Implementation of Blockchain Technology for Enhancing Transparency in Supply Chain Purchasing

Thesis Abstract

In the increasingly complex landscape of global supply chains, transparency has emerged as a critical factor influencing trust, compliance, and operational efficiency in purchasing processes. Despite technological advancements, persistent issues such as data fraud, lack of traceability, and inefficient verification mechanisms compromise transparency and stakeholder confidence. This study aims to investigate the potential of blockchain technology to enhance transparency in supply chain purchasing, providing a structured framework for its effective implementation. The specific objectives include evaluating the current state of transparency challenges in supply chain purchasing, assessing the suitability and impact of blockchain solutions, and developing a strategic model for implementing blockchain to improve transparency. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gain comprehensive insights. The target population comprises supply chain managers, procurement officers, and blockchain technology experts within manufacturing firms in the manufacturing sector of the country, totaling approximately 250 professionals identified through purposive sampling. A sample of 150 respondents will be selected based on stratified random sampling to ensure diversity across company size and operational roles. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires measuring perceptions of transparency issues, blockchain adoption readiness, and perceived benefits, alongside semi-structured interview guides exploring implementation challenges and success factors. The validity of instruments will be ensured through pilot testing and expert review, while reliability will be measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8. Data analysis will encompass descriptive statistics to profile respondents’ views, followed by inferential techniques such as multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine relationships between blockchain adoption and transparency improvements. The qualitative data from interviews will be analyzed through thematic analysis to identify common themes, barriers, and enablers related to blockchain integration. The analytical framework will be grounded in agency theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to understand behavioral responses, as well as the Diffusion of Innovations Theory to explore the adoption process. Expected findings suggest that blockchain technology can significantly influence transparency by providing immutable transaction records, reducing information asymmetry, and enhancing traceability in procurement activities. The study anticipates revealing critical success factors, including technological readiness, organizational culture, regulatory environment, and stakeholder engagement, which affect blockchain deployment in purchasing functions. It is also expected that perceived ease of use and relative advantage significantly predict blockchain acceptance among supply chain professionals. The study contributes novel insights to the supply chain management literature by empirically validating the role of blockchain technology in fostering transparency within purchasing operations, bridging existing knowledge gaps regarding practical implementation strategies. It advances theoretical understanding by integrating agency theory, TAM, and Diffusion of Innovations to conceptualize technology acceptance in supply chain contexts. The findings will inform supply chain practitioners and policymakers on effective strategies for blockchain adoption, emphasizing the importance of organizational and technological factors. In conclusion, the research underscores that blockchain has transformative potential to address transparency challenges in supply chain purchasing, provided its implementation is thoughtfully managed considering contextual variables. The study recommends establishing clear regulatory frameworks, investing in capacity building for supply chain personnel, and fostering collaborative platforms that promote transparency-minded innovation. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of blockchain deployment and its integration with other emerging technologies such as IoT and artificial intelligence to further optimize supply chain transparency.