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The main aim of this study is to explore the role of blockchain technology in the sustainability and effectiveness of the pharmaceutical supply chain in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The objectives of this study are: to explore the opportunities for the blockchain technology to address the existing problems in the pharmaceutical supply chain; to uncover the barriers and challenges of blockchain adoption and implementation; to develop guidelines for a successful implementation of blockchain in the context of Saudi Arabia; and to investigate the perceptions of professionals about the impact of blockchain adoption in the pharmaceutical supply chain sector. The researchers have identified issues surrounding the lack of integration of IT systems in the healthcare systems in KSA. Further problems have been identified: such as medication shortage, lack of coordination among healthcare stakeholders, product wastage and lack of medication demand information. Blockchain, as a distributed digital ledger technology which ensures transparency, traceability and security, is considered as a promise for easing some supply chain management problems. The evaluation of the impact of 'Technology, Organisation, Environment' (TOE) theory, will provide a clear picture to comprehend the influence of these factors on the sustainability of the supply chain, and thus the supply chain effectiveness. This study provides a theoretical model for the impact of blockchain implementation on the sustainability and effectiveness of the pharmaceutical supply chain. Researchers highlighted issues in the current management of the pharmaceutical supply chain and explained how blockchain can be used to solve these problems and how blockchain can address and support the sustainability of supply chains. While the technology of blockchain is definitely in its infancy, the researchers have already seen success in its everyday deployment, especially in the pharmaceutical and financial sectors.

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This research has recommended a conceptual framework for considering the online buying behavior factors which they are namely privacy, trust, perceived value and the firm reputation that they have an impact on the electronic satisfaction of customers. To test the conceptual framework, SPSS has been used to analyze the data collected from 146 online buyer customers in Malaysia. The results of the study indicate online buying behavior factors which they are namely privacy, trust, perceived value and the firm reputation are significantly and positively related to e-satisfaction of the customer. Moreover, according to the demographic characteristics it can be guidance for the online business firms or organization to identify the problems to take actions to attract more online shopping consumers in Malaysia.

Aim/PurposeAn important objective of any firm is escalation of its performance and the achievement of competitive advantages. Supply chain agility plays a prominent role to enhance the level of firm's performance. Moreover, information technology (IT) plays a foundational role in supply chain management practices. Hence, this study proposes the relationship between IT integration as the competency of IT and firm's market performance both directly and through mediating role of supply chain agility. Background Many studies have been done to date on the impact of supply chain agility on overall firm's performance. However, the effect of an agile supply chain on firm's market performance per se needs to be studied. Furthermore, there is a gap in the literature about the effect of IT competency such as IT integration on firm's market performance both directly and through mediating role of supply chain agility. Recommendation for ResearchersThe first direction this study gives to researchers is to consider the different factors which have significant effect on the agility of supply chain, particularly the IT related ones. The second direction is about the study on the effect of IT competencies and supply chain agility on each category of firm's performance separately instead of considering it as a one construct. Impact on Society Although this is a conceptual study, it can highlight the importance of IT competency not only in our daily life, but also in our businesses and industries. Future ResearchThis study only proposes some relationships based on theory and literature. Future researchers can test these proposed relationships in different contexts and IT Integration and Supply Chain Agility on Market Performance (A Proposed Study) 100 compare the results. Furthermore, this study proposes the relationships for large manufacturing sector in developing countries. The model could be tested for SMEs as well. In addition, the proposed theoretical model in this study might be tested in both developing as well as developed countries to compare the results which will be contributed to the body of knowledge.