Scrutinizing blockchain applicability in sustainable supply chains through an integrated fuzzy multi-criteria decision making framework

A novel approach based on similarity measure for the multiple attribute group decision-making problem in selecting a sustainable cryptocurrency

Environmental impact and sustainability challenges in the cryptocurrencies has become increasingly examined in the literature. However, studies of the multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) method for major selection of cryptocurrencies in advancing sustainability are still at an early stage. In particular, research on the fuzzy-MAGDM method in the evaluation of sustainability in cryptocurrencies is scarce. This paper adds contributions by developing a novel MAGDM approach to evaluate the sustainability development of major cryptocurrencies. It proposes a similarity measure for interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (IVPFNs) based on whitenisation weight function and membership function in grey systems theory for IVPFNs. It further developed a novel generalised interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy weighted grey similarity (GIPFWGS) measure approach to provide a more rigorous evaluation in complex decision marking problem with embedding ideal solution and membership degree. It also conducts a sustainability evaluation model of major cryptocurrencies as a numerical application and performs a robustness assessment with different variations of the expert's weight to test how different values of parameter θ can affect the ranking results of alternatives. The results suggest that Stellar is the most sustainable cryptocurrency, while Bitcoin with its intensive energy consumption, high mining cost and high computing power provides the least effective support for its sustainable development. A comparative analysis with the average value method and Euclidean distance method was performed to validate the reliability of the proposed decision-making model and provides evidence that the GIPFWGS has better fault tolerance.

Social sustainable supply chain performance assessment using hybrid fuzzy-AHP-DEMATEL-VIKOR: a case study in manufacturing enterprises

Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has received extensive attention by academia and industries recently. However, there are increasing yet still scarce studies measuring the social sustainability performance of supply chain and discussing the interrelationship between social and economic sustainability. Further, the measurement does not fully utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) attributing to the lack of understanding of precise quantitative gauge of the supply chain social sustainable performance. To bridge this gap, this study analyses the social and economic sustainability performance in terms of demand planning, innovation, manufacturing, finance, sales and customer relationship, distribution and delivery and compliance. A framework is proposed to locate key metrics to evaluate the social sustainable supply chain (SSC) performance. A hybrid fuzzy-AHP-DEMATEL-VIKOR method is designed to investigate the social sustainability of supply chain. Data analysis and a case study are given to validate and support the feasibility and potency of the proposed approach. The robustness of our proposed model is executed via sensitivity analysis. From the proposed framework, demand planning and distribution and delivery are found to be the most critical criteria in economic and social dimension, respectively.

Financial Contract Administration in Construction via Cryptocurrency Blockchain and Smart Contract: A Proof of Concept

The blockchain that uses cryptocurrency is a paradigm shift in the way of data storage, retrieval, and verification due to the concept of decentralization. This paradigm is essential to ensure the security of crucial data in any project. Adding a smart contract to the blockchain would facilitate the automation of various processes. Thus, the cryptocurrency blockchain that uses the smart contract can be considered a suitable platform for an ecosystem of many industries. The construction industry needs a highly secure automated management system due to its complex contractual relationships and transactions between parties. Therefore, integrating the blockchain with the smart contract creates the most appropriate ecosystem to be developed. This study introduces an ecosystemic prototype using a programmable smart contract within a novel cryptocurrency blockchain for construction. The purpose of the prototype is to guarantee a decentralized system as an independent economic environment for the construction industry. The system guarantees the security of financial transactions and focuses on the payment clauses in the construction contract as well. The results depended on three well-known hypothetical case scenarios from the construction site and were displayed in the form of extracted access data tables. The prototype proved the efficiency of the decentralized system for the construction industry by minimizing human-factor interference in the transaction process and thus reducing time waste and cost.

Theoretical Perspectives on Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Digital Transformation: A Literature Review and a Conceptual Framework

In an era where environmental and social pressures on companies are increasing, sustainable supply chain management is essential for the efficient operation and survivability of the organizations (members of the chain). Digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies could support the development of sustainable strategies, as they support supply chain processes, decrease operational costs, enable control and monitoring of operations and support green practices. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between sustainable supply chain management and digital transformation through the adoption of specific technologies (Blockchain technology, big data analytics, internet of things). It aims at theory building and the development of a conceptual framework, enabling the explanation of under which circumstances the above combination could lead to the development of sustainable performances. It also aims to examine how companies can increase their competitive advantage and/or increase their business performance, contributing both to academics and practitioners. After conducting a literature review analysis, a significant gap was detected. There are a few studies providing theoretical approaches to examining all three pillars of sustainability, while at the same time analyzing the impact of big data analytics, internet of things and blockchain technology on the development of sustainable supply chains. Aiming to address this gap, this paper primarily conducts a literature review, identifies definitions and theories used to explain the different pillars of flexibility, and examines the effect of different technologies. It then develops a theoretical conceptual framework, which could enable both academics and practitioners to examine the impact of the adoption of different technologies on sustainable supply chain management. The findings of this research reveal that digital transformation plays an important role to companies, as the combination of different technologies may lead to the development of significant capabilities, increasing sustainable performances and enabling the development of sustainable strategies, which can improve companies’ position in the market.