In the rapidly evolving environment of the international supply chain, the traditional network of manufacturers and suppliers has grown into a vast ecosystem made of various products that move through multiple parties and require cooperation among stakeholders. Additionally, the demand for improved product visibility and source-to-store traceability has never been higher. However, traditional data sharing procedures in today’s supply chain are inefficient, costly, and unadaptable as compared to new and innovative technology. Blockchain technology has shown promising results for improving supply chain networks in recent applications and has already impacted our society and lifestyle by reshaping many business and industry processes. In an effort to understand the integration of blockchain technology in the supply chain, the proposed work consists of novel approach to improve the traceability in supply chain through the blockchain technology.
Exploring the new developments and paths in the education system is one of the motives for Oman's 2040 Vision. Blockchain technology restructured businesses and many other sectors. Similarly, the implementation of blockchain technology in the education sector is new but it seems to offer various benefits which are associated with blockchain. This study aims to explore the use of blockchain technology in the education sector of the Sultanate of Oman. The study offers a conceptual model which portrays the five attributes of blockchain technology as the fascination to adopt while the implementation of blockchain in education offers enhanced student performance and record management benefits from the student perspective. The future of the education sector is based on technological developments and advancements such as blockchain technology.
Purpose Blockchain technology is one of the candidate technologies for resolving supply chain issues that may occur as a result of the complex and continuously changing market structures of the present day. In addressing the problems encountered in such a system, blockchain technology has emerged as a target technology due to its notable advantages, such as smart contracts and product traceability. Since a supply chain consists of suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and industrial customers, blockchain technology can be considered inter-firm technology. However, the literature mainly focuses on technical, individual, and environmental aspects of technology acceptance depending on technology acceptance theories. Therefore, more information is needed about how inter-firm relations and their aspects affect organizational blockchain technology acceptance. Consequently, this study aims to identify the inter-firm characteristics and their influence on the acceptance of blockchain technologies in supply chains using network theory.Methodology The research methodology design consists of two elements. First, based on the expert judgments, the relationships between the indicated parameters regarding blockchain acceptance intention are analyzed using the DEMATEL technique, based on expert opinion. In the second part, with the data obtained from 361 supply chain managers, the validity of the linked assumptions in the proposed model is confirmed by applying PLS-SEM.Findings The present study enhances our knowledge of inter-firm technology acceptance behavior by incorporating trading partner trust, initial firm power, the dependency between partners, knowledge sharing, and cooperation. According to the findings of DEMATEL, there is a strong association between inter-firm technology acceptance characteristics in explaining behavioral intention. Whereas other variables mainly influence dependency, trust has the most significant impact on those variables with cooperation. On the other hand, PLS-SEM analysis delivers remarkable results that describe the complicated structure of blockchain acceptance from an inter-firm perspective. Cooperation is the most influential variable affecting behavioral intention (0.614), followed by dependency (0.156) and knowledge sharing (0.153). Even though the direct effects of inter-firm trust and the initial firm’s power on behavioral intention were found insignificant, dependency fully mediates the effects of these variables on behavioral intention. Similarly, the relationship between trading partner trust and behavioral intention is fully mediated by knowledge sharing, while it also partially mediates the influence of cooperation. Examining the direct impacts reveals that cooperation is the most influential variable on behavioral intention, which is consistent with the DEMATEL conclusion.Research Implications The current study demonstrates that the network theory is appropriate for explaining the acceptance of blockchain technology from an inter-firm perspective within the context of supply chain interactions. Since the theory can delve into the underlying characteristics of these relationships, it helps justify the target behavior. On the other hand, the DEMATEL approach validates the relationships between variables in the theoretical model. Then these associations are verified using PLS-SEM considering the primary data obtained from supply chain managers. The primary purpose of the DEMATEL method was to elucidate the relationships between variables and provide empirical support for the structure of the theoretical model. The networks of linkages that developed from the DEMATEL approach based on expert opinions corroborate the relationships in the theoretical model based on the literature, suggesting a significant connection between the two methodologies. Such methodological designs are essential for boosting the results’ trustworthiness and applicability.Practical Implications Cooperation is the most significant explanatory variable regarding blockchain technology acceptance. Following the nature of the supply chain, this conclusion highlights the significance of relationships between partners in chain. In their projects for blockchain technology, managers should examine the benefits of these technologies for themselves and other stakeholders in the chain. This study demonstrates issues with the inter-firm acceptance of blockchain technologies regarding the influence of trust and power on the final acceptance behavior. Nevertheless, the growth in inter-firm dependence enhances the efficiency of these effects. Therefore, managers must understand how to utilize their resources for chain gain. While this makes it easier for them to preserve their authority and influence the conduct of their partners over the long run, the appropriate allocation of resources across dependent stakeholders will ultimately strengthen the perception of trust. Our results also prove that knowledge sharing increases the effects of cooperation and inter-firm trust on behavioral intention. This indicates that managers should convince the other partners about the benefits of target technology by sharing key and timely information.Originality This study makes numerous original contributions and provides new insights. This study contributes to general knowledge of the acceptance of blockchain technologies in the supply chain by focusing on the inter-firm technology perspective. In this vein, the results produced through the investigation of mediation relations are novel and presented to the literature. On the other hand, DEMATEL and PLS-SEM are integrated for the first time considering blockchain acceptance in supply chain studies, to our knowledge. Furthermore, this is the first study to combine network theory and inter-firm perspective to explain the acceptance of blockchain technology in supply chains.
This study examines the present scholarly research on blockchain technology in supply chain management. The primary purpose of this working paper is to visualize and perform a scientometric review of 468 publications and research published between 2007 and 2021 from the Web of Science database. Co-author analysis, co-word analysis, and co-citation analysis highlight main concepts and research hotspots and provide light on important specializations and developing trends. This study primarily uses Citespace5.8. R1 to conduct a systematic analysis of author collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence networks, keyword clustering, keyword burstiness, and literature co-citation graph spectrum networks in the domain of blockchain in supply chain management to identify the research state, development trend, hotspots, and frontiers. Research shows that :(1) since 2017, the literature on the application of blockchain in supply chain management has expanded rapidly. China and the United States are particularly advanced in this area compared to other nations. (2) The "blockchain in supply chain management" research mainly focuses on technical framework theory, which uses distributed ledger technology and smart contracts to control supply chain operations. Simultaneously, technical innovation should be combined with artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other technologies to enhance the trust, transparency, traceability, performance index, and security of the supply chain. (3) The horizon of study in this area is the integration of RFID and blockchain technology for technical innovation in Industry 4.0, intending to improve and optimize each supply chain node.
Purpose As information providers, libraries select, acquire, process, store, preserve and distribute information resources to customers. Innovative technologies like the blockchain have posed major challenges to education and library services. The main goal of the application of blockchain technology (BT) in libraries and information centers is to give all possible users in participating library systems unrestricted access to digital content and print collections while minimizing risk to protect each user’s privacy and identification. A fresh and dependable technology called blockchain aids in the security, reliability and preservation of information. The 21st century’s change agents’ libraries are implementing new technologies to deliver the most knowledge possible in the shortest amount of time. It cannot be overstated how this technology has the potential to transform library services, operations and functions. Design/methodology/approach An extensive review of literature on “smart libraries” was carried to ascertain the emerging technologies in the smart library domain. Literature was searched against various keywords like smart libraries, smart technologies, Internet of Things, electronic resource management, data mining, artificial intelligence, ambient intelligence, BT and augmented reality. Later on, the works citing the literature on smart libraries were also explored to visualize a broad spectrum of emerging concepts about this growing trend in libraries. Findings Blockchain is one of the rapidly expanding and evolving technology. Librarians and library need to understand the opportunities, benefits and risks of blockchain. Perhaps in libraries, BT will become a useful tool for storing, storing and sharing information. This technology also aids in the acquisition of library materials that can improve collection maintenance. Blockchain can protect user and patron records and enhance the privacy of user and research data. This technology also improves collaboration among library patrons and staff. BT is increasingly being adopted by libraries in various ways. It creates an improved metadata system to protect digital-first selling rights, peer-to-peer sharing and more. Apart from what have been already discussed, this technology is perfect for academia and perfect for achieving potential pace in libraries. It can be used to safeguard library user records, retrieve libraries document and improve collection management. A special bulk request enables identification and discovery of unique holdings. Scientific writing is another good use case for blockchain, where researchers can record and time-stamp ideas and spread information. BT presents a significant opportunity for libraries to enhance user privacy, enhance collaboration and transform the manner in which libraries and communities collaborate. The University of San Jose in Toronto, the Reference Library, the Suffolk Collaborative Library System and many other libraries are exploring this technology, and various other libraries are set to follow suit. Originality/value The paper tries to highlight the usage of blockchain technologies in the libraries and information center setups for the efficient working of library setups. Blockchain is one of the emerging technologies that have the potential to bring the technology revolution.
Mohd Ziyauddin Khan, Ashwani Kumar, Aditya Kumar Sahu
Purpose A fragmented research field exists on the applications of disruptive technologies like blockchain in supply chain management. Thus, the purpose of this study is to present a systematic review of literature reviews, summarising the applications of blockchain in various kinds and facets of the supply chain to date. Design/methodology/approach The literature search was conducted using Scopus and Web Of Science databases, and reporting was performed using PRISMA guidelines. In total, 43 review papers were identified, and 15 reviews applicable to the study were synthesised. Findings Blockchain technology is still in its infancy; however, it is gaining high utility in supply chain management. The technology is constantly expanding its application base, and it has enormous potential to cut out intermediaries and improve the efficiency of supply chains. Taking a look at the past and the present, the current study explores unexplored research avenues for the future. Research limitations/implications This study provides key insights to academia interested in exploring and advancing the topic. Practical implications This study will benefit practitioners and business managers exercising the potential of such a technology in various industrial contexts. Social implications The outcome of this study has the potential to bring many benefits to society at large. These benefits, if fully realised, could positively impact the society. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first broad systematic review of reviews analysing the information about blockchain applications and implementation in the supply chain. Based on its constructive overview of the review studies published to date, this study contributes to the supply chain management literature by providing a table of reference for future researchers.
This study investigates the important role that the blockchain plays to manage the information about who did what and when and hence provides a strong base for any legal potential conflicts. Blockchain technology permits you to distribute, encrypt, and secure the records of digital transactions. In addition, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are encompassed in it. Even though the construction industry has traditionally been a late user of innovative technology compared to other sectors of the economy, it faces various hurdles in terms of trust, accessibility, information sharing, and process automation. As a result, stakeholders, clients, subcontractors, contractors, and suppliers have been unable to work together effectively. Even if building information modeling is employed, which envisions a centralized building, the primary benefit of blockchain is the secure storage of sensitive sensor data.
Blockchain technology was first introduced at the start of the last decade and since then the technology has been exploited in numerous industries – The Telecom industry being no such exception. This study takes into account the recent innovations in the fabrication of the bridge between the newly adapted blockchain industry worldwide with the ever-developed and matured telecommunication industry which has led to excellent opportunities for us, who are extensively targeting the uniqueness of blockchains which is their capability to store and allow retrieval of data that is trusted to be immutable where the process of doing such is much faster, reliable, and adheres to the current security needs after data leakage and data fraudulency has been much into practice recently. The research methodology used for this study is the qualitative approach, where is used to perform content analysis on the literature available to extract the implications of the merging of these two industries at a scale above and beyond the continent boundaries. The results indicate that blockchain’s smart contract feature can resist fraud, and eliminate human error and lack of transparency.
Construction projects’ performance is not self-regulating. Therefore, a continuous progress tracking and monitoring process is highly demanded to avoid potential deviations or misalignments. The current practice for the progress tracking and monitoring process suffers from heavily intermediated workflows, human errors, transfer latencies, inaccuracies, and/or information holes. Such issues could gradually lead to severe delays or even complete project failure. This research introduces a novel Peer-to-Peer (P2P) system that relies on Blockchain Technology (BT) and Inter-Planetary File System (IPFS) for managing progress information and as-built digital assets or files. The system is developed based on a three-step approach. First, two chaincodes are formulated for mapping and governing the data operations. Second, a private blockchain network is configured based on Hyperledger Fabric as a hosting platform, including the relevant stakeholders. Third, a private IPFS network is configured and coupled with a cluster service to manage and distribute the off-chain visuals and as-built digital assets. A case study for a non-residential construction project is utilized to test and verify the system’s practicability and assess its performance. The research significance is anticipated in diverse practical areas, including but not limited to; boosting coordination and trust among stakeholders, tracing progressive elaboration of As-built digital assets, accelerating incremental payments processing, assessing overall project performance and on-site productivity, supporting delay analysis and claim/dispute management, and streamlining data flow between the construction phase and the operation and maintenance phase. Further, the system’s future is mapped by evolving it as a sub-unit in a more advanced data model.
Blockchain technology has the potential to impact the performance of small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs). A theoretical model using Technology-Organization-Environment framework and Resource-based View was developed to examine Blockchain-driven SME business performance. The model was empirically tested using structural equation modeling techniques on data gathered from 320 practitioners in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. The technological and organizational contexts for Blockchain influenced organizational commitment while top management support for Blockchain influenced organizational transparency, both of which influenced Smart SMEs resulting in enhanced performance. Social media visibility moderated the effect of Smart SMEs on performance. The findings offer several implications for research and practice.
Abstract Blockchain has enormous capabilities to transform the traditional business models in countless ways. Banks in India are building collaborative blockchain ecosystems to create an innovative business model and disrupt the traditional one to create further competitive advantages. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between blockchain capabilities (BCC), competitive advantages (CA) and organizational performance (OP). Further, to evaluate the mediating role of CA on the relationship between BCC and OP. In this context, scientific research model consisting of a hypothesis has been developed from the existing literature. The proposed model was tested using statistical data collected from Blockchain specialists, blockchain product marketing managers, experts of future and emergent technology and VP/AVP/Chief Manager/Branch head of banks/ financial Analyst/divisional Managers who are involved in planning and deployment of practical blockchain in banking/financial sector. Data was analyzed and tested through AMOS 22.0 and process macro using a sample of 289 responses. Our empirical result indicated that there is a significant positive relationship between BCC, CA and OP. Furthermore, relationship of BCC and OP partially mediated CA. This paper presents originality and contributes towards the body of knowledge on this subject to understand the relationship and mediation role of CA on the relationship between BCC and OP in Indian banking sector.
Open access
Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
Organizational Leadership and Management Strategies
Jay Munjapara, Harsh Sawant, Nimish Patil, Shreya Patankar
Blockchain has offered solutions to many problems through its core principle of decentralization and distributed nature. Some of the fields in which these can be seen are Finance, Supply Chain, Healthcare, Real Estate etc. Among these, blockchain has transformed the functioning of the supply chain, increasing efficiency, transparency and security. Blockchain has allowed creation of an immutable track and trace system from sourcing of raw materials to the delivery of finished products. It has streamlined the administrative process leading to cost saving and faster processing time. Various solutions have been developed to tackle the problems faced in the supply chain industry solving one or multiple problems. This paper aims to assess the main solutions proposed and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.
There are always potential hazards from hackers, adware, malware, and viruses. Many big international corporations have experienced hacking and security breaches in the previous few years. In certain instances, this has resulted in the leakage of private and confidential information, such as bank account information, addresses, and transactions, but there are security measures in place that can block these things before they get too close to the company's private data. This is crucial for both secrecy and to avoid paying the steep fines levied on businesses that fail to adequately safeguard customer information. The project is a verification mechanism that only allows users with the proper input credentials to access the system. The project involves modules or user certificates. Security credentials come in a variety of forms. Thus, we incorporate a unique blockchain for banking security and user authentication in this proposed methodology. This degree of authentication reduces the possibility of hacking and the loss of sensitive data. Also, in the current environment, safer bank transactions are necessary due to advancements in security technologies. They have also made advances into industries, healthcare, telecommunications, and home automation, among others. A distributed ledger is basically what a blockchain is. It can keep information about who owns a certain piece of property or, for example, a bond. A permanent record of ownership can be maintained using technology, which also makes it possible for parties with a low level of trust to exchange the asset. Key Words: Custom Blockchain, Distributed Ledger, Authentications, Confidentiality, Transactions, Security System, Credentials, Banking Security, etc.
Purpose Blockchain technology can overcome many complicated problems related to confidentiality, integrity and availability of fast and secure distributed systems in the agri-food supply chain. In emerging economies like India, blockchain application in the agri-food supply chain is still new, and their adoption is underdeveloped. This paper aims to investigate the drivers of blockchain technology adoption and their effect on the behavioral intention of stakeholders in adopting blockchain technology among various stakeholders in the agri-food supply chain. The study also develops a framework to enhance understanding of blockchain adoption in the agri-food supply chain as well as the stakeholders' motivation in seeking blockchain solutions. Design/methodology/approach Considering the most significant aspects of blockchain adoption in the agri-food supply chain, this study attempts to develop an adoption model by using the extended unified theory of acceptance and technology model with interfirm trust and transparency as additional factors. Data was collected from a sample of 200 stakeholders in the North Indian state of Punjab. The empirical analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling in Smart PLS3. Findings The findings supported the developed framework and the results of SEM indicate that all the paths are supported. In particular, the findings of the study reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, interfirm trust and transparency are the drivers of blockchain adoption and have a significant impact on the behavioral intention of stakeholders. Cumulatively, the results positively impact the performance of agri-food supply chain. From this study, it is found that the adoption of blockchain technology in agri-food supply chain enhances their performance. Originality/value The originality of the study lies in the developed framework, technology adoption will help them focus in the right direction by eliminating manual methods and converting the agri-food supply chain into a digitalization system.
The Construction industry has a complex structure with multiple parties involved, which often leads to “adversarial relationships”, “risk avoidance”, and a “lack of trust” among the different actors. This culture is further compounded by a “linear workflow” that often results in low efficiency, delays, rework and unnecessary waste. Blockchain technology can help to mitigate these issues by creating a decentralised and transparent system, where all the actors can have access to a shared database, it allows tracking and monitors the different stages of the project, and even automate some processes increasing efficiency and reducing delays and rework. This study highlights the advantages of Blockchain technology, particularly how it can provide a single source of truth for project data while allowing multiple parties to access and share data in a secure and transparent way, improving the workflow of BIM projects and decreasing the likelihood of errors, mistakes, or fraudulent activities. The paper explores the integration of BIM and Blockchain across life cycle and supply chains based on the RIBA plan of work, with the objective to streamline collaboration while improving process efficiency and resource traceability in projects. The study proposes a roadmap performing a detailed literature survey for Blockchain adoption in the construction industry, and validated on a real-world Bridge project. Furthermore, this study is innovative since it examines the integration of BIM and Blockchain throughout the entire project lifecycle by simulating the smart contract implementation based on the RIBA plan of work, thus providing an in-depth examination of the potential benefits of this integration.
Bashaer Khudhair Abbas Alkafaji, Mahmoud Lari Dashtbayaz, Mahdi Salehi
This paper aims to investigate the impact of blockchain on the quality of the information in listed and non-listed companies in Iraq; the temporal scope of this study is 2022. The statistical population of this research is divided into two parts: one part is related to the level of familiarity with blockchain technology of accountants, independent auditors, managers, etc., and the other part is related to the effect of blockchain technology on the quality of accounting information. The sample size is determined based on Cochran’s formula, among which 1528 respondents were selected as a sample size. The results of the hypothesis testing showed that in both listed and non-listed companies, familiarity with blockchain technology had increased the quality of information. In this way, blockchain technology has positively and significantly impacted the quality of accounting information. This means that the impact of IT (Blockchain) on the quality of accounting information is the same for Iraqi listed and non-listed companies. Since the current research has been investigated in an emerging market such as Iraq, it can bring helpful information to readers in this field.
Rim Abdallah, Jérôme Besancenot, Cyrille Bertelle, Claude Duvallet · 5 authors
The maritime industry is moving towards a digital ecosystem to achieve substantial mutual profits. To achieve this, there have been attempts to combine existing, disjointed systems into more efficient, standardized platforms that can be scaled up. However, this transition has faced challenges. To address these issues, it is suggested that innovative technologies such as blockchain be utilized due to their alignment with the sector’s needs. This study uses a triangulation approach by examining a mix of literature, web-based data, applications, and projects to showcase the contribution of blockchain and its potential use cases. We also explore its potential use cases based on other sectors using projection and parallelism. Additionally, the study delves into limitations and possible solutions. This research acts as a preliminary study for the implementation of blockchain in the maritime industry, and advocates for its use as a revolutionary approach. The findings will be beneficial for scholars, policy makers, and practitioners in the maritime industry.
Maha Shehadeh, Anwar Al-Gasaymeh, Hamed Ahmad Almahadin, Mohammad Rustom Al Nasar · 5 authors
Numerous global supply chains lack the tools necessary to survive in the world. Because supply chain managers must change their focus from cost-cutting to enabling new processes, as well as making businesses more connected and flexible, in order to create value across the enterprise. Digitalization controls the networks that transforms today’s supply chains. However, supply chain management consists of intricate systems and procedures that span numerous ecosystems, partners, and geographical regions and are managed by a number of different stakeholders. The complexity of current supply chain management systems has resulted in a lack of effectiveness along the whole value chain, which delays transactions and erodes customer and organization trust globally. Therefore, in order to consider this concept to be examine, empirical research was conducted to assess the blockchain technology integration and internet of things and their impact on digital supply chain transformation. This research used a quantitative approach, descriptive and analytical methods used for assessment as well as a convenient random sampling technique. Data of 187 respondents used after screening 390 received responses from hardware manufacturing companies located in Dubai UAE. Data was tested using SmartPLS 4.0 by applying, reliability, validity, discriminant validity and hypothesis testing. The findings revealed a positive significant relationship between blockchain technology and digital supply chain transformation utilizing internet of things in an upgrading way.
Mounir El Khatib, Abdulla Alnaqbi, Ahmed Alnaqbi, Hamad Alsuwaidi · 5 authors
This study examines the impact of blockchain technology and IoT on project risk management. Blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) provide the platform that project managers use to mitigate risks. The objectives of the study are to explore the impact of blockchain and IoT on managing the risks during project planning, execution, implementation, and closure. Therefore, the study identifies the opportunities that project managers have to optimize their project risk management. The study uses a structured questionnaire and interviews with a sample of 30 respondents to understand the correlations between variables. The findings show that businesses use IoT and blockchain technology platforms to create risk mitigation plans and implement and periodically update the project management tools. The study concludes that blockchain IoT enables stakeholders to meet the changing preferences under risk management.
Hamed Ahmad Almahadin, Maha Shehadeh, Anwar Al-Gasaymeh, Ibrahim A. Abu-AlSondos · 5 authors
The financial industries have grown concerned over the last ten years about the rapid development of financial technology, or Fintech, and the conversation surrounding sustainable performance. Achieving cutting-edge performance through ongoing product and process development is encouraged by global competition, and blockchain technology knowledge is the most compelling tool for long-term sustainability and business growth. The main goal of this research was to examine the potential application of blockchain technology and fintech in the insurance industry, which may need to manage client data and transactions with a secure and reliable blockchain record in order to maintain sustainable performance. A descriptive research was incorporated using simple convenient sampling technique. Data recorded for 196 employees working in insurances companies based in Dubai UAE. data gathered through online questionnaire and evaluated through SmartPLS software by applying hypothesis testing using PLS-SEM Algorithm, Reliability and validity test for model validation. As a result, a positive significant relationship of the proposed construct further expands the implementation of blockchain technology will result in significant efficiency gains, cost savings, transparency, quicker payouts, and a reduction in fraud while allowing data to be shared in real-time across several parties in a trustworthy and verifiable manner.
The Fintech industry has grown in importance globally for staying current with advancements and advances in the financial industry. The need of technology in financial institution captured higher attention that signifies Fintech uses specialized software and algorithms. This research is aimed to empirically investigate the impact of cryptocurrency regulations and fintech on growth of innovation in banking sector Dubai UAE. A total of 209 valid respondents collected from managerial departments in the banks using convenient sampling technique. Screened data considered for testing and analysis using SmartPLS 4. A PLS-SEM test run for model evaluation, hypothesis testing, and construct correlation. The findings support the significant association between fintech and innovation growth as well as cryptocurrency regulation is positively associated with innovation growth. The financial sector can benefit from this research’s findings, and the researchers’ goal is to learn more about financial technology.