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

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.

Blockchain-enabled supply chain management: integrated impact on firm performance and robustness capabilities

“…Additionally, RBV suggests that firms should focus on building and acquiring the resources and capabilities necessary to implement blockchain effectively, such as IT infrastructure, data analytics tools and personnel with expertise in blockchain development and implementation (Tseng et al, 2023). Principal-agent theory (PAT) is also relevant to the O&G SC, as it highlights the importance of designing incentive structures and monitoring mechanisms that align the interests of stakeholders in the blockchain ecosystem (Lohmer et al, 2022). For instance, O&G companies may need to design incentive structures that encourage suppliers and other stakeholders to provide accurate and timely data and may need to implement monitoring mechanisms to ensure that data is accurate and not subject to tampering or fraud.…”

“…Additionally, RBV suggests that firms should focus on building and acquiring the resources and capabilities necessary to implement blockchain effectively, such as IT infrastructure, data analytics tools and personnel with expertise in blockchain development and implementation (Tseng et al ., 2023). Principal-agent theory (PAT) is also relevant to the O&G SC, as it highlights the importance of designing incentive structures and monitoring mechanisms that align the interests of stakeholders in the blockchain ecosystem (Lohmer et al. , 2022).…”

The impact of industrial Internet of things on sustainable performance: the indirect effect of supply chain visibility

“…On the other hand, IIoT contributes to increasing reliability in the production process through precise control over product quality (Boyes et al ., 2018). This technology can be used to detect fraud or theft by using RFID technology (Lohmer et al ., 2022). Concerning inventory control, considerable research in the literature has shown the importance of using IIoT and RFID in improving inventory control, contributing to reducing inventory-related costs (Mashayekhy et al ., 2022; Peter et al ., 2023).…”

“…The recognition of the importance of emerging technologies in supporting performance in the supply chain is shown in the literature (Al-Khatib and Ramayah, 2023;Rajab et al, 2020;Ventura et al, 2023). Current recent studies have emphasized the importance of emerging technologies in improving efficiency, providing technological contributions and advanced analytical capabilities that transform the traditional supply chain form into a digital and smart form (Lohmer et al, 2022), providing several benefits at the level of the supply chain and the firms' organizational level.…”

Using expertise as an intermediary: Unleashing the power of blockchain technology to drive future sustainable management using hidden champions

“…By providing transparency, automation, and decentralized verification, blockchain empowers experts and stakeholders to verify sustainability claims, enforce ethical standards, and promote responsible supply chain practices. The integration of expertise as an intermediary in blockchain-driven supply chain management can contribute to building trust, improving accountability, and driving future sustainable management practices [ [83] , [84] , [85] ].…”