ABSTRACT Despite the growing interest in blockchain (BC) technology, recent research shows mixed perceptions due to its risks and returns. We utilize event study methodology to examine overall market reactions and to delineate how specific contexts associated with BC technology influence the market reactions. Using 149 BC technology adoptions announced between January 2015 and December 2019, we find positive abnormal returns, reflecting investors’ optimistic perception toward BC technology adoption. Specifically, we find that abnormal returns from BC technology are higher when used in a transformative strategic role and offered by leading vendors, suggesting that investors view this adoption as a value-enhancing activity. Our results are robust to the use of an alternative sample and different methods of measuring variables. Overall, our study provides insights for academics and practitioners to better understand the market value of BC technology adoptions. Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.
Blockchain has great potential for facilitating the development of the construction industry but has not been widely used to this end. The objective of this study was to identify the factors affecting the adoption of blockchain in the construction industry from the technical, organizational, and environmental dimensions with the help of theories related to technology adoption. Empirical results showed that relative advantage, compatibility, competitive pressure, technological maturity, organizational readiness, and policy have an impact on intention to adopt blockchain in the construction industry through perceived usefulness or perceived ease of use. Competitive pressure has the greatest impact on the internal variables of the technology acceptance model (TAM) (0.696). Perceived cost of adoption does not have a significant effect on blockchain adoption behavior. However, in contrast to previous research, organizational readiness has a negative effect (−0.03) on perceived usefulness. The research results provide inspiration for further research on the impact mechanisms of blockchain adoption in the construction industry, as well as guidance for governments to formulate blockchain adoption policies and guidance for the widespread application of blockchain in construction.
Technology innovation has dramatically transformed banks over time. Digital innovation in the banking sector began with the introduction of money to replace barter systems, and then gradually replaced wax seals with digital signatures. One such disruptive innovation that is transforming the banking sector around the world is blockchain technology (BCT). The banking sector in India has also started adopting blockchain technology in various financial transactions. However, they are encountering some difficulties in adapting to and implementing this new technology. The successful and speedy adoption of blockchain in banking largely depends on the users’ intention to use the services. Therefore, this study extended “the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology” (UTAUT) to understand the significant predictors of the bankers’ intention to use blockchain technology. The data was collected from leading banking institutions and FinTech firms in the country to empirically test and validate the extended model. The results found that facilitating conditions, performance expectancy, and initial trust, are the significant antecedents to predicting the bankers’ intention to use blockchain in banking transactions. The study also established the significant mediating role of initial trust in predicting usage intention to use blockchain. This study’s results would help government authorities, decision-makers, and technocrats to improve banking instructions for the speedy and smooth adoption of blockchain technology. The study suggested an extended UTAUT model that incorporates contextual factors based on the scope and usage of blockchain in Indian banking activities. The study helped to identify the key factors influencing blockchain adoption among Indian bankers. The proposed model and the findings make more sense in promoting the adoption of blockchain in the Indian banking sector.
With a variety of student and institution focused applications, blockchain technology has the potential to upend existing business processes in higher education. This study aims to investigate educated people's attitudes and actions toward using blockchain technology in higher education. The research recommends expanding the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) to include additional factors like perceived privacy, security, and trust. For the study, a scale that has been verified in the literature has been used. Variance based partial least square structural equation modeling was used to analyze the proposed link in the model, which was based on a survey of 208 respondents. The study's conclusion showed that the model's features have strongly impactable intentions to use blockchain in higher education. Blockchain technology's perception, usefulness, and trustworthiness are all strongly influenced by perceptions of security and privacy. Respondents to the study say that the use of blockchain in higher education makesthe study more secure.
This study examines how blockchain-based smart contracts for government financial and nonfinancial events can enable the real-time, continuous auditing of integrated data and provide government auditors with a higher level of transparency. The proposed model uses a combination of blockchain technology and a continuous auditing methodology that may improve the auditing effectiveness and efficiency of governmental agencies. This study’s approach comprises three steps. First, we describe the current governmental auditing practices and the core concepts and features of the blockchain. Second, we discuss the payment process used by government agencies. Third, we examine the implementation of a blockchain-based smart-contracts framework for government auditing using the government procurement process.
Given Malaysia's stance on cryptocurrencies as a digitalisation pioneer, as well as the surge in crime and fraud, regulators and organisations are concerned about retail investors' intentions to invest in cryptocurrency. The research model integrates diffusion of innovation theory factors (compatibility, relative advantage, trialability, ease of use, and observability) with consumer behaviour theory focused on retail investors' perceptions (perceived risk and perceived value). A total of 304 responses were collected through purposive and respondent-driven sampling. The data was examined using SmartPLS Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that compatibility, trialability, ease of use, observability, and perceived value have significant influences on the intention to invest in cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, the influence of relative advantage and perceived risk on the intention to invest in cryptocurrency is not supported. This research is vital for analysing the underlying motivations of Malaysian retail investors to invest in cryptocurrencies and further formulating the regulatory framework.
Cryptocurrency has gained in popularity in emerging markets, however the knowledge accumulation pertaining to factors contributing to intention to use cryptocurrency has been limited. To address this gap, we meta-analyzed 42 samples from multiple theoretical approaches. Seven common antecedents to intention to use cryptocurrency were assessed, as well as six moderators via meta-regression. A regression model to explain the intention to use cryptocurrency was calculated, and relative importance analysis determined the weight of each variable in predicting cryptocurrency use intention. The findings highlight factors influencing intention to use cryptocurrency in emerging markets and refine theoretical models for future research.
Sep 11, 2022·15th International Baltic Conference on Digital Business and Intelligent Systems (DB&IS), July 03-06, 2022, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
Web 3.0 is considered as future of Internet where decentralization, user personalization and privacy protection would be the main aspects of Internet. Aim of this research work is to elucidate the adoption behavior of Web 3.0through a multi-analytical approach based on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Twitter sentiment analysis. A theoretical framework centered on Performance Expectancy (PE), Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) and Digital Dexterity (DD), was hypothesized towards Behavioral Intention (INT) of the Web 3.0 adoption. Surveyed data were collected through online questionnaires and 167 responses were analyzed through PLS-SEM. While 3,989 tweets of Web3 were analyzed by VADER sentiment analysis tool in RapidMiner. PLS-SEM results showed that DD and eWOM had significant impact while PE had no effect on INT. Moreover, these results were also validated by PLS-Predict method. While sentiment analysis explored that 56% tweets on Web 3.0 were positive in sense and 7% depicted negative sentiment while remaining were neutral. Such inferences are novel in nature and an innovative addition to web informatics and could support the stakeholders towards web technology integration
Blockchain games introduce unique gameplay and incentive mechanisms by allowing players to be rewarded with in-game assets or tokens through financial activities. However, most blockchain games are not comparable to traditional games in terms of lifespan and player engagement. In this paper, we try to see the big picture in a small way to explore and determine the impact of gameplay and financial factors on player behavior in blockchain games. Taking Aavegotchi as an example, we collect one year of operation data to build player profiles. We perform an in-depth analysis of player behavior from the macroscopic data and apply an unsupervised clustering method to distinguish the attraction of the gameplay and incentives. Our results reveal that the whole game is held up by a small number of players with high-frequent interaction or vast amounts of funds invested. Financial incentives are indispensable for blockchain games for they provide attraction and optional ways for players to engage with the game. However, financial services are tightly linked to the free market. The game will face an irreversible loss of players when the market experiences depression. For blockchain games, well-designed gameplay should be the fundamental basis for the long-lasting retention of players.
While blockchain is considered to have many unprecedented characteristics, and its application is recognized as another new opportunity for the development of e-commerce, there is limited evidence on the factors affecting the adoption of blockchain in the commercial e-commerce sector. This study aims to identify determinants influencing consumers' intention to adopt blockchain technology in e-commerce. /methodology/approachDrawing on the classic technology acceptance model (TAM), a conceptual framework is developed and empirically assessed to present the relationships between the core characteristics of blockchain and consumers' adoption intention. Survey data were collected from 228 users of the blockchain e-commerce system in China. The structural equation modeling (SEM) approach is used to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that cost saving and traceability have a positive effect on perceived usefulness while insignificant associations are found between data privacy security and perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use and consumers' adoption intention. The research only examined Chinese users, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future research is encouraged to conduct comparative studies beyond this region, e.g., emerging markets versus developed economies. It would also be useful to explore mediating and moderating effects of other new technologies that complement the application and adoption of blockchain. The research results also bring managerial implications with the ways of attracting customers via blockchain technology, including improving system ability to reduce cost and enhance traceability. This paper is one of the early empirical endeavors that examines determinant factors affecting individual users towards the adoption of blockchain technology in e-commerce that is absent in the extant research. This study further contributes to the development of the knowledge bank of blockchain via the conceptual framework of its adoption under the e-commerce context, in particular considering its technical features.
Cryptocurrency has proven to be an enabling force for financial service transformation. It allows users to perform transactions via blockchain technology that bypasses the involvement of conventional financial intermediaries. In local context, the acceptance of cryptocurrency is rather low as compared with other developed countries. The requirement of large consumer market base is the main challenges for cryptocurrency’s adoption. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the relationship between output quality, perceived accessibility, result demonstrability and perceived security and adoption behavior of cryptocurrency as an additional mode of internet/online transaction methods. The data was collected from a sample of 553 respondents from different age groups ranging from under 21 to over 60 years old. The PLS-SEM results demonstrated that there are significant positive relationships between output quality, result demonstrability and perceived security and the users’ adoption behavior to use cryptocurrency. The paper provides an insight for explaining the adoption behavior of cryptocurrency. The findings are insightful to develop effective financial management mechanisms and interventions, which is important to enhance the confidence and understanding level toward the adoption of cryptocurrencies among existing and potential users. Keywords: Cryptocurrency; output quality; perceived accessibility; result demonstrability; perceived security; adoption behavior ABSTRAK Kriptowang telah terbukti menjadi daya membolehkan transformasi perkhidmatan kewangan. Ia membolehkan pengguna melakukan transaksi melalui teknologi blok rantai yang memintas penglibatan pengantara kewangan konvensional. Dalam konteks tempatan, penerimaan kriptowang agak rendah berbanding dengan negara maju yang lain. Keperluan terhadap asas pasaran pengguna yang besar merupakan cabaran utama bagi penerimagunaan kriptowang. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk menentukan hubungan antara kualiti output, persepsi terhadap kebolehcapaian, keterlihatan hasil dan persepsi terhadap keselamatan dan tingkah laku penerimagunaan kriptowang sebagai kaedah tambahan bagi transaksi internet / dalam talian. Data telah dikumpulkan dari sampel yang terdiri daripada 553 orang responden dari pelbagai golongan umur dari umur 21 tahun ke bawah hingga umur 60 tahun ke atas. Hasil análisis PLS-SEM menunjukkan bahawa terdapat hubungan positif yang signifikan antara pemboleh ubah tak bersandar, iaitu, kualiti output, keterlihatan hasil dan persepsi terhadap keselamatan dengan pemboleh ubah bersandar (iaitu, tingkah laku penerimagunaan kriptowang). Kertas kajian ini memberikan pemahaman tentang tingkah laku penerimaan kriptowang. Hasil kajian ini adalah berguna untuk mengembangkan mekanisme dan intervensi pengurusan kewangan yang berkesan, yang mana adalah penting untuk meningkatkan tahap keyakinan dan pemahaman terhadap penerimagunaan kriptowang di kalangan pengguna yang sedia ada dan berpotensi. Kata kunci: Kriptowang; kualiti output; persepsi terhadap kebolehcapaian; keterlihatan hasil; persepsi terhadap keselamatan; tingkah laku penerimagunaan kriptowang
Abstract: Objective- To conceptualize a system using a fusion of Blockchain and IoT to keep track of deforestation and related activities and maintain a distributed public ledger of the same. Methods-IoT network detects deforestation or related activities using extrapolation of data generated, and thus updating the Blockchain with the same. It will create a public ledger with all the information related to the region wherein the system is deployed. Concerned authorities would be apprised, and commensurate action would be taken in case some illicit activity is detected by the central node of the IoT module. Novelty-Novelty lies within the program, which would use the data generated by the IoT module, use it to infer the activities, initiate response actions and update the data on the Blockchain.
In Malaysia, over RM 800 million transactions were processed in one cryptocurrency platform. The central bank of Malaysia has made e-payment one of its top targets to execute a cashless payment system. However, an in-depth analysis of the literature shows a dearth of research focusing on the influencers of cryptocurrency mobile wallet acceptance, especially the intention to use them continuously. Therefore, this study uses the Post-Acceptance Model of IS Continuance to determine the elements influencing the continuance intention of cryptocurrency mobile wallets in Malaysia. This research also investigates the impact of perceived security, effort expectations, and social influence on the intention to continue the usage of cryptocurrency mobile wallets. The empirical evidence from 106 current cryptocurrency respondents shows that: (1) perceived security and satisfaction are significant factors of continuance intention, and (2) performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence are insignificant factors of continuance intention. It reveals perceived security as one of the critical elements in continuance intention in the cryptocurrency field.
The purpose of this paper was to propose a model that examined a study adopting the technology acceptance model with additional constructs (i.e., innovativeness) and the mediating role of attitude and perceived risk to use the cryptocurrency platform in Thailand. The data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey (456 usable responses) from consumers in Thailand. A two-step SEM approach (i.e., a measurement model and a structural model) was used to analyze the data. The findings showed a significant positive influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, innovativeness, attitude, perceived risk, and cryptocurrency platform adoption. Moreover, attitude mediated the relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, innovativeness, and cryptocurrency platform adoption. Overall, our results showed that the model of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and innovativeness explained 62.9% of the variance in the intention to use the cryptocurrency platform in Thailand. Our study has contributed to the technology acceptance model and highlighted its effectiveness in explaining the adoption of the cryptocurrency platform in Thailand.
With non-fungible tokens (NFT) bringing fundamental change to digital business models, advanced opportunities for boosting customer engagement have opened. This paper discusses the functions of NFTs in offering brands ways to create more intimate relationships between consumers and brands and providing the consumers ownership of valuable, unique digital assets. Based on the case data and market information assessment up to August 2022, the current paper assesses how brands incorporate NFTs into loyalty programs and long-term customer engagement. A comparative analysis of models and a year-by-year trend shows that NFTs' impact continually overshadows the traditional approach. Based on the findings, technology adoption and market fluctuations remain issues. Still, NFTs offer a new outlook to businesses where a customer experience-oriented paradigm shift occurs, allowing brands to create deeper connections with consumers and increase customer lifetime value.
Hashem Alshurafat, Hamzah Al‐Mawali, Mohannad Obeid Al Shbail
Purpose Blockchain technology is an indispensable solution for all professionals. However, auditors have not been adequately prepared to use blockchain technology. This study aims to examine the impact of technostress on auditors’ acceptance to use blockchain technology. Design/methodology/approach A model combining the technostress and factors from the technology acceptance model is proposed. Data were obtained from 142 auditors in the Big 4 and non-Big 4 firms through previously tested and validated questionnaires. Findings As hypothesized, the results show that technostress influences the perceived usefulness and ease of use of blockchain technology. This study finds that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness are significant predictors of attitudes toward use decisions, while the latter is a significant predictor of behavioral intention to use blockchain technology. The results are valuable to accountants, auditors and audit firm managers. Originality/value This paper provides empirical evidence on the impact of technostress on auditor acceptance to use blockchain technology, which is deemed as a debate viewpoint.
Blockchain technology has been identified as a possible solution to address critical challenges faced by the food sector. Building on the potential of Blockchain within Food Supply Chains (FSC), this study aims to develop an evidence-based implementation model for Blockchain in the food industry. Innovation Adoption and other prominent theories are integrated to first develop a conceptual framework, which is later validated following an analysis of the qualitative data. Fifteen semi-structured expert interviews are used to develop an evidence-driven, applied model for implementing Blockchain; providing detailed insights into typical stages, associated activities, and contextual determinants needed for successful integration. An empirically validated implementation model advances the extant academic literature and further provides a detailed roadmap for food practitioners, while initiating Blockchain projects with their firms and/or supply chains.
The use of Blockchain is becoming a matter of increasing importance, yet the software development industry has not given Blockchain adoption enough consideration. As a result of their inability to modify their software process within the project life cycle, many software development companies struggle to [adopt Blockchain technology. This is because Blockchain Oriented Software (BOS) and its projects have distinctive characteristics that are distinct from traditional software and projects. The constructs and their items to adopt Blockchain in Software development industry have not been identified or investigated. This study aimed to identify technological, organizational, and environmental constructs and their items to adopt Blockchain. Utilizing a quantitative validation approach, 10 interviews and 25 assessment questionnaires were analyzed. The results reveal the identified technological, organizational, and environmental constructs and their items to adopt Blockchain. Experts unanimously agreed with Content Validity Ratio (CVR) results. According to most evaluation questionnaire forms and interview transcripts, the top technological construct was “Trialability” and the top organizational construct was “Cost” while the top environmental construct was “Market Dynamics.” All other constructs and their items were applicable, as indicated by most evaluation questionnaire forms and interview transcripts. This research gives a comprehensive list of technological, organizational, and environmental constructs and their items that demand the attention of Blockchain adoption researchers and industry players in the software development sector.
Blockchain (BCT) is an emerging technology that promises many benefits for organizations, for instance, disintermediation, data security, data transparency, a single version of the truth, and trust among trading partners. Despite its multiple benefits, the adoption rate of BCT among organizations has not reached a significantly high level worldwide, thus requiring further research in this space. The present study addresses this issue in the Australian context. There is a knowledge gap in what specific factors, among the plethora of factors reported in the extant literature, affect the organizational adoption of BCT in Australia. To fill this gap, the study uses the qualitative interpretative research approach along with the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework as a theoretical lens. The data was mainly drawn from the literature review and semi-structured interviews of the decision-makers and senior IT people from the BCT adopter and potential adopter organizations in Australia. According to the findings, perceived information transparency, perceived risks, organization innovativeness, organization learning capability, standards uncertainty, and competition intensity influence organizational adoption of BCT in Australia. These factors are exclusively identified in this study. The study also validates the influence of perceived benefits and perceived compatibility on BCT adoption that are reported in the past studies. Practically, these findings are helpful for the Australian government and public and private organizations to develop better policies and make informed decisions for the organizational adoption of BCT. The findings would guide decision-makers to think about the adoption of BCT strategically. The study also has theoretical implications explained in the discussion section.