Blockchain: At a glance idea for information science researchers

Abstract

Blockchain, eventually block chain, (BC) is a distributed ledger system that processes and preserves data and their transactions using time-stamped blocks in decentralized method, which is able to address many traditional issues of information systems design. Since the introduction of the digital currency or cryptocurrency “bitcoin” in 2008, its foundation, the BC technology has gained tremendous interest, both in industry and academia. Over the past few years, many existing review articles generally focus on specific aspects of this rapidly growing disruptive technology, rather than purely investigating the BC to produce a whole landscape illustration, so that researchers may gain comprehensive knowledge on it. This paper presents a unique review on BC technology revealing the concepts, how it works, structure, types, components, characteristics, and applications. Sourcing from open-access online materials and academic outlets, we analyze sample articles concerning BC, associative technologies, their potential application and issues. A total of 56 contents on BC and related technologies were selected for relevant recent documents of the emerging development. The research team scrutinized the contents using established content analysis approach. It is anticipated that the findings would offer benefits in enhancing understanding to innovative solution for development researchers and professionals in industries.

Subject Classification:

• 68-02

Keywords:

• IS researcher
• Information science
• Blockchain
• Distributed ledger
• Bitcoin