Challenges of blockchain implementation in SMEs’ supply chains: an integrated IT2F-BWM and IT2F-DEMATEL method

Abstract

Blockchain technology is one of the prominent advancements of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), although the technology is difficult to be implemented, particularly in relatively small organizations. This study investigates the challenges of blockchain implementation in the supply chain management of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, this study investigates whether the first-generation blockchain can satisfy the increasing demands of organizations and companies. To overcome environmental uncertainty, the IT2F-BWM is used to evaluate the weight of the challenges and the IT2F-DEMATEL is used to check the internal relationships of the indices. The research results showed the relative importance of some obstacles such as “scalability”, “a shortage of human resources and implementation expertise/knowledge” and “financial and budgetary obstacles.” Meanwhile, “technical and infrastructural obstacles” imposed the highest degree of influence, and challenges caused by “a shortage of human resources and implementation expertise/knowledge” were identified as the most effective criteria. The novelty of the present study can be the examination of blockchain challenges in SMEs’ supply chain the use of a new method to combine fuzzy techniques. this study not only mentions the challenges but also accurately rank the challenges to the implementation of this emerging technology in SMEs When the main priorities are identified through more accurate techniques, organization managers will be able to design and implement a more accurate strategy to improve the efficiency of blockchain technology.

Dark side of blockchain technology adoption in SMEs: an Indian perspective

“…The various studies related to barriers (Kaur et al , 2022) and challenges (Alimohammadlou and Alinejad, 2023) of implementing BCT do not present any meaningful relationship between the BCT barriers. Yet it is important to identify the connection between various variables to prioritize the most important barriers.…”

“…At the same time, barriers such as financial and technological unreadiness of Indian SMEs make it difficult to adopt BCT. Although there are various studies (Kaur et al , 2022; Alimohammadlou and Alinejad, 2023) that detail barriers to the adoption of BCT in SMEs, a method that can identify the relationship or linkage between the barriers is not available. Therefore, the motivation of this research is the identification of these barriers and detect the linkage between barriers that can help the SMEs to strategize their operations in a manner to overcome the difficulties in its implementation.…”

Optimising Human Resource Information Systems in the Context of MSME Technology Management

“…In the realm of human resource management in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), various challenges and opportunities arise through optimizing human resource information systems (HRIS) within the technology management framework. Implementing HRIS in MSMEs must address technical barriers, privacy issues, government regulations, and social skepticism related to technology adoption [30]. Additionally, technical issues and implementation challenges can result in failures in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in MSMEs [31].…”

Driving Blockchain Adoption in Small and Medium Enterprise Sector: Introducing the Concept of “Transformation Conditions”

“…BCT offers various benefits to enterprises, including improved operational and logistics efficiency, increased data transparency, tracking and tracing capabilities, and enhanced asset verification and certification (Alimohammadlou & Alinejad, 2023;Edwards & Strathcole, 2020;HSBC, 2023;Montecchi et al, 2019;OECD, 2021). However, not many SMEs are adopting BCT in their businesses due to insufficient support from channel partners and the necessary conditions for BCT adoption (Wong et al, 2020).…”