Azmi, N A; Sweis, G; Sweis, R and Sammour, F (2023) Exploring blockchain-enabled smart contracts technology implementation within ready-mixed concrete plants industry in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Construction Management, 23(14), pp. 2400-2408. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
In recent years, several construction-related services incorporating Blockchain-enabled smart contracts have emerged. Blockchain-enabled smart contracts have the potential to modify the structure of all accessible networks in the near future. The purpose of this study is to explore individuals understanding of smart contracts in Saudi Arabia, identify potential advantages, and assess actors' readiness to implement smart contracts technology in ready-mixed concrete (RMC) plants. Data was acquired by questionnaires distributed to employees from Saudi Arabia's RMC plants companies. Additionally, confirmatory interviews were conducted out to areas of expertise. The study's findings revealed a low level of smart contract knowledge within Saudi Arabia’s RMC plants sector. The readiness to implement smart contracts is extremely low. According to the findings, smart contracts can improve supply chain management and supply chain finance efficiency, but not in the current circumstances in Saudi Arabia owing to insufficient digitization.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | blockchain; ready-mixed concrete industry; smart contracts; supply chain financing; supply chain management |
| Index terms: | interview, questionnaire, financing, Saudi Arabia, low level, efficiency, concrete industry, blockchain, implementation, smart contract |
| Subjects: | computing systems, data collection methods, contractual arrangements, economic analysis, digital technology, Geography, performance management, industry analysis, measurement and scaling |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Business Strategy, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here