The Causal Architecture of Blockchain-Enabled Performance in Humanitarian Supply Chains

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Associate Prof., Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Prof., Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey.

3 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Management and Business, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

4 Assistant Prof., Faculty of Science, Department of Mathematics, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran.

5 Assistant Prof., Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey.

10.22059/imj.2026.412904.1008307

Abstract

Objective: To identify and prioritize blockchain technology (BT) facilitators for humanitarian supply chains and to develop a causal relationship model linking these facilitators to SCOR-based humanitarian supply chain performance attributes using a multi-objective intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive map (MOIFFCM).
Methodology: The study adopts a sequential mixed-method design within a single case study. A systematic literature review first identifies candidate BT facilitators and structures humanitarian supply chain processes and performance dimensions according to the SCOR model. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews with eight experts from academia and practice provide judgements on the influence and interdependence of these facilitators on key operations and performance attributes. These judgements are encoded in an intuitionistic fuzzy cognitive map and extended to a multi-objective IFCM framework to analyze complex and feedback-rich causal relationships.    
Results: Thirteen BT facilitators relevant to humanitarian supply chains are validated. The MOIFFCM analysis shows that secure, shared, decentralized databases and smart contracts are the most influential facilitators for blockchain adoption in humanitarian supply chains. These enablers strongly affect SCOR-derived performance dimensions such as reliability, flexibility, responsiveness, cost performance, and aid management efficiency, and exhibit significant interdependencies with other facilitators.
Conclusion: Prioritizing and strengthening key BT facilitators—particularly secure decentralized data infrastructures and smart contracts—can improve visibility, traceability, and integrity of humanitarian supply chains while reducing administrative burden and transaction costs. Nonetheless, realizing these benefits requires addressing regulatory, legal, technical and infrastructural constraints. The proposed MOIFFCM-based model offers a decision-support tool for humanitarian managers to test adoption scenarios, prioritize facilitators under resource limitations and better align blockchain investments with targeted performance improvements.

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Main Subjects

References

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Industrial Management Journal
Volume 18, Issue 3
2026
Pages 254-284

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