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The Potential Impact of Blockchain Technology on Integration, Agility, and

Collaboration in Supply Chain Performance is the Focus of an Empirical Study
Conducted Within the Industr...

Article · January 2024

DOI: 10.58262/ks.v12i1.045

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 Kurdish Studies
Jan 2024
Volume: 12, No: 1, pp. 713-728
ISSN: 2051-4883 (Print) | ISSN 2051-4891 (Online)
www.KurdishStudies.net

Received: October 2023 Accepted: December 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58262/ks.v12i1.045

The Potential Impact of Blockchain Technology on Integration,

Agility, and Collaboration in Supply Chain Performance is the Focus
of an Empirical Study Conducted Within the Industries of Oman
and Pakistan
Shahzad Ahmad Khan1, Ibrahim Rashid Al Shamsi2, Syed Zeshan Haider3

Abstract

As the global economy continues to evolve, supply chain management has become increasingly complex due to
factors such as globalization and the 4th industrial revolution. In this dynamic environment, there is need of
agility and collaboration between the supply chain processes to achieve the supply chain excellence. The purpose
of this study is to investigate how the implementation of Blockchain Technology can revolutionize the way
integration, agility, and collaboration within supply chain operations. By examining real-world scenarios and
gathering data from manufacturing industry, supply chain practitioners in Oman and Pakistan, this study aims
to provide empirical evidence of the profound impact of Blockchain Technology. It explores how this technology
acts as a catalyst, enabling seamless integration of supply chain processes, enhancing the agility to adapt to rapid
market changes, and fostering collaborative relationships among stakeholders. Data were collected from 220
respondents working in the manufacturing industry's supply chain practices in Oman and Pakistan, using a
convenient sampling technique. Demographic analysis, factor loading, correlation analysis, and regression
analysis were conducted on the variables using SPSS and Smart PLS tools. The research findings indicate that
Supply Chain Agility, Supply Chain Integration, and Supply Chain Collaboration are directly and positively
related to Supply Chain Performance. Our study demonstrates that blockchain technology can enhance supply
chain agility, integration, and collaboration, indirectly improving overall supply chain performance. It contributes
to both practitioners and researchers in the field, adding value to academic research and assisting supply chain
managers in adopting Blockchain Technology. This adoption, in turn, can lead to improved supply chain
performance.

Keywords: Supply Chain Agility, Supply Chain Integration, Supply Chain Collaboration,Blockchain
Technology, Supply Chain Performance

Introduction

Supply chain performance can be greatly enhanced by technology, as its integration fosters
collaboration among partners and instills agility in the processes. Beyond technological
innovations, the financial structure also plays a crucial role in supply chain performance.
Nowadays, technology can augment businesses by facilitating product delivery to clients,
granting a competitive edge that ultimately boosts supply chain performance. Research has

1 University of Buraimi-COB , [email protected]

2 University of Buraimi-COB , [email protected]
3 Bahria University Islamabad , [email protected]
714 The potential impact of Blockchain Technology on integration, agility, and collaboration in supply chain
performance…
shown that all businesses need to address similar requirements for improved supply chain
performance (Sheel & Nath, 2019).
Technological advancements such as the Internet of Things and Information Technology
establish connectivity among supply chain partners, thereby increasing their collaboration (F.
Li, Nucciarelli, Roden, Graham, & Control, 2016). Supply chain managers recognize the
potential of solving problems through the implementation of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) (Nandi, Nandi, Moya, & Kaynak, 2020). The world is undergoing a
transformation from traditional supply chain management methods due to the fourth industrial
revolution (Satoglu, Ustundag, Cevikcan, & Durmusoglu, 2018). The supply chain
encompasses processes from raw material procurement to final product delivery to consumers,
necessitating industry-wide improvements to enhance efficiency and profitability (Gohil,
Thakker, & Applications, 2021a). Technology can render these complex processes more agile
and resilient (Cole, Stevenson, & Aitken, 2019a). Technological adaptation in the supply chain
is just as critical as in other industries (Craighead, Blackhurst, Rungtusanatham, & Handfield,
2007).
The introduction of blockchain technology enhances business interactions and networking
between parties, subsequently improving their performance (Urbach, Drews, & Ross, 2017).
Information and Communication Technology resources can promote integration among
supply chain members by facilitating the timely sharing of high-quality information for efficient
resource allocation (B. Huo, Zhang, Zhao, & Management, 2015). Information
Communication Technology has the potential to revolutionize supply chain performance
(Abeyratne, Monfared, & Technology, 2016b) by providing essential tools for cooperation
among supply chain members (G. Li, Yang, Sun, & Sohal, 2009b). Introducing and
implementing technology in business can meet customer demands and spur innovation,
ultimately contributing to the achievement of business goals (Schuetz & Venkatesh, 2020).
This, in turn, enhances the capacity to deliver services effectively (Nadeem, Abedin, Cerpa, &
Chew, 2018). The adoption of technology can also reduce the cost of supply chain processes
(Manupati et al., 2020). Practitioners adopting blockchain technology are confident in its ability
to enhance supply chain performance (Sheel & Nath, 2019). Blockchain's integration notably
amplifies collaboration among supply chain partners at various process levels, enabling product
tracking and transaction accuracy (M. Mubarik, Mubarak, & sustainability, 2020).
Blockchain technology has heralded the onset of the fourth industrial revolution (Frank,
Dalenogare, & Ayala, 2019). It verifies and shares transactional data across various nodes of
parties, thereby enhancing the flow of information within the supply chain and ingeniously
transforming the supply chain industry (Tapscott & Tapscott, 2016). Manufacturers can now
easily organize logistics to ensure timely product deliveries to customers. Through IoT-
generated reports and information, product locations can be tracked and shared with
customers, thereby managing operational and financial risks transparently through Information
Technology (Tapscott & Tapscott, 2016). Information technology aids in storing transaction
information, financial product reports, and client contracts, systematically calculating financial
risks (Wang, Wu, Chen, Evans, & Journal, 2020b). In today's landscape, supply chain processes
are growing increasingly complex due to the demands for technological integration in SCM.
Addressing this market demand and effectively enhancing supply chain performance has
become a pressing issue in supply chain management (M. Mubarik et al., 2020). The COVID-
19 pandemic has significantly impacted industries, including supply chains struggling to meet

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 Khan, Al Shamsi, Haider 715
new customer demands, prompting the need for comprehensive strategies and policy
innovations (Cuong, T. H., & Tien, N. H., 2022). The automation of business processes
through Information Technology has resolved payment and logistics issues in SCM
(Fatorachian, Kazemi, & Control, 2021). Information Technology plays a crucial role in supply
chain performance, with the integration of ICT serving to enhance overall performance
(Fatorachian, Kazemi, & Control, 2021). Obtaining accurate and sufficient information about
products sourced from third parties has been a substantial challenge in the modern supply
chain (Abeyratne et al., 2016b). The complexity of managing multiple factors in the supply
chain has made it increasingly difficult to uphold records with proper traceability and
transparency, especially within traditional business models. Over the past decade, the use of
technology in SCM has risen significantly. Traditional issues in supply chain management, such
as determining what information to share with customers, are effectively addressed through
technology integration, which ensures the sharing of quality and timely information (M. S.
Mubarik, Naghavi, Mubarak, & Review, 2019). In the traditional supply chain, delays in
payments, goods deliveries, and invoicing stem from poorly integrated systems (S. Kamble,
Gunasekaran, & Arha, 2019a). The main objectives of the study are to investigate the evidence
of using Blockchain technology in the supply chain integration, collaboration, and agility
processes across various industries in Oman and Pakistan. The study aims to determine
whether the utilization of Blockchain technology leads to an improvement in supply chain
performance.

Literature Review

Supply Chain Integration

Integration refers to the coordinated and interconnected flow of materials and information to
clients, involving multiple organizations working together within the supply chain. This
collaboration simplifies the delivery of goods and services to customers (Lai, Ngai, & Cheng,
2004b). The adoption of technology in supply chain performance is crucial for achieving
industry leadership (Craighead et al., 2007). While many studies have focused on various
applications of blockchain in business, we focus on the utilization of information technology
within the supply chain. Integration of information and communication technology enhances
collaboration by facilitating transparent information flow and traceability of goods in transit
(Yli-Huumo, Ko, Choi, Park, & Smolander, 2016).
Blockchain inherently possesses the capability to integrate production processes with the
delivery of finished goods to clients, improving access to reliable data. This integration is
challenging using traditional supply chain procedures but is easily achieved through
blockchain's shared digital ledger (Joshi, 2017). It empowers firms to generate more accurate
demand forecasts for goods production based on sales and inventory management, thereby
avoiding unexpected inventory costs due to changing market conditions (Ivanov, Dolgui, &
Sokolov, 2019).
H 1: Supply chain integration has a positive impact on Supply chain performance.
Supply Chain Agility
Agility within the context of supply chain refers to the ability to swiftly respond to changes in
the market that occur in the short term, effectively addressing short-term challenges and
converting them into opportunities (Swafford, Ghosh, & Murthy, 2008a). In the early 21st

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716 The potential impact of Blockchain Technology on integration, agility, and collaboration in supply chain
performance…
century, rapid market and customer demand changes have affected various aspects of business,
including technological advancements, advertising competition, and procedural innovations
(Lin, Chiu, & Chu, 2006). This necessitates the revision of business procedures and the
intelligent adoption of new business approaches (Sharifi & Zhang, 1999). Agility can be defined
as the prompt response to market changes, particularly customer demand, and the
incorporation of process innovations through technology to enhance customer satisfaction
(Sharp, Irani, & Desai, 1999). Research suggests that the agility to adapt to ICT is a crucial
element in increasing supply chain performance (Shiralkar, Bongale, Kumar, Kotecha, &
Prakash, 2021).
The implementation of agility in the supply chain contributes to global competitiveness and
improved performance. It allows firms to eliminate non-value-added activities, thereby
efficiently delivering less costly goods to customers, which provides a competitive advantage
(Bottani & Applications, 2009). Such agility is both rare and valuable, granting a superior
market advantage through long-term integration (Ngai et al., 2011). Integration with
information technology augments supply chain management agility, with supply chain
flexibility and integration positively correlating with supply chain agility and performance (Ngai
et al., 2011). Blockchain, with its distinct characteristics, stands out as one of the most
influential IT-based technologies. It can be effectively utilized in supply chain technology,
facilitating inter-organizational integration and delivering benefits to the supply chain
(Williamson, Harrison, & Jordan, 2004). Through the integration of business processes among
supply chain participants, Blockchain can help optimize operations and enhance overall
performance.
H2: Supply chain agility has a positive impact on Supply chain performance.
Supply Chain Collaboration
Advanced-level collaboration plays a crucial role in enhancing supply chain performance
(Giannakis & Papadopoulos, 2016). This collaborative approach involves sharing information
among different members of firms and facilitates joint decision-making (Liao, Hu, & Ding,
2017). Blockchain technology further amplifies collaboration within supply chain management
(Wang et al., 2020a). A notable example of effective supply chain collaboration is demonstrated
by Carrefour, a prominent French retail giant with numerous stores. Carrefour integrated its
pure bottled milk supply system with information technology, utilizing QR codes to track data
related to milk supplier quality. This collaborative effort involves stakeholders from different
Carrefour stores and fosters long-term dedication among them (Soosay & Hyland, 2015a). With
the rapid growth of technology and its adoption in business, along with the proliferation of e-
commerce, supplier collaboration becomes essential for efficient delivery to customers and
achieving mutual benefits through the sharing of expert knowledge (Rajaguru & Matanda,
2019). To make supply chain management more viable, an efficient system is required that
processes information rapidly and effectively through collaborative entities (Giri & Manohar,
2021).
Blockchain-based collaborative systems facilitate the sharing of information in a readily
accessible manner for all participants, allowing them to easily join a decentralized supply chain
system (Cole, Stevenson, & Aitken, 2019b). This technology-enabled collaboration enhances
transparency, traceability, and efficiency in supply chain operations, ultimately contributing to
improved supply chain performance.

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 Khan, Al Shamsi, Haider 717
H3: Supply chain Collaboration has a has a positive impact on Supply chain performance.
Supply Chain Performance
Supply chain management has emerged as a crucial topic within management sciences,
particularly in the realm of logistics (La Londe, 1997; Ross, 1997). The supply chain
encompasses processes ranging from the procurement of goods to the transformation of
products into finished goods and their subsequent delivery to the final customer. Within this
intricate industry, the complexity of supply chain arrangements necessitates continuous
improvements in processing systems (Gohil, Thakker, & Applications, 2021b).
Globalization has introduced challenges in accessing comprehensive product information and
maintaining control over various aspects of the supply chain, including product information
during transit, information transparency, and product location traceability. The shared ledger
feature of blockchain technology is simplifying global supply chain management, thereby
enhancing performance (Saberi, Kouhizadeh, Sarkis, & Shen, 2019). The increasing
inefficiencies in transactions and decreasing trust in this technology-driven era have led to the
necessity of building a reliable information system to address these issues (Saberi et al., 2019).
Critical questions arise concerning the current supply chain performance: Can it effectively
address the challenge of delivering products and services to customers in a transparent and
trustworthy manner? The integration of technology, specifically Blockchain Technology, into
supply chain processes fosters transparency and collaboration, leading to improved
performance (Swan, 2015). This integration significantly enhances data management within the
supply chain (Köhler & Pizzol, 2020). Leveraging the shared ledger technology of blockchain,
these challenges are mitigated for all partners within supply chain management through a
decentralized system for global supply chain management (Crosby, Pattanayak, Verma, &
Kalyanaraman, 2016). This technological advancement provides a solution to the complexities
inherent in supply chain processes and contributes to a more efficient and effective supply
chain performance.
Blockchain Technology
The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the supply chain industry have driven
the adoption of Blockchain technology to enhance performance and resilience (Shiralkar et al.,
2021). In a Blockchain, data is stored in blocks across participants' nodes, with each block
representing a timestamped and verified record through the blockchain network's consensus
protocol, secured using public-key cryptography (Seebacher and Schuritz, 2017). This
eliminates the need for a trusted central entity. The chaining of blocks via hash codes ensures
immutability of information on the blockchain (Siba, Tarun, and Prakash, 2017), allowing users
to trace status changes and obtain provenance information over time (Kim and Laskowski,
2018). Additionally, blockchains can execute computational logic in the form of 'smart
contracts,' trusted applications installed on blockchain nodes (Androulaki et al., 2018).
Globalization has led to product manufacturing in one part of the world, material sourcing
from another, and the use of finished goods in remote areas, necessitating efficient information
sharing across a large logistics system. Blockchain Technology improves this information
sharing and enhances supply chain performance (Mensah, Merkuryev, & Longo, 2015;
Ketikidis, Koh, Dimitriadis, Gunasekaran, & Kehajova, 2008). While blockchain is often
considered a general-purpose technology that enhances productivity, some authors argue that
it will reshape industrial organization (Babich and Hilary, 2018; Davidson, P. de Filippi, and J.

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718 The potential impact of Blockchain Technology on integration, agility, and collaboration in supply chain
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Potts, 2018). Blockchain is characterized as an institutional technology that facilitates economic
coordination (Davidson, P. de Filippi, and J. Potts, 2018).
Blockchain provides four key features that enhance integration and coordination within supply
chains (Babich and Hilary, 2018):
1. Transparency: Shared ledger for aggregated information from various sources.
2. Validation: Records' immutability and consensus-based verification.
3. Automation: Execution of smart contracts based on verified blockchain information.
4. Tokenization: Creation and exchange of tokens representing claims on valuable assets.
Blockchain allows real-time sharing of information about object location and status among
multiple supply chain members, leveraging sensor technology and the Internet of Things (Beck
et al., 2017). This enhances data accuracy, collaborative planning, agility, execution, and risk
management. Blockchain can streamline paperwork in global trade by validating freight
documents, such as customs clearance (Hackius and Petersen, 2017). This technology holds
the potential to revolutionize supply chain operations by improving transparency, efficiency,
and coordination among various stakeholders.
H4: Blockchain Technology has a moderating effect on integration and Supply Chain Performance.
H5: Blockchain Technology has a moderating effect on Agility and Supply Chain Performance.
H6: Blockchain Technology has a moderating effect on collaboration and Supply Chain Performance
Proposed Research Model
The model is designed to explore how the level of Supply Chain Integration, Supply Chain
Agility, and Supply Chain Collaboration affects the overall Supply Chain Performance in the
modern era. Furthermore, it examines whether the introduction of Blockchain Technology as
a moderating factor enhances or alters these relationships.

Supply chain Integration

Blockchain Techonology
Supply Chain
Peroformance Supply Chain Agility

Supply Chain
Collaboration

Figure 1 Research Model

Methodology

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 Khan, Al Shamsi, Haider 719
This study employs an explanatory research design and utilizes a quantitative research approach
to analyze the relationships between variables, similar to the approach used by M. Mubarik et
al. (2020) in their research study conducted in Oman and Pakistan. The aim is to gather precise
information from the respondents. The target population for this study comprises the
population associated with the research group. As Zikmund, Babin, Carr, and Griffin (2003)
explain, the target population represents the group to which the research findings will be
generalized. In this case, the focus is on the manufacturing industry in Oman and Pakistan,
specifically on supply chain managers involved in the fourth industrial revolution. The selected
firms for this study are those that are currently using or have an interest in adopting Blockchain
Technology in their supply chain management. Data collection is carried out through a
Nonprobability sampling technique, specifically Convenient sampling. This technique allows
for the collection of data from readily available respondents, and while it may not represent the
entire population, it offers practicality and feasibility (Sekaran & Bougie, 2019).
The sample size for the study is determined based on the recommendations of Uma Sekaran
(2019), suggesting that a sampling selection of 30% to 40% of the population is sufficient for
robust data analysis. Accordingly, data is collected from 200 to 220 participants, out of a total
population of around 700 individuals working various industries, logistics companies in both
countries. This approach is aligned with the principles of sampling and generalization for better
understanding and applicability of the research findings (Sekaran & Bougie, 2019; M. Mubarik
et al., 2020).
Data Analysis
Descriptive Statistics
Table 1. Descriptive Statistics
Number of Respondents Percent Responses
Gender
Female 46 20.90%
Male 174 79.10%
Age
18-25 27 12.25%
26-30 60 27.28%
31-35 102 46.37%
36-45 20 9.10%
45 & Above 11 5.00%
Education
Intermediate 48 17.31%
College Graduate 126 69.71%
16-Years of Education 24 7.69%
More than 16 years of Education 10 5.29%
Management Level
Lower Management 42 19.10%
Middle Management 166 75.45%
Top Management 12 5.45%
Professions
Supply Chain Manager 92 41.82%
Supply Chain Supervisor 55 25.00%

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720 The potential impact of Blockchain Technology on integration, agility, and collaboration in supply chain
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Logistics Manager 51 23.18%
IT and BCT Manager 22 10.00%
Total Respondents 220 100.00%
Inferential statistics
Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) is an effective approach for elucidating intricate relationships
among different variables. It proves particularly adept at handling datasets with abnormal data
distributions (Vinzi, Chin, Henseler, & Wang, 2010). The measurement model employed in
this research examines how latent constructs are gauged through observable variables. The
study incorporates three independent variables: Supply Chain Agility, Supply Chain Integration,
and Supply Chain Collaboration, along with the dependent variable, Supply Chain
Performance. Moreover, the moderating impact of Blockchain Technology is also considered
within this framework. To ensure the reliability and validity of the research, Smart PLS is
employed for conducting analysis on the items. This involves scrutinizing the measurement
model, verifying the credibility and precision of the items' measurement, and assessing the
constructs' reliability and validity. Smart PLS facilitates these analyses and assists in drawing
meaningful conclusions from the gathered data.

Figure 2 Measurement Model Smart PLS

Internal Consistency and Convergent Validity.
After building the required model in Smart PLS software, run the PLS Algorithm. The process
is known as “Measurement model evaluation”. The outer loading over .708 is encouraged,
indicating that the item accounts for more than 50% of the variation in construct and that item
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 Khan, Al Shamsi, Haider 721
dependability is acceptable. The values above .60 are also acceptable according to (Byrne,
2013). The results show that the majority of the values were more than .708 which is acceptable.
Table 2 presents the summary of the outer loadings.
Table. 2 Outer Loading
Item Code Factor Loading Item Code Factor Loading Item Code Factor Loading
Supply Chain Agility Supply Chain Integration
Blockchain Technology
SCA1 0.716 SCI1 0.737
SCA10 0.713 SCI10 0.707 BCT1 0.766
SCA2 0.747 SCI11 0.74 BCT10 0.701
SCA3 0.761 SCI2 0.766 BCT11 0.757
SCA5 0.706 SCI3 0.695 BCT12 0.771
SCA6 0.703 SCI5 0.776 BCT2 0.72
SCA7 0.716 SCI7 0.721 BCT3 0.688
SCA9 0.74 Supply Chain Performance BCT7 0.739
Supply Chain Collaboration SCP1 0.737 BCT8 0.813
SCC12 0.724 SCP11 0.836 BCT9 0.752
SCC13 0.701 SCP2 0.701
SCC14 0.692 SCP3 0.703
SCC2 0.762 SCP4 0.696
SCC3 0.694 SCP6 0.7
SCC4 0.744 SCP7 0.735
SCC5 0.741 SCP8 0.748
SCC6 0.79 SCP9 0.79
SCC7 0.7
SCC8 0.723
Correlation analysis
Originated by Karl Pearson about 1900, the correlation coefficient describes, to know the
strength of the relationship between two variables the value of correlation is calculated.
Designated r, it is often referred to as Pearson’s r and as the Pearson product-moment
correlation coefficient. The coefficient of a correlation is a numerical measure of the
relationship between paired observations. The correlation is functional statistics that is widely
used to find relationship between variables in research. It is a figure, which not only indicates
the relationship degree between the two variables, but it also states the strength of relationship
between the variables. The correlation values are recorded in the range of -1 to +1. When the
value of (r) is 0, it shows that relationship between variables does not exist. When the value of
(r) is positive, it indicates that increase in one variable increases the values of other variable or
it causes positive change. However, in case of negative (r) value, increase in one variable
decreases the value of other variable.(Lind, Marchal, & Wathen, 2017b).
Table 3 Correlation analysis
variables Bct sca scc sci scp
Bct 1
sca .89 1
scc .921 .911 1
sci .896 .886 .907 1
scp .905 .910 .925 .907 1
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722 The potential impact of Blockchain Technology on integration, agility, and collaboration in supply chain
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The correlation table describes the relationship between the variables. The mean of all variables
was calculated with the Smart PLS, by adding the considered items of affected variables only.
Correlation table (Table 3) has been computed by Smart PLS which shows correlation (r) of all
the considered independent Variables (Supply Chain Agility, Supply Chain Collaboration
Supply Chain Integration) and moderating variable (Blockchain Technology) with dependent
variable (Supply Chain performance) with their significance value (p). Blockchain Technology
used as moderating variable in this study. The result in correlation table demonstrates that the
Supply chain Agility, Supply Chain integration, supply chain collaboration , Blockchain
technology had strong and positive relationship with supply chain performance. So, the study
hypothesis was in line.
Table. 4 Regression Analysis
Standard T Value P
Hypothesis Relationship Results
Beta Statistics Values
H1 SCI -> SCP 0.189 3.675 0 Accepted
H2 SCA -> SCP 0.32 5.397 0 Accepted
H3 SCC -> SCP 0.349 4.678 0 Accepted
Moderating Effect of BCT with
H4 0.161 2.108 0.036 Accepted
SCI -> SCP
Moderating Effect of BCT with
H5 0.185 2.152 0.004 Accepted
SCA -> SCP
Moderating Effect of BCT with
H6 0.102 1.194 0.233 Rejected
SCC -> SCP
Table 4 presents the regression analysis outcomes, illustrating the relationships between the
variables. The results indicate that Supply Chain Integration (SCI) has a positive impact on
Supply Chain Performance (SCP), as evidenced by the tabulated values (β = 0.189, p < 0.05).
The T-value of 3.675 surpasses 2, leading to the acceptance of Hypothesis 1 (H1). Similarly, the
analysis shows a positive and significant influence of Supply Chain Agility (SCA) on SCP (β =
0.32, p < 0.05), with a T-value of 5.397 exceeding 2. Hence, Hypothesis 2 (H2) is accepted.
Likewise, the relationship between Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) and SCP exhibits a
positive and significant impact, with the values indicating (β = 0.349, p < 0.05) and a T-value
of 4.678 exceeding 2. Consequently, Hypothesis 3 (H3) is accepted. The interaction between
SCI and SCP in the presence of the moderating variable Blockchain Technology (BCT) reveals
a positive and significant impact (β = 0.185, p < 0.05), with a T-value of 2.108 surpassing 2.
Therefore, Hypothesis 4 (H4) is accepted. Furthermore, the moderating effect of BCT on the
relationship between SCA and SCP is evident, with a positive and significant impact (β = 0.085,
p < 0.05) as depicted in Table 4.3. The T-value of 2.152 exceeds 2, leading to the acceptance
of Hypothesis 5 (H5). However, the analysis of SCC and SCP in the moderating impact of BCT
indicates that BCT does not have a moderating impact on SCP. The values presented in the
table (β = 0.102, p > 0.05) and a T-value of 1.194 is less than 2, leading to the rejection of
Hypothesis 6 (H6).
Our empirical findings showed that the impact of independent variables (Agility, Collaboration,
Integration) on Supply Chain Performance is significant in the presence of Blockchain
Technology, except for the moderating role between Supply Chain Collaboration and Supply
Chain Performance. The literature review provides a ‘compact and comprehensive overview
of the state of knowledge in a specific research area’ (Casino et al., 2020), a blockchain also
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 Khan, Al Shamsi, Haider 723
supports the integration of heterogeneous traceability data recorded by the multiple involved
parties. Blockchain technology further amplifies collaboration within supply chain
management (Wang et al., 2020a). The concept of supply chain integration capability consisting
of supply chain visibility, supply chain agility and supply chain flexibility was derived from
previous studies (Wang and Jie, 2020., Williams et al., 2013). Overall, the research findings align
with the original research, indicating consistency across different firms from Oman and
Pakistan. Despite variations in cultural, knowledge-sharing, infrastructure, and economic
conditions.

Implications

This research holds significant practical implications that can guide top management in
enhancing their supply chain processes through integration with vendors, clients, and internal
stakeholders. The findings of this study highlight how digitalization and innovation in Supply
Chain Management (SCM) can lead to improved connectivity, efficient resource allocation, and
better sharing of information, with Blockchain Technology playing a moderating role. As the
fourth industrial revolution reshapes industries, this research underscores the importance for
supply chain businesses to incorporate various forms of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) to optimize SCM performance. Notable examples, such as the partnership
between Maersk and IBM in supply chain management, demonstrate substantial cost savings
and improved efficiency through timely and accurate information sharing via Blockchain
Technology integration. Pioneering companies like WEBOC, AGILITY, and MAERSK are at
the forefront of revolutionizing supply chain businesses. Their implementation of highly
automated IT systems not only meets client needs but also saves both time and costs, driving
innovation in the industry. The successful integration of Blockchain Technology, collaboration,
and agility phases requires active involvement and engagement of all stakeholders. This
inclusive approach ensures realistic and achievable expectations. However, it is acknowledged
that smaller organizations may face challenges, including higher integration costs, while
grappling with similar issues. In conclusion, this research offers actionable insights that can
empower supply chain management to adopt innovative practices, leverage technological
advancements, and foster collaborative relationships to enhance overall performance and
deliver tangible benefits to all stakeholders involved.

Future Research Direction

To further enhance the research framework of this thesis, additional research could delve into
the intricacies of each research variable, providing more comprehensive insights. The
implementation of Blockchain Technology (BCT) holds a significant impact on the operational
dynamics of supply chain management (SCM). BCT introduces a practical and transformative
approach, challenging traditional concepts of managing supply chains across various businesses
and organizations. While existing studies do shed light on the role of BCT in SCM and its
influence on operational and financial performance, there remains an avenue for future
researchers to explore other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as
artificial intelligence, Data Science, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in the context of
supply chain management and corporate settings in Oman and Pakistan's major cities. These

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performance…
emerging ICTs present valuable opportunities for industrial and academic researchers to
conduct in-depth investigations into the relationships between these variables. Future studies
could uncover intricate connections, shedding light on how these technologies interact and
synergize within supply chain processes. In terms of practical recommendations for top
management, this research suggests that BCT can facilitate enhanced communication between
internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, it can improve inventory management through
collaboration with cross-functional teams, leading to more efficient operations. Furthermore,
the integration of BCT can facilitate real-time reception of customer feedback, thereby enabling
businesses to be more responsive to customer needs and preferences.
By delving deeper into these areas, future researchers can contribute to a more nuanced
understanding of how various technologies, including BCT, artificial intelligence, Data Science,
and ERP, impact supply chain management in the dynamic business landscapes of Oman and
Pakistan. This expanded knowledge base can offer actionable insights to industry leaders and
decision-makers, fostering more effective and agile supply chain practices.

Conclusion

This research aimed to assess the role of Blockchain Technology (BCT) as a moderator in the
context of supply chain performance, specifically in relation to Supply Chain Agility (SCA),
Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC), and Supply Chain Integration (SCI). BCT has emerged as
a highly promising and potentially transformative factor within Supply Chain Management
(SCM). While the study observed a direct and significant relationship between SCC and SCP,
this relationship was not recognized in the presence of the moderator BCT. Nonetheless, the
role of BCT in enhancing supply chain performance was evident throughout the research
findings. These results hold practical implications for businesses' operations and contribute to
both theoretical advancements in academia and practical insights for industrial applications.
The research outcomes have the potential to guide decision-making processes across
businesses of varying sizes, from small to medium to large enterprises, when it comes to
integrating BCT. This guidance can be particularly valuable in diagnosing challenges within the
supply chain and making informed decisions to enhance performance. In the dynamic
landscape of the fourth industrial revolution, business agility plays a pivotal role in meeting
customer needs. Increased collaboration among organizations can streamline product
reengineering processes and improve overall supply chain operations, thereby reducing
working capital risks.
Ultimately, this research holds the potential to optimize supply chain operations, enhance
performance, and drive innovation within the supply chain industry. Blockchain Technology is
recognized as a powerful tool capable of making supply chain performance more agile and
progressive, aligning with the demands of the modern era.

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