Blockchain will lead next global tech revolution

Subject Blockchain technology in finance. Significance Blockchain is a cryptographically enabled database technology that can make many transactions free of counterparty risks and nearly instantaneous, eliminating transaction costs. It was created and tested with bitcoin, a cryptocurrency. The financial industry is interested in it, given its scale and need for reliability and speed. Impacts Blockchain use could expand beyond cryptocurrencies, with the financial industry leading it towards real-life applications. As the blockchain technology could be disruptive, banks are attempting to influence and direct its development early on. Corporate strategists will be the predominant investors in blockchain start-ups rather than traditional venture capital.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Vivaldini

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Himani Mishra ◽  
M. Venkatesan

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to understand the views of employees about the application of distributed ledger database technology blockchain, in area of human resource management (HRM) of organizations. The current study aims to understand the views of both HR and non-HR employees of how they assess the current scenario of HRM in their organizations, their awareness about the blockchain technology and their opinion about the scope of application of blockchain in HRM.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 158 employees was collected consisting of employees working in both HR and non-HR profiles across various organizations. Chi-square test of homogeneity, log-linear analysis and basic frequencies were used to analyze the data.FindingsThe results revealed that there was no difference in viewpoints of HR and non-HR employees across all contexts related to blockchain in HRM. The study also analyzed the opinion of employees regarding advantages, organizational barriers and probable usages of blockchain in HRM.Research limitations/implicationsThe study will provide an insight to the organization decision-makers who are willing to roll out Industry 4.0 technology blockchain in HRM and beliefs of employees regarding acceptance of such change in organization.Originality/valueThis study will be a novel attempt to understand the scope of application of blockchain technology in HRM of organizations in Indian context.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-97
Author(s):  
Dhruman Gohil ◽  
Shivangi Viral Thakker

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-188
Author(s):  
Yoke Yue Kan

Purpose The purpose of this study is to review and evaluate the salient features of stock market manipulation in Malaysia. The research questions used are: Who was involved? How it happened? What were the consequences? Design/methodology/approach This study has been conducted using content and thematic analysis. This study includes multiple sources of information to help establish the stylized facts and it uses cases that have been prosecuted in Malaysia for 2005-2015. Findings This study presents arguments and empirical data supporting the view that the stock market manipulation was conducted by those in a privileged position and with access to information. Ethical failure, involving greed, self-interest, dishonesty and a preoccupation with a quick profit, could explain why stock market manipulation happened. Manipulation harms legitimate investors, as share prices and earnings of companies are affected. Practical implications A better understanding about the prevalence, characteristics and consequences of the market manipulation problems will be useful for stakeholders, investors and policymakers in the financial industry for promoting and maintaining a fair, efficient and transparent stock market. Originality/value The originality of this paper lies in examining and presenting interpretations based on contemporary phenomenon within the real-life context of Malaysia. There is little study or literature that focuses on Malaysia, especially in examining stock market manipulation by integrating finance and management perspectives to form a comprehensive understanding of the issue.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Raihanul Hasan ◽  
Shiming Deng ◽  
Neegar Sultana ◽  
Muhammed Zakir Hossain

PurposeBlockchain technology, a key feature of the fourth industrial revolution, is receiving widespread attention and exploration around the world. Taking the coronavirus pandemic as an example, the purpose of this study to examine the application of blockchain technology from the perspective of epidemic prevention and control.Design/methodology/approachExploring multiple case studies in the Chinese context at various stages of deployment, this study documents a framework about how some of the major challenges associated with COVID-19 can be alleviated by leveraging blockchain technology.FindingsThe case studies and framework presented herein show that utilization of blockchain acts as an enabler to facilitate the containment of several COVID-19 challenges. These challenges include the following: complications associated with medical data sharing; breaches of patients' data privacy; absence of real-time monitoring tools; counterfeit medical products and non-credible suppliers; fallacious insurance claims; overly long insurance claim processes; misappropriations of funds; and misinformation, rumors and fake news.Originality/valueBlockchain is ushering in a new era of innovation that will lay the foundation for a new paradigm in health care. As there are currently insufficient studies pertaining to real-life case studies of blockchain and COVID-19 interaction, this study adds to the literature on the role of blockchain technology in epidemic control and prevention.


Subject Recent developments in the creation and regulation of cryptocurrencies. Significance IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde warned at the organisation's annual meeting this month that cryptocurrencies are about to create "massive disruption" and that central banks and the financial industry need to pay close attention. She also cited IMF initiatives to explore the use of blockchain technology for the IMF's 'special drawing right' (SDR). China has recently clamped down on cryptocurrencies, curbing trading and banning 'initial coin offerings'. Impacts Governments will try to impose control while also seeking to harness the underlying technology for their own purposes. Some smaller countries will try to establish themselves as friendly 'crypto-jurisdictions', pioneering regulatory and legal frameworks. Underlying blockchain platforms are evolving; bitcoin and ethereum have had mandatory upgrades of their protocol software this year.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anup Kumar

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analytically examine the viability of using blockchain technology (BT) in a public distribution system (PDS) supply chain to overcome issues of shrinkage, misplacement and ghost demand.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a standard news vendor model with two objectives, the first of which includes a reduction of the total cost of stock, while the second includes minimization of the negative impact of human suffering due to the nonavailability of subsidized food supplies to the needy people.FindingsThe authors applied the model to a real-life case to draw meaningful insights. The authors also analyzed the cost/benefit tradeoff of adopting BT in a PDS supply chain. The results show that the adoption of BT in a charitable supply chain can reduce pilferage and ghost demand significantly.Originality/valueThe paper is positioned for utilizing inventory visibility via consistent and tamper-resistant data stream flow capability of BT to enhance the overall efficiency of PDS. Notably, Indian PDS faces three major challenges in terms of its supply chain efficiency.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-192
Author(s):  
Alexander Styhre ◽  
Maria Norbäck

PurposePassion and interest are the two principal drivers of competitive capitalism, and reconciling the two is conducive to a dynamic and welfare-generating economic system. On the level of the individual, the same categories can be applied to examining, for example, career choices, at times violating propositions regarding rational expectations as some categories of work include lower economic compensation or higher levels of risk than would be attractive to the median job applicant. The purpose of this paper is to examine how venture workers, employees of life, thinly capitalize science ventures, justify their career choices and how they act in order to create economic security for themselves and their families.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a qualitative data collection methodology and reports on empirical research material from a study of co-workers at life science start-ups. The sample includes salaried employees working at venture capital-backed start-up companies in the life science sector.FindingsThe study indicates that passionate preferences regarding, for example, meaningful work in collaboration with peers, and the ability to participate in the creation of a new venture, have overshadowed the downside risks and the lower level of economic compensationvis-à-viscomparable work. Such findings indicate that deeply meaningful work is a useful analytical category, and that combinations of the favorable market pricing of skills and experiences, as well as state-funded welfare mechanisms, cushioning some of the market risk that employees are exposed to, will provide opportunities for venture labor, i.e. work done at thinly capitalized firms, such as start-ups,per secontributing to a dynamic industry.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the innovation management literature as it examines the key role of salaried venture workers, i.e. workers that do not hold contracts, granting them the right to compensation when venture capital investors make an exit. In addition, the study also discusses the literature on deeply meaningful work, stressing that this is a useful analytical category.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Herold ◽  
Sara Saberi ◽  
Mahtab Kouhizadeh ◽  
Simon Wilde

Purpose In response, the purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical frameworks about the organizational uncertainty behind what and when to adopt blockchain technology and their implications on transaction costs. The immature nature and the absence of standards in blockchain technology lead to uncertainty in government organizations concerning the adoption (“what to adopt”) and the identification of the right time (“when to start”). Design/methodology/approach Using transaction cost theory and path dependency theory, this paper proposes two frameworks: to assess transaction cost risks and opportunities costs; and to depict four different types of transaction costs outcomes regarding blockchain adoption. Findings This paper identifies various theoretical concepts that influence blockchain adoption and combine the two critical constructs of “bounded rationality” and the “lock-in effect” to categorize the multiple transaction costs outcomes for blockchain adoption. Research limitations/implications Although existing research in blockchain highlights mainly the potential benefits of blockchain applications, only a little attention has been given to frameworks that categorize potential transaction costs outcomes under uncertainty, in particular from organizational theorists. Originality/value Both frameworks advance the understanding of the decision-making behind blockchain adoption and synthesize the current literature to offer conceptual clarity regarding the varied implications and outcomes linked to the uncertainty regarding transactions costs stemming from blockchain technology.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Achilleas Boukis

Purpose The purpose of this conceptual paper is to delve into the implications of blockchain technology adoption for brands and consumers. Drawing on the existing branding literature and real-life applications of blockchain, the challenges, risks and opportunities from blockchain adoption for four important areas of the branding literature are canvassed (i.e. brand positioning and corporate brand image, consumer–brand relationships, online brand communication and consumers’ trust in the brand). Also, a future-oriented discussion is provided that highlights some important avenues for researchers in the field. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper sheds light on the potential implications of blockchain technology for brand–consumer relationships. To do so, an analytical review of the blockchain literature is conducted, the nature of blockchain technology is presented and its unique features and functions for brand–consumer interactions are discussed. Findings This paper ignites an exploratory discussion around how blockchain applications and platforms can affect consumer–brand relationships, drawing on a number of real-life examples of blockchain adoption. This discussion sheds light on how blockchain features can impact on various areas of interest for strategic brand management, such as the adoption of digital currencies, brand storytelling, use of blockchain-enabled loyalty programmes, role of intermediaries in online advertising, counterfeit consumption, brand transparency and trust for brands in online marketplaces, amongst others. Originality/value This is one of the first conceptual efforts in the branding literature that draws on the scarce existing knowledge around blockchain adoption and discusses the potential implications of blockchain technology for brands and consumers whilst also providing directions for future research.


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