Shanshan Jiang, Kine Jakobsen, Letizia Jaccheri, Jingyue Li
Blockchain is an emerging technology with potential to address issues related to sustainability. Literature reviews on blockchain and sustain ability exist, but there is a need to consolidate existing results, in particular, in terms of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This extended abstract presents an ongoing tertiary study based on existing literature reviews to investigate the relationship between blockchain and sustain ability in terms of SDGs. Results from a pilot analysis of 18 reviews using thematic analysis are presented.
Frequent problems of counterfeiting have spawned consumer demands to monitor the entire supply chain. The application of blockchain technology with anti-counterfeiting and traceability can improve the reliability and authenticity of product information and eliminate consumer doubts about product quality. Furthermore, based on the transparency of blockchain technology, brand suppliers can independently obtain the market demand information through information sharing. This paper introduces a consumer suspicion coefficient to illustrate the application of blockchain technology in the supply chain. Considering product authenticity verification and information sharing, we study the optimal pricing and product quality decisions in a two-level supply chain under the following three scenarios: (1) no blockchain technology, a traditional supply chain, and no information sharing (case TN); (2) no blockchain technology but a traditional supply chain with information sharing (case TS); and (3) a supply chain based on blockchain technology (case BT). We find that when the consumer suspicion coefficient increases, consumers will have limited faith in the authenticity of the product, which will affect the retailer’s optimal decision and profit. By comparing the equilibrium results of several cases, we also find that demand information sharing by the retailer may not achieve a win-win outcome in a decentralized channel in the absence of blockchain technology. Under demand information sharing based on blockchain technology, however, if the consumer suspicion coefficient exceeds a certain threshold, the brand supplier and retailer can achieve a win–win outcome. In addition, the extended models reveal that in a centralized supply chain, regardless of the state of market demand, blockchain technology can always improve product quality and retail price and optimize supply chain profit.
A claim can be understood as a negative result of the performance of a contract, as it is necessary to fulfill the obligation and/or indemnify (freight damage claim, for example). Today’s claims management faces a variety of problems, such as inefficient claims postings, possible data forgery, and a very lengthy claims resolution process. All these problems can be solved by using a synthesis of innovative tools, e.g., a blockchain system, game theory, and statistical methods. Theoretical possibilities and practical examples regarding solving claims management problems were identified by analyzing various scientific sources. However, it remained unclear whether these methods could interact with each other, complicate the existing claims settlement process or not, or whether a synthesis of such measures would be viable. Therefore, a qualitative study was conducted and answers to the above questions were found. The research revealed that 75% of international Lithuanian logistics companies can apply the synthesis of these methods in claims management and solutions. Using the concordance coefficient formula, the value of W was calculated. This coefficient indicated that the opinions of the experts who participated in the study were somewhat similar. The value of the actual χ2 distribution was also calculated. The result obtained shows that the experts’ opinions were somewhat harmonized and that their compatibility was not accidental. The use of blockchain system synthesis in combination with game theory and statistical methods could help international logistics companies to reduce their costs, speed up the management process, and increase data security and reliability while ensuring structured one-stop claims management.
This paper aims to explore how blockchain technology can help us to achieve supply chains that are agile but also lean, which is also demanded by the modern business environment. A role playing simulation was used to evaluate the benefits provided by different levels of visibility in a typical supply chain. A distributed ledger enabling supply chain visibility was designed. A supply chain performance framework was developed in order to measure the supply chain performance from both lean and agile aspects. The results show a significant correlation in performance with the degree of visibility, but it is not a linear relationship. An effective LeAgile supply chain can be achieved with the enhancement of visibility. In order to implement visibility, an appropriate information sharing frequency (drumbeat) is needed. Blockchain allows users to more securely and transparently track all types of transactions, to improve Supply Chain Visibility. We also find the complex relationship between trust and visibility. This is one of the first papers, taking human factors into consideration, to investigate how blockchain technology can be used to enhance supply chain visibility, which is needed for leagile supply chain performance.
Purpose Performance assessment of blockchain in the supply chain requires a systematic approach because of its interdisciplinary and multiobjective nature. Hence, four types of performance domains are identified, namely, environmental, economic, customer and information. Design/methodology/approach The following methodologies have been utilized: (1) literature review to find relevant factors, (2) factor analysis to validate factors and (3) DEMATEL theory to find the cause and effect relationships amongst performance measures. Findings An integrated holistic performance assessment model incorporating the 4 criteria and 25 subcriteria is applied. Originality/value This is the first paper to analyze blockchain performance in an industry setting.
Roberto Leonardo Rana, Caterina Tricase, L. De Cesare
Purpose The present paper is aimed at 1) performing a systematic literature review (SLR) on applications in the perspective of sustainable agri-food supply chain (SC) of blockchain technology (BCT); 2) analyzing the selected literature, focusing on the advantages of the sustainable uses of the blockchain of the aforementioned SC and 3) presenting an outlook and research directions capable of addressing unresolved problems. Design/methodology/approach The SLR was conducted using detailed criteria to identify academic articles. Moreover, specific keywords and databases were used. The time frame considered included the years 2010–2020. Findings The review analysis indicates that the use of BCT or BCT supported by ICT/IoT contributes to sustainability of agri-food production. However, this technology can lead to several challenges such as scalability, privacy leakage, high cost and connectivity problems. Research limitations/implications The paper demonstrates that BCT can widely use agri-food supply chain due to its intrinsic characteristics. However, it is not excluded that the criteria chosen may not have identified important articles regarding BCT, the agri-food sector and sustainability. Originality/value Although the body of academic literature published on this topic is expansive, the effect of BCT on the agri-food SC's sustainability aspects has not yet been adequately analyzed. Thus, the article is aimed at investigating how BCT is used in the SC. In particular, the article is intended to update information about BCT and its impact on sustainability.
Abdelghani Bekrar, Abdessamad Ait El Cadi, Raca Todosijević, Joseph Sarkis
The circular economy is gaining in importance globally and locally. The COVID-19 crisis, as an exceptional event, showed the limits and the fragility of supply chains, with circular economy practices as a potential solution during and post-COVID. Reverse logistics (RL) is an important dimension of the circular economy which allows management of economic, social, and environmental challenges. Transportation is needed for RL to effectively operate, but research study on this topic has been relatively limited. New digitalization opportunities can enhance transportation and RL, and therefore further enhance the circular economy. This paper proposes to review practical research and concerns at the nexus of transportation, RL, and blockchain as a digitalizing technology. The potential benefits of blockchain technology through example use cases on various aspects of RL and transportation activities are presented. This integration and applications are evaluated using various capability facets of blockchain technology, particularly as an immutable and reliable ledger, a tracking service, a smart contract utility, as marketplace support, and as tokenization and incentivization. We also briefly introduce the physical internet concept within this context. The physical internet paradigm proposed last decade, promises to also disrupt the blockchain, transportation, and RL nexus. We include potential research directions and managerial implications across the blockchain, transportation, and RL nexus.
Over the past decade, the blockchain technology has been actively embraced by an increasing number of companies. Blockchain has proven its effectiveness not only in the financial sector, but also in logistics and supply chain management, and has received extensive coverage in the scientific literature. At the same time, the implementation of blockchain in logistics and supply chain management (SCM) is technically difficult and requires significant financial costs. In this regard, its distribution in countries across the world is uneven. In this study, we compare the implementation of blockchain in countries with developed (Germany) and emerging (Russia) economies. Thus, our study provides new findings and information on the similarities and differences in blockchain implementation strategies in countries with developed and emerging economies. This comparative analysis reveals country peculiarities and different approaches regarding the application of blockchain technologies. The research methodology is based on the case study method. Three economic sectors are selected for the cross-country comparative analysis: the energy, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The analysis is focused on the use of blockchain along all three parts of the supply chain: upstream, production and downstream. Using theory building through case studies, our research results reveal many similarities in blockchain implementation in Germany and Russia. They show that blockchain is actively used in all three analyzed sectors by companies in both countries. Moreover, the technology proves its effectiveness in both upstream and downstream parts of the supply chain. In both Germany and Russia, blockchain is mainly used by large businesses due to its high costs. However, there are some differences regarding the implementation process of the technology in both countries. Firstly, the state support is required for some Russian blockchain projects. Secondly, none of the Russian companies has the necessary "full range" of blockchain competencies, so all Russian projects are carried out in collaboration with other parties, primarily IT partners. Thirdly, most of the Russian blockchain projects are still local in nature and relate to the use of technology in the relationship between the specific supplier and corresponding consumers.
Shahbaz Khan, Rubee Singh GLA University, mathura, Kirti
Blockchain is an emerging technology in the digitalization age which has the potential to transform the shape of various business and their related activities. Blockchain is known as the transformative technology capable of reforming the modern supply chain network by offering greater transparency in the information and physical products transformations. There are numerous benefits to implementing blockchain technology (BT) within the supply chain. However, the BT implementation in the supply chain domain is relatively low, because it depends on several factors. Hence, the primary objective of this research is to identify and investigate the critical factor in the supply chain to adopt the BT. To achieve this goal, this study identified the ten critical factors for implementing BT through the literature survey and finalized them with expert feedback. Further, an MCDM method TOPSIS is applied to prioritize these critical factors. The finding of this study shows that “develop the framework for blockchain”, “knowledge and expertise”, “communication among supply chain partners” are high priority critical factors. Therefore, this research recommends that organizations should develop the framework for blockchain and create knowledge and expertise in this domain. Further, they also maintain the effective communication SC partners as we as supply chain stakeholder for collaboration and coordination to implement the blockchain at supply chain level. This study analyses the critical factors associated with BT implementation in the context of the supply chain that will assist the managers for effective execution.
Purpose Cross border trade, involving different business environments between the sellers’ and buyers’ countries, may result in conflicts because of asymmetry in the information structure across the borders. The International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) has laid down ground rules on terms of shipment and payment, enabling harmonization and standardization of business process, and fixing of responsibilities for international trade. The international commercial (INCO) terms by ICC define the duties, obligations and cost borne by the exporter and the importer. An exporter’s uncertainty looms once the goods cross his/her border. Therefore, there is a need for a smart contract that is secured, transparent, legitimate and trustworthy. The authors propose a blockchain technology-based smart global contract (BTGC) framework for international trade. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the authors develop the framework based on value chain analysis (VCA) of international trade and an ontology-driven-blockchain-design approach. The paper analyzes the sequence of activities in the value chain of global trade, the terms of the contract, the data structure templates, the validation rules and the points-of-failure, and proposes the smart contract blockchain structure. Findings This paper proposes the BTGC framework considering the INCO terms 2020; it provides the validation rules and the probability of failures; and identifies the elements that cause the halting of contracts and conditions of creation of side blockchains. The framework also includes the governance of the BTGC system. Research limitations/implications The proposed framework not only has implications at the firm level as it automates and secures a global sale contract but also is expected to harmonize the global-trade process as well. The developers may use the attributes, data structure templates and the rules identified in this paper for developing the GC software. Future research may consider using case analysis, class diagrams and the related steps for developing the blockchain software. Originality/value This paper proposes a complete value chain of global contract (GC) concerning exports, an ontology of GC and a blockchain-based smart-contract framework based on global standards. Besides, it specifies the elements of fraud (such as the non-integration of side chains) and uncertainty, i.e. the probability of failures. Such a framework will harmonize the global-trade process and build an international standards for smart GC based on blockchain technology (ISSGCBT), which is not yet done.
Purpose Considering the importance of a safe food chain for consumers and the advent of blockchain technology (BT), this research studies a food service (FS) distributor. The research aims to understand the implications related to the functional processes of distribution in FS in which it would be possible to use blockchain to achieve agility, transparency of information and improvements in food safety. Design/methodology/approach Firstly, theory regarding blockchain technology in the supply chain (BT-SC) and FS was analyzed to contextualize the theme conceptually. A single case study including 11 supply chain companies was applied in a BT implementation study in an FS distributor. Findings Investment in infrastructure is often identified as a barrier to adoption of BT-SC. This was, however, not found in this case. Furthermore, the validation of users was only necessary for those parties directly participating in the process or information input. Finally, findings differentiate between qualifying criteria and operational processes when considering BT projects in FS. Research limitations/implications The findings are restricted to this single case that provided an in-depth understanding of the topic. Statistical generalization is not possible at this stage of the research. Practical implications The study is a practical example and can provide several insights to anyone looking to implement BT in their SC. Social implications The social importance of the study lies in the importance of FS in the food sector, and by presenting ways that contribute to mitigating risks to consumers. Originality/value Real-life cases of application of BT-SC illustrate its functionalities in operational processes.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on blockchain (BC) adoption for preventing counterfeiting by investigating BC systems where different options for BC feeding and reading complement the use of BC technology. By grounding on the situational crime prevention, this study analyses how BC systems can be designed to effectively prevent counterfeiting. Design/methodology/approach This is a multiple-case study of five Italian wine companies using BC to prevent counterfeiting. Findings This study finds that the desired level of upstream/downstream counterfeiting protection that a brand owner intends to guarantee to customers through BC is the key driver to consider in the design of BC systems. The study identifies which variables are relevant to the design of feeding and reading processes and explains how such variables can be modulated in accordance with the desired level of counterfeiting protection. Research limitations/implications The cases investigated are Italian companies within the wine sector, and the BC projects analysed are in the pilot phase. Practical implications The study provides practical suggestions to address the design of BC systems by identifying a set of key variables and explaining how to properly modulate them to face upstream/downstream counterfeiting. Originality/value This research applies a new perspective based on the situational crime prevention approach in studying how companies can design BC systems to effectively prevent counterfeiting. It explains how feeding and reading process options can be configured in BC systems to assure different degrees of counterfeiting protection.
Amit Karamchandani, Samir K. Srivastava, Sushil Kumar, Akhil Srivastava
Blockchain is a disruptive technology that promises to embed visibility and trustworthiness in supply chains. This paper examines the perceived role of blockchain in improving SCM and profitability of organisations in the manufacturing industry. It establishes the blockchain benefits for the manufacturing industry using the process of scale development. The proposed hypotheses related to the indirect effects are based on the resource-based view of the firm. The conditional indirect effects for four organisational factors are tested. The research framework is operationalised based on data from 236 practitioners. The findings show that blockchain is perceived to drive improvement in six supply chain dimensions of the manufacturing industry. The breadth of organisation size and geographical dispersion moderate the mediation relationship between blockchain benefits and incremental profitability. Furthermore, the conditional indirect effects are found significant at mean and ±1σ values of integration intensity and IT integration. According to managers of manufacturing industry, blockchain can bring significant improvement in delivery reliability and mass customisation, which would result in increasing the profitability of the organisation. Organisations with low integration intensity, high IT integration and small size organisations are likely to be the early adopters of blockchain technology.
Purpose This paper aims to examine and overcome the barriers to the widespread adoption of blockchain technology, introducing a novel concept of sustainability in the fashion supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This work is an exploratory study of a well-known fashion company operating in the Veneto region (Italy). Data extracted from interviews and focus groups are coded using the (CAQDAS) software AQUAD. The outcome is then organized according to an adapted TOE view. Findings This exploration study's findings support the idea that the blockchain solution could be a valuable add-on in sustainable supply chains. However, a high understanding of technology and extensive communication with clients is required for successful integration. Research limitations/implications Being the outcome of qualitative analysis, the findings require further investigation to be inferable at a broader scale. As the project is still incomplete, some managerial choices are always subject to change. Practical implications Focused on a practitioner approach, this paper should guide managers in the process of successfully implementing blockchain technology. Arguably, similar companies may opt for similar choices. Originality/value To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to contextualize and address the blockchain adoption barriers in the fashion supply chain. Furthermore, it offers an overview of how blockchain affects sustainable production.
Abderahman Rejeb, John G. Keogh, Steven J. Simske, Thomas F. Stafford · 5 authors
Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the potentials of blockchain technologies (BC) for supply chain collaboration (SCC). Design/methodology/approach Building on a narrative literature review and analysis of seminal SCC research, BC characteristics are integrated into a conceptual framework consisting of seven key dimensions: information sharing, resource sharing, decision synchronization, goal congruence, incentive alignment, collaborative communication and joint knowledge creation. The relevance of each category is briefly assessed. Findings BC technologies can impact collaboration between transaction partners in modern supply chains (SCs) by streamlining information sharing processes, by supporting decision and reward models and by strengthening communicative relationships with SC partners. BC promises important future capabilities in SCs by facilitating auditability, improving accountability, enhancing data and information transparency and improving trust in B2B relationships. The technology also promises to strengthen collaboration and to overcome vulnerabilities related to moral hazard and shortcomings found in legacy technologies. Research limitations/implications The paper is mainly focused on the potentials of BC technologies on SCC as envisioned in the current academic literature. Hence, there is a need to validate the theoretical inferences with other approaches such as expert interviews and empirical tests. This study is of use to practitioners and decision-makers seeking to engage in BC-collaborative SC models. Originality/value The value of this paper lies in its call for an increased focus on the possibilities of BC technologies to support SCC. This study also contributes to the literature by filling the knowledge gap of how BC potentially impacts SC management.
Traditional business models involve cost, market development, distribution channels, business partnerships, and supply chain management. The development of the digital economy and digital network technology has engendered a shift away from the traditional model of operation. Intermediaries have long played an essential role in promoting the benefits of economic activities, but new technology is increasingly replacing intermediaries in their roles of connecting players, such as, involving, committing, and mobilizing players. Potential conflicts of interest must therefore be further resolved, avoided, or mitigated. Blockchain technology, as a tool for keeping immutable and digital records, can address increasingly complex issues in global value chains to pursue sustainable development. It attempts to realize the trust mechanism and has been redefining the function of intermediaries. This study used a multiple-case study approach to examine how blockchain technology affects intermediate functionality. We evaluated the industry’s use of blockchains to assess how the processes were reshaped and how the intermediary roles were refined. On the basis of the findings, we propose three potential changes for the roles of intermediaries to improve operational efficiency.
Javed Aslam, Aqeela Saleem, Nokhaiz Tariq Khan, Yun Bae Kim
Planning to adopt the Blockchain is very active in many industries, especially in supply chains. Researchers believe that the Radio-frequency identification (RFIDs), yesterday’s Blockchain, is now obsolete. The strongest reason that the Blockchain is the tool of this era is its unique features; real-time information sharing, cyber-security, transparency, reliability, traceability, and visibility, all of which boost the supply-chain performance. Despite the extensive literature on Blockchain, in recent years, no clear framework has defined whether a supply chain should implement Blockchain or not. This study attempts to fill this gap by proposing a framework for complex supply chain networks. In doing so, first, we identified the supply-chain practices of the oil industry in Pakistan, then we empirically analyzed the impact of these practices on operational performance. The results show that the supply chain management (SCM) practices positively impact operational performance. On the other hand, with the help of literature, we identified different Blockchain features and their influence on different supply chain practices. This study guides managers and decision-makers to evaluate their current supply-chain practices and understand the relationship between supply-chain practices and Blockchain features, and how different Blockchain features can help improving supply-chain practices and ultimately improving operational performance.
Niloofar Etemadi, Yari Borbon-Galvez, Fernanda Strozzi, Tahereh Etemadi
The purpose of this review is to describe the landscape of scientific literature enriched by an author’s keyword analysis to develop and test blockchain’s capabilities for enhancing supply chain resilience in times of increased risk and uncertainty. This review adopts a dynamic quantitative bibliometric method called systematic literature network analysis (SLNA) to extract and analyze the papers. The procedure consists of two methods: a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric network analysis (BNA). This paper provides an important contribution to the literature in applying blockchain as a key component of cyber supply chain risk management (CSRM), manage and predict disruption risks that lead to resilience and robustness of the supply chain. This systematic review also sheds light on different research areas such as the potential of blockchain for privacy and security challenges, security of smart contracts, monitoring counterfeiting, and traceability database systems to ensure food safety and security.
Intelligent transformation of manufacturers requires smart logistics transformation collaboration, which improves competitiveness. In this study, we construct a Stackelberg game model based on the mutual influence and restriction in the relationship between a manufacturer and a logistics service provider (LSP) undergoing smart logistics transformation. We investigate whether cost-sharing (CS) or revenue-sharing (RS) contracts can coordinate the supply chain and suggest a hybrid CS–RS contract to improve performance. We find that, compared with decentralized options, CS and RS contracts achieve a higher level of smart logistics transformation. While the coordination and effectiveness of CS contracts are superior to those of RS contracts, neither can fully coordinate the supply chain. The proposed hybrid CS–RS contract allows the manufacturer to share the LSP’s costs before the transformation and its partial revenue after transformation, so that the LSP can reduce its service charge, thereby achieving full supply chain coordination.