A Teaching Concept to Convey Benefits of Blockchain-Based Applications in Supply Chains and Production by Means of Learning Factories

6 Pages Posted: 11 Apr 2022

See all articles by Fabian Dietrich

Fabian Dietrich

Reutlingen University - ESB Business School

Daniel Palm

ESB Business School

Louis Louw

Stellenbosch University

Date Written: April 10, 2022

Abstract

Blockchain is a technology for the secure processing and verification of data transactions based on a distributed peer-to-peer network that uses cryptographic processes, consensus algorithms, and backward-linked blocks to make transactions virtually immutable. Within supply chain management, blockchain technology offer potentials in increasing supply chain transparency, visibility, automation, and efficiency. However, its complexity requires future employees to have comprehensive knowledge regarding the functionality of blockchain-based applications in order to be able to apply their benefits to scenarios in supply chain and production. Learning factories represent a suitable environment allowing learners to experience new technologies and to apply them to virtual and physical processes throughout value chains. This paper presents a concept to practically transfer knowledge about the technical functionality of blockchain technology to future engineers and software developers working within supply chains and production operations to sensitize them regarding the advantages of decentralized applications. First, the concept proposes methods to playfully convey immutable backward-linked blocks and the embedment of blockchain smart contracts. Subsequently, the students use this knowledge to develop blockchain-based application scenarios by means of an exemplary product in a learning factory environment. Finally, the developed solutions are implemented with the help of a prototypical decentralized application, which enables a holistic mapping of supply chain events.

Keywords: Blockchain; Decentralized Applications; Teaching Concept; Learning Factories

Suggested Citation

Dietrich, Fabian and Palm, Daniel and Louw, Louis, A Teaching Concept to Convey Benefits of Blockchain-Based Applications in Supply Chains and Production by Means of Learning Factories (April 10, 2022). CLF2022, Proceedings of the 12th Conference on Learning Factories (CLF 2022), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4080422

Fabian Dietrich (Contact Author)

Reutlingen University - ESB Business School ( email )

Alteburgstr. 150
Reutlingen, 72762
Germany

Daniel Palm

ESB Business School ( email )

Reutlingen
Germany

Louis Louw

Stellenbosch University

Carl Cronje Dr, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530, South
Cape Town, 7530

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