This study examines how alternative digital decision architectures influence partner selection outcomes in decentralized supply chains. Specifically, it compares a coordination-centric agent-based model with a governance-centric blockchain-enabled system to understand how each architecture shapes decision-making processes and operational performance in third-party logistics provider selection.
The study adopts a comparative computational research design using 110 empirical request cases across three supply chain segments. Both architectures are evaluated under identical decision criteria and operational constraints. Key performance indicators include decision cycle time, outcome consistency, selection quality, transparency and auditability, and enforcement reliability.
The results indicate that the blockchain-enabled architecture outperforms the agent-based model in decision speed, consistency, transparency, and enforcement reliability. However, both architectures yield comparable levels of average selection quality. This suggests that differences across architectures are driven less by evaluation capability and more by how decision processes are structured, validated, and enforced in decentralized environments.
The study is limited to computational simulations and a specific application in third-party logistics provider selection, which may constrain generalizability. Future research could extend the analysis to other supply chain functions, incorporate real-time implementation data, and explore hybrid architectures combining coordination and governance mechanisms.
For practitioners, the findings highlight the importance of aligning digital decision architectures with governance requirements in decentralized supply chains. Blockchain-based systems may be particularly valuable where transparency, auditability, and enforcement reliability are critical for interorganizational coordination.
This study introduces decision architecture as a key analytical lens for understanding digital transformation in decentralized supply chains. It contributes novel comparative evidence demonstrating that architectural design rather than evaluation capability alone plays a decisive role in shaping operational outcomes.
