Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Blockchain technology has garnered 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 to enhance supply chain transparency in small businesses. The research aims to address the challenges faced by small businesses in ensuring transparency along their supply chains and investigates how blockchain technology can provide a viable solution to these challenges. The study begins with an introduction that highlights the importance of transparency in supply chains and the increasing adoption of blockchain technology in various sectors. The background of the study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of supply chain transparency in small businesses and the limitations they face in achieving full visibility. The problem statement identifies the key issues that small businesses encounter in ensuring transparency and traceability in their supply chains, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. The objectives of the study are outlined to examine the effectiveness of blockchain technology in enhancing supply chain transparency, identify the benefits and challenges associated with its implementation in small businesses, and propose practical recommendations for successful adoption. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including constraints on resources, time, and access to data, which may impact the generalizability of the findings. The scope of the study focuses on small businesses operating in various industries, analyzing their supply chain processes and exploring the potential applications of blockchain technology to improve transparency. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to the existing literature on supply chain management and blockchain technology, providing valuable insights for small businesses seeking to enhance their operational efficiency and build trust with stakeholders. The structure of the thesis is outlined to guide the reader through the research framework, methodology, findings, and conclusions. The definition of terms clarifies key concepts related to blockchain technology, supply chain transparency, and small businesses, ensuring a common understanding of the terminology used throughout the thesis. The literature review delves into existing studies on blockchain technology, supply chain transparency, and small business operations, highlighting the theoretical foundations and practical implications for this research. The research methodology details the approach taken to collect and analyze data, including the research design, sampling strategy, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. The discussion of findings presents the results of the study, including the benefits of blockchain technology for enhancing supply chain transparency, the challenges faced by small businesses in adopting blockchain solutions, and the implications for practice and future research. The conclusion summarizes the key findings, discusses their implications for small businesses, and provides recommendations for further research and practical implementation. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the application of blockchain technology in supply chain management, specifically focusing on its potential to improve transparency in small businesses. By leveraging blockchain technology, small businesses can enhance trust, efficiency, and accountability in their supply chains, ultimately driving sustainable growth 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 to enhance transparency in the supply chain operations of small businesses. The research focuses on the application of blockchain technology, known for its decentralized and secure nature, to address issues related to transparency, traceability, and accountability in supply chain management. Small businesses often face challenges in maintaining a transparent and efficient supply chain due to limited resources, technological capabilities, and vulnerabilities to fraud and errors. By leveraging blockchain technology, which enables the secure and immutable recording of transactions on a distributed ledger, small businesses can enhance transparency, streamline operations, and build trust among stakeholders. The research will begin with an introduction to the significance of transparency in supply chain management and the role of blockchain technology in addressing transparency challenges. It will provide a background of the study, highlighting the current state of supply chain transparency in small businesses and the potential benefits of adopting blockchain technology. The project will identify the problem statement, outlining the specific transparency issues faced by small businesses in their supply chain operations. The objectives of the study will be defined to guide the research process, focusing on evaluating the effectiveness of blockchain technology in improving supply chain transparency for small businesses. The research will also discuss the limitations of the study, acknowledging potential constraints such as resource availability, data accuracy, and external factors that may impact the research outcomes. The scope of the study will be defined to specify the boundaries and focus areas of the research, ensuring a clear and structured approach to the investigation. Furthermore, the significance of the study will be highlighted, emphasizing the potential impact of implementing blockchain technology on supply chain transparency for small businesses. The structure of the thesis will be outlined to provide a roadmap of the research framework, including the chapters, sections, and key components of the study. Lastly, the research overview will define key terms and concepts related to blockchain technology, supply chain transparency, and small businesses to establish a common understanding among readers. Through a systematic and comprehensive approach, this project aims to contribute valuable insights and recommendations for leveraging blockchain technology to enhance supply chain transparency in small businesses.