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Joint blockchain service vendor-platform selection using social network relationships: A multi-provider multi-user decision perspective

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  • Bai, Chunguang
  • Zhu, Qingyun
  • Sarkis, Joseph

Abstract

Blockchain technology has been widely touted for building and supporting supply chain management capabilities. The technology has substantial potential to enhance operational effectiveness and profitability. Blockchain platform evaluation and selection still requires investigation. Blockchain platform selection and adoption decision making in a multi-organizational supply chain context is complex. Effective blockchain adoption and operations requires consideration of multiple vendors—service providers—and platforms while satisfying multiple users and stakeholders. This study introduces a managerial decision support method to assist organizations evaluate and select joint blockchain service vendor and platforms for multiple organizational functions and organizations. Using literature and practice, we introduce blockchain service vendor and platform attributes from user, vendor, and platform perspectives. A social network theory lens sets the foundation for an innovative group decision-making method—a DEMATEL-based hierarchical best-worst method—integrating characteristics from this decision environment. The technological and distributed network nature of blockchain technology requires evaluation by decision makers from various levels of a supply chain network. These decision makers will likely have varying blockchain technology knowledge and subjective preferences that need integration. The proposed method helps to operationalize social network relationships to comprehend partial and idiosyncratic expert opinions about blockchain technology. An illustrative example and various scenarios are presented to identify managerial and research implications. Methodological limitations and future research are presented for this emergent managerial and technological concern across supply chains.

Suggested Citation

  • Bai, Chunguang & Zhu, Qingyun & Sarkis, Joseph, 2021. "Joint blockchain service vendor-platform selection using social network relationships: A multi-provider multi-user decision perspective," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:238:y:2021:i:c:s0925527321001419
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2021.108165
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    3. Wang, Chengfu & Chen, Xiangfeng & Xu, Xun & Jin, Wei, 2023. "Financing and operating strategies for blockchain technology-driven accounts receivable chains," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 304(3), pages 1279-1295.
    4. Bai, Chunguang & Sarkis, Joseph, 2022. "A critical review of formal analytical modeling for blockchain technology in production, operations, and supply chains: Harnessing progress for future potential," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 250(C).
    5. Zhang, Runze & Li, Zhijun & Xiao, Chunqu & You, Jiwang, 2023. "New engines of economic growth: How digital currencies lead the way to growth in the era of digital economy," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 1597-1617.
    6. Zhitao Xu & Adel Elomri & Roberto Baldacci & Laoucine Kerbache & Zhenyong Wu, 2024. "Frontiers and trends of supply chain optimization in the age of industry 4.0: an operations research perspective," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 338(2), pages 1359-1401, July.
    7. Niu, Baozhuang & Zhang, Nan & Xu, Haotao & Chen, Lei & Ji, Ping, 2022. "Inviting MNFs’ green offshoring: Is it an effective way to coordinate economic and environmental sustainability?," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).

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