Blockchain in sustainable supply chain management: an application of the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) methodology
Business Process Management Journal
ISSN: 1463-7154
Article publication date: 26 August 2022
Issue publication date: 14 October 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The analytical hierarchical process (AHP)’s main purpose is to assess higher hierarchy levels based on the cooperation of its various levels. It results in a well-designed model-based method in which the weights for the selected attribute are calculated using dimensions, criteria, and indicators. This paper aims to highlight the benefits of blockchain in supply chain management with the help of a literature review along with opinions of experts from various sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
With the goal of enhancing the use of blockchain technology in supply chain management, particularly when comparing within the same industry, the AHP methodology has been used. In order to develop the AHP model, a total of eight elements are examined in this study, which are decentralization, resiliency, security, smart contracts, sustainability, traceability, transparency and trust. A calculation of a Desirability Index for conventional supply chain and blockchain-enabled supply chains has been also developed.
Findings
Findings where that in a blockchain-enabled supply chain, the global weights of individual benefit variables are considerably larger than in conventional supply chains. When the score of the Desirability Index for conventional supply chain and blockchain-enabled supply chain is compared, the blockchain-enabled supply chain significantly surpasses the conventional supply chain in terms of increasing sustainable development in today’s supply networks.
Originality/value
This study takes into account the AHP methodology applying it on blockchain. This has not been done before in the academic world, at least as far as the authors may be aware of. The originality of combining such process with a recent technology such as blockchain highlights the value of this research.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This work is supported by the Spanish State Research Agency of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MCIN/AEI) via the project “SPeeding Up the transition towards Resilient circular economy networks: forecasting, inventory and production control, reverse logistics and supply – PID2020-117021 GB-I00 and ERASMUS+ Program via the project Academic System Resource Planning: A Fully-Automated Smart Campus (ASRP) – UE-19-ASRP-598757”.
Citation
Fernandez-Vazquez, S., Rosillo, R., de la Fuente, D. and Puente, J. (2022), "Blockchain in sustainable supply chain management: an application of the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) methodology", Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 28 No. 5/6, pp. 1277-1300. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-11-2021-0750
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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