Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive force with the potential to revolutionize various industries, including supply chain management. This thesis explores the implementation of blockchain technology in supply chain management, focusing on its application in the purchasing and supply sector. The study presents a case study approach to investigate the benefits, challenges, and implications of integrating blockchain technology into supply chain processes. The introduction provides an overview of the research topic, highlighting the growing interest in blockchain technology and its potential to enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency in supply chain operations. The background of the study discusses the evolution of supply chain management and the role of technology in shaping modern supply chains. The problem statement identifies the current limitations and challenges in traditional supply chain management practices, such as information asymmetry, lack of transparency, and inefficiencies in data sharing. The objectives of the study include assessing the impact of blockchain technology on supply chain processes, identifying key success factors for its implementation, and evaluating the potential benefits for purchasing and supply activities. The study acknowledges the limitations of the research, including the complexity of blockchain technology, the need for organizational buy-in, and potential resistance to change. The scope of the study focuses on a specific case study within the purchasing and supply sector to provide a practical understanding of blockchain implementation in a real-world context. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to the existing body of knowledge on blockchain technology and supply chain management. By examining a case study in the purchasing and supply domain, this research aims to provide insights into the practical implications of adopting blockchain technology and the potential value it can bring to organizations. The structure of the thesis includes a detailed outline of the chapters, with each chapter addressing specific aspects of the research. Chapter two presents a comprehensive literature review on blockchain technology, supply chain management, and related concepts to provide a theoretical background for the study. Chapter three outlines the research methodology, including the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques used in the study. The chapter also discusses the selection of the case study and the rationale behind the research approach. Chapter four presents a detailed discussion of the findings from the case study, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and implications of implementing blockchain technology in purchasing and supply activities. The chapter also analyzes the key success factors and best practices for integrating blockchain into supply chain processes. Finally, chapter five provides a conclusion and summary of the research findings, highlighting the key insights, contributions, and recommendations for future research and practice. The conclusion reflects on the potential impact of blockchain technology in transforming supply chain management and emphasizes the importance of proactive adoption and strategic implementation strategies for organizations in the purchasing and supply sector. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of literature on blockchain technology and supply chain management by offering a detailed examination of its implementation in the purchasing and supply domain. The study provides valuable insights for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers interested in leveraging blockchain technology to enhance supply chain efficiency, transparency, and resilience.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Implementation of Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management: A Case Study in Purchasing and Supply" aims to explore the integration of blockchain technology in enhancing supply chain management practices, with a specific focus on the purchasing and supply sector. In recent years, blockchain technology has gained significant attention for its potential to revolutionize traditional supply chain processes by providing transparency, security, and efficiency in transactions. The study will delve into the background of blockchain technology and its application in various industries, highlighting its key features such as decentralization, immutability, and transparency. By conducting a case study in the purchasing and supply sector, the research aims to showcase how blockchain can streamline supply chain operations, reduce costs, minimize fraud, and enhance trust among stakeholders. The project will address the current challenges faced in supply chain management, such as lack of transparency, counterfeit products, inefficient tracking systems, and delays in transactions. By implementing blockchain technology, these challenges can be mitigated through the creation of a secure and decentralized ledger that ensures the authenticity and integrity of data throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, the research will outline the objectives of the study, which include evaluating the impact of blockchain technology on supply chain management practices, identifying the benefits and limitations of its implementation, assessing the readiness of purchasing and supply organizations for blockchain adoption, and providing recommendations for successful integration. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, the study will analyze existing research on blockchain technology in supply chain management, examining case studies, best practices, and theoretical frameworks to build a solid foundation for the research. The methodology section will detail the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures employed in the study. The findings of the research will be discussed in detail, highlighting the implications of implementing blockchain technology in the purchasing and supply sector. The discussion will cover the benefits of blockchain adoption, challenges faced during implementation, success factors, and potential areas for future research. In conclusion, the research overview emphasizes the significance of this study in contributing to the growing body of knowledge on blockchain technology in supply chain management. The findings and recommendations from this research have the potential to inform purchasing and supply professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders on the benefits and challenges of integrating blockchain technology into supply chain operations.