Muhammad Khan, Shoaib Imtiaz, Gohar Saleem Parvaiz, Arif Hussain · 5 authors
There has been incredible interest in Internet-of-Things (IoT) and blockchain technology (BCT) around the world and across sectors. Following great achievement in the other sectors, the implementation of IoT and BCT have gained great interest in Humanitarian Logistics (HL) at many levels despite remaining in an earlier stage. The profit and non-profit organizations both are under increasing worldwide pressure for transparency, with donors and governments calling for enhanced transparency and information exchange in the humanitarian sector. This study, which is based on transactive memory systems (TMS) theory perspectives, proposes a study framework to understand “how can the transparency, public trust, and coordination in HL be improved through the integration of IoT with BCT?”. We framed and tested six research hypotheses, using data collected from Humanitarian Organizations (HOs) employees. We have applied a Covariance-based structure equation model (CB-SEM) with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). This study results confirm that our all hypotheses were supported. The research results show that the association between explanatory variables (i.e., IoT and BCT) and the response variables (i.e., public trust and coordination) is mediated by transparency. This study provides substantial and valid contributions to the literature on IoT, BCT, transparency, public trust and coordination. This study proves that transparency plays a crucial role in enhancing public trust, coordination, and ultimately HL performance through the integration of IoT with BCT. The study results could be helpful for all the stakeholders of disaster risk management since they are insistently looking for strategies to support afflicts. Our study is a good candidate solution to raise awareness of fast, fair, and safe HL to reveal research gaps and provide opportunities for future research. The study will provide an enormous understanding of IoT and BCT in HL, which has not been investigated empirically before.
Sulafa Badi, Edward G. Ochieng, Mohamed Nasaj, Maria Papadaki
This study aims to identify the factors that influence the adoption of smart contracts in the UK construction sector. A deductive questionnaire-based approach informed by the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) model is adopted. The framework is comprised of twelve independent variables and one dependent variable of smart contracts use intention. Ten hypotheses are developed to statistically test the causal relationships between the eleven variables of the research model. The study adopts a convenience sampling approach, with the population of interest being primarily drawn from among UK construction practitioners. The results generated from linear regression analysis suggest that the following four factors have a significant influence on the adoption of smart contracts: supply chain pressure, competitive pressure, top management support, and observability. The descriptive statistics obtained also offer a greater understanding of the perceptions and attitudes towards smart contracts across the UK construction sector. The results demonstrate the usefulness of a perception-based model that utilises the TOE framework to assess facets that influence the adoption of smart contracts. The study contributes to innovation diffusion studies in construction project management and supports “early adopters” at the footfall of the technology’s diffusion curve.
Qian Chen, Daniel Hall, Bryan T. Adey, Carl T. Haas
Purpose Managing stakeholders' reciprocal interdependencies is always a challenging issue. Stakeholders need to find out different ways to communicate information and coordinate material flows during the supply chain processes. Many recent studies have advanced construction supply chain coordination from multiple perspectives. However, the field still lacks a comprehensive analysis to summarize existing research, to explicitly identify all the possible enablers for coordination and to investigate how the enablers can be carried out at the supply chain interfaces. To fill the gap, this study aims to conduct a systematic review in order to examine the relevant literature. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review process was conducted to identify and synthesize relevant publications (published in the past 20 years) concerning the coordination of construction supply chain functions. These publications were coded to link main research findings with specific enabler categories. In addition, how these enablers can be used at the interfaces across supply chain processes was reviewed with an in-depth analysis of reciprocal communications between stakeholders at design-to-production, production-to-logistics and production-to-site-assembly phases. Findings The coordination enablers were classified into three categories: (1) contractual enablers (including subtopics on relational contracts and incentive models), (2) procedural enablers (including subtopics on multiagent knowledge sharing systems and the last planner system) and (3) technological enablers (including subtopics on linked databases for design coordination, design for manufacturing software platforms and automated monitoring technologies). It was found that interfacing different functions requires a certain level of integration of stakeholders for quick response and feedback processes. The integration of novel contractual forms with digital technologies, such as smart contracts, however, was not adequately addressed in the state of the art. Research limitations/implications The scope of the systematic review is limited to the static analysis of selected publications. Longitudinal studies should be further included to sharpen the inductions of enablers considering organizational changes and process dynamics in construction projects. Practical implications Different enablers for coordination were summarized in a concise manner, which provides researchers and project stakeholders with a reinforced understanding of various ways to manage reciprocal interdependencies at different supply chain interfaces. Originality/value This study constitutes an important input for research on the construction supply chain by illuminating the thematic topic of coordination from inductively developed review processes, which included a holistic framing of the emerging coordination enablers and their use across supply chain functions. Consequently, it closes some identified knowledge gaps and offers additional insights to improve the supply chain performance of construction projects.
Christian F. Durach, Till Blesik, Maximilian von Düring, Markus Bick
Blockchains, a disruptive technology with potentially many applications in modern‐day supply chain (SC) transactions, have not been adequately reflected by theory. Researchers and business managers must understand where and when blockchains’ application may be expected and investigated. The present study clarifies the discussion about blockchain application areas (BAAs) in SC transactions and their relevance for businesses. This study combines the findings from three methodological approaches: an extant literature review, a Delphi study, and a survey of 151 German machinery and equipment sector business managers. The results further our understanding of blockchains’ business opportunities among SC transactions and verify and extend Iansiti and Lakhani’s ( Harvard Business Review 2017; 95: 118) blockchain adoption framework. Verified customer reviews and product quality certification are identified as the most relevant blockchain usages in SC transactions. Interestingly, we anticipate the least likely adoption of blockchains to occur for document‐signing processes despite arguments within the literature that suggest otherwise. Two newly identified BAAs—logistics and delivery systems—and token‐curated registries rank among the top four most relevant. The present study’s valuation of BAAs advances theory and will likely affect business strategies by indicating where, when, and why businesses should participate in blockchain networks.
Purpose Maritime supply chains rely on electronic and paper-based processes, leading to efficiency bottlenecks. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theory for how implementing digitalization in the form of blockchain technology (BCT) can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of maritime supply chains. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper is grounded in dynamic capabilities, supply-chain management and digital supply-chain theories. Relevant literature is scrutinized to explain how BCT can improve supply-chain performance. Findings BCT mainly benefits supply-chain performance through the development of intangible capabilities, by leveraging the capabilities (resources) that maritime supply chains provide. Research limitations/implications This framework sets an analytical basis for future empirical research on BCT and maritime supply chains. As such, it can give only indications and aid in the theory-building process. Discussion on the value and effects of BCT on maritime supply chains is ongoing. Finally, the framework focuses on the application of one information technology in managing logistics activities, rather than taking a bundling approach. Practical implications Investments in digitalization improve the overall information sharing, coordination and visibility capabilities and performances of supply chains. Originality/value Although literature on BCT is extensive, this framework paper is the first to link BCT with dynamics capabilities and maritime supply-chain theory and will serve as a road map for future research and practice.
Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is an emerging technology, which allows for the creation of novel applications, services, and business models by enabling innovative collaborations among organizations and individuals. Although DLT arose from the idea of a self-regulated and publicly usable infrastructure, permissioned distributed ledgers (e.g., Hyperledger Fabric) are organizations’ predominant choice for the design and use of DLT applications due to their higher confidentiality-preservation, better maintainability, and higher throughput compared to permissionless distributed ledgers. Nevertheless, the use of permissioned distributed ledgers holds new uncertainties for organizations and their collaboration. In this work, we aim to lay the foundation to overcome such uncertainties by, first, conceptualizing the actors in permissioned distributed ledgers and, second, identifying the uncertainties between these actors regarding certain characteristics of distributed ledgers. We contribute to practice and research by providing detailed information on the causes, manifestations and consequences of prevalent uncertainties, and by deriving a multi-actor uncertainty conceptualization that disentangles hierarchical relations and interdependencies between actors. In this study, we form the foundation for future research and practice to mitigate these uncertainties and foster DLT diffusion.
Abstract Smart contracts are scripts on the top of the blockchain technology. They represent a form of automation by what the layers of intermediaries can be reduced or even completely replaced. Accordingly, blockchain smart contracting systems decrease transaction and enforcement costs as well as process time. Moreover, we argue, blockchain and smart contracts can facilitate cross-organisational collaboration and their underlying business processes. Hence, they are able to support the integration of entrepreneurs and SMEs into trans-national supply chains by reducing high entry barriers and weakening the dominating position of big players. This paper discusses the research questions how blockchain smart contracting can facilitate the implementation of collaborative logistics structures and how the integration of SMEs into sustainable maritime supply chains can be safeguarded. The research bases on expert interviews and case studies. The results showcase the potentials of using blockchain smart contracting in the environment of trans-national and multimodal supply chains.
Block chain is a decentralized infrastructure that is widely used in emerging digital cryptocurrencies and has received attention and research as Bitcoin has gradually become accepted. Block chain technology is the underlying technology of Bitcoin. Its decentralization, block data cannot be tampered with, and it is trusted, which makes its application in various fields gradually gaining attention. With the deepening of the phenomenon of globalization and division of labor, the supply chain of modern enterprises began to appear fragmentary, complex, decentralized, and other phenomena, which brought great challenges to the supply chain management. First of all, it gives a basic overview of the block chain technology, explains its composition, basic framework and technical characteristics, then analyzes the problems in the current supply chain management, and finally points out that the block chain technology solves the above-mentioned supply chain management problems. The purpose is to help the block chain technology in the field of supply chain related research.
Lei Xu, Lin Chen, Zhimin Gao, Yanling Chang · 6 authors
Maritime transportation plays a critical role for the U.S. and global economies, and has evolved into a complex system that involves a plethora of supply chain stakeholders spread around the globe. The inherent complexity brings huge security challenges including cargo loss and high burdens in cargo inspection against illicit activities and potential terrorist attacks. The emerging blockchain technology provides a promising tool to build a unified maritime cargo tracking system critical for cargo security. However, most existing efforts focus on transportation data itself, while ignoring how to bind the physical cargo movements and information managed by the system consistently. This can severely undermine the effectiveness of securing cargo transportation. To fulfill this gap, we propose a binding scheme leveraging a novel digital identity management mechanism. The digital identity management mechanism maps the best practice in the physical world to the cyber world and can be seamlessly integrated with a blockchain-based cargo management system.
This paper aims at showing a conceptual approach for security and traceability of shared information in the process of transportation of dangerous goods. Concerning the transport of dangerous goods, the process generates particular information, which is necessary to share with the stakeholders involved in this process. This information is considered sensitive, because it may contain the timestamp of movement of goods, information related to the goods, contractual business details, etc., and unauthorized parties should not access them. At any level, the process should remain transparent between stakeholders', with immutable properties on data sharing and the whole process should be auditable. We examine a general procedure for contractual issues for transportation of dangerous goods between stakeholders and its conceptual implementation by blockchain based on smart contracts.
Michael D. Santonino, Constantine M. Koursaris, Michael Williams
Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, has been gaining momentum within the aviation industry for improving efficiencies in the supply chain. RFID technology is not new, with many manufacturers outside of aviation being more responsive as early adopters to the technology. Currently, many of the full-scale implementation organizations from late adopters, have strategically integrated RFID technology into the manufacturing supply chain to tag parts and for airports/airlines to track baggage and passengers throughout their airport journey. Literature remains rather sparse in the implementation and success factors within the aviation supply chain as a number of businesses have kept much of the details discreet to differentiate themselves from the competitors. In this case study, we have examined the state of the early adopters in aviation to implement RFID technology into their supply chain for tracking parts, identifying information, logistics media, and other process improvements in component maintenance management. Airbus, who was the first in the aviation industry to adopt RFID will be examined. The paper examines the increasing numbers of airports/airlines use of RFID to track baggage and passengers with technology. Using information from published secondary data, we review the early adopters of RFID in aircraft manufacturing who are employing RFID to the improve supply chain and how airports/airlines usage of RFID has transcend to passenger tracking to improve airport operational efficiency and to increase passenger satisfaction. By identifying key trends in the aviation supply chain and the value-added in manufacturing and passenger experiences, this paper presents areas in need of further empirical research in order to understand the key success factors with RFID implementation in aviation.
Global maritime logistics generates annual revenues upwards of two trillion dollars, more than one-fifth of which is earned by freight forwarders and other intermediaries facilitating the trade. Multiple entities in the supply chain, with their disjointed and often incompatible administrative procedures, outdated paperwork practices, and competing interests, add a great deal to the cost and time for exporters and importers. This study examines the feasibility of a blockchain-based approach to enhancing transparency, efficiency, and economy of the global maritime logistics and finds the approach much promising. A proof-of-concept Web client application, built using Linux Foundation's Hyperledger Sawtooth framework, is used to describe the functionality of a potential maritime logistics blockchain.
Implementing smart contracts to automate the performance of high-value over-the-counter (OTC) financial derivatives is a formidable challenge. Due to the regulatory framework and the scale of financial risk if a contract were to go wrong, the performance of these contracts must be enforceable in law and there is an absolute requirement that the smart contract will be faithful to the intentions of the parties as expressed in the original legal documentation. Formal methods provide an attractive route for validation and assurance, and here we present early results from an investigation of the semantics of industry-standard legal documentation for OTC derivatives. We explain the need for a formal representation that combines temporal, deontic and operational aspects, and focus on the requirements for the temporal aspects as derived from the legal text. The relevance of this work extends beyond OTC derivatives and is applicable to understanding the temporal semantics of a wide range of legal documentation.
Abstract The smart partnership framework introduced in this article is derived from extensive, on-site interviews with nonprofit and public contract managers conducted in several grounded research projects between 2011 and 2015 and from the research literature on contracting. The framework demonstrates the continuing explanatory power of resource dependence theory that disentangles the formidable influence of the public policy environment on organizational action. It is intended to provide a coherent guide for practice by enabling nonprofit managers in the social services field to navigate the current intense environmental uncertainty in which cross-sector contracting relationships between government agencies and nonprofit organizations are embedded. By providing an accessible way to understand an extraordinarily complex set of inter-organizational dynamics, the model offers a research-based definition and clear visualization of what it means to be a smart partner. It highlights the necessity of understanding the norms, expectations, structures, processes, and culture within which sector counterpart contract managers operate. Fundamental to the range of managerial strategies that the framework calls for is the need explicitly to attend to relationship building, to patterns of variation in relationships over time, and to their probable consequences. The integrative model consists of three inter-related organizational competencies and a number of secondary competencies. Competency 1: understand the dynamic nature of contracting relationships; secondary competencies: recognize predictable variations in relationships; comprehend the importance of multiple institutional logics. Competency 2: develop and sustain capacity for strategic adaptation; secondary competencies: build external and internal learning capacity; discern power shifts in inter-organizational relationships; maintain capability for strategic repositioning. Competency 3: participate proactively in shaping policy change; secondary competencies: attend to relationship development and nurturance; build trust and credibility.
Alternatively, shared services can be looked upon as a combination of decentral- ization and centralization. An SSO combines the best of both worlds. It utilizes economies of scale from centralized approaches. It also recognizes local needs and leaves most decision power and control in the business units. Thereby an SSO actually supports a decentralized approach by freeing up local resources to concentrate on core operational activities. An SSO provides the platform to leverage economies of scale and to combine the critical mass of skills. Smaller local units often have a problem in attracting high potentials or sufficiently qualified finance resources. A professional SSO offers a finance environment that helps attract competent finance staff and thereby reduces risk and enhances quality.
Purpose – The aim of this article is to provide strategic insights of how multinational organizations lead IT-enabled change on a global scale. The article summarizes the findings from a three-year case study of the international telecom company Ericsson. This company managed to successfully transform their finance and accounting (F & A) unit from a highly decentralized structure into a so-called shared service center (SSC) structure and the whole change was enabled by enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Design/methodology/approach – The case study data consists of in-depth interviews, archival data, and observations collected during three years. Findings – The article provides rich description of how the transformation was executed together with three key strategic lessons. Originality/value – The article offers unique and novel insights of how strategist drives IT-enabled change on a global scale.
Corresponding author: Ode R. Keil, MS, MBA, CCE, President, The Ode Keil Consulting Group, Inc, 20947 Weatherstone Rd, Kildeer, IL 60047. The author declares no conflicts of interest.