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

• Published in: Industrial management + data systems Vol. 122; no. 4; pp. 1025 - 1055
• Main Authors: Sunny, Justin, Pillai, V. Madhusudanan, Nath, Hiran V, Shah, Kenil, Ghoradkar, Prajwal Pandurang, Philip, Manu Jose, Shirswar, Malhar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wembley Emerald Publishing Limited 12.04.2022; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Blockchain; Business schools; Critical components; Cryptography; Games; International organizations; Inventory; Inventory management; Players; Purchase orders; Simulation; Software; Software development tools; Students; Supply chain management; Supply chains; Teaching; Training; Role-play simulation game; Supply chain management; Smart contract; Blockchain technology; Beer game
• ISSN: 0263-5577; 1758-5783
• DOI: 10.1108/IMDS-10-2021-0609

PurposeThis 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/approachThis 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.FindingsThe 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/valueSoftware 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.