scholarly journals Blockchain-integrated technologies for solving supply chain challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-97
Author(s):  
Dhruman Gohil ◽  
Shivangi Viral Thakker
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Successful Execution ◽  
Barriers And Challenges ◽  
Smart Technologies

PurposeBlockchain technology was developed to synchronize the data and transactions over the supply chain network and connected nodes. This paper aims to show how blockchain technology can enhance flexibility and agility in supply chain operations. The integration of blockchain and other recently developed technology can help deal with supply chain uncertainties and other challenges being faced by the industry.Design/methodology/approachThrough an extensive literature review of existing research papers and conversation with supply chain managers, barriers and challenges in the supply chain were identified. Some elements were researched of blockchain technology that can be used to resolve some challenges. Blockchain technology and other technologies integration is developed for implementation in supply chain for better visibility and efficiency of supply chain.FindingsThe challenges in the supply chain are categorized, and the solution is given through the integration of blockchain and other technologies like Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. The integration shows the execution of tasks through blockchain and various technologies in supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsBlockchain in supply chain is finding its strong place in India when compared to developing nations. There is a need for technology experts, supply chain managers and consumers to understand blockchain’s importance. Challenges faced by industries to use blockchain may be analyzed further with real-life industry case studies.Practical implicationsThis research helps enterprises in successful execution of smart technologies in their supply chains. This research helps enterprises in successful execution of smart technologies in their supply chains. Managers and practitioners may use the models developed in real-time implementation. The technologies are described in detail to help the practitioners select the best suitable for their organization.Social implicationsDigital supply chains are finding the way in industries due to lean and efficient nature. It is beneficial to use the smart technologies to make supply chain green and sustainable.Originality/valueThe implementation of the digital supply chain and its challenges are discussed in the research paper. This will work as a platform for research in the area of technologies for supply chain.

Blockchain in operations for food service distribution: steps before implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Vivaldini
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Food Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
The Social ◽  
Safe Food ◽  
Social Importance ◽  
Operational Processes

PurposeConsidering 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/approachFirstly, 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.FindingsInvestment 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/implicationsThe 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 implicationsThe study is a practical example and can provide several insights to anyone looking to implement BT in their SC.Social implicationsThe 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/valueReal-life cases of application of BT-SC illustrate its functionalities in operational processes.

Supply chain, geographical indicator and blockchain: provenance model for commodity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohita Gangwar Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Value Distribution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
The Right ◽  
Theory Framework

PurposeMany commodity supply chains suffer from an unfair value distribution across the supply chain like “Coffee Paradox.” This study explores the coffee supply chain to determine how the country of origin–geographical indicator can be used as a method of fair distribution of value and provenance across the supply chain effectuated by the blockchain technology. By looking at an exemplar case study for India, this study provides insights into diverse research streams and practice.Design/methodology/approachBased on the case method, analyzing the implementation of blockchain in the coffee industry by a leading Indian software implementation of the logic, dynamics and forces for a provenance model has been devised. It further adopts a stakeholder cum institutional theory framework to understand the logical implementation of a blockchain project embedded in a territorial logic for a commodity supply chain.FindingsThis study specifically looks at coffee which is representative of a commodity supply chain. It also explores how the malaise of unfair value distribution gets addressed by bringing farmers and the consumers on a common platform facilitated by blockchain technology. This study contributes to the literature on blockchain, territory, commodity and supply chain. Using stakeholder cum institutional theory, this study helps to explore how the implementation is successful by different actors in the supply chain through collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides a new stream of multi-disciplinary study at the interface of supply chain, technology, international trade and geography.Practical implicationsBlockchains are embedded in the supply chain, and supply chains are embedded in territories. This linkage is paramount and the ability to make these blockchain projects successful requires the deep study of the interaction of territory, technology and actors from the provenance angle. De-commodification of coffee can be actualized through blockchain.Social implicationsThe coffee paradox and skewed value distribution is also a social problem wherein the farmers do not get the right price of their produce and are exploited. This case also highlights how this social malaise can be addressed and rightful and equitable distribution of value happens across the value chain.Originality/valueThis linkage between territory, blockchain, commodity supply chain and institutions has not been discussed in the literature. Adopting the territorial design approach, this study is an attempt to stimulate inter-disciplinary conversations and thereby create a provenance framework for commodity and research questions for scholars from different disciplines and divergent disciplinary perspectives.

scholarly journals Opportunities and limitations of public blockchain-based supply chain traceability

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Bischoff ◽  
Stefan Seuring
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Privacy Model

PurposeBlockchain technology is provoking significant disruptions, thereby affecting supply chain management. This study endeavoured to advance research regarding blockchain-based supply chain traceability by identifying the opportunities and limitations that accompany the adoption of public blockchains. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to contribute to contemporary supply chain research by an assessment of blockchain technology and its linkages to traceability.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is conceptual. The authors summarised the relevant literature on the concepts of supply chain traceability, conceptualised key elements exclusive to the public blockchain and highlighted opportunities and limitations in implementing traceability using blockchains.FindingsIncompatibilities were identified between general traceability and the public blockchain. However, when embracing the blockchain's privacy model, the blockchains can support information exchange in supply chains where vulnerability towards third parties, the confidentiality of information, or the privacy of participants are concerns. Furthermore, the public blockchain can support areas of supply chains where institutional interest is lacking.Originality/valueThis is one of the first papers in an international supply chain management journal to critically analyse the intersection of specific blockchain characteristics and supply chain traceability requirements. The authors thereby add to the discussion of designs for a disintermediated, peer-to-peer models and guide researchers and practitioners alike in exploring the application of disruptive change from blockchain technologies. By setting focus on the privacy model, the paper identifies the potential application and future research approaches to exploit the elementary strength of the blockchain.

Development of a supply chain risk index for manufacturing supply chains

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aswin Alora ◽  
Mukesh K. Barua
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Fuzzy Topsis ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Supply Chain Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Risks

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify, classify and prioritize supply chain risks faced by Indian micro small and medium manufacturing companies and to develop a comprehensive supply chain risk index.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data has been collected from 354 Indian micro small and medium enterprises on the different supply chain risks faced by them. An extensive literature review followed by expert's interview has been carried out in order to finalize the supply chain risks. A hybrid methodology consists of AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS is applied for the data analysis. A sensitivity analysis has been done to check the robustness and consistency of the results.FindingsResults depict the importance of supply side and financial side risks faced by manufacturing supply chains, thus adding to the ongoing academic debate on the importance of supply chain finance solutions.Research limitations/implicationsStudy is limited to the scope of an emerging market. Generalization of results needs more systematic studies around the world in different supply chains.Practical implicationsSupply chain managers can consider the benchmark framed in this study in order to identify the health of their supply chain and to efficiently employ supply chain risk management strategies.Originality/valueThe current study is novel in developing a supply chain risk index using a hybrid AHP-Fuzzy TOPSIS methodology with a comprehensive list of 26 supply chain risks under 5 categories for an MSME supply chain. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study incorporating financial risks in the development of a supply chain risk index.

The potential role of philanthropy in humanitarian supply chains delivery: the case of Thailand

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 284-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Banomyong ◽  
Puthipong Julagasigorn
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Multinational Firm ◽  
Supply Chain Collaboration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chains ◽  
Strategic Philanthropy ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework on how strategic philanthropy can be included in humanitarian supply chains delivery. This framework explains the modalities where strategic philanthropy can be successful when collaborating with key humanitarian supply chain actors. Design/methodology/approach A philanthropy delivery framework is developed based on the literature related to strategic philanthropy and humanitarian supply chains. The delivery framework is further validated with the real-life case study of a multinational firm during the 2011 Thai floods. Findings Procter and Gamble (P&G) was involved in the Thailand flood 2011 relief efforts in three phases: preparation, immediate response, and reconstruction phase. The company supported and distributed a water purifier through a non-governmental relief agency, the Princess Pa Foundation, under the Thai Red Cross Society, that enabled P&G to not only gain the trust of the targeted community during all the phases but in the continued usage of their water purifier after the event. Community leaders and P&G’s modern trade retailers played an important role in collaborating in this humanitarian supply chain to enable the successful delivery and usage of the donated water purifier. Research limitations/implications This proposed delivery framework is appropriate for in-kind products and services philanthropy. The case study describes how strategic philanthropy can be implemented in a specific case, i.e. flood disaster. Practical implications Academia, practitioners, and companies who are involved in humanitarian reliefs may adopt and adapt this framework in order to enable a win-win situation for all stakeholders in the humanitarian supply chain. Originality/value The delivery framework suggests that firms can develop successful strategic philanthropy through systematic humanitarian supply chain collaboration. It explains how a company can operate its philanthropic programs through collaboration with others as well as describes how these different actors can work together.

Strategic issues in pharmaceutical supply chains: a review

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 234-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajesh Kr. Singh ◽  
Ravinder Kumar ◽  
Pravin Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Pharmaceutical Sector ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Issues ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Pharmaceutical Supply Chains

Purpose In the present context of a health-concious society, management of pharmaceutical supply chains has become more complex because it involves the life-saving interest of human being and requires the participation of different stakeholders such as pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, customers, information service providers and regulatory agencies. Limited research is available in the area of pharmaceutical supply chains. This paper aims to find the gaps in the literature by reviewing research papers on different strategic issues of supply chain management in the pharmaceutical sector. Design/methodology/approach In total, 136 research papers, mainly from refereed international journals, were reviewed to identify the issues of supply chain management (SCM) in the pharmaceutical supply chain. On the basis of a review, gaps are identified and research agenda is proposed. Findings It is observed from review that the pharmaceutical sector is not widely researched in developing countries because of many complexities in this supply chain. The share of pharmaceutical firms in the global market is also not very significant. Based on an extensive review of pharmaceutical supply chains, research gaps are identified in different areas such as inventory management, new product development, process development, capacity planning, network design, plant design, pipeline and development management, outsourcing logistics activities, reverse logistics, Lean manufacturing, green SCM and implementation of E-business processes and performance management. These strategic issues have been further classified into three broad categories, i.e. resources, processes and performance. Originality/value This paper explores major strategic areas of pharmaceutical supply chains for research. Findings of the paper will be highly useful for researchers to decide direction of future research.

Benchmarking supply chains by analyzing technology transfer critical barriers using AHP approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 538-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay Kumar ◽  
Sunil Luthra ◽  
Abid Haleem
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose – Technology transfer becoming an important area especially in developing and less developed countries. The purpose of this paper is to address issue of supply chains’ benchmarking based upon their capability to mange technology transfer critical barriers mitigation efforts toward making technology transfer process implementation successful. Design/methodology/approach – The present paper is based on two research stages. Initially, extensive literature review has been made to identify critical barriers. In total, 20 technology transfer critical barriers have been identified from literature review and categorized in to six criteria. In second stage, analytics hierarchy process has been utilized to rank the critical barriers of technology transfer in supply chain and provide a benchmarking framework. Findings – Political barriers (PB) have been analyzed most significant criteria of critical barriers to technology transfer followed by socio-cultural barriers (SO) and economic barriers (EB). “Political instability,” “Difficulty in transfer and diffusion,” “Too expensive,” “Inappropriate/incompetent technology and resource wastage in technologies imported,” “Inactive role of SC members and resistance to change” and “Management attitude” have been found most hindering barrier in their respective category/criterion of technology transfer barriers. Research limitations/implications – Scope of the present study has been limited to propose framework to benchmark supply chains by analyzing 20 critical barriers of technology transfer grouped in to six dimensions using analytical hierarchy approach based on “ratings provided by experts,” which may be biased. Practical implications – Benchmarking process has been proposed to calculate value of total of overall weights to a particular supply chain named as “Technology Transfer Barriers Mitigation Index (TTBMI)” useful to present capability of supply chains to manage technology transfer barriers by a single numeric value. From “provider” developed county’s view point, present benchmarking framework may be further applied to compare developing countries’ ability to absorb and diffuse new technology. Originality/value – Benchmarking procedure has been dealt with using well-established methodology- analytical hierarchy process toward providing single numeric value index (TTBMI) indicating ability of supply chains to manage/mitigate technology transfer barriers.

Construction supply chain integration: an elusive goal?

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Briscoe ◽  
Andrew Dainty
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

PurposeTo empirically investigate the problems encountered in trying to integrate supply chains in the UK construction industry and to set these problems in the context of the extensive literature on supply chain management and partnering.Design/methodology/approachA brief review of current supply chain issues in the construction industry is provided. Three case studies of leading construction clients were carried out and these included public and private organisations from different sectors of the economy, public transport, information and communications technology and vehicle manufacturing. A large number of interviews were conducted with the various clients, their main contractors and key subcontractors and suppliers.FindingsThe findings reveal that the large number of supply chain partners and the significant level of fragmentation limit the levels of integration that are achievable. The interplay of environmental and procurement related factors renders the realisation of truly integrated supply chains very problematic and difficult to achieve. Nevertheless the paper identifies some key principles that do need to be followed if the elusive goal of integration is to be eventually realised.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the present cases were chosen to be representative, they may not necessarily reflect the experiences of all clients and contractors in the construction industry.Originality/valueThis paper adds another dimension to the extensive body of knowledge that already exists on supply chain integration. In particular, it focuses on construction, a large and important sector of the economy but one that does not receive as much research interest as the manufacturing and distribution sectors.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Blockchain in overcoming barriers in Humanitarian Supply Chain

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 2228-2235
Author(s):  
Hrishikesh Palande, Dr. Shilpa Parkhi
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Independent Contractors ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chains ◽  
Global Institutions ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Environmental Causes ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain

In the era of Industry 4.0 many new technologies are emerging and changing the status quo in many industries and sectors. On the other hand, people around the world are grappling with serious humanitarian issues of hunger, poor infrastructure effecting housing, education, healthcare. These problems are a result of complex causes ranging from natural disasters, environmental causes and human enforced causes such as ill governance, terrorism and forceable displacement of population belonging to certain communities. To address the humanitarian crisis global institutions are tirelessly working to assuage the suffering of people in crisis. Back bone of such initiatives is the Humanitarian Supply Chains which are often a complex linkage of Global non-profit organizations, private players, independent contractors, and local volunteers This paper aims at identifying the areas in humanitarian supply chain which can be improved by implementation of Blockchain technology. Barriers to humanitarian supply chains are identified from the extensive literature review. Using the responses received from experts in Humanitarian Supply Chains and Blockchain, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted giving us 4 factors in the context of Blockchain Implementation.

The use of blockchain in the luxury industry: supply chains and the traceability of goods

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elodie de Boissieu ◽  
Galina Kondrateva ◽  
Patricia Baudier ◽  
Chantal Ammi
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Luxury Brands ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Luxury Industry

PurposeMost businesses strive to control the efficiency of their supply chains; however, luxury firms face additional challenges from counterfeit, gray market and copycat products. Blockchain technology can address these issues and enhance firms' supply chain management, guaranteeing the traceability and origin of luxury products. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the utility and contexts influencing the implementation of blockchain technology to optimize supply chain management and prevent fraud in the luxury industry.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a qualitative approach based on the grounded theory method. Data are collected by semi-structured interviews with 12 stakeholders working on blockchain applications in the luxury business sector.FindingsHighlighting the problems faced by luxury brands' supply chains, this study presents blockchain technology as a solution for disintermediation, traceability and transparency in the luxury goods sector. The constraints faced by luxury brands incorporating this technology into their ecosystem include the knowledge gap, the multiplicity of third parties involved in the production process and bias toward short-term returns on investment.Originality/valueBlockchains promote greater transparency and efficiency within supply chains, which builds consumer trust and improves brand revenue. Considering luxury brands' reluctance to adopt blockchains, this study suggests that luxury firms adopt a staggered implementation of private blockchain networks starting with a small number of third-party suppliers.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document