Blockchain technology-enabled supply chain systems and supply chain performance: a resource-based view

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 841-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhavi Latha Nandi ◽  
Santosh Nandi ◽  
Hiram Moya ◽  
Hale Kaynak
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Process Time ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology

Purpose Using the resource-based theoretical view of the firm, this paper aims to explore how firms’ efforts to integrate blockchain technology (BCT) into their supply chain systems and activities enable certain supply chain capabilities and, consequently, improve their supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach Using an abductive research approach, a qualitative content analysis was conducted on 126 cases of firms attempting to implement a blockchain technology-enabled supply chain system (BCTeSCS). These firms spanning across multiple industries were identified using the Nexis Uni database. Findings Findings reveal that present BCTeSCS efforts are more-oriented toward improving operational-level capabilities (information sharing and coordination capabilities) than strategic-level capabilities (integration and collaboration capabilities). These operational and strategic-level capabilities alongside BCTeSCS deliver several supply chains performance outcomes such as quality compliance and improvement, process improvement, flexibility, reduced cost and reduced process time. However, outcomes may vary by industry type based on their uncertainties. Research limitations/implications Given the nascent state of BCT, accessibility to primary data about ongoing BCTeSCS efforts is limited. The presented framework is based on 126 cases of secondary information. Within this constraint, the paper finds scope to future empirical research by proposing a resource-based framework of BCTeSCS and related propositions. Practical implications The results and discussion of this study serve as useful guidance for practitioners involved in BCTeSCS integrations. Social implications The paper creates a BCTeSCS scenario for stakeholders to assume its potential socio-economic and socio-environmental pressures. Originality/value This paper is one of the initial attempts to examine BCTeSCS efforts across multiple industries, and thus, promises a broad future research scope.

Blockchain and maritime supply-chain performance: dynamic capabilities perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Lambourdiere ◽  
Elsa Corbin
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness

Purpose Maritime supply chains rely on electronic and paper-based processes, leading to efficiency bottlenecks. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theory for how implementing digitalization in the form of blockchain technology (BCT) can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of maritime supply chains. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper is grounded in dynamic capabilities, supply-chain management and digital supply-chain theories. Relevant literature is scrutinized to explain how BCT can improve supply-chain performance. Findings BCT mainly benefits supply-chain performance through the development of intangible capabilities, by leveraging the capabilities (resources) that maritime supply chains provide. Research limitations/implications This framework sets an analytical basis for future empirical research on BCT and maritime supply chains. As such, it can give only indications and aid in the theory-building process. Discussion on the value and effects of BCT on maritime supply chains is ongoing. Finally, the framework focuses on the application of one information technology in managing logistics activities, rather than taking a bundling approach. Practical implications Investments in digitalization improve the overall information sharing, coordination and visibility capabilities and performances of supply chains. Originality/value Although literature on BCT is extensive, this framework paper is the first to link BCT with dynamics capabilities and maritime supply-chain theory and will serve as a road map for future research and practice.

scholarly journals How the blockchain enables and constrains supply chain performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 376-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Sundtoft Hald ◽  
Aseem Kinra
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Technology ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the enabling and constraining roles of blockchain technology (BCT) in managerial work practices and conceptualise the technology–performance relationship in supply chain management (SCM). Design/methodology/approach A structured literature review and a theory-driven approach are used. A set of propositions are developed, suggesting how the use of BCT in supply chains can be understood to simultaneously enable and constrain SCM and performance. Findings The analysis identifies four enabling and three constraining blockchain identities to explain how the technology either “facilitates” or “impedes” SCM and supply chain performance. Traceability, which emanates from its ability to provide data immutability, ranks highly as a core innovation of the technology. The blockchain is mainly seen as an opportunity to exploit existing supply chain resources and competencies. Research limitations/implications One limitation of the research is its conceptual nature. Future research should test the developed propositions empirically. Further research should focus on BCT as an opportunity to explore and as a relationship-building technology. More research is also needed focussing on the complex and simultaneous enabling and constraining effects of BCT in supply chains. Originality/value The paper shows the important and complex Janus-faced implications of embedding BCT in supply chains and demonstrates how organisational theory can be applied to explore the relationship between blockchain and SCM.

Blockchain as supply chain technology: considering transparency and security

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei Xu ◽  
Joonghee Lee ◽  
James R. Barth ◽  
Robert Glenn Richey
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Text Mining ◽  
Information Security ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Use Cases ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Twitter Data ◽  
The Way

PurposeThis paper discusses how the features of blockchain technology impact supply chain transparency through the lens of the information security triad (confidentiality, integrity and availability). Ultimately, propositions are developed to encourage future research in supply chain applications of blockchain technology.Design/methodology/approachPropositions are developed based on a synthesis of the information security and supply chain transparency literature. Findings from text mining of Twitter data and a discussion of three major blockchain use cases support the development of the propositions.FindingsThe authors note that confidentiality limits supply chain transparency, which causes tension between transparency and security. Integrity and availability promote supply chain transparency. Blockchain features can preserve security and increase transparency at the same time, despite the tension between confidentiality and transparency.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted at a time when most blockchain applications were still in pilot stages. The propositions developed should therefore be revisited as blockchain applications become more widely adopted and mature.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to examine the way blockchain technology eases the tension between supply chain transparency and security. Unlike other studies that have suggested only positive impacts of blockchain technology on transparency, this study demonstrates that blockchain features can influence transparency both positively and negatively.

Blockchain technology development and implementation for global logistics operations: a reference model perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rukshanda Kamran ◽  
Nasreen Khan ◽  
Balan Sundarakani
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Traceability System ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Global Logistics

Purpose Blockchain technology offers a lot of potential benefits in supply chain management. However, there is a need of a reference model which addresses the gaps in existing frameworks. This paper aims to propose a blockchain technology-based reference model which can be applied to global logistics operations. Design/methodology/approach The researchers have integrated the fit-for-purpose theoretical framework and prototyping methodology to design the reference model, a blockchain-based logistics, tracking and traceability system (BLTTS). The researchers demonstrated the application of the reference model through a health-care supply chain case study. The proposed BLTTS can be implemented across global logistics operations for business performance improvement. Findings The research provides a framework and recommendations for global companies to consider when adopting the blockchain technology for implementation. The researchers found that the Ethereum blockchain technology improves security of the data shared within the block through the secure hashing algorithm 1. The hash algorithm ensures anonymity of the involved parties. The model integrates blockchain with supply chain thus creating transparent process, efficiency and real-time communication. Research limitations/implications The reference model will offer a better solution to global logistics operations challenges. It provides recommendations to key stakeholders involved in logistics operations segment of the logistics industry while adopting blockchain technology. Apart from the methodological limitation of the study, the system compatibility and the layer configuration aspects might be posing potential challenges while upscaling the implementation. Originality/value The proposed reference model overcomes the drawbacks of existing models as it integrates Ethereum technology. In addition, the researchers have applied the model to demonstrate its functioning in real-time environment, which could guide for future research.

Kinh and ethnic tourism stakeholder participation and collaboration in tourism planning in Sapa, Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 579-597
Author(s):  
Huy Van Nguyen ◽  
Lee Diane ◽  
David Newsome
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Stakeholder Participation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Tourism Planning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore the Kinh and ethnic stakeholders’ participation and collaboration in tourism planning in Sapa, Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach The primary data collection involved semi-structured interviews with 33 key tourism stakeholders, and data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings The findings reveal that in terms of participation and collaboration in tourism planning, there is little difference between the Kinh and ethnic groups. Tourism planning is viewed as a top-down approach, and both groups at the community level have very limited participation in tourism planning activities. However, at the on-site management level, there are opposing views between high (Kinh) and low (ethnic) management levels about participation in tourism planning. Both groups recognize the need for interdependence regarding collaboration in tourism planning. They also share similar aspects in regard to facilitating and hindering their participation in tourism planning. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study include the use of a qualitative method, which limited the number of respondents. Future research could benefit from the application of quantitative research methods to include a greater number of local tourism stakeholders. Practical implications This study contributes to a better understanding of tourism planning in the Vietnamese context and has some practical implications for destination management and policymaking. Originality/value This is the first study to investigate the perspectives of Kinh and ethnic groups in term of participation and collaboration in tourism planning in the Vietnamese context.

Segmental differences in pharmaceutical industry and its impact on supply chain performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 516-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saswati Tripathi ◽  
Krishnamachari Rangarajan ◽  
Bijoy Talukder
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pharmaceutical Firms ◽  
Capital Productivity ◽  
Financial Metrics

Purpose Pharmaceutical industry involves highly specialized business processes where strong research and development focus along with market differentiation and localization are the deciders of success. This has led to evolution of segments and complexities in supply chain. This paper aims to focus on segmental differences in supply chain performance of Indian Pharmaceutical firms. Design/methodology/approach This paper measures supply chain performance of select segmental players of the pharmaceutical industry using financial metrics and supply chain operations reference (SCOR) key performance indicators through a five-year timeline. The best performance results are compared across the segments to identify unique performance features, if any. The sample results are validated through hypothesis testing methodology. Findings This paper has evidenced that the innovators segment is performing better in cash-to-cash cycle time and supply chain working capital productivity, whereas generics segment is doing better in distribution cost efficiency and total cost to serve aspects. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on historical financial data of firms and measures the firm focused supply chain performance. The results may not be generalized in a global context but serve as a motivator for other researchers to take similar studies. The paper may further be analyzed with primary data of the firms to understand the segmental difference in customer focus supply chain performance measures. Practical implications This paper has brought out important segmental supply chain performance features of the Indian pharmaceutical firms and identified segment-specific problems by integrating SCOR KPIs and financial metrics. Originality/value This paper has integrated both SCOR KPIs and financial metrics to provide unique insights on segmental differences in the performance behavior of pharmaceutical supply chain.

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.

Blockchain and supply chain management integration: a systematic review of the literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciel M. Queiroz ◽  
Renato Telles ◽  
Silvia H. Bonilla
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Electric Power Industry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to identify, analyse and organise the literature about blockchains in supply chain management (SCM) context (blockchain–SCM integration) and proposes an agenda for future research. This study aims to shed light on what the main current blockchain applications in SCM are, what the main disruptions and challenges are in SCM because of blockchain adoption and what the future of blockchains holds in SCM. Design/methodology/approach This study followed the systematic review approach to analyse and synthesise the extant literature on blockchain–SCM integration. The review analysed 27 papers between 2008 and 2018 in peer-reviewed journals. Findings Blockchain–SCM integration is still in its infancy. Scholars and practitioners are not fully aware of the potential of blockchain technology to disrupt traditional business models. However, the electric power industry seems to have a relatively mature understanding of blockchain–SCM integration, demonstrated by the use of smart contracts. Additionally, the disintermediation provided by blockchain applications has the potential to disrupt traditional industries (e.g. health care, transportation and retail). Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study are represented mainly by the scarcity of studies on blockchain–SCM integration in leading journals and databases. Practical implications This study highlights examples of blockchain–SCM integration, emphasising the need to rethink business models to incorporate blockchain technology. Originality/value This study is the first attempt to synthesise existing publications about the blockchain–SCM integration, shedding light on the disruption caused by, and the necessity of, the SCM reconfigurations.

Tourist experience on traditional pastries in UNESCO heritage city

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (12) ◽  
pp. 3885-3897
Author(s):  
Cheng Ling Tan ◽  
Sook Fern Yeo
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Brand Image ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Design

PurposeIn recent years, the traditional pastries industry has gained popularity among tourists due to the advantage of the pastries location at UNESCO Heritage city, Penang. However, the little research focussed on this particular industry, and there is lack of evidence of the tourists' experience with the traditional pastries and how these attributes affect their revisit decision.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes a qualitative research design to gain in-depth understanding on tourists' thought and their repurchase decision. Secondary data were collected via TripAdvisor with 68 tourists who visited the most popular three pastries shops namely, Him Heang, Ghee Hiang and Min Xiang Tai, which are later analysed using qualitative content analysis.FindingsThe findings revealed that tourists generally concerned about the service quality, value, brand image and atmospherics that could affect their repurchasing decision. Particularly, the staff service quality has been viewed as the upmost important attribute to influence the tourists' decision. Therefore, the pastries shops shall ensure that the staff who serve the tourists shall be well trained to satisfy the tourists' enquiry.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation concerning the interpretation of the secondary data based on the feedbacks and comments of the tourists may derive the bias possibility. Future research might consider the large-scale primary data to extend the findings.Originality/valueLimited research exists on the tourists' experience which affects the repurchasing decision in pastries industry. This study provides valuable information for pastries shops and researchers interested in this area.

Evaluating interaction between internal hospital supply chain performance indicators: a rough-DEMATEL-based approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Soto Lopez ◽  
Maryam Garshasbi ◽  
Golam Kabir ◽  
A.B.M. Mainul Bari ◽  
Syed Mithun Ali
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Rough Set Theory ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Process Time ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results

PurposePrevious studies on hospital supply chain performance have attempted to measure the performance of the hospital supply chain either by the measurement of performance indicators or the performance of specific activities. This paper attempts to measure the internal hospital supply chain's performance indicators to find their interdependencies to understand the relationship among them and identify the key performance indicators for each of those aspects of the logistics process toward improvement.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, a systematic assessment and analysis method under vagueness is proposed to assess, analyze and measure the internal health care performance aspects (HCPA). The proposed method combines the group Decision-Making and Trial Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method and rough set theory.FindingsThe study results indicate that the most critical aspects of hospital supply chain performance are completeness of treatment, clinical care process time and no delay in treatment.Originality/valueThe causal relationship from rough-DEMATEL can advise management officials that to improve the completeness of treatment toward patient safety, clinical care process time should be addressed initially and with it, patient safety aspects such as free from error, clinical care productivity, etc. should be improved as well. Improvement of these aspects will improve the other aspects they are related to.

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