Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Blockchain technology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to revolutionize various industries, including supply chain management. This thesis explores the utilization of blockchain technology for enhancing supply chain transparency in small businesses. The research aims to investigate the benefits and challenges of implementing blockchain technology in small business supply chains to improve transparency, traceability, and accountability. The study begins with an introduction to the background of the research, highlighting the growing importance of transparency in supply chains and the role of blockchain technology in achieving this goal. The problem statement identifies the lack of transparency in small business supply chains and the potential of blockchain technology to address this issue. The objectives of the study include assessing the impact of blockchain technology on supply chain transparency, identifying key challenges in implementation, and proposing recommendations for small businesses. A comprehensive literature review examines existing research on blockchain technology and its application in supply chain management. The review covers topics such as the features of blockchain technology, its benefits for supply chains, and case studies of successful implementations in various industries. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken in this study, including data collection methods, sample selection, and data analysis techniques. The findings of the study highlight the significant benefits of utilizing blockchain technology in enhancing transparency in small business supply chains. These benefits include improved traceability of products, increased trust among stakeholders, and reduced fraud and counterfeit goods. However, the study also identifies challenges such as cost, scalability, and regulatory issues that need to be addressed for successful implementation. The discussion of findings delves into the implications of the research results and provides recommendations for small businesses looking to adopt blockchain technology in their supply chains. The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the study and emphasizes the importance of transparency in supply chains for building trust and credibility with customers and partners. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on blockchain technology and supply chain transparency, offering valuable insights for small businesses seeking to enhance their operations through technological innovation. By leveraging blockchain technology, small businesses can improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in their supply chains, leading to long-term sustainability and competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Utilizing Blockchain Technology for Supply Chain Transparency in Small Businesses" aims to explore the potential benefits and challenges of implementing blockchain technology in small businesses to enhance supply chain transparency. Blockchain technology, known for its decentralized and secure nature, has gained significant attention across various industries for its potential to revolutionize traditional processes. In the context of supply chain management, blockchain offers a transparent and immutable ledger system that can track and authenticate every step of the supply chain process. The research will begin with a comprehensive introduction, providing background information on blockchain technology and its relevance to supply chain management. The problem statement will highlight the existing challenges faced by small businesses in ensuring transparency and traceability in their supply chains. The objectives of the study will focus on investigating how blockchain technology can address these challenges and improve supply chain transparency for small businesses. The research methodology will include a detailed explanation of the approach and tools used to collect and analyze data. This will involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, such as interviews with industry experts, surveys of small business owners, and data analysis of blockchain implementation in supply chain management. The findings from the research will be presented in chapter four, where the effectiveness of blockchain technology in enhancing supply chain transparency for small businesses will be discussed. The chapter will also address any limitations encountered during the research process and offer recommendations for future studies. In conclusion, the research will provide a summary of the key findings and insights gained from the study. The significance of the research lies in its potential to offer practical solutions for small businesses looking to improve supply chain transparency through the adoption of blockchain technology. By shedding light on the benefits and challenges of blockchain implementation in small business supply chains, this research aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of blockchain technology and supply chain management.