Blockchain in logistics industry: in fizz customer trust or not

Exploring real estate blockchain adoption: An empirical study based on an integrated task-technology fit and technology acceptance model

Although many organizations have adopted blockchain technology (BCT) for efficiency and automation and users' adoption of BCT is becoming crucial for the companies, few studies have focused on the factors affecting the adoption of BCT in real estate sector. This study aims to assess the factors affecting the adoption of BCT in real estate by the lens of an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Task-technology fit (TTF). This current study uses quantitative survey approach. Data were collected from 311 real sector buyers and sellers in China. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis. The study's findings indicate that attitude, perceived usefulness (PU) and data privacy and security (DPS) exerts highest influence in the proposed theoretical model. In addition, the findings also confirmed the significant impact of perceived ease of use (PEOU) on attitude, and TTF impact on PU and PEOU in adoption of BCT. Furthermore, the moderating impact of perceived compatibility (PC) on the relationship between TTF and PEOU was also confirmed. The study has useful practical implications for the real estate buyers and sellers that adoption of BCT improves efficiency, reduce transaction cost incur due to intermediaries, and enhance security system. Furthermore, the study suggests that automation achieved through BCT will facilitate customized agreements and improve process of title transfer.

An empirical study on logistic service quality, customer satisfaction, and cross-border repurchase intention

Domestic e-retailers acknowledge logistics service quality (LSQ) as a critical success factor in business excellence. However, exponential growth in cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) requires a re-evaluation of the relationship between LSQ and consumers repurchase intention. By integrating the technology acceptance model, this study investigates the impact of LSQ on repurchase intention based on the LSQ (experience)-satisfaction-repurchase intention consequence chain. Data were collected from 466 Chinese consumers who had engaged in online shopping with international vendors. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to examine the effectiveness of the research model. The results reveal that delivery service quality, return logistics services, and cross-border online shopping experiences significantly influence customer satisfaction. Nevertheless, the relationships between delivery information service, delivery stability, price fairness, and customer satisfaction are not supported. Price fairness, cross-border online shopping experience, and customer satisfaction positively affect cross-border repurchase intentions. Additionally, customer satisfaction mediates the relationships between LSQ, price fairness, cross-border online shopping experience, and repurchase intention. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on the cross-border dimension, introducing additional factors, such as price fairness and cross-border online shopping experiences, including other variables that affect LSQ and customer satisfaction, in contrast to domestic e-commerce. This study contributes to the literature by providing new insights into the complex dynamics of LSQ in CBEC and highlighting the nuanced role of customer satisfaction as a mediator in different market contexts. It offers empirical findings and valuable insights into the multiple dimensions of LSQ and customer satisfaction, thus contributing to the body of knowledge.

A Review on Blockchain Applications in Operational Technology for Food and Agriculture Critical Infrastructure

The food and agriculture sector is a cornerstone of critical infrastructure (CI), underpinning global food security, public health, and economic stability. However, the increasing digitalization and connectivity of operational technologies (OTs) in this sector expose it to significant cybersecurity risks. Blockchain technology (BT) has emerged as a transformative solution for addressing these challenges by enhancing network security, traceability, and system resilience. This study presents a comprehensive review of BT applications in OT security for food and agriculture CI, employing bibliometric and content analysis methods. A total of 124 relevant articles were identified from six databases, including the Web of Science Core Collection and MEDLINE®. Bibliometric analysis was conducted across five dimensions: publication year, literature type, journal distribution, country contributions, and keyword trends. The findings are meticulously organized through tables, charts, and graphs. The year 2018 marked a surge in research within this domain, with the IEEE Internet of Things Journal and IEEE ACESS emerging as the most prolific journals, each boasting nine publications. The United States, China, and India are at the forefront in terms of journal citation counts. Our analysis determined that a reference count of 37 serves as an appropriate threshold. Otoum Safa stands out as the author with the highest number of published articles, totaling four. Keywords such as "blockchain", "internet of things", "smart contract", "security", and "critical infrastructure" appear with significant frequency. The statistics, trends, and insights gleaned from this bibliometric analysis can guide researchers in the OTCI field to forge a coherent and logical research trajectory. Content analysis further identified six key research areas within this domain: identity authentication and data verification, secure access control, attack detection and perception, data security and protection, data backup and recovery, and attack assessment and attribution. Based on these insights, a general framework is proposed to guide future research and practical applications of BT in securing OT within food and agriculture CI. This study systematically analyzes the current research landscape, challenges, and opportunities for BT in securing the OT critical to food and agriculture CI. By bridging the gap between blockchain innovations and the operational needs of the food and agriculture sector, this work contributes to advancing strategic implementation and improving the security of CI systems.

The trends of blockchain in environmental management research: a bibliometric analysis

The emergence of blockchain technology has brought about disruptive challenges in multiple fields. Blockchain research has come into the global spotlight, particularly in the field of environmental management. The decentralized mechanism of blockchain conflicts with the centralized structure of environmental management; however, there is a need to review the literature on blockchain and its potential in environmental management. In this paper, we performed a bibliometric analysis to investigate publications on environmental management based on blockchain (EMBB) in the Web of Science (WOS). The distribution by journal, author, organization and keywords were measured by R Package in a descriptive analysis. The network analysis of research themes was visualized in VOS Viewer. The results show that research on EMBB is still in its infancy and lacks case studies. In terms of research trends, we conclude by suggesting future directions in EMBB. In summary, we propose a blockchain-based environmental management framework to provide a reference for regulators. The governance framework will inform policy by unravelling the challenges and opportunities presented by technological change for decision makers in environmental governance.

A multi-method study on the barriers of the blockchain technology application in the cold supply chains

Purpose

The cold supply chain industry is still emerging and digital transformation is in the nascent stage in this industry. This paper argues that there are various barriers to implementing blockchain technology in the cold supply chain and aims to develop and validate a model for overcoming key barriers to implementing blockchain technology in the cold supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The adoption of blockchain technology was proposed through interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and further it is validated using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

In this study, ten key barriers to implementing blockchain technology in the cold supply chain were identified, modelled and analysed. Poor leadership style of top management was found to be the most important barriers to implementing blockchain technology in the cold supply chain. The results of SEM indicate that all the paths are supported. The findings showcase the barriers responsible for the lack of blockchain technology infrastructure that ultimately impacts the cold supply chains.

Practical implications

This study highlights the fact that the fate of blockchain technology infrastructure development depends on the leadership style of top management. Demonstrating good leadership style by top management can help overcome the barriers. A good leader pulls the entire team instead of pushing the team. A good leader can guide the entire team to improve IT governance, financial investment, digital footprint, digital readiness, skills and collaboration with service providers to implement blockchain technology. Not only that, a good leader provides mental strength to the team and helps overcome the fear of implementing blockchain in the cold supply chain. A good leader demonstrates good administrative skills and focus on security and privacy policies.

Originality/value

This is a novel contribution towards analysing the key barriers to implementing blockchain technology in the South African cold supply chain using the integrated ISM–MICMAC and SEM approach.

Blockchain technology in supply chain management: an organizational theoretic overview and research agenda

Blockchain technology is touted as a game-changer. Many experts consider blockchain technology as one of the disruptive innovations. Following significant success in the banking and finance sector, blockchain technology has found significant success in all fields, including health, manufacturing, transportation, disaster relief operations, and many others. Recently, the academician has contributed significantly towards understanding blockchain technology and its application in the management field. To understand how the literature on blockchain technology in the supply chain has progressed, we undertook an extensive review of the literature published in peer-reviewed journals using databases such as SCOPUS. We have further classified our literature into four stages (pre-adoption, adoption, implementation, and application). Finally, we synthesized the findings of the study and proposed a research framework to explain how an organization can build supply chain resilience and enhance supply chain performance with the help of blockchain technology. Finally, we have noted the limitations of the study and future research directions.

Blockchain for sustainable supply chain management: trends and ways forward

Blockchain operates on a highly secured framework, and its decentralized consensus has benefits for supply chain sustainability. Scholars have recognized the growing importance of sustainability in supply chains and studied the potential of blockchain for sustainable supply chain management. However, no study has taken stock of high-quality research in this area. To address this gap, this paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview of high-quality research on blockchain for sustainable supply chain management. To do so, this paper conducts a systematic literature review using a bibliometric analysis of 146 high-quality articles on blockchain for sustainable supply chain management that have been published in journals ranked “A*”, “A”, and “B” by the Australian Business Deans Council and retrieved from the Scopus database. In doing so, this paper unpacks the most prominent journals, authors, institutions, and countries that have contributed to three major themes in the field, namely blockchain for sustainable business activities, decision support systems using blockchain, and blockchain for intelligent transportation system. This paper also reveals the use of blockchain for sustainable supply chain management across four major sectors, namely food, healthcare, manufacturing, and infrastructure, and concludes with suggestions for future research in each sector.

Blockchain for SME Clusters: An Ideation using the Framework of Ostrom Commons Governance

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) organize themselves into clusters by sharing a set of limited resources to achieve the holistic success of the cluster. However, these SMEs often face conflicts and deadlock situations that hinder the fundamental operational dynamics of the cluster due to varied reasons, including lack of trust and transparency in interactions, lack of common consensus, and lack of accountability and non-repudiation. Blockchain technology brings trust, transparency, and traceability to systems, as demonstrated by previous research and practice. In this paper, we explore the role of blockchain technology in building a trustworthy yet collaborative environment in SME clusters through the principles of community self-governance based on the work of Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom. We develop and present a blockchain commons governance framework for the three main dimensions i.e., interaction, autonomy, and control, based on the theoretical premise of equivalence mapping and qualitative analysis. This paper examines the role of blockchain technology to act as a guiding mechanism and support the smooth functioning of SMEs for their holistic good. The study focuses on sustainability and improving productivity of SMEs operating in clusters under public and private partnership. This is the first study to address the operational challenges faced by SEMs in clusters by highlighting the dimensions of blockchain commons governance dimensions.

Blockchain Technology in Operations & Supply Chain Management: A Content Analysis

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.

Classifications of Sustainable Factors in Blockchain Adoption: A Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Blockchain is a cutting-edge technology that is transforming and reshaping many industries. Hence, the adoption of Blockchain is becoming an increasingly significant topic. The number of publications discussing the potential of Blockchain adoption has been expanding significantly. In addition, not enough attention has been given to Blockchain adoption in the software development industry. As a result, a systematic overview to investigate the research trends in this area is needed. This study uses a Scientometric analysis and critical review to examine the evolution of Blockchain adoption research on the Web of Science Principal Collection. In addition, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify gaps in Blockchain adoption research and the top reasons for adopting Blockchain with the intention of proposing a sustainable adoption framework. This study extends the body of knowledge by discussing the most influential countries, authors, organizations, publication themes, and most cited publications on Blockchain adoption research. Additionally, this study identifies the 30 relevant studies from the Web of Science and Scopus, including their industries, countries, methods, and respondent sample size, and the top 18 adoption factors among them. Consequently, this study proposes a suitable Blockchain adoption framework based on these top 18 factors. Finally, this study’s aim and unique contribution is to serve as an initial launching point for upcoming Blockchain adoption in software development industry research.

How blockchain technology can be a sustainable infrastructure for the agrifood supply chain in developing countries

Purpose

This study aims to formulate a conceptual sustainable framework for developing a trusted, reliable, scalable, transparent, traceable and sustainable agri-food supply chain in a developing country so that it minimizes wastage and increases the efficiency levels of agri-produce and its usage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a rigorous review of extant literature, case studies and the interview method for theory building, using blockchain technology (BT) as a subject. Further, the study builds a framework to relate blockchain solutions to the challenges faced by the agri-supply chain. Notably, the use of BT in the agri-food supply chain is a relatively new area of study.

Findings

Limitations of using BT 3.0 in a diverse supply chain like the food sector, especially in a developing country such as India, may be overcome by adopting BT 4.0 and could change the country’s face by controlling inefficiencies and ensuring transparency, helping in good governance, improving the humanitarian supply chain and integrating the bottom of the pyramid to the main economy. Based on the findings, this study proposes BT 4.0 for the agri-supply chain in India to deal with the current issues of demand-supply gap, wastages of agri-produce, unequal distribution of profit among agriproduct producers and logistics suppliers and ensuring sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

Results in this study have been derived from a specific demographic condition in India. Future research with other demographic conditions may be replicated. BT is a new technology product, and its effectiveness is yet to be established.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study provides the application of BT 4.0 in the area of the agri-food supply chain. The BT 4.0 framework has been developed on studying a few cases that either implemented BT or were in the testing phase. The benefits of the agri-food supply chain vis-à-vis its overall social well-being may be achieved on the successful implementation of the framework, despite existing complexities in the food supply chain. Further research on this subject may help the other dimensions of the complexity of adopting BT 4.0. Both practitioners and policymakers from developing countries can, therefore, use the findings of this study to analyze BT 4.0 and address the concerns of the agri-food supply chain.

Originality/value

This research paper has proposed a conceptual framework of BT 4.0, which is a completely new technology. It is fairly transparent, and therefore sustainable supply chain practices may be achieved easily.

Conceptualizing the role of blockchain in omnichannel healthcare: a Delphi study

Purpose

This study aims to identify the challenges in the healthcare industry as it adopts an omnichannel setup in an emerging economy context. Further, the study determines the scope of blockchain in addressing these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative approach to understand the challenges in the omnichannel healthcare industry and know the scope of blockchain in building an omnichannel healthcare system. In the first stage, it did an in-depth analysis of the extant literature, followed by a Delphi study with 24 healthcare experts.

Findings

The study presents the current challenges in the omnichannel healthcare sector in an emerging economy. Further, it develops a novel conceptual framework for blockchain adoption in the omnichannel healthcare industry. The study also presents propositions that will help healthcare service providers enhance decision-making concerning the adoption of blockchain in the healthcare industry.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may lack generalizability due to the exploratory approach and emerging economies context. Theoretically, in this study, the authors extend the theory of swift trust and organization information processing theory in an omnichannel healthcare context.

Practical implications

The propositions provided in this paper can help healthcare managers make strategic decisions on the scope of adoption of blockchain for omnichannel healthcare.

Originality/value

This study explores the understudied area of challenges in omnichannel healthcare and the scope of blockchain for omnichannel healthcare in an emerging economy context.

Modeling the blockchain readiness challenges for product recovery system

Product Recovery System (PRS) transfers products from their typical final place to their source to arrest some value on the product. There are obstructions, such as costs, associated with the modification of accounts and assessment of products and refunds associated with the implementation of PRS. Blockchain Technology (BCT) emerged as an innovative approach to constructing trust in a trust less environment and assures the availability, traceability, and security in data management. It also presents a valuable solution to PRS. This study aims to analyze the Blockchain Readiness Challenges (BRCs) to PRS in the context of manufacturing industries. The study observes 20 readiness challenges linked with the implementation of BCT in PRS. The BRCs are identified from the literature survey and confirmed after consequent examinations with industry experts and researchers. The study employed a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) i.e., the Decision-Making Trial And Evaluation Laboratory (Fuzzy DEMATEL) approach to find the cause-and-effect interactions to prioritize BRCs. The Maximum Mean De-Entropy (MMDE) algorithm was adopted to establish the threshold value based on the information entropy of the interactions among the BRCs for PRS. The fuzzy set theory was adopted to tackle the uncertainty and vagueness of personnel biases and data deficiency problems. The findings from this study reveal that inadequate financing for PRS exercises, lack of governance and standards, and security challenges to BCT implementation are the most influential readiness challenges for the adoption of blockchain in PRS. The study is useful to manufacturing organizations for identifying the potential BRCs to implement PRS among all existing readiness challenges so that they can take suitable measures before proceeding to adopt blockchain in PRS. The managers are suggested to eliminate the readiness challenges and widen the blockchain technology adoption in PRS.

Investigating the Integration of Industry 4.0 and Lean Principles on Supply Chain: A Multi-Perspective Systematic Literature Review

The development of digital technologies in all aspects of human life leads to increasing the necessity for investigating them in the Supply Chain (SC) as the main channel to provide products. Moreover, Lean principles, with the aim of reducing wastes, could be one of the main research streams in SC in recent years. Therefore, it is valuable to figure out the mutual effects of Lean principles and digital technologies as two growing areas in SC. Previous works did not pay attention to investigating this relationship at the SC level and were more focused on the production level. However, the present work addresses this issue by conducting a multi-perspective Systematic Literature Review (SLR). Additionally, in the present SLR, the impact of individual Industry 4.0 technologies in relation to Lean principles was investigated from various SC perspectives. The results reveal the necessity of studying single SC processes in Lean Digital SC. Moreover, the applicability of each technology should be illustrated to alleviate SC operational and organizational issues. The results provide useful insights about applying single digital technologies as well as a combination of them to each SC process to solve specific issues.

Blockchain for smart manufacturing systems: a survey

Purpose

Smart manufacturing is the prime gripper for the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry. Smart manufacturing systems (SMSs) largely determine how smart manufacturing evolves in technical and organizational dimensions and how it realizes values in products, production or services. SMSs are growing rapidly and receiving tons of attention from academic research and industrial practice. However, the development of SMSs is still in its fancy, and many issues wait to be identified and solved, such as single point failures, low transparency and ineffective resource sharing. Blockchain, an emerging technology deriving from Bitcoin, is competent to aid SMSs to conquer troubles due to its decentralization, traceability, trackability, disintermediation, auditability and etc. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the blockchain applications in SMSs, seek out the challenges faced by blockchain-enabled SMSs (BSMSs) and provide referable research directions and ideas.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review as a survey is conducted in this paper. The survey starts by introducing blockchain concepts, followed by the descriptions of a literature review method and the blockchain applications throughout the product life cycle in SMSs. Then, the key issues and challenges confronting BSMSs are discussed and some possible research directions are also proposed. It finally presents qualitative and quantitative descriptions of BSMSs, along with some conclusions and implications.

Findings

The findings of this paper present a deep understanding about the current status and challenges of blockchain adoption in SMSs. Furthermore, this paper provides a brand new thinking for future research.

Originality/value

This paper minutely analyzes the impacts that blockchain exerts on SMSs in view of the product life cycle, and proposes using the complexity science thinking to deal with BSMSs qualitatively and quantitatively, including tackling the current major problems BSMSs face. This research can serve as a foundation for future theoretical studies and enterprise practice.

Blockchain Technology Adoption in Supply Chain Finance

Supply Chain Finance (SCF) faces the complex problem of implementing inventory, purchase order and accounts receivable financing automation in terms of transaction data trust and validation. This paper aims to explore how blockchain technology adoption solves the SCF problem using a multi-case method based on the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM). With purposive sampling, 30 cases were selected on the criteria of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use in solving SCF problems. The results show that trust, validity and distributed ledger transaction data as perceived usefulness are the main drivers of blockchain adoption because it provides solutions to SCF automation problems such as Know Your Customer (KYC), accounting, and transaction settlement. Smart contracts offer easy and fast transactions such as in L/C export processing as perceived ease to use. Of the 30 blockchain projects, 21 offer the usefulness of automated accounts receivable financing, 15 offer easy-to-use purchase order financing and 8 offer easy-to-use inventory financing processes. This study provides the current state of blockchain technology adoption by exploring 30 real application cases in SCF globally. Blockchain advantages provide automation solutions in global supply SCF practices with smart contracts, transparency and security of distributed ledger data feature.

Factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology in innovative Italian companies: an extended TAM approach

Purpose

The present research aims to identify the determinants for users' behavioral adoption of Blockchain, exploring the relationships among these variables and investigating whether the proposed model can provide a more comprehensive manner to understand the adoption of Blockchain technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) approach and extends it with external constructs: “reduced cost” and “efficiency and security”. This paper used a quantitative and exploratory approach through the collection and analysis of data from a total of 108 Italian innovative SME. We have used the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach using SmartPLS for model evaluation.

Findings

The results show that “efficiency and security” is an important driver of firms' decision-making process to adopt Blockchain. Moreover, the results show that perceived usefulness is a strong predictor of the intention to use Blockchain in business processes.

Originality/value

This research advances the literature on technology adoption in business processes, focusing on a particular technology: Blockchain. The field has been strengthened by investigating the determinants of technology adoption, adding new perspectives; both reduced cost and efficiency, and security.

Enhancing training effectiveness for organizations through blockchain-enabled training effectiveness measurement (BETEM)

Purpose

Due to technology advancement or transparency in system, there is a constant inflow and outflow of technology in the business for transparency and efficiency. To seize a competitive advantage, companies have emerged new technological solutions to respond to the change in the organization environment. There is a surge in the requirement of learning opportunities and effective training programs in the organization. The current study has been an effort to understand the potential of blockchain technology that can create better training evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The electronic-Delphi (e-Delphi) method has been conducted by recording the final consensus and to find a balance for implementation of blockchain technology and measuring training effectiveness. The current research is one of its new types where blockchain-enabled training effectiveness measurement (BETEM) model has been formulated using a qualitative approach.

Findings

The study has considered human resource (HR) professionals as the experts and based on their responses, the formulation of theoretical network model has been structured using e-Delphi–BETEM (e-DLH–BETEM) approach. By critically examining the experts’ responses and comments, the study formulated the four major themes and 11 subthemes for the smooth functioning of the BETEM for an organization.

Research limitations/implications

The research aims to aid innovations in BETEMs model for training evaluation. The model will contribute incrementally toward the complete transformation of the training development programs of employees. The goal of BETEMs is to ensure that organizations, specifically HR personals can prepare themselves to have competitive advantage by using blockchain technology.

Originality/value

The application of blockchain technology in measuring the training effectiveness is an addition to existing literature as majority of existing studies have studied the use of technology for measuring training effectiveness.