Abstract:
Purpose
The purpose ofthis paper is to illustrate how block chain technology can improve supply chain
parameters that are agility, flexibility and transparency which collectively enhance overall
supply chain performance.
Methodology & Design
The conceptual framework of the present study is developed by conducting an extensive
literature review on block chain technology, supply chain agility, flexibility and transparency.
The sample data were collected from 355 supply chain practitioners in Pakistan’s construction
sector to validate the conceptual model. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to
ascertain the validity ofthe measures used and a structural model was analyzed for testing the
proposed conceptual framework.
Findings
The results of the present study show that block chain technology can improve supply chain
agility, flexibility and transparency which lead to better firm performance.
Limitations
Currently, the respondents do not have practical experience of using block chain technology.
They have responded based on their knowledge about supply chain and block chain which they
acquired from published sources. Different supply chains require different strategic choices
and different information needs. But the present study assumes that all supply chain needs are
identical. The present study assumes that government regulations regarding block chain
technology are favorable; however, currently, there is no legal framework to address block
chain technology. The findings of the current study indicate that companies not only should
create more awareness regarding block chain but also should actively work with IT companies
that are engaged in developing block chain-based supply chain solution. Managers, as well as
IT companies and academicians, should join hands to study and develop a framework for
regulating block chain technology and suggest these to the policy actors.
Recommendations
The present study shows that supply chain practitioners are confident that block chain
technology will help improve supply chain parameters. These findings can help construction
sector and their marketers for developing and promoting block chain-based supply chain
management. In addition, the important implication for supply chain practitioners is that block
chain helps in increasing supply chain performance.