https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1823-0723
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Abstract
Despite the hype about blockchains among supply chain management (SCM) practitioners and researchers, the technology’s adoption is still low, and confusion remains about its potential benefits for operational efficiency and effectiveness. Building on a multiple case study research, this paper clarifies current value creation opportunities enabled by the blockchain for product/material tracking and tracing. We highlight that the setup of blockchain projects depends on the presence of different drivers on customer value or efficiency and the focus towards products/components or raw materials. Based on how tracking and tracing drivers and focus influence the initial blockchain setup, contingent factors are discussed and possible evolutionary patterns are identified. These findings are elaborated in one setup matrix and three propositions. The study is one of the few to add empirical evidence to the mainly conceptual SCM blockchain literature and provides a middle-range theoretical contribution based on contingency theory. Furthermore, it offers actionable guidance for managers and policy makers about SCM blockchain adoption.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
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Notes on contributors
Philipp C. Sauer
Philipp C. Sauer is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Purchasing at the EM Strasbourg Business School, France. Before, he served as an Assistant Professor of Management Engineering at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy and holds a PhD in Supply Chain Management from the University of Kassel, Germany. His research covers topics on sustainability, digitalisation, resilience and uncertainty with a particular focus on multi-tier supply chains and has been published in leading Operations and Supply Chain Management journals, including the International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Journal of Business Ethics, International Journal of Production Economic, and International Journal of Production Research.
Guido Orzes
Guido Orzes is an Associate Professor in Management Engineering at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy. He is also President of the European Division of the Decision Sciences Institute (EDSI) and Associate Editor of the International Journal of Operations and Production Management and the Journal of Purchasing & Supply Management. He obtained a doctorate in Industrial and Information Engineering from the University of Udine, Italy. His research focuses on international sourcing and manufacturing, Industry 4.0 implementation, and sustainability. On these topics, he has published more than 40 scientific articles in leading operations management journals, including the International Journal of Operations and Production Management, International Journal of Production Economics, International Journal of Production Research, and Production Planning and Control.
Giovanna Culot
Giovanna Culot is an Assistant Professor in Management Engineering at the University of Udine, Italy, where she also obtained a doctorate in Industrial and Information Engineering. Her research interests mainly concern emerging technological trajectories in manufacturing operations and supply chain management, sustainability, and management systems. Her work on these topics has been published in various journals including Journal of Supply Chain Management, the International Journal of Production Economics, Technological Forecasting & Social Change, and Computers in Industry. She also reviews on an ongoing basis for several leading international journals. Prior to her doctorate, she gained 10+ years’ experience in industry and management consulting.