Swati Gupta, Sanjay Gupta, Manoj Mathew, Hanumantha Rao Sama
Purpose The primary objective of this study is to prioritize the main intentions behind investment in cryptocurrency, in spite of its volatile nature and no regulatory framework. Design/methodology/approach This research paper has worked on collective constructs of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), the technology acceptance model (TAM) and social support theory with an added construct of financial literacy. A fuzzy analytical framework has been applied to prioritize the intentions of investors. Findings The result indicates that âSocial Influence (SI)â is the most influencing factor, while âEffort Expectancy (EE)â is the least influencing factor considered by investors. The subdimensions ranked in the top priority by investors are as follows: âI want to invest in cryptocurrencies because I have a good level of financial knowledge (FL1)â; âThe people who are important to me will think that I should use cryptocurrencies (SI2)â; âI have the necessary resources to use cryptocurrencies (FC2).â The least importance is given to âIt will be easy for me to become an expert in the use of cryptocurrencies (EE3).â Research limitations/implications Few of the constructs of the UTAUT, the TAM and social support theory have been considered while prioritizing intentions. Different other intentions also prevail under different theories that need to be researched further. Practical implications Unlike previous studies, this research adds the archetype of social commerce, social support and utility theories to analyze and prioritize the behavioral perspective of using cryptocurrencies in digital transactions. Originality/value This paper fills the gap in the research study, along with assisting the regulators and cryptocurrency practitioners to widen their knowledge base and to recognize the prioritized intentions.
Ellie C. Falcone, Zachary R. Steelman, John Aloysius
Abstract Organizations investing in supply chain information systems struggle to ensure successful adoption and implementation. Projects fail because of technical caveats, inability to meet business needs, and poor management of implementation. Implementation of blockchain technologies across a network of supply chain partners is more complex than internally focused technologies. It is necessary for partner firms to implement, contribute, and share information, and employees to actively use the capabilities of the technology to realize potential. Blockchain technologies can substitute for traditional interfirm intermediaries acting as an unbiased software agent embedded in the supply chain network. Understanding managersâ perceptions of and willingness to use blockchain technologies is crucial for successful implementation. Integrating design theory with classic diffusion processes, we conducted a scenarioâbased roleâplaying experiment with industry professionals to examine managersâ perceptions of blockchain technologies and willingness to use. We find that trustworthiness with regard to competence and perceived distributive justice is the focal drivers of managersâ willingness to use the technology. Additionally, both risk and interactional justice are not drivers of willingness to use blockchain technology despite significant claims to that effect. We provide implications for how managers can leverage these drivers to influence supply chain partnersâ willingness to use the technology.
Stefan Seebacher, Ronny SchĂŒritz, Gerhard Satzger
Abstract Existing information systems research thoroughly explains how task-technology fit and appropriation affect performance on an individual or group level. This was appropriate for many years, as technology is typically used to fulfill a certain task on these levels. Today, however, companies are tightly interconnected and rely on business networks to develop, produce, and deliver products and services. They collaboratively engage in joint implementation and utilization of new technologies that are applied and integrated into their business processes. These technologies, such as the newly introduced blockchain technology, operate across business networks and, thus, unfold their benefits not only on an individual or group level, but ideally on a network level. On this level, though, knowledge of the application and performance of information technology is still scarce. To drive the performance of technology in such networks, we investigate the impact of fit and technology appropriation on a network level. Due to the technologyâs expected impact and characteristics, we select blockchain technology to explore potential factors, impacting fit, appropriation and, in turn, performance. We draw upon a set of interviews with experts that have implemented blockchain solutions in large business network settings. Based on our analysis, we propose a comprehensive model elevating the Fit-Appropriation Model to a network level. We contribute to the general understanding of technology utilization and performance by extending existing theory to a network-level perspective. Using insights on blockchain implementations as our empirical base, we also provide guidance to business leaders, intending to connect their partners through blockchain technology.
Cryptocurrencies are a new form of digital asset that operate through blockchain technology and whose purpose is to be used as a means of exchange. Some, such as bitcoin, have become globally recognized in recent years, but the uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies raises questions about their intended use. This study has the task of investigating the different factors that affect the intention behind the use of cryptocurrencies by developing a new research model and using Partial Least Squares (PLS) to assess it. The results show that all the constructs proposed have significative influence, either directly or indirectly, on the intention behind the use of cryptocurrencies. The findings provide value and utility for companiesâ and cryptocurrenciesâ intermediaries to formulate their business strategies.
Purpose This study aims to provide an empirically informed view on the auditing professionâs readiness to embrace âdisruptiveâ technologies. Relying on evidence from Big 4 employees in Italy, this study examines the factors that motivate auditors to use blockchain technology (BT). Design/methodology/approach To this aim, this study uses an integrated theoretical frame merging the third version of the technology acceptance model (TAM3) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The analytical model is based on an application of the structural equation modelling with partial least square estimation on data gathered through a Likert-based questionnaire. Findings The findings reveal that the main predictors of auditorsâ intention to use blockchain are performance expectancy and social influence. Moreover, auditorsâ effort expectancy in relation to this technology implementation and use appears to be a reasonably reliable predictor. Originality/value This paper contributes an evidence-based view to the discussion on the impact of automation and disruptive information and communication technologies, on the roles of accounting and auditing professionals. It uses a novel approach to analysis by integrating TAM3 and UTAUT within its theoretical model. It complements and extends the field of studies on technology acceptance by offering fresh insights into auditorsâ perceptions. Finally, the paper highlights practical implications for business leaders aiming to use the advantages of BT in audit firms.
Increased adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) in multiple domain areas continuously increases the volume of data and transactions from the IoT devices. The IoT systems are vulnerable to more attacks because of increased adoptions and technology adoptions. Protecting the data and providing security to the data and transactions is one of the critical issues for the effective quality of service (QoS) in the IoT environments. An adaptable IoT framework is proposed based on the research approach of 'ADOPT' that leverages the blockchain technology and features considering security as one of the QoS parameters. In the proposed model of a three-layer IoT architecture with an application layer, network layer, and perception layer, the blockchain features are adopted for the resource-constrained IoT environment. In the perception layer, the model uses a local and temporary memory to maintain the local chain, which is managed based on the memory size and time constraints. The application layer nodes manage the synchronization of the data from the corresponding local chain at the edge node. The implementation of the proposed model uses Ethereum, an open-source public blockchain, and using mobile devices as an edge node. The results are verified for security factors like access, authorizations, confidentiality, and computing resources.
Utilization of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) provides increasing demands on decreasing traffic congestions, transportation safety, and environmental problems as well as increasing transportation capacity. Over the past few years, one of the most disruptive and transformational technologies, blockchain technology, has emerged. As a result of offering more security, privacy, traceability, transparency, and decentralized authority, the utilization of blockchain technology in ITS have increased drastically. Despite this increase, there is a lack of a good understanding of what are the Critical Success Factors (CSF) to support IT providers for designing their products properly, and to provide industry leaders to focus on the main drivers of their outstanding projects. This study aims to explore and analyze CSFs that can facilitate the success of blockchain-based ITS, which has so far been neglected despite its remarkable relevance. In doing so, eleven primary studies, identified as a result of conducting a systematic literature review (SLR), were taken as a baseline to develop the model of CSFs. Additionally, since the number of existing studies related to CSFs for blockchain and ITS are limited, an expert panel was formed to evaluate and contribute to the model. The developed model of CSF for blockchain-based ITS, having a comprehensive approach, consists of 29 CSFs defined under five main contexts, namely technical, management, governance, quality of service, and quality of life. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2020-SP1-03 Full Text: PDF
Nazir Ullah, Waleed S. Alnumay, Waleed Mugahed Al-Rahmi, Ahmed Ibrahim Alzahrani · 5 authors
In developed nations, the advent of distributed ledger technology is emerging as a new instrument for improving the traditional system in developing nations. Indeed, adopting blockchain technology is a necessary condition for the coming future of organizations. The distributed ledger technology provides better transparency and visibility. This study investigated the features that may influence the behavioral intention of energy experts to implement the distributed ledger technology for the energy management of developing countries. The proposed model is based on the Technology Acceptance Model construct and the diffusion of the innovation construct. Based on a survey of 178 experts working in the energy sector, the proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling. The findings showed that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude, and cost saving had a positive and significant impact during the blockchain technology adoption. However, innovativeness showed a positive effect on the perceived ease of use whereas an insignificant impact on the perceived usefulness. The present study offers a holistic model for the implementation of innovative technologies. For the developers, it suggest rising disruptive technology solutions.
This study investigates the importance of the determinants affecting the adoption and usage of blockchain-based SCM systems in the context of organizations. Hence, an SLR method was followed to uncover critical determinants in the literature. Then, a research model, including 14 key determinants, was developed based on the TOE Framework. Subsequently, the AHP method was applied to rank the adoption determinants. The findings reveal that environment-related determinants are more critical than technology-related or organization-related determinants.
The advent of distributed ledger technology in developed nations is emerging as a new instrument to improve the traditional industry system in the developing states. The adoption of disruptive technology is indeed a necessary condition for the coming future to bring transparency and remove third party trust related issues in the industries. The aim of the current study is to understand the distributed ledger technology (DLT) adoption by service & manufacturing industries-Pakistan context. The conceptual model is based on the traditional adoption theories-namely theory of planned behavior (TPB), technology acceptance model (TAM) and technology readiness index (TRI). In order to analyze the data a partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used and empirical data is collected from a sample of 211 practitioners working in the Finance, Supply chain and IT Departments. The study result shows that TRI construct-Optimism (OPT) and Innovativeness (INN) have significant impact on Perceived ease of use (PEOU) and insignificant impact on Perceived usefulness (PU). TAM construct- Perceived ease of use (PEOU), Perceived usefulness (PU), attitude (ATT) and TPB-construct perceived behavioral control (BPC) affect the Behavioral Intention (BI). TPB construct-Subjective Norms (SN) have negligible impact on the Behavioral Intention (BI). It is one of the initial studies on Blockchain Technology implementation for Pakistan industries and the result suggest that practitioners would perceive Blockchain Technology adoption free of efforts to arise the maximum benefits for improving the productions efficiency.
Karoline Busse, Mohammad Tahaei, Katharina Krombholz, Emanuel von Zezschwitz · 7 authors
Payment cultures around the globe are diverse and have significant implications on security, privacy and trust. We study usable security aspects of payment cultures in four culturally distinct societies. Based on a qualitative study in Germany and Iran, we developed an online survey and deployed it in Germany, Iran, China, and the United States. The results reveal significant differences between the studied countries. For example, we found that participants from Iran and China are more comfortable with credential sharing and German participants were most accepting towards cryptocurrencies. We suggest these kinds of differences in payment culture need to be considered in the context of HCI research when evaluating current payment mechanisms or designing new ones.
Trevor Clohessy, Horst Treiblmaier, Thomas Acton, Nichola Rogers
Abstract Important technological, organizational, environmental, individual, and taskârelated blockchain considerations are identified and discussed. The framework combines five salient adoption considerations and presents cases of the most important antecedents of organizational blockchain adoption. Further, it provides the theoretical foundation of blockchain adoption by integrating existing frameworks and applying them to a novel technology.
In recent years, blockchain has substantially enhanced the credibility of e-commerce platforms for users. The prediction accuracy of the repeat purchase behaviour of e-commerce users directly affects the impact of precision marketing by merchants. The existing ensemble learning models have low prediction accuracy when the purchase behaviour sample is unbalanced and the information dimension of feature engineering is single. To overcome this problem, an ensemble learning prediction model based on multisource information fusion is proposed. Tests on the Tmall dataset showed that the accuracy and AUC values of the model reached 91.28% and 70.53%, respectively.
Muhammad Khalid Anser, Ghulam Hussain Khan Zaigham, Muhammad Imran Rasheed, Abdul Hameed Pitafi · 6 authors
Summary Despite the increasing popularity and recognition of cryptocurrencies, little is known about the contextual and psychological variables that predict the behavioral intentions of individuals toward adopting a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. Utilizing the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB), authors have developed and tested a theoretical model to investigate the relationship between the usage of social media and the intentions of individuals toward adopting Bitcoin. We empirically tested our conceptualized research model using the primary data collected from 443 respondents through a survey conducted in China. Results have shown that the usage of social media is positively associated with users' intentions toward adopting Bitcoin through their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Individuals' intentions are subsequently associated with their actual behavior toward the adoption of Bitcoin, while we found perceived risk associated with Bitcoin as a moderator on the relationship between the intentions of individuals and their actual behavior. This study extended the TPB in understanding various psychological and contextual factors that predict the adoption of Bitcoin. Moreover, important theoretical and practical implications, as well as the limitations of the study, are discussed.
Maciel M. Queiroz, Samuel Fosso Wamba, Marc de Bourmont, Renato Telles
The adoption of technologies by the operations and supply chain management (OSCM) field is leading to extraordinary disruptions. And with the rapid emergence of cutting-edge and more disruptive technologies, the OSCM is striving to take advantage of such innovations, but they are bringing in their wake a number of challenges. One of those disruptive technologies is blockchain, which is increasingly accepted in virtually all industries. This study aims to investigate the blockchain technology (BCT) adoption behaviour and possible barriers in the Brazilian OSCM context. We developed a model drawing on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, the supply chain literature, and the emerging literature on BCT. We empirically validated the proposed model with Brazilian operations and supply chain professionals by using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Our findings revealed that facilitating conditions, trust, social influence, and effort expectancy are the most critical constructs that directly affect BCT adoption. Unexpectedly, performance expectancy appeared not decisive in terms of predicting BCT adoption. This study contributes to advancing and stimulating the theory about BCT adoption behaviour in supply chains, as well as important managerial implications, which may be more critical for emerging economies.
Muhammad Athar Nadeem, Zhiying Liu, Abdul Hameed Pitafi, Amna Younis · 5 authors
Purpose Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, generate innovative and fast exchanges without any physical form and facilitate online payments; thus, they may bring about revolutions of the future economic system. Recent investigations reveal that China, the second largest Bitcoin market, accounts for a huge volume of Bitcoin trading and mining, which can cast distinct influences on future values of Bitcoin. Therefore, it would be of great significance to probe into the repurchase intention of Bitcoin of the Chinese individuals. Design/methodology/approach One hundred and forty-three questionnaires were collected from Chinese respondents. SPPS was employed for data analysis of the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results show that expectation has a positive impact on perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use. A positive relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment was confirmed. The findings also reveal that expectation, perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use have significant impact on satisfaction. Moreover, it is found that perceived enjoyment, perceived ease of use and satisfaction significantly influence the repurchase intention of Bitcoin. Research limitations/implications This study encourages future comparative studies to be conducted. Besides, it is recommended to find out other possible antecedents of repurchase intention. Moreover, this study suggested negative effects of Bitcoin to be explored. Practical implications In a practical standpoint, this study provides valuable suggestions about cryptocurrencies use and regularization. For instance, education and learnability issues of novice users need to be considered. Further, the regularization/implementation of cryptocurrencies/blockchain technologies is also suggested. Originality/value This is the pioneer endeavor which investigates the repurchase intention of Bitcoin. The findings explore some of the possible antecedents which influence repurchase intention of Bitcoin. These findings provide valuable insights and enrich the existing body of literature in the domain of Bitcoin.
This study investigated the application of a blockchain for promoting the sustainable development of non-profit organizations (NPOs). Transparency and good governance are important for operating NPOs in addition to building trust with relevant stakeholders. NPOs consume a large amount of resources (including funds) to monitor their operations and present their transparency and soundness of governance to interested stakeholders. Blockchain technology can fulfill an NPOâs requirements at a lower cost and with a higher efficiency. We reviewed the existing research on NPO governance and blockchain applications. In addition, through case studies, we identified sustainable development strategies for NPOs involving blockchain technologies to increase donation, reduce cost, enhance transparency, and improve governance structure.
Open access
Technology Adoption and User Behaviour
Diverse Approaches in Healthcare and Education Studies
Blockchain technology has been recognized as one of the emerging technologies that can significantly innovate many industries. Major advantages of using blockchain technology includes reducing transaction costs, preventing data forgery and alteration, and further flexibility. The construction industry is generally considered as an industry that has great potentials for blockchain technology utilization mainly due to the high volume of transactions among various entities. Despite the perceived positive impact, there have been few cases of blockchain applications within the construction industry. This study is conducted with an aim of finding ways to apply blockchain technology to the construction industry. In order to identify potential application areas, construction lifecycle and project management knowledge areas are used in developing a survey questionnaire. Data collected from the survey is analyzed by employing importance performance analysis (IPA) method considering both applicability of the technology and anticipated impact from utilizing the technology. In relation to the construction project lifecycle, âProject Cost/Change Managementâ, âContract Bidding and Formationâ, and âProcurement Evaluationâ are emerged as top three candidates for blockchain application with high applicability and impact. Regarding the knowledge area, âProcurement Managementâ and âCost Managementâ are identified as the main blockchain application areas with high applicability and impact. All the identified specific construction tasks with high applicability and impact are related to âProcurementâ, âContractâ, and âCostâ. Therefore, it is reasonable to start focusing blockchain convergence efforts these areas and then expand them as the technology matures.
Francesco Bolici, Chiara Acciarini, Lucia Marchegiani, Luca Pirolo
Purpose Technological innovations provide huge opportunities to expand and revolutionize the scope of products and services offered. This is particularly true for tourism, which is undergoing significant changes due to the development of new technologies. The level of technology diffusion depends on several factors like the exchange of information among peers, and the attitude and shared perception among the contributors. The aim of the study is to explore the diffusion of technology in tourism with a specific focus on the social media discourse around new technologies. Thus, the paper investigates the level of interest in these new technologies analysing the information exchange occurring between individuals on Twitter in order to explore the influence of reciprocal networking. Design/methodology/approach To capture the attitudes expressed in the industry, the study analyses the ongoing discourse on Twitter as a proxy for the participants âinterest in new technologies. Through a social network analysis of the tweets and retweets conducted over a period of nine months, the research maps the level of information exchange about the diffusion of new technologies. Moreover, the sentiment analysis provides an interesting overview of the individualsâ attitudes towards the awareness or the adoption of new technologies. Findings Our analysis has provided several insights: (1) the information network on blockchain in tourism consists of participants who change very quickly over time ( high turnover of accounts ); (2) some contributors have an extremely important role in influencing the flow of information in the system ( information centralization ), they can have a generalist (discussing several topics) or a specialist (focusing on a specific topic) behaviour and this strategic choice influences their network's structure; (3) these central nodes also have an impact on the definition of positive and negative sentiment towards a topic ( sentiment influencer ). Research limitations/implications The paper contributes to the literature on technology diffusion, by focusing on one of the preconditions of diffusion that is the shared positive attitude towards technological innovation. More specifically, we adopt a network-based approach, which is useful to explain the level of information exchange and the public discourse that can impact the shared perception and attitude towards technological innovation. The study also highlights the role of knowledge brokers in influencing this public discourse. Future studies can deepen the association between positive perception, higher levels of information exchange and increasing usage of specific technologies. Our results also suggest further exploring the opportunity to combine social media data and other sources of information to shed more light on the technological innovation diffusion processes. Practical implications This paper shows how practitioners can benefit from the analysis of information exchange about new technologies in tourism adopting a network perspective with the aim of understanding the level of influence among contributors. Moreover, the increasing interest in blockchain technology and the potential combination between social media data and other sources of information can offer promising insights. Social implications The present study explores the level of technology diffusion through the analysis of information exchange on social media (Twitter). Furthermore, the dynamics of individual user behaviour offers a better understanding about media effects. Originality/value While previous research is focused on the users' perception towards the development of new technologies in tourism, the aim of this study is to investigate the dynamics behind the level of diffusion of information and awareness about these new technologies, which still represents an unexplored area of research.
Open access
Digital Marketing and Social Media
Technology Adoption and User Behaviour
Consumer Behavior in Brand Consumption and Identification
Emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain have affected the digital transformation. Blockchain, on the one hand, was initially developed for the purpose of financial trading due to its robustness especially for fault tolerance and cryptographic security in addition to its decentralized architecture. IoT, on the other hand, is an open interconnected network of smart devices able to communicate simultaneously. This arises a challenge in privacy and security, specifically for the data being exchanged. To overcome this, studies have focused on the blockchain to resolve the security and privacy issues of IoT. Indeed, limited studies have proposed to assess blockchainâs viability for IoT and the associated challenges. In this paper, a conceptual model has proposed to identify the crucial factors affecting the adoption of blockchain in IoT. The model consists of four dimensions of factors that we assume will affect the adoption of the two technologies. The dimensions are: attitude-related factors, social influence related factors, data-related factors, and security-related factors. This model is validated through a survey that was distributed between professionals in blockchain and IoT. The findings show a significant impact of data-related factors on the adoption of blockchain in IoT and the intention to use them. The model can play an important role in the development of strategies, standards, and performance assessment.
Ricardo ColomoâPalacios, Mary SĂĄnchezâGordĂłn, Daniel Arias Aranda
Abstract Blockchain is considered as a major emerging technology that is having an everâincreasing spread both in industrial and academic contexts. As the usage of blockchain keeps increasing, a fourth generation of blockchain platforms is being proposed. Thus, applications of blockchain have evolved towards wider scopes than cryptocurrency and asset management. In this context, it is important for practitioners to have deep understanding of various blockchain assessment initiatives. Therefore, this work discusses blockchain assessment initiatives from a technology evolution viewpoint. Furthermore, a mapping was conducted to identify factors that impact blockchain initiatives, synthesize available evidence, and identify gaps between relevant approaches available in the literature. As a result, nine selected works were analyzed based on applicability, research approach, assessment process, blockchain adoption process, and blockchain waves. The findings can help practitioners to understand the main assessment factors that undermine blockchain implementations.