Abstract Increasing complexity and the involvement of additional stakeholders make it impossible to predict the impact of each decision, which puts supply chain managers in uncertain situations. However, a supply chain that can adapt and react to the current scenario gives them some control over these ambiguous circumstances. These characteristics of sensing disturbances or threats and giving appropriate responses can be improved with the implementation of blockchainâenabled technologies and can prove critical to the success of supply chain resilience and sustainability. This study has identified 21 blockchain technologyâenabled critical success factors for supply chain resilience and sustainability and grey theory is used to address the limitation of data availability. This study incorporates the combination of the GreyâDEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method to investigate the impact of critical success factors and to obtain the cause/effect relationship. Sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the robustness of obtained results. The findings indicate that internal integration is the most crucial causal factor, as it initiates the effects of many other critical success factors. Whereas Standardized Data Management, followed by Smart Ordering tops the effect group. As blockchain technology is still in its early stages of development, this study will encourage researchers and industry practitioners to strive for greater efficiency and effectiveness in their supply chain practices and to enhance the resilience and sustainability of their supply chains.
This paper aims to provide novel insights in the use of recent advances about non-fungible and Soulbound tokens, as they are a growing reality in the context of the DLT framework. In particular, this work discusses how these technological provisions can enable a renovated and strengthened role of the Internet of Everything concept in the complex processes of the Industry 5.0, where the social, societal, and technical dimensions merge into an irreducible applicative context. The potentialities of the approach are expressed by means of a simple but meaningful example on an industrial case study concerning the food supply chain.
Supply chain finance business as a comprehensive financial solution for small and medium-sized enterprises or small and micro enterprises has been for many years, but in the new era of the information wave, the traditional model of supply chain finance has revealed its irreconcilable drawbacks, and the arrival of block chain technology seems to bring new solutions. Block chain technology has the advantages of immutable information, decentralization, strong traceability and so on. It can break the single vertical transaction upstream and downstream of enterprises, promote the upgrade of network structure, and create a financial industry chain that efficiently delivers value, so as to achieve a win-win situation among all participants based on credible and verifiable trade relations. Based on this, this paper gives an overview of the supply chain finance model and block chain technology, and analyzes the application of block chain technology in supply chain finance.
The supply chain sector operates in a complex environment and faces various challenges, including fluctuations in demand, disruptions, and the requirement of adhering to regulations. The emergence of groundbreaking technologies such as blockchain, AI, and IoT is driving significant changes in the industry, resulting in improved efficiency, transparency, and security measures. This research paper has used the case-study method to develop to present a dynamic risk management framework that integrates blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. By building a distributed, decentralised ledger that records transactions safely and openly, blockchain technology can be incorporated into the supply chain sector. This framework comprises a risk association tree, smart contracts, and a risk item ledger, offering notable benefits such as enhanced risk management capabilities, operational efficiency, transparency, and potential for collaboration. However, it is essential to note that implementing this framework may involve complexity, necessitate modifications to existing processes, and introduce new risk elements.
Blockchain is a groundbreaking technology widely adopted in industrial applications for improving supply chain management (SCM). The SCM and logistics communities have paid close attention to the development of blockchain technology. The primary purpose of employing a blockchain for SCM is to lower production costs while enhancing the systemâs security. In recent years, blockchain-related SCM research has drawn much interest, and it is fair to state that this technology is now the most promising option for delivering reliable services/goods in supply chain networks. This study uses rigorous methods to review the technical implementation aspects of SCM systems driven by Blockchain. To ensure the security of industrial applications, we primarily concentrated on developing SCM solutions with blockchain capabilities. In this study, the unique qualities of blockchain technology have been exploited to analyze the main effects of leveraging it in the SCM. Several security metrics are utilized to validate and compare the blockchain methodologiesâ effectiveness in SCM. The blockchain may alter the supply chain to make it more transparent and efficient by creating a useful tool for strategic planning and enhancing connections among the customers, suppliers, and accelerators. Moreover, the performance of traditional and blockchain-enabled SCM systems is compared in this study based on the parameters of efficiency, execution time, security level, and latency.
Abstract Supply chain management has become increasingly complex, leading to information loss and delayed transmission, exacerbating the bullwhip effect. Furthermore, the need for more reliable information storage, traceability, and accountability has slowed supply chain management. In this context, blockchain technology (BCT) solves the bullwhip effect problem, as it supports distributed networking, information synchronization among nodes, digital encryption, traceable information, and unchangeable block content. This paper proposes using public blockchain to solve the bullwhip effect problem in the supply chain (SC), which has yet to be discussed in published academic research papers. To this end, a framework has been developed to determine the readiness of a supply chain for blockchain adoption. This framework includes a checklist to evaluate the motivation, timing, and appropriate platform for adopting blockchain. The framework has been validated using a case study of personal computer devices, which were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and resulted in semiconductors supply chain disruption. The study involved polling four executives The study involved polling four executives (of large organizations in Egypt and some Middle Eastern countries) representing different stages in the supply chain, they are retail, distribution, manufacturing, and supply. The results showed that while the executives recognized the benefits of adopting blockchain, they were still determining if it was the right time for adoption and did not see the technology ready for their supply chains. Finally, some public blockchain platforms were introduced to help businesses choose the most suitable platform for adoption.
Shafique Ur Rehman, Muhammad Usman, Yudi Fernando, Diyana Kamarudin · 5 authors
Purpose This paper aims to model the mediating effects of facilitating conditions and innovativeness in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and blockchain technology (BT) on manufacturing supply chain performance (MSCP). Design/methodology/approach Partial least square structural equation modelling was used to test the goodness of the model fit and hypotheses by using SmartPLS 3.3.3. Data was collected from 464 managers in Pakistanâs automotive industry through a stratified random sampling technique. Findings IIoT, BT, facilitating conditions and innovativeness significantly enhanced the MSCP. Therefore, the mediation between facilitating conditions and innovativeness to IIoT and BT adoption was significant in the MSCP. Practical implications The adoption of digital technology to improve the MSCP can assist companies in reducing the cost of complex procurement, production and distribution processes through secured and efficient operations. Furthermore, organisations must establish a conducive atmosphere that fosters experimentation, collaboration and resource allocation towards technological advancements to capitalise on the advantages of these technologies effectively. Originality/value This study developed a research model integrating IIoT technology, BT, facilitating conditions and innovativeness to determine the MSCP under the resource-based view theory. The outcome of this study could help organisations design a framework to improve supply chain performance by integrating innovativeness.
The construction industry is often criticised due to its inherited challenges. Lack of trust and transparency, inadequate collaboration and complex structure have plagued the construction sector. Blockchain is a technology that has the potential to address these issues by automating procedures and enhancing traceability and transparency with its salient features. Whereas adaptation of blockchain within the construction industry is still at its inception. The situation is bleak in developing countries and there are numerous barriers and limitations that impact the implementation process. Therefore, this paper aimed to distinguish the barriers that affect the adaptation of blockchain and smart contracts for the construction industry of developing countries. The study used a mixed research approach. The barriers were ranked based on the data collected through a questionnaire survey and strategies to overcome them were identified through expert interviews. Findings derived from the analysis indicate that having a limited number of construction related software applications (powered by blockchain), the reluctance of the companies to bear additional costs to adapt blockchain and sluggish adaptation to new technologies as the significant barriers. As per the identified strategies, conducting an industry-wide digitalisation analysis, developing an industry-wide digitalisation strategy and recruiting skillful staff can be pointed out as the weighty strategies. The outcomes of this research were gained through the data collected from Sri Lanka, which is a limitation of this study. Eventually, a framework was developed as a guideline to implement blockchain and smart contracts for the construction industry of developing countries.
This thesis aims to provide new insights into the use of recent advances in non-fungible token (NFT) and Soulbound technology, which are becoming increasingly important in the blockchain context. Specifically, it discusses how these technologies can enable a renewed and strengthened role for the Internet of Everything concept in the complex processes of Industry 5.0, where social, societal, and technical dimensions merge in an irreducible application context. In this context, the concept of reputation and trust becomes crucial, which is closely related to another broader concept: cybersecurity, an ever-present topic. Not to mention another important aspect: privacy, another hot topic. Blockchain technologies, or more generally, DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology), represent valid tools for achieving certain objectives closely tied to these concepts, which become even more crucial in a supply chain.The use of these technologies can improve reputation and trust within a supply chain. Blockchains can provide greater transparency and traceability of information, allowing consumers to better understand the provenance of the products they purchase. This can increase consumer trust in the food supply chain and enhance the reputation of the companies involved. Indeed, the reputation and trust of these actors can also be tracked and automated, making the entire process more reliable, secure, and dynamic. The potential of this approach is illustrated through a simple yet significant industrial case study project on the food supply chain, currently being researched as part of a European collaborative research effort.
Nadir Munir Hassan, Syed Abdul Rehman Khan, Muhammad Umair Ashraf, Adnan Ahmed Sheikh
Increased industrialization has led to unprecedented resource depletion on a global scale. The current state of affairs has compelled practitioners and academics to investigate the role of sustainable technologies in greening the operations of businesses. Previous studies have attempted to examine the number of operational aspects for their role in making firms sustainable, yet the utility of blockchain technologies is in its infancy. The role of BT in enhancing integration across supply chains has been in the limelight in the recent past. At the same time, its ability to cause sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) in sync with the circular economy (CE) and supply chain integration (SCI) has largely remained unexplored. Therefore, this study intends to examine the association between blockchain technologies (BTs) and SSCPs through integration to fill the empirical gaps. The study was pursued to investigate the moderating role of the CE on the relationship between multiple extents of SCI and SSCP. Based on dynamic capability theory (DCT), the study considered BT a dynamic resource. BTs are used to integrate and reenergize the relationships with upstream and downstream channel members in pursuit of sustainable performance outcomes. The study opted for a cross-sectional design, where data was collected through convenience sampling from 475 managers from SMEs operating across Pakistan. PLS-SEM was used to analyze the data and to generate the required empirical outcomes. Study results favored the significant association between BT and SSCP, followed by a significant mediating role of SCI dimensions and moderating role of the CE. The study's findings propagate the utility of BTs adoption for SMEs, which holds the potential for firms to achieve system-wide integration to achieve sustainable outcomes. The given empirical investigation holds valuable insights for practitioners and scholars intending to pursue research on the subject matter.
The disaster area is a constantly changing environment, which can make it challenging to distribute supplies effectively. The lack of accurate information about the required goods and potential bottlenecks in the distribution process can be detrimental. The success of a response network is dependent on collaboration, coordination, sovereignty, and equal distribution of relief resources. To facilitate these interactions and improve knowledge of supply chain operations, a reliable and dynamic logistic system is essential. This study proposes the integration of blockchain technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the Internet of Everything (IoE) into the disaster management structure. The proposed disaster response model aims to reduce response times and ensure the secure and timely distribution of goods. The hyper-connected disaster supply network is modeled through a concrete implementation on the Network Simulation (NS2) platform. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method yields significant improvements in several key performance metrics. Specifically, it achieved more than a 30% improvement in the successful migration of tasks, a 17% reduction in errors, a 15% reduction in delays, and a 9% reduction in energy consumption.
Purpose This study aims to proposed that blockchain helps the organization improve supply chain (SC) performance by improving integration, agility and security through real-time information sharing, end-to-end visibility, transparency, data management, immutability, irrevocable information and cyber-security platforms. Design/methodology/approach This study has made an initial effort toward proposing a framework that shows the problems and challenges for the O&G SC under its segments (upstream, midstream and downstream) and provides the interlink among blockchain properties for SCM problems. SC managers were selected for survey questionnaires from the Pakistan O&G industries. Findings This study analyzes the impact of blockchain-enabled SC on firm performance with an understanding of the SC robustness capabilities as a mediator. The result revealed that the SC manager believes that the blockchain-enabled SC has a positive and significant on firm performance and robustness capabilities. Research limitations/implications Blockchain technology is reflected as high-tech to support the firm process, responses and methods. The technology helps eliminate bottlenecks, avoid uncertainties and improve decision-making, leading to improved SC functions. This study guides managers about the potential problems of existing SC and how blockchain solves SC problems more effectively. Originality/value The oil and gas (O&G) sectors are neglected by researchers, and there are limited studies on O&G supply chain management (SCM). Additionally, no empirical evidence suggests implementing blockchain for O&G as a solution for potential problems. Furthermore, present the roadmap to other industries those having complex SC networks for the implication of blockchain to improve the SC performance.
Abstract The transition to a circular supply chain (CSC) is a prerequisite to establish sustainability in the supply chain. Blockchainâbased CSC enables stakeholders to effectively manage their decisionâmaking processes, increase revenue, reduce time and costs and ensure information synchronisation. Blockchain startâups play an essential role in facilitating the transition from a linear to a circular economy while supporting the development of CSCs. This research aims to explore the role of blockchain entrepreneurship in the transition to CSC by evaluating circular blockchain startâups. This research contributes to the literature by providing verified roles of blockchain entrepreneurship in the transition to CSC by evaluating the literature and blockchain startâups. Another contribution is that the causal relationships between these roles are analysed. In this study, an integrated threeâstep methodology including Systematic Literature Review (SLR), Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), and Fuzzy DecisionâMaking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FuzzyâDEMATEL) methods on the base of the theory of change is proposed. An SLR is performed to determine the roles of blockchain entrepreneurship. Then, a QCA is conducted after identifying the roles for verification by evaluations of use cases of blockchain startâups. Finally, the causal relationships between these roles are interpreted by using FuzzyâDEMATEL. Findings indicate that blockchain entrepreneurship has 12 fundamental roles in facilitating the transition from a linear to a circular economy while supporting the development of CSCs.
Abstract Capital constraints are one of the major challenges for the supplier to invest in activities to enhance environmental and social responsibility (ESR) in production. Responsible buyer direct financing has emerged as an important solution to motivate supplier ESR by pegging the interest rate to the supplier's ESR level. Motivated by real practices, we develop gameâtheoretical models to explore the value of conducting blockchainâassisted due diligence to inspect the borrowing supplier's ESR qualification in a twoâtier supply chain structure where the downstream buyer directly finances the capitalâconstrained supplier. Conventional wisdom tells us that driving greater supplier transparency (e.g., conducting blockchainâassisted due diligence) will motivate the supplier to strengthen environmental and social compliance. However, we identify the necessary and sufficient âbackfiring conditionâ under which the blockchainâassisted due diligence may âbackfireâ by reducing the supplier's ESR efforts. The supplier devotes more ESR efforts if and only if the due diligence cost is sufficiently high. Our result implies that the heavy cost of adopting blockchain technology is not necessarily bad from the responsibility perspective as long as the backfiring condition does not hold. Moreover, we identify the Pareto zone in which conducting blockchainâassisted due diligence could benefit both supply chain members. We extend our model by examining the impact of a shift from profit orientation to social welfare orientation. Our findings provide managerial insights into the implementation of blockchainâassisted due diligence to enhance supplier ESR and improve supply chain membersâ profits.
Amandine Herbe, Zarah Estermann, Valentin Holzwarth, Jan vom Brocke
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) refers to multi-party systems that enables saving encrypted data across a peer-to-peer network of nodes, without central authority. While DLT applications have been mainly studied in finance, we conduct empirical research on DLT application in supply chain management, combining theory testing and theory elaborating case research. Applying the Theory of Affordance Actualisation, we identify five DLT affordances: (1) verify product origin and history, (2) exchange data on digital product models, (3) track and trace productsâ logistics, (4) simplify supply chain finance, and (5) automate payments. We identify and evaluate these affordances and also outline how these affordances can be actualised. We contribute to the discourse of DLT value creation and provide practical guidance to assess DLT potential in supply chains. We integrate our findings into the academic discussion on collaboration in viable, intertwined supply networks.