Vincent Carrières, Andrée-Anne Lemieux, Manuele Margni, Robert Pellerin · 5 authors
The efficiency of sustainability assessments of textile products is generally prevented because of a lack of available and reliable data across complex and globalized supply chains. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how blockchain traceability data can improve the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of textile products and to measure the actual value of exploiting this specific traceability data. To do so, a case study consisting of two LCAs modeling the production of wool top lots in China was conducted. A first LCA was conducted with generic data and the second with the added value of specific blockchain traceability data. Based on the second LCA, different wool top lot composition scenarios were then modeled to account for the environmental impact of different farming practices. Two main results were obtained: the environmental impact of wool top lots can vary up to +118% between two batches depending on their composition, and the specific data changes drastically from the impact calculated with generic data, with +36% calculated impact for the same wool composition of batches. Therefore, it was concluded that blockchain traceability data could be a strong asset for conducting LCA at the batch level by providing differentiated data on batch composition and origin and providing readily available specific data for a more representative assessment.
The purpose of this study is to present a framework for characterising challenges to the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT) in the logistics sector. The TOE (Technical, Organisational, and Environmental) framework was developed based on a literature survey building upon existing work and a new empirical study consisting of fifteen interviews in five logistics companies. The study uses TOE as a theoretical framework and classifies the identified elements from literature and interviews into categories and subcategories to construct a decision framework. The paper identifies the elements for BCT adoption in Logistics Supply Chain (LSC). The framework can assess the challenges of BCT adoption and subsequently adapt the implementation phase to manage the process better. Practitioners may derive valuable insights about the elements that enable BCT adoption in LSCs and formulate the strategy for using BCT for creating a data driven real-time LSC.
Ihab K. A. Hamdan, Aziguli Wulamu, Dezheng Zhang, Eli Sumarliah · 5 authors
Purpose This paper seeks to discover whether the technical, organisational and technology acceptance model (TAM) factors will significantly affect the adoption of blockchain technology (ABT) amongst SMEs. Design/methodology/approach The research employs structural equation modelling (SEM) and a machine learning approach to identify factors influencing the ABT behaviour that leaders can use to predict the prospect of the ABT in their enterprises. Information was collected from 255 respondents representing 166 SMEs in the food industry, Palestine. Findings The analyses reveal that the ABT is positively and significantly shaped by TAM factors: (1) perceived benefits and (2) perceived ease of using blockchain. Simultaneously, the former is significantly influenced by compatibility and upper management support, while the latter is affected by complexity. Finally, education and training affect both factors. Originality/value This paper is amongst the first attempts to examine the ABT behaviour in the food industry using the integration of SEM and machine learning approach.
Batool Alawi, Muneer Mohammed Saeed Al Mubarak, Allam Hamdan
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the application of Blockchain technology for Supply Chain Management. The research approach includes a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making framework based on Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process. The framework analyses a set of Blockchain implementation criteria and their importance ranking for achieving Supply Chain Management. The findings suggest that, to implement Blockchain technology for Supply Chain Management, the most important criterion is Traceability followed by Security and Smart Contact. Decision makers can make use of the developed framework in the supply chain section to evaluate readiness of Blockchain technology and its benefits for Supply Chain frameworks. This will lead to effective allocations for resources and budgets in their planning for various Blockchain deployment.
Bill Wang, Zhiyu Lin, Michael Wang, Fangyi Wang · 6 authors
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, urgent surging demand for healthcare products such as personal protective equipment (PPE) has caused significant challenges for multi-tier supply chain management. Although a given firm may predominantly focus on an arms-length solution by targeting the first-tier supplier, the firm can still struggle with extended multi-tier suppliers it cannot choose which use unsustainable practices. One key goal is compliance across various dimensions with production, environmental and labour standards across the multi-tier supply chain, a goal that blockchain technology can be applied to manage. Based on a comprehensive literature review, this research develops a system architecture of blockchain-based multi-tier sustainable supply chain management in the PPE industry designed to identify and coordinate standards in production and social and environmental sustainability in multi-tier PPE supply chains. The architecture was validated by theoretical basis, expert opinions and technical solutions. We conclude with managerial implications for implementing blockchain technology to advance sustainable multi-tier supply chain practices.
Mohammad Najjar, Ihab H. Alsurakji, Amjad El‐Qanni, Abdulnaser Ibrahim Nour
Global supply networks encompass many inter-connected suppliers. Many of these suppliers are unpredictable and beyond the direct realm of the company, making the management of sustainability a difficult task. This research attempts to put forth a profound exploration of the integration of sustainability across complex multi-tier supply networks through the utilization of blockchain technology. The research includes a selected literature review compromising well-cited research that focuses on multi-tier supply networks and blockchain technology. The findings suggest that blockchain can enhance suppliers’ visibility. Managers will have increased transparency and traceability of their global supply networks, which will eventually reduce information asymmetry and limit opportunistic behaviors. Furthermore, the connectivity and rapid/immutable sustainable information sharing features associated with blockchain increase suppliers’ predictability and create robust sustainable supply networks. Despite the potential benefits enabled by the technology, the research highlights some vital complexities that may obstruct the adoption of the technology across multi-tier supply networks.
Sarah Qahtan, Khaironi Yatim Sharif, A. A. Zaidan, Hassan A. Alsattar · 10 authors
The evaluation, importance and variation nature of multiple security and privacy properties are the main issues that make the benchmarking of blockchain-based IoT healthcare Industry 4.0 systems fall under the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. In this article, one of the recent MCDM weighting methods called fuzzy weighted with zero inconsistency (FWZIC) is effective for weighting the evaluation criteria subjectively without any inconsistency issues. However, considering the advantages of spherical fuzzy sets in providing a wide range of options to decision-makers and efficiently dealing with vagueness, hesitancy and uncertainty, this article formulated a new version of FWZIC for weighting the security and privacy properties, that is, spherical FWZIC (S-FWZIC). Moreover, an integrated MCDM framework was developed for benchmarking blockchain-based IoT healthcare Industry 4.0 systems on the basis of multi security and privacy properties. In the first phase of the methodology, a decision matrix is formulated based on the intersection of “blockchain-based Internet of Things healthcare Industry 4.0 systems” and “security and privacy properties” (i.e., user authentication, access control, privacy protection, integrity availability and anonymity). In the second phase, the weights of each security and privacy property are calculated through the S-FWZIC method. Then, these weights are employed to benchmark blockchain-based IoT healthcare Industry 4.0 systems through the combined grey relational analysis–technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (GRA-TOPSIS) and the bald eagle search (BES) optimization method. Results indicate the following: First, the S-FWZIC method efficiently weighs the security and privacy properties, indicating that access control has the highest significance weight of 0.2070, while integrity has the lowest weight (0.0646); and second, the combination of the GRA-TOPSIS and the BES optimization method effectively ranks the systems. The evaluation was conducted using sensitivity analysis, revealing high correlation results over all the discussed scenarios of changing the weights of the criteria. The implications of this article can assist medical organisation administrators in selecting the most secure and appropriate system and the developers of such systems in future directions.
Logistics plays a major part in any country's or region's economic success. Logistics performance depends upon the trade between other countries and urbanization. Urbanization has major role in logistics performance. However, being a significant energy user, logistics has negative consequences. As the logistics performance increases, carbon emissions increase as well because of more transportation and urbanization. Logistics performance has positive effects related to trade openness which reduces carbon emissions. As a result, it is necessary to understand function of logistics from both economic and environmental standpoint. Logistics performance is affected by urbanization of any region. The dataset for this research is made up of 10 Asian nations with 550 observations from 2010 to 2018 and is based on the theoretical underpinnings of impact of population affluence and technology (IPAT) and stochastic impacts by regression on population affluence and technology (STIRPAT). After applying various tests like cointegration analysis, unit root test, cross-sectional dependence now long & short-term relation of variables is studied by Cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL). As indicated by the discoveries, the logistic performance index (LPI) is basically effective on economic growth and carbon emissions, particularly when related to IPAT and STIRPAT. The findings are reviewed, and policy implications are offered, which say that current logistical infrastructure should be transformed to more environmentally friendly operations. Finally, the limits are acknowledged, as well as future research possibilities that should be pursued.
Despite the scholarly consent that blockchain technology can play a central role for implementing circular economies (CEs) to arrive at cleaner consumption and production, the blockchain adoption rate by companies for this purpose is low. While this might be partly caused by technology maturity problems, scholars also recognize a lack of vision about blockchain technology applications that might assist companies in implementing CE business models. Particularly, we miss knowledge about consumerdesired future CE scenarios to help the understanding of the likelihood of consumer adoption. In this paper, we therefore ask: What are, from the perspective of future consumers, desirable far-future CEs that use blockchain technology? We present the findings of a study that analyzed 57 consumer-desired CE scenarios in 2041 in which blockchain is used. From the analysis, we identify four ideal types of consumer-desired CEs, and the blockchain use cases in them. Based on that, we discuss and conclude on value propositions for CE business models that companies can use to attract consumer participation and blockchain adoption in pro-circular shifts. Second, we aimed at gathering consumer visions that can guide the strategic investment of companies in the development of blockchain technology applications for efficient CE business models.
Tomasz Dudek, Tygran Dzhuguryan, Bogusz Wiśnicki, Kamil Pędziwiatr
This study focuses on management ways within a city multi-floor manufacturing cluster (MFMC). The application of MFMC in megapolises is closely related to the problem of urban spatial development and the problem of matching transport and logistics services. The operation of the MFMC depends on the efficiency of production and transport management considering technical, economic, end environmental factors. Therefore, conditions affecting decision-making in the field of production planning by MFMCs and accompanying transports within the agglomeration area with the use of the production-service platform were presented. Assumptions were created for the decision model, allowing for the selection of partners within the MFMC to execute the production order. A simplified decision model using the Hungarian algorithm was proposed, which was verified with the use of test data. The model is universal for material flow analysis and is an assessments basis for smart sustainable supply chain decision-making and planning. Despite the narrowing of the scope of the analysis and the simplifications applied, the presented model using the Hungarian algorithm demonstrated its potential to solve the problem of partner selection for the execution of the contract by MFMC.
The present work serves to improve the stable cooperation relationship among subjects of supply chain such as enterprises, farmers, intermediary organizations, and retailers and enhance the governance and optimization of agricultural product supply chain, thus strengthening the competitiveness of China’s agricultural industry. The supply chain governance of agricultural products is taken as the research object. Initially, the stabilities of two supply chain organization modes, “company and farmer” and “company, intermediary organization and farmer,” are analyzed by static game analysis. Then, based on the above analysis and the characteristics of blockchain institutional technology, a detailed analyzation is made on the mechanism of supply chain of agricultural products governance based on blockchain technology. Finally, the functional framework of agricultural supply chain governance is designed based on the basic framework of blockchain technology, and analyzation is made on the trust mechanism and contract mechanism of agricultural supply chain governance based on blockchain technology. The research results show that problems such as information and cognitive constraints in agricultural supply chain governance cannot be completely solved only through the evolution of blockchain organizational structure and the supply of governance mechanism, and speculative behavior will still appear. Optimizing the governance of supply chain of agricultural products based on blockchain technology can realize the transformation of its governance scenario. Meanwhile, the blockchain technologies such as deintermediation, demistrust, and intelligent contract play an important role in the process of agricultural supply chain governance, which can make it change in many aspects such as organization mode, application operation, and governance mechanism. The rapid development of new generation information technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things, and computer technology makes it possible to comprehensively digitize economic activities such as production and transaction in the supply chain of agricultural products. The present work combines the technical logic of blockchain digital governance with the institutional logic of agricultural product supply chain governance and tries to solve the instability problems caused by imperfect organization, lack of trust, and incomplete contract in agricultural product supply chain governance with the characteristics of blockchain such as deintermediation, demistrust, and intelligent contract.
The overproduction and overconsumption of textile products has led to a call for systems and behavioural change towards a circular economy. Correct material flows through a circular system are difficult to achieve, but emerging technology may provide some answers. Among these technologies, blockchain, smart tags and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are showing promising solutions. However, adopting technology gives rise to certain challenges. Observing the global trend in digital transformation, this paper investigates the adoption of blockchain and its associated technologies. Through interviews with designers and technology providers, it identifies the challenges specific to the small and medium enterprise sector. It finds a number of areas that require focus – some outside and some within the control of the business owner. These include the need for more effective communication channels between the information systems (IS) sector and fashion industry stakeholders if the digital transformation of the circular economy is to be effective.