Identifying and categorizing the processes and components of agricultural supply chain knowledge management based on blockchain technology

Document Type : Research َ Article

Authors

1 Ph.D Student, Department of knowledge and information sciences, Tehran Research Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Professor, Department of knowledge and information sciences, Science and research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science, Malik Ashtar University, Tehran, Iran

10.30484/nastinfo.2025.3664.2302

Abstract

Purpose: Given the importance and expansion of the digital world and the increasing effectiveness of technology, this research identifies the key indicators of blockchain technology in the knowledge management of the agricultural supply chain.
Method: This research is qualitative in nature, applied in purpose, and employs a descriptive and survey-based approach for data collection. The statistical population comprises blockchain technology experts, university professors specializing in blockchain, and researchers with scientific articles on blockchain applications in agriculture. Initially, 124 indicators were collected and extracted from related scientific articles using the meta-synthesis method. In interviews with experts, 31 indicators were eliminated or merged, leaving 93 indicators. Additionally, components of Newman and Conrad’s knowledge management model were extracted, aligned with blockchain indicators, and validated by experts. Subsequently, the Delphi method was employed, with a panel of 11 experts participating in two stages.
Findings: Initially, the current problems in the traditional supply chain were extracted and categorized using studied scientific articles, identifying 58 indicators of its disadvantages and issues. Of these, 14 components were related to the origin of agricultural products, 38 to their distribution, and 6 to food safety and quality. In the Delphi panel stage, 9 of the 93 extracted indicators were removed, leaving 86 effective indicators. Blockchain technology indicators in Newman and Conrad’s knowledge management model include 15 components related to knowledge creation, 22 to knowledge maintenance, 12 to knowledge transfer, and 37 to knowledge application.
Conclusion: According to the research findings, the traditional agricultural supply chain faces numerous problems and shortcomings. In contrast, based on Newman and Conrad’s knowledge management model, it can be demonstrated that a blockchain-based agricultural supply chain, due to its security and reliability, provides a robust platform for producers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. This technology, with its numerous advantages, can revolutionize the agricultural industry. Identifying and analyzing blockchain technology components and indicators in the agricultural supply chain enhances our understanding of its application. Through this technology, explicit and tacit knowledge within the agricultural supply chain can be organized and utilized, enabling the stages of knowledge creation, maintenance, transfer, and application to be conducted with greater security and efficiency.

Keywords

References

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  • Receive Date: 18 October 2024
  • Revise Date: 24 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 12 January 2025

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