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.
R. Muruganandham, K. Venkatesh, S.R. Devadasan, V. Harish
Total Quality Management (TQM) facilitates the achievement of continuous quality improvement by implementing several strategies, techniques, system and tools. Out of them, ISO 9001 standard based Quality Management System (QMS) was adopted widely by the organisations for achieving continuous quality improvement. Yet the outcome has not been very effective due to the absence of immutability and traceability in the theory and practices of this approach. This deficiency can be overcome if blockchain technology is used. Hence, the need of the hour is to integrate blockchain technology with ISO 9001:2015 standard based QMS. In order to meet this need, a framework has been presented in this paper. This framework facilitates the usage of smart contracts and hyperledger for achieving traceability and immutability while operating the ISO 9001:2015 standard based QMS. Further, the application of Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are indicated for implementing this integrated framework to achieve the goals of implementing TQM. The paper is concluded by mentioning that implementation in organisations in which ISO 9001:2015 standard is under operation would facilitate to check the practical viability of the framework proposed in this paper.
Mahtab Kouhizadeh, Qingyun Zhu, Lojain Alkhuzaim, Joseph Sarkis
Abstract Overconsumption of resources has become a global issue. To deal with resource depletion and mitigate these impending crises, the circular economy (CE) holds some promise. A wide range of performance measurements for CE have emerged over the years. However, with increasing complexity of supply chains, appropriate and potentially new performance measurements are needed for effective CE management. Blockchain is an innovative technology that may advance CE development. This chapter provides an overview of the potential linkages between blockchain technology and CE from sustainability perspectives â the specific focus will be on the performance measurement of reverse logistics activities. One of the main findings indicates that both blockchain and CE performance measurements â especially reverse logistics processes â are still evolving in both theory and practical developments. Future directions with a critical analysis including research and theoretical applications will conclude this chapter.
Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik, Simonov KusiâSarpong, Himanshu Gupta ¡ 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 closeâended questionnaire. The study employs Partial Least SquaresâStructural Equation Modelling (PLSâSEM) and Partial Least SquaresâMulti Group Analysis (PLSâMGA) 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 wellâmapped supply chain can further improve supply chain sustainability. The findings of the study also suggest the adoption of blockchain technologies as a broadâbased strategy to attain multiâtier 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.
AslĹ Pelin Gßrgßn, Mehmet Ilker Genc, Kerim Koç, 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 MannâWhitney 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 peopleâs 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 partnersâ 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 partnersâ 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, partnersâ 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 partnersâ trust and visibility.
This paper proposes a secure and transparent pharmaceutical supply chain system using a permissioned blockchain network. This work focuses on (i) Enhancing the security of origin information across the supply chain with proper identification and authentication among the supplier, distributor, and other members of the system, (ii) Secure storing of the Supply Drugs Information (SDI) in the blockchain in a distributed manner, (iii) Traceability and transparent sharing of information across supply chain system. This proposed work also performs automatic transactions between suppliers and the distributors, tracking the provenance, adequate verification, and reducing supply chainsâ risk. The proposed system has been implemented using Hyperledger fabric and evaluated using Hyperledger Calliper to test its performance. Finally, we analyzed the proposed work's performance in terms of throughput, transaction latency, and network load. The results have shown that better transaction processing power and security than other existing systems of the blockchain.
Jonathan Lenge, Kaninda Musumbu, Geisla Wanuku, Pascal Sungu
Traceability has become an essential element of supply chain management, especially in safety-sensitive sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, etc. Upstream (manufacturers, producers, etc.) and downstream (distributors, wholesalers, etc.) supply chain actors need to store and process traceability information in order to provide proof of regulatory compliance to national authorities as well as the most demanding customers. Studies have shown that developing countries, especially on the African continent, are particularly prone to the commercialization of counterfeit products and the use of diverted consumables, thus reducing the confidence in the various products and services offered by commercial enterprises, not only towards consumers but also towards companies and other actors of the concerned sectors. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to examine the characteristics and functionalities of blockchain technology and to identify blockchain-based solutions to address consumer product traceability issues, as well as to highlight the benefits of implementing blockchain-based traceability systems by proposing a blockchain architecture to ensure traceability and transparency.
Mohammed K. Almedallah, Naif Alqahtani, Stuart D.C. Walsh
Abstract The task of managing petroleum projects is often cumbersome and complex, as these projects involve a vast number of activities that are often conducted in remote and potentially dispersed locations. In addition, petroleum projects must reconcile the many transactions that occur between multiple stakeholders, including the developer and their contractors. Due to this nature of business, projects are subject to fraudulent activity, cyber-attacks and lost time. To alleviate these issues, this paper presents a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consortium blockchain that executes and tracks oil and gas project tasks, while providing secured and transparent documentation and time stamping for all the project activities. Historically, many companies have worked on technologies to improve scheduling and project management by implementing intelligent and digitized information system solutions. Yet, these solutions require a centralized entity to monitor the activities - leading to errors and fraud. The approach adopted here overcomes these limitations by suggesting a smart contract decentralized blockchain that can solve many of the problems preventing management efficiency. The process utilizes a web-based framework that scans record tamper-evident transactions based on peer-to-peer network involving the developer and the contractor machines. The approach also creates a web interface to allow stakeholders to interact with the blockchain and store schedule updates and completion certificates. As there is no paperwork to process, and no time wasted on reconciling errors associated with filing these documents, the proposed application demonstrates a promising tool to improve speed, efficiency, and accuracy. It can enforce the contract conditions and manage the tracking of complex oil and gas activities. Employees within the developer and contractor companies can record a transaction in the network and ensure that the data within the block is not tampered with and contain a secured timestamp. The record is stored in the multiple machines available in the network and serves as a digital signature for each activity completed in the project. However, because the network is open to all stakeholders, the process requires regulation to prevent adverse events, such as members posting without restrictions. To overcome this limitation, each member is required to have a public and private key to post in the application. The paper also discusses other potential limitations to this approach to project management, and strategies that can be employed to make this use of blockchain technology viable in commercial settings. Because the data stored in the proposed blockchain is immutable, secured, and transparent, the blockchain application has the potential to transform the traditional process by tracking and digitally time-stamping all the project deliverables required by the stakeholders involved. Nevertheless, the paper argues that there are several technical, security and legal limitations needed to be addressed before having the application as mainstream.
The increasing expansion of the needs of human beings and societies has caused various aspects of human life and societies to face serious challenges and be considered. Supply chain organizations operate in a market in today's global environment that is increasingly complex and dynamic in nature. Stable supply chains are inevitable to meet drastic changes in customer needs. Research has shown that manufacturing companies need to accelerate the shift from focus to sustainability and use technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain to achieve the organization's goal. In this regard, by expanding the capabilities of the blockchain under the four main areas (1) designing incentive and tokenization mechanisms to promote green consumer behavior; (2) increase visibility throughout the product life cycle; (3) increase system efficiency while reducing development and operating costs; And (4) strengthen the monitoring of sustainability and performance reporting in supply chain networks; it can be seen that the supply chain based on these transformational technologies can play a colorful role in creating stability and a green and efficient supply chain. In this study, the potential opportunities in the IoT to create a sustainable supply chain are discussed. Also, based on this study, a framework has been proposed to show the relationships and effects of the constituent elements of a stable supply chain system based on the Internet of Things and blockchain. The conceptual framework is designed with an emphasis on sustainable development, collaboration and management and can provide a good perspective for implementing a sustainable supply chain based on technology
Purpose The high degree of likely disruption challenges organizations at all levels to develop and implement innovative strategies. Ensuring supply chain continuity even during emergency and complex situations is critical for organizations. Therefore, this study explores some strategies adopted by firms based on innovation and blockchain-enabled digital transformation to reduce risk in their supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This study follows the qualitative form of enquiry. The authors interviewed 26 professionals from the supply chain domain. After three-layered coding and mapping multiple layers to the data of interviews, the authors identified emerging themes and sub-themes through a thematic analysis. Findings The authors identified type of risks that can affect global supply chains along with both the role of blockchain and innovation culture in minimizing the degree of such risks and the challenges in adopting blockchain technologies. This led us to develop a framework to address supply chain risk through digital transformation through innovation and blockchain. Practical implications This research offers exciting implications for practice by drawing on the insights gathered to facilitate supply chain risk management through innovation and blockchain applications for organizations that are strongly impacted by digital transformation practices around the world. The study also offers the utilization of a framework followed by propositions to reduce supply chain risks in the digital transformation era. Originality/value This study focuses on presenting a mechanism of supply chain risk management through the application of innovation and blockchain technology for the digital transformation of a value chain. Blockchain can offer an innovative platform to ready the supply chain for future dynamic situations.
S. K. Joshi, Manu Sharma, Rashmi Prava Das, Kamalakanta Muduli ¡ 8 authors
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 214 countries across the world, disrupting the supply of essential commodities. As the pandemic has spread, humanitarian activities (HAs) have attempted to manage the various situation but appear ineffective due to lack of collaboration and information sharing, inability to respond towards disruption, etc. This study aims to determine and provide insights into the critical factors that may enhance the effectiveness of HAs during the pandemic. A systematic literature review was undertaken to explore critical factors and validated by experts using the fuzzyâDelphi method. These were further assessed to identify the cause-and-effect relationship by means of the fuzzy decision-making trial and laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The results show that building a blockchain-enabled digital humanitarian network (BT-DHN) is the most significant factor during the pandemic. The use of digital platforms for sharing real-time information enhances the effectiveness of HAs. This study offers stakeholders, policymakers, and decision-makers the opportunity to consider these factors in strategic planning to deal with pandemic disruption.
Blockchain is an open digital ledger technology that has the capability of significantly altering the way that people operations (i.e. human resource management) operate in organizations. This research takes a first step in proposing several ways in which the blockchain technology can be used to improve current organizational practices, while also considering the ethical implications. Specifically, the paper examines the role that blockchain technology plays in three primary areas of people operations: (1) entry to the organization (via recruitment and selection), (2) intraorganizational processes (including compensation via smart contracts, retention and motivation via shared leadership and conflict management via network-based dispute resolution, and performance management), and (3) exit (offboarding). In each section, the paper reviews the ethical implications from the lenses of virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology and contractarianism. The paper concludes that in whole the implementation of blockchain technology in people operations processes can create a more ethical work environment. However, careful implementation is necessary and requires extensive examination of ethical implications in advance.
Bongisizwe Erasmus Buthelezi, Patrick Ndayizigamiye, Hossana Twinomurinzi, Shopee Dube
This paper systematically reviews the literature on the adoption of Blockchain technology in Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) methodology, 53 peer-reviewed research publications from five different databases (IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost) were selected and analyzed using a classification coding framework. The findings reveal that Agri-food traceability, Blockchain security, smart contracts, and the Internet of Things (IoT) were the significant identified current trends in the use of Blockchain in SCM processes. The key identified challenges include high costs of transactions and a lack of trust between stakeholders. Identified solutions were Blockchain traceability systems and the use of smart contracts and IoTs. In addition, this paper identified gaps in the literature that need to be addressed in future studies.
Mohammad Najjar, Ihab H. Alsurakji, Amjad ElâQanni, Abdulnaser Ibrahim Nour
Global supply networks encompass many inter-connected suppliers. Many of these suppliers are unpredictable and beyond the direct realm of the company, making the management of sustainability a difficult task. This research attempts to put forth a profound exploration of the integration of sustainability across complex multi-tier supply networks through the utilization of blockchain technology. The research includes a selected literature review compromising well-cited research that focuses on multi-tier supply networks and blockchain technology. The findings suggest that blockchain can enhance suppliersâ visibility. Managers will have increased transparency and traceability of their global supply networks, which will eventually reduce information asymmetry and limit opportunistic behaviors. Furthermore, the connectivity and rapid/immutable sustainable information sharing features associated with blockchain increase suppliersâ predictability and create robust sustainable supply networks. Despite the potential benefits enabled by the technology, the research highlights some vital complexities that may obstruct the adoption of the technology across multi-tier supply networks.
In order to transform the uncontrollable risks of a single enterpriseâs credit business into a controllable overall risk, and better alleviate the financing difficulties of small and micro enterprises. This article first studies the concept and function of supply chain finance and the meaning and characteristics of supply chain finance, and then analyzes the operating mechanism of the three financing methods and various risks in the financing process. This article combines the unique operation and business process of the Logistic model of the Internet of Things technology to design a new model to further reduce credit risk and market risk. The empirical analysis results show that: facing the financing problems of small and medium-sized enterprises, the current financing model based on supply chain finance is the most ideal choice. By using blockchain decentralization technology to solve the risks of supply chain financial projects, and using the characteristics of blockchain to improve the efficiency of supply chain financing in clearing and settlement. According to data from the Demica Institute, it is estimated that from 2011 to 2013, the financial supply chain developed by international financial institutions will grow at a rate of more than 30%. It is expected that by 2020, its average annual growth rate will maintain 10%.