Blockchain technology application and selection for supply chains of companies operating with e-commerce: A case study using fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods

Today, with the development of technology and the rapid increase in the internet use, the way people meet their wants and needs is also changing. Online shopping methods have become more frequently preferred over traditional shopping methods. People prefer this shopping method mainly because they can access, examine, and purchase products 24/7. Among the online shopping methods, electronic commerce (e-commerce) is acknowledged as the most commonly used one. One of the major challenges e-commerce companies face is the potential impact of disruptions in the supply chain on customer dissatisfaction. With the e-commerce method, it is crucial for customers to receive products at the desired time and to the desired location. Blockchain technology is considered to be applicable in the supply chain ensure security, transparency, and speed in the supply chain. Despite being a relatively new technology, blockchain is believed to offer significant advantages in various fields and is becoming increasingly popular. Particularly in the supply chain, blockchain technology has the potential to reduce security vulnerabilities and provide transparency, making it easier to track product and service processes. As a result, it can play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the supply chain. In this study, interviews were conducted with the experts of four e-commerce companies, which are the most frequently used ones in Turkey and each operating in a different sector. The study aimed to examine selecting and implementing the most suitable blockchain technology for e-commerce companies, using the integrated BWM-fuzzy VIKOR and integrated fuzzy AHP-fuzzy VIKOR methods. Two different methods were utilised to determine the importance weights of 6 main criteria and 22 sub-criteria used in the study. Therefore, experts were asked to make two different evaluations for the same criteria. The different matrices and scales used in the BWM and fuzzy AHP methods revealed differences in the importance weights of criteria. The two separate fuzzy VIKOR results obtained from the two different sets of criteria weights were integrated to rank the alternatives in the study. As a result, it was concluded that the rankings of the alternatives were the same in both fuzzy VIKOR results, considering the importance weights calculated by two different methods. According to the fuzzy VIKOR results, the ranking of alternatives is as follows: A1 (cryptographic technology), A3 (smart contracts), A2 (distributed ledger technology), and A4 (consensus algorithm). Based on the analysis results, some suggestions were presented for companies and further research in this field.