Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The retail industry is constantly evolving, with businesses seeking innovative ways to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. In recent years, blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive force with the potential to revolutionize supply chain management. This thesis explores the utilization of blockchain technology in the context of supply chain management within the retail industry. The research aims to investigate how blockchain can address key challenges in the supply chain, such as transparency, traceability, and data security. The study begins with an introduction to the topic, providing background information on blockchain technology and its relevance to supply chain management. It outlines the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, and significance of the research, setting the stage for a comprehensive investigation into the potential benefits of blockchain technology in the retail supply chain. Chapter two presents a thorough literature review, examining existing studies and theoretical frameworks related to blockchain technology and supply chain management in the retail industry. The review covers topics such as blockchain fundamentals, supply chain challenges, and previous applications of blockchain in retail supply chains. Chapter three details the research methodology employed in this study. It outlines the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. The chapter also discusses the ethical considerations and limitations of the research methodology. In chapter four, the findings of the study are presented and discussed in detail. The research findings shed light on the effectiveness of blockchain technology in addressing supply chain challenges and improving operational efficiency in the retail industry. The chapter also highlights key insights and implications for industry practitioners and policymakers. Finally, chapter five provides a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the thesis. The conclusion reflects on the research objectives, methodologies, findings, and implications. It also offers recommendations for future research and practical applications of blockchain technology in supply chain management within the retail industry. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on blockchain technology and its applications in supply chain management in the retail industry. By exploring the potential benefits and challenges of blockchain adoption, this research provides valuable insights for businesses looking to enhance their supply chain operations through innovative technologies.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Utilizing Blockchain Technology for Supply Chain Management in the Retail Industry" aims to investigate the application of blockchain technology in enhancing supply chain management processes within the retail sector. Blockchain technology, known primarily for its association with cryptocurrencies, has gained significant attention for its potential to revolutionize supply chain operations by providing a secure, transparent, and decentralized platform for recording and verifying transactions. The retail industry is characterized by complex supply chains involving multiple stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, and consumers. These supply chains are often plagued by challenges such as inefficiencies, lack of transparency, counterfeiting, and data inaccuracies. By leveraging blockchain technology, retailers can address these challenges and streamline their supply chain operations to improve efficiency, traceability, and trust among participants. The research will involve a comprehensive review of existing literature on blockchain technology, supply chain management, and their intersection within the retail industry. This literature review will explore the theoretical foundations, key concepts, and previous studies related to the use of blockchain in supply chain management, particularly in the context of retail. Furthermore, the research methodology will include qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data and insights from industry experts, retailers, supply chain professionals, and blockchain technology providers. By conducting interviews, surveys, and case studies, the research aims to identify the current practices, challenges, and opportunities associated with implementing blockchain technology in retail supply chains. The findings of this research will contribute to the body of knowledge on the practical applications of blockchain technology in supply chain management, with a specific focus on the retail industry. The discussion of findings will analyze the implications of adopting blockchain technology for retailers, the potential benefits and limitations, as well as recommendations for successful implementation. In conclusion, this research project seeks to provide valuable insights into the utilization of blockchain technology for supply chain management in the retail industry. By exploring the potential of blockchain to enhance transparency, trust, and efficiency in retail supply chains, this study aims to offer practical recommendations for retailers looking to leverage this innovative technology to optimize their operations and deliver greater value to customers.