Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management

Catalog description

This course is intended to provide students with a solid foundation in blockchain basics and recent innovations and how this emerging technology can disrupt supply chains by addressing problems related to inefficiency, opacity, and fraud. We will cover fundamentals of blockchain technology such as distributed ledger, public key cryptography, the Bitcoin protocol, and proof-of-work consensus mechanism, as well as the Ethereum blockchain, proof-of-stake, smart contracts, oracles, layer 2 scaling solutions, and Solidity for implementing smart contracts. Furthermore, the course explores how blockchain technology can aid supply chain systems in lowering costs, ensuring product quality, enhancing speed, minimizing risks, promoting flexibility, and facilitating sustainable practices. The course also discusses various applications of blockchain technology in supply chain management, including its use in the food and beverage industry, healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, and supply chain finance. Lastly, the course highlights how combining blockchain technology with other cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), can amplify its value to supply chains. Offered as OPMT 480 and SCMG 480 .