Blockchain-Based Information Management for Supply Chain Data-Platforms
02 Sep 2021-Applied Sciences (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)-Vol. 11, Iss: 17, pp 8161
TL;DR: This study conducted eighteen interviews with international experts from different areas and analyzed the collected data following a grounded theory approach to summarize how blockchain-based supply chains fit in with supplier relationship management processes and financial business units for international trade.
Abstract: Performance measurement and information management are vital assets for supply chain management. In this study, we analyzed the effective combination between blockchain technologies and supply chain management processes. We conducted eighteen interviews with international experts from different areas and analyzed the collected data following a grounded theory approach. We have identified five main categories in this area including accounting and administration, trust, data platform, interoperability, and disintermediation. The main findings concluded with a set of seven statements as key elements to summarize how blockchain-based supply chains fit in with supplier relationship management processes and financial business units for international trade. The seven statements also recommend future research activities and trajectories.
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TL;DR: In this paper , the authors employ a data-driven content analysis approach to examine previous research on blockchain technology in operations management and supply chain management, and identify trends, interrelated themes, and promising research opportunities.
Abstract: Scholars are increasingly examining how the distributed blockchain technology can counter specific supply chain and operations management challenges. Various research approaches emerge from different scholarly backgrounds, but the interrelation of research areas and current trends has not been adequately considered in a systematic review. We employ a data-driven content analysis approach to examine previous research on blockchain technology in operations management and supply chain management. We investigate the extent to which blockchain technology was considered in scholarly works, structure the research efforts, and identify trends, interrelated themes, and promising research opportunities. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis is conducted on an extensive literature sample of 410 articles. Results indicate an optimistic attitude due to potentials such as tracking and tracing abilities, efficiency increases, and trust-building. Conceptual studies dominate the literature set, with increasing qualitative research efforts. Grand theories are seldomly addressed in the studies. Blockchain technology is outlined as particularly useful when combined with other technologies like IoT. We also identified sustainability implications of the technology, such as enabling transparency for SC stakeholders. Cryptocurrencies can facilitate further efficiency gains if legal uncertainties are reduced. The study is concluded with managerial and theoretical implications and future research opportunities.
9 citations
TL;DR: This study conducted 18 interviews with international experts from different sectors and analyzed the collected data using the grounded theory approach, identifying four major categories that blockchain-based digital business strategies may play in SC operations.
Abstract: Blockchains play a crucial role in the digitalization of future supply chains (SCs). In this study, we analyzed the major influences that blockchain-based digital business strategies may play in SC operations. We conducted 18 interviews with international experts from different sectors and analyzed the collected data using the grounded theory approach, identifying four major categories. A set of three matrices is presented to address those elements that may support digital transition procedures in SCs: (1) value of trust and automation, (2) transformative role for operations, and (3) digital business strategy identification. As an additional result, a reference framework was identified for the evaluation and detection of those aspects to be taken into consideration during blockchain adoption in SCs. For use as a guide, this result comprises 22 recommendations and was framed in four progressive steps as follows: (1) identify, (2) assess, (3) design, and (4) assure.
6 citations
TL;DR: A decentralized water resource information management system for the whole process of “supply-use-consumption-discharge,” which improves the traditional water data storage and a reliable mechanism for tracing water quality ensures the accuracy and reliability of water quality information.
Abstract: At present, water resource information management in China is mainly a centralized model, and there exist some problems such as high cost, low efficiency, and data storage insecurity. Blockchain technology provides a good solution which can create an efficient trust mechanism among the links in the process of water resource utilization. It guarantees the security of the data, avoiding the sudden collapse of the central institutions caused by some normal operations of the entire system. Based on a decentralization blockchain, we propose a decentralized water resource information management system for the whole process of “supply-use-consumption-discharge,” which improves the traditional water data storage. Specifically, the monitoring and business data are encrypted by the blockchain and are transmitted using a peer-to-peer network. Moreover, the centralized management mode is changed and part of the management work is dispersed to each node. Thus, decisions and measures can be made and implemented quickly after discovering problems to improve the efficiency of information transmission and management. In addition, two typical blockchain-based application scenarios for water resource management are designed. A blockchain-based approach makes issuing and monitoring water abstraction permits more convenient and obtaining license information more secure and verifiable. A reliable mechanism for tracing water quality ensures the accuracy and reliability of water quality information, enables the detection of locations with inadequate water quality, and clarifies people’s responsibility, thus guaranteeing the water safety of the residents.
5 citations
TL;DR: When someone mentions the word blockchain, we find ourselves thinking of words such as decentralization and smart contracts as mentioned in this paper , which is a common way of thinking about decentralization in terms of smart contracts.
Abstract: When someone mentions the word blockchain, we find ourselves thinking of words such as decentralization and smart contracts [...]
TL;DR: In this article , the authors present a bibliometric analysis of international business management, developed to know the new trends in the study area and its current situation, and investigate the evolution of International Business Management and its contributions to the new global industrial and economic trends.
Abstract: This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of international business management, developed to know the new trends in the study area and its current situation. The work investigates the evolution of international business management and its contributions to the new global industrial and economic trends. This study focuses on making significant contributions that will provide an appropriate path for opening new research. A meta-analysis is carried out with bibliometrix (software) and the R-Studio statistical package to monitor the most recent trends in this field of study in the scientific articles of the SCOPUS database. Finally, the top results point to a new perspective in international business management. It is possible to highlight four new realities that require greater attention: the growth of populism and economic nationalism, sustainable development and climate change, new digital technologies, and changes in power relations.
References
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TL;DR: There is a distinct tradition in the literature on social science research methods that advocates the use of multiple methods as mentioned in this paper, which is usually described as one of convergent methodology, multimethod/multitrait (Campbell and Fiske, 1959), convergent validation or, what has been called "triangulation".
Abstract: December 1979, volume 24 There is a distinct tradition in the literature on social science research methods that advocates the use of multiple methods. This form of research strategy is usually described as one of convergent methodology, multimethod/multitrait (Campbell and Fiske, 1959), convergent validation or, what has been called "triangulation" (Webb et al., 1 966). These various notions share the conception that qualitative and quantitative methods should be viewed as complementary rather than as rival camps. In fact, most textbooks underscore the desirability of mixing methods given the strengths and weaknesses found in single method designs.
7,449 citations
TL;DR: The conclusion is that the blockchain-IoT combination is powerful and can cause significant transformations across several industries, paving the way for new business models and novel, distributed applications.
Abstract: Motivated by the recent explosion of interest around blockchains, we examine whether they make a good fit for the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. Blockchains allow us to have a distributed peer-to-peer network where non-trusting members can interact with each other without a trusted intermediary, in a verifiable manner. We review how this mechanism works and also look into smart contracts—scripts that reside on the blockchain that allow for the automation of multi-step processes. We then move into the IoT domain, and describe how a blockchain-IoT combination: 1) facilitates the sharing of services and resources leading to the creation of a marketplace of services between devices and 2) allows us to automate in a cryptographically verifiable manner several existing, time-consuming workflows. We also point out certain issues that should be considered before the deployment of a blockchain network in an IoT setting: from transactional privacy to the expected value of the digitized assets traded on the network. Wherever applicable, we identify solutions and workarounds. Our conclusion is that the blockchain-IoT combination is powerful and can cause significant transformations across several industries, paving the way for new business models and novel, distributed applications.
3,129 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual model that provides guidance for future supply chain decision-making and research is proposed, based on a review of the literature and management practice, it is clear that there is a need for some level of coordination of activities and processes within and between organizations in the supply chain that extends beyond logistics.
Abstract: Practitioners and educators have variously addressed the concept of supply chain management (SCM) as an extension of logistics, the same as logistics, or as an all‐encompassing approach to business integration. Based on a review of the literature and management practice, it is clear that there is a need for some level of coordination of activities and processes within and between organizations in the supply chain that extends beyond logistics. We believe that this is what should be called SCM. This article proposes a conceptual model that provides guidance for future supply chain decision‐making and research.
2,789 citations
TL;DR: Roy Suddaby is asked to tackle another “big issue” that the editorial team has noticed with respect to qualitative submissions to AMJ: overly generic use of the term “grounded theory” and confusion regarding alternative epistemological approaches to qualitative research.
Abstract: Editor’s Note. Three years ago, I invited Robert (Bob) Gephart to write a “From the Editors” column designed to help authors improve their chances of success when submitting qualitative research to AMJ. Judging from the increasing number of qualitative studies that have been accepted and published in AMJ since that time, I would like to think that his article, “Qualitative Research and the Academy of Management Journal,” has had a positive impact. Continuing in this tradition, I asked Roy Suddaby—an excellent reviewer (and author) of qualitative research—to tackle another “big issue” that the editorial team has noticed with respect to qualitative submissions to AMJ: overly generic use of the term “grounded theory” and confusion regarding alternative epistemological approaches to qualitative research. Like Bob before him, Roy has, I believe, produced an analysis that will greatly benefit those who are relatively new to qualitative research or who have not yet had much success in getting their qualitative research published. Hopefully, Roy’s analysis will help even more authors to succeed, thus allowing AMJ and other journals to continue to increase the quality of insights provided by rich qualitative studies of individual, organizational, and institutional phenomena. Sara L. Rynes
2,598 citations
TL;DR: This paper critically examines how blockchains, a potentially disruptive technology that is early in its evolution, can overcome many potential barriers and proposes future research propositions and directions that can provide insights into overcoming barriers and adoption of blockchain technology for supply chain management.
Abstract: Globalisation of supply chains makes their management and control more difficult. Blockchain technology, as a distributed digital ledger technology which ensures transparency, traceability, and sec...
1,637 citations