IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/opmare/v16y2023i2d10.1007_s12063-022-00343-y.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

How blockchain technology improves sustainable supply chain processes: a practical guide

Author

Listed:
  • Rita Maria Difrancesco

    (Eada Business School Barcelona)

  • Purushottam Meena

    (College of Charleston)

  • Gopal Kumar

    (Indian Institute of Management Raipur)

Abstract

Blockchain technology has rapidly grown in the last decade and supply chain management has started to emerge as one of its possible fields of application. Blockchain is estimated to have a transformative impact and potentially transform and disrupt supply chains. However, despite recognizing its enormous opportunity, there is still an incomplete, dispersed, and fragmented knowledge of blockchain applications beyond cryptocurrencies. Very few business people still deeply understand how blockchain works and how it can concretely benefit supply chains. This paper contributes to closing this gap, providing a holistic approach to analyzing blockchain technology's applications and benefits in supply chain management. This study aims to support academics and practitioners in adopting a holistic perspective and realizing the potential this technology can offer in different areas of the supply chain, its managerial impact, challenges, and limitations. A "closed-loop" value chain perspective is adopted to analyze the benefits at each core process of the supply chain, from sourcing to final customer and reverse logistics. This paper conducts qualitative research using case studies analysis based on secondary data. Further, it builds a theoretical framework for blockchain-enhanced supply chain performance based on the results of the qualitative research. Finally, the paper discusses the major drawbacks and barriers to blockchain implementation, which help managers evaluate its real net benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Rita Maria Difrancesco & Purushottam Meena & Gopal Kumar, 2023. "How blockchain technology improves sustainable supply chain processes: a practical guide," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 620-641, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:opmare:v:16:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s12063-022-00343-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s12063-022-00343-y
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12063-022-00343-y
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s12063-022-00343-y?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhou, Xiongyong & Zhu, Qinghua & Xu, Zhiduan, 2022. "The mediating role of supply chain quality management for traceability and performance improvement: Evidence among Chinese food firms," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    2. Ananth. V. Iyer & Jianming Ye, 2000. "Assessing the Value of Information Sharing in a Promotional Retail Environment," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 2(2), pages 128-143, February.
    3. Beske, Philip & Land, Anna & Seuring, Stefan, 2014. "Sustainable supply chain management practices and dynamic capabilities in the food industry: A critical analysis of the literature," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 131-143.
    4. ManMohan S. Sodhi & Christopher S. Tang, 2019. "Research Opportunities in Supply Chain Transparency," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 28(12), pages 2946-2959, December.
    5. Yanling Chang & Eleftherios Iakovou & Weidong Shi, 2020. "Blockchain in global supply chains and cross border trade: a critical synthesis of the state-of-the-art, challenges and opportunities," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(7), pages 2082-2099, April.
    6. Tönnissen, Stefan & Teuteberg, Frank, 2020. "Analysing the impact of blockchain-technology for operations and supply chain management: An explanatory model drawn from multiple case studies," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    7. Gérard P. Cachon & Marshall Fisher, 2000. "Supply Chain Inventory Management and the Value of Shared Information," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 46(8), pages 1032-1048, August.
    8. Hau L. Lee & V. Padmanabhan & Seungjin Whang, 1997. "Information Distortion in a Supply Chain: The Bullwhip Effect," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 43(4), pages 546-558, April.
    9. Gérard P. Cachon, 2004. "The Allocation of Inventory Risk in a Supply Chain: Push, Pull, and Advance-Purchase Discount Contracts," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 50(2), pages 222-238, February.
    10. Peter Verhoeven & Florian Sinn & Tino T. Herden, 2018. "Examples from Blockchain Implementations in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Exploring the Mindful Use of a New Technology," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 2(3), pages 1-19, September.
    11. Bumblauskas, Daniel & Mann, Arti & Dugan, Brett & Rittmer, Jacy, 2020. "A blockchain use case in food distribution: Do you know where your food has been?," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    12. Kshetri, Nir, 2018. "1 Blockchain’s roles in meeting key supply chain management objectives," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 80-89.
    13. Di Vaio, Assunta & Varriale, Luisa, 2020. "Blockchain technology in supply chain management for sustainable performance: Evidence from the airport industry," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    14. Wong, Lai-Wan & Leong, Lai-Ying & Hew, Jun-Jie & Tan, Garry Wei-Han & Ooi, Keng-Boon, 2020. "Time to seize the digital evolution: Adoption of blockchain in operations and supply chain management among Malaysian SMEs," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    15. Jesse Yli-Huumo & Deokyoon Ko & Sujin Choi & Sooyong Park & Kari Smolander, 2016. "Where Is Current Research on Blockchain Technology?—A Systematic Review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(10), pages 1-27, October.
    16. Rita Maria Difrancesco & Purushottam Meena & Rajendra Tibrewala, 2021. "Buyback and risk-sharing contracts to mitigate the supply and demand disruption risks," European Journal of Industrial Engineering, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 15(4), pages 550-581.
    17. Gunasekaran, A. & Patel, C. & McGaughey, Ronald E., 2004. "A framework for supply chain performance measurement," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(3), pages 333-347, February.
    18. repec:eme:mrn000:01409170210782990 is not listed on IDEAS
    19. Jan Recker, 2013. "Scientific Research in Information Systems," Progress in IS, Springer, edition 127, number 978-3-642-30048-6, June.
    20. Marten Risius & Kai Spohrer, 2017. "A Blockchain Research Framework," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 59(6), pages 385-409, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Zhang, Jian & Zhang, Xuanjian & Liu, Wei & Ji, Ming & Mishra, Arunodaya Raj, 2022. "Critical success factors of blockchain technology to implement the sustainable supply chain using an extended decision-making approach," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    2. Manu Sharma & Sudhanshu Joshi & Sunil Luthra & Anil Kumar, 2022. "Managing disruptions and risks amidst COVID-19 outbreaks: role of blockchain technology in developing resilient food supply chains," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 268-281, June.
    3. Chen, R. & Chen, K. & Ou, Carol, 2023. "Facilitating interorganizational trust in strategic alliances by leveraging blockchain-based systems: Case studies of two eastern banks," Other publications TiSEM 85ecf99c-76f0-416e-9604-d, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    4. Sachin S. Kamble & Angappa Gunasekaran & Nachiappan Subramanian & Abhijeet Ghadge & Amine Belhadi & Mani Venkatesh, 2023. "Blockchain technology’s impact on supply chain integration and sustainable supply chain performance: evidence from the automotive industry," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 327(1), pages 575-600, August.
    5. Soumyadeb Chowdhury & Oscar Rodriguez-Espindola & Prasanta Dey & Pawan Budhwar, 2023. "Blockchain technology adoption for managing risks in operations and supply chain management: evidence from the UK," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 327(1), pages 539-574, August.
    6. Ulpan Tokkozhina & Ana Lucia Martins & Joao C. Ferreira, 2023. "Uncovering dimensions of the impact of blockchain technology in supply chain management," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 16(1), pages 99-125, March.
    7. Kirti Nayal & Rakesh D. Raut & Balkrishna E. Narkhede & Pragati Priyadarshinee & Gajanan B. Panchal & Vidyadhar V. Gedam, 2023. "Antecedents for blockchain technology-enabled sustainable agriculture supply chain," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 327(1), pages 293-337, August.
    8. Li, Guo & Xue, Jing & Li, Na & Ivanov, Dmitry, 2022. "Blockchain-supported business model design, supply chain resilience, and firm performance," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    9. QU, Zhan & RAFF, Horst, 2023. "Two-part tariffs, inventory stockpiling, and the bullwhip effect," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 308(1), pages 201-214.
    10. Zhou, Yong-wu & Fu, Yu-shen & Wu, Xiaoli, 2023. "Value analysis with blockchain-based information transparency system to eliminate information distortion," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 265(C).
    11. Ketzenberg, Michael E. & Rosenzweig, Eve D. & Marucheck, Ann E. & Metters, Richard D., 2007. "A framework for the value of information in inventory replenishment," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 182(3), pages 1230-1250, November.
    12. Archana A Mukherjee & Rajesh Kumar Singh & Ruchi Mishra & Surajit Bag, 2022. "Application of blockchain technology for sustainability development in agricultural supply chain: justification framework," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 46-61, June.
    13. Sezer Ülkü & L. Beril Toktay & Enver Yücesan, 2007. "Risk Ownership in Contract Manufacturing," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 9(3), pages 225-241, April.
    14. Agi, Maher A.N. & Jha, Ashish Kumar, 2022. "Blockchain technology in the supply chain: An integrated theoretical perspective of organizational adoption," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    15. Li, Xiuhui & Wang, Qinan, 2007. "Coordination mechanisms of supply chain systems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 179(1), pages 1-16, May.
    16. Clarissa Amico & Roberto Cigolini, 2024. "Improving port supply chain through blockchain-based bills of lading: a quantitative approach and a case study," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 26(1), pages 74-104, March.
    17. Soumya Choudhury & Parvathi Jayaprakash & S. Srinivas & S. Sowmya & Tarun Shah & R. Abinaya, 2023. "A blockchain platform for the truck freight marketplace in India," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 684-704, June.
    18. Teck Ming Tan & Jari Salo, 2023. "Ethical Marketing in the Blockchain-Based Sharing Economy: Theoretical Integration and Guiding Insights," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 183(4), pages 1113-1140, April.
    19. Severin Bonnet & Frank Teuteberg, 2023. "Impact of blockchain and distributed ledger technology for the management, protection, enforcement and monetization of intellectual property: a systematic literature review," Information Systems and e-Business Management, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 229-275, June.
    20. Choi, Tsan-Ming & Sethi, Suresh, 2010. "Innovative quick response programs: A review," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 127(1), pages 1-12, September.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:opmare:v:16:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s12063-022-00343-y. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.