Designing a Blockchain Technology Model in the Sustainable Supply Chain Finance of the Automotive Parts Manufacturing Industry (Quantitative and Qualitative Approach)

Abstract

This study developed a blockchain technology model for sustainable supply chain finance in the automotive parts manufacturing industry, using a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative phase, involving 10 experts, utilized grounded theory to identify causal, contextual, and intervening factors. The quantitative phase involved 11 experts for initial model design and 214 managers for evaluation. Fuzzy Delphi analysis identified 13 key components for the financial sustainability of automotive parts supply chains. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) revealed independent dimensions like technology, infrastructure, standardization, policymaking, and legal/regulatory frameworks. Dependent dimensions included financial system development, sustainable goals, and supply chain integration. Interconnected dimensions were financial flexibility, a centralized (blockchain-centric) business model, and blockchain information management. The designed model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), demonstrating strong fit and performance. SEM confirmed positive relationships among the legal/regulatory framework, standardization, blockchain information management, and the centralized business model. Organizational policymaking positively influenced technology, infrastructure, and blockchain information management. Furthermore, the centralized business model significantly impacted supply chain integration and sustainable financial flexibility. The study concludes that novel blockchain-centric business models, robust integration, and financial flexibility are crucial within sustainable supply chains for enhancing financial performance, mitigating risks, and achieving broader sustainability objectives.