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Blockchain-enabled beer game: a software tool for familiarizing the application of blockchain in supply chain management

Justin Sunny (Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India)
V. Madhusudanan Pillai (Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India)
Hiran V. Nath (Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India)
Kenil Shah (Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India)
Prajwal Pandurang Ghoradkar (Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India)
Manu Jose Philip (Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India)
Malhar Shirswar (Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India)

Industrial Management & Data Systems

ISSN: 0263-5577

Article publication date: 4 April 2022

Issue publication date: 12 April 2022

1015

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce, conceptualize and demonstrate a software tool named “Blockchain-Enabled Beer Game” (BEBG) for familiarizing the application of blockchain in inventory management, one of the critical components of supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a methodology of design-based research and develops a software tool in the form of a role-play simulation game. The proposed game adopts the theme of the traditional beer distribution game to establish a blockchain-enabled scenario for inventory management. A decentralized application (DApp) was prototyped on the Ethereum blockchain to demonstrate the tool.

Findings

The proposed software tool is effective in teaching and training the application of blockchain in inventory management. While interacting with BEBG, players witness how each inventory-related transaction gets secured with blockchain. A basic understanding of the fundamentals of blockchain is a prerequisite for using this tool. BEBG is not self-explanatory, and an instructor is essential for assisting the players.

Originality/value

Software tools currently available to familiarize with blockchain technology cannot convey its practical applications. Addressing this gap, BEBG allows the users to experience the application of blockchain in inventory management. Academic institutions, especially business schools, can use this tool to teach the students the practical use of blockchain technology. Industries can adopt BEBG for training the employees. The research community can devise BEBG to infer the impact of blockchain in supply chain management.

Keywords

Citation

Sunny, J., Pillai, V.M., Nath, H.V., Shah, K., Ghoradkar, P.P., Philip, M.J. and Shirswar, M. (2022), "Blockchain-enabled beer game: a software tool for familiarizing the application of blockchain in supply chain management", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 122 No. 4, pp. 1025-1055. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-10-2021-0609

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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