Date of Award

Fall 10-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems (PhDIS)

First Advisor

Deb Tech

Second Advisor

Cherie Noteboom

Third Advisor

Patti Brooks

Abstract

This exploratory study investigates the key factors influencing blockchain technology implementation in supply chain management, employing a qualitative research approach based on grounded theory. Using semi-structured interviews with sixteen participants, including blockchain consultants and supply chain professionals, the study identifies twelve critical factors essential for successful blockchain implementation. These factors—Strategic Leadership, Organizational Strategy, Future Readiness, Infrastructure Readiness, Supportive Ecosystem, Data Management Practices, Change Management, Training and Education, User Acceptance, Decentralized System Vitality, Decentralized Security and Encryption, and Decentralized Governance—were uncovered through open, axial, and selective coding of the data. The study highlights the significance of these key factors, showing how Strategic Leadership and Organizational Strategy are crucial for setting a clear direction and allocating resources, while Infrastructure Readiness ensures the technical foundation is robust enough to support blockchain’s decentralized architecture. Meanwhile, Change Management, Training and Education are vital in facilitating user acceptance and smooth adoption of the technology across the supply chain. These factors not only influence blockchain’s successful implementation but also ensure that the system is sustainable, secure, and adaptable to future developments. The significant contribution of this study is the development of the Strategic Decentralized Resilience Theory (SDRT), which integrates strategic, organizational, and decentralized factors into a comprehensive framework for understanding blockchain implementation in supply chain management. This theory addresses the need to align blockchain initiatives with organizational goals through strategic leadership while also accounting for individual user engagement and the decentralized nature of the technology. By incorporating these three dimensions, SDRT provides a holistic approach to managing the complexities of blockchain implementation, ensuring that both organizational objectives and individual user needs are met in a decentralized environment. The findings show that a successful blockchain implementation requires more than just technological integration; it depends on a balance of strategic alignment, individual adaptability with organizational backing, and robust decentralized governance. Strategic leadership ensures that blockchain initiatives align with long-term business goals, while individual factors such as user-centric change management and continuous support foster adoption and engagement. Decentralized factors, including governance frameworks and security mechanisms, ensure transparency, accountability, and scalability across distributed networks. Together, these integrated elements form the backbone of SDRT, offering organizations a roadmap for sustainable, resilient blockchain implementation that promotes operational efficiency and competitive advantage.

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