A methodological framework to analyze the impact of blockchain affordances on sustainable–resilient pharmaceutical supply chain performance

Purpose This research proposes a methodological framework to analyze the impact of blockchain technology (BT) affordances on sustainable–resilient pharmaceutical supply chain performance (SRPSCP). Design/methodology/approach This research uses a mixed-method approach. Sustainability Development Goal#3 (SDG#3) guides the SRPSCP conceptualization. Data from academic and grey literature have been collected for the conceptual framework. Primary qualitative data from 3 groups of 4 experts (totaling 12) and secondary qualitative data from web scrawling have been collected for the analytical framework. Findings Analysis reveals the positive and negative effects of blockchain affordances on cost. Specifically, the affordances of visibility and resilience are most effective in minimizing costs. Also, automation impacts SRPSCP the most, followed by visibility, resilience, aggregation and validation. And visibility emerges as the most influential affordance affecting reliability, while automation, aggregation, validation and resilience contribute to varying extents. Practical implications Managers can justify the initial expenditure on BT to stakeholders by highlighting cumulative advantages and cost reductions over time. BT enabled visibility and automation, contributing highly to maintaining high service levels. BT implementation assures the reliability of pharmaceutical products, streamlines the process of recalling products and enables quick settlement of false accusations by leveraging its improved traceability. Originality/value This work is the first to use a mix of technology affordance, network and transaction cost theory. The proposed framework can help academicians and decision-makers to explore, analyze and rationalize the impact of BT implication on PSC performance when assessed with existing non-Web 3.0 technologies.