Blockchain Technology in Operations & Supply Chain Management: A Content Analysis

Jacob Lohmer, Elias Ribeiro da Silva and Rainer Lasch
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Jacob Lohmer: Chair of Business Management, esp. Logistics, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstr. 13, 01062 Dresden, Germany
Elias Ribeiro da Silva: Department of Technology and Innovation, University of Southern Denmark, Alison 2, DK-6400 Sønderborg, Denmark
Rainer Lasch: Chair of Business Management, esp. Logistics, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstr. 13, 01062 Dresden, Germany

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-88

Abstract: Scholars are increasingly examining how the distributed blockchain technology can counter specific supply chain and operations management challenges. Various research approaches emerge from different scholarly backgrounds, but the interrelation of research areas and current trends has not been adequately considered in a systematic review. We employ a data-driven content analysis approach to examine previous research on blockchain technology in operations management and supply chain management. We investigate the extent to which blockchain technology was considered in scholarly works, structure the research efforts, and identify trends, interrelated themes, and promising research opportunities. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis is conducted on an extensive literature sample of 410 articles. Results indicate an optimistic attitude due to potentials such as tracking and tracing abilities, efficiency increases, and trust-building. Conceptual studies dominate the literature set, with increasing qualitative research efforts. Grand theories are seldomly addressed in the studies. Blockchain technology is outlined as particularly useful when combined with other technologies like IoT. We also identified sustainability implications of the technology, such as enabling transparency for SC stakeholders. Cryptocurrencies can facilitate further efficiency gains if legal uncertainties are reduced. The study is concluded with managerial and theoretical implications and future research opportunities.

Keywords: blockchain technology; operations management; supply chain management; content analysis; systematic literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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