenges, highlighting its immutability, decentralization, and transparency as keys to strengthening the resilience of these vital structures. Through a methodology encompassing literature review, use-case analysis, and the development and evaluation of prototypes, the effective implementation of the blockchain in the protection of critical infrastructure is investigated. The experimental results reveal the positive impact of the blockchain on security and resilience, presenting a solid defense against cyber-attacks due to its immutable and decentralized structure, with a 40% reduction in security incidents. Despite the observed benefits, blockchain integration faces significant challenges in scalability, interoperability, and regulations. This work demonstrates the potential of the blockchain to strengthen critical infrastructure. It marks progress towards the blockchain’s practical adoption, offering a clear direction for future research and development in this evolving field.
Claudia Durán, Amir Karbassi Yazdi, Iván Dérpich, Yong Tan
This research investigates the optimal integration of Blockchain Technology (BT) in Supply Chain Management (SCM) within Chile’s maritime ports. Utilizing fuzzy Logarithmic Methodology of Additive Weights (LMAW) and Double Normalization-based Multiple Aggregation Methods (DNMA), the study systematically identifies, prioritizes, and ranks key factors influencing BT adoption in SCM. The study’s findings highlight crucial factors like enhanced transaction security, good supply chain practices, and risk management. Furthermore, it ranks the application of ports as prime candidates for BT integration. The research contributes theoretically by developing a hybrid model combining MCDA methods, and practically by guiding the strategic application of BT in the maritime logistics sector, aligning with the principles of Industry 5.0. This paper presents a novel approach that explores the utilization of BT in maritime supply chain management, incorporating MCDA in a vague environment. The research gap of this study lies in defining new contexts in both theoretical and practical literature reviews for extending the use of BT in SCM in the ports of Chile, according to Industry 5.0, to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of all aspects of operations in these places. The contribution of this research is applying hybrid MCDA methods in an uncertain environment to assist decision-makers (DMs) in better implementing BT in SCM in Chilean ports, according to Industry 5.0.
Ubair Nisar, Zhixin Zhang, Bronwyn P. Wood, Shadab Ahmad · 8 authors
The application of blockchain technology holds significant potential for improving efficiency, resilience, and transparency within the Fisheries Supply Chain (FSC). This study addresses the critical barriers hindering the adoption of blockchain technology (BT) in the Chinese FSC, recognizing the unique challenges posed by its intricacies. Through a comprehensive literature review, fourteen Critical Barrier Factors (CBFs) were identified, and a grey Delphi method was employed to distill this set. Five pivotal CBFs emerged, including "Regulatory Compliance," "Cost of Implementation," and "Complex Supply Chain Network". A subsequent grey Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) analysis revealed the causal relationships among these factors, categorizing them into effect and cause groups. "Regulatory Compliance," "Cost of Implementation," and "Complex Supply Chain Network" were identified as primary influencing factors demanding attention for effective BT integration in the FSC. The findings serve as a valuable resource for FSC stakeholders, assisting in prioritizing efforts to address these barriers. The discerned causal relationships provide guidance for managers in optimizing resource allocation. Ultimately, this research advocates for the adoption of blockchain technology in the fisheries supply chain to enhance overall performance and operational efficiency.