IRC Seminar, presented by Wafaa Ahmed: "Blockchain Technology Applications in the Supply Chain"

Abstract

This talk will present (1) an overview of blockchain technology and its core capabilities relevant to supply chain management, (2) a qualitative analysis that investigates why, where and how organisations seek to apply blockchain in their supply chain, and (3) a case study of a blockchain-enabled traceability solution adopted by a leading fibre producer in their downstream textile supply chain to ensure the authenticity of the fibres reaching the end customers. In the qualitative analysis, we analyse 50 blockchain reported use cases across six sectors – automotive, aerospace, shipping and logistics, food and beverages, pharmaceutical, and textile and apparel. The analysis identifies and presents an evidence-based framework that captures ten principal motivations in seeking blockchain solutions, three main blockchain application areas, and five clusters of contingency factors that determine blockchain deployment and its success in different industrial sectors. The case study provides valuable insights into the type of blockchain data captured in a real supply chain setting and the targeted level of supply chain traceability.

Duration: 45 minutes, 15 minutes Q&A.

Short Bio on presenter: Wafaa Ahmed is an Assistant Professor in Information Systems in the Department of Operations Management and Information Systems, Nottingham University Business School. Wafaa has a PhD in Business and Management, a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Wafaa also has several years of industry experience in the food sector. Her current research focuses on supply chain mapping and network analysis, supply chain digital twin, and blockchain technology applications and potential implications on different supply network configurations and business ecosystems.