Table 2

Coding scheme

TCE theoretical dimensionAnalytical subcategoriesDescription
Blockchain benefitsIntegrationBlockchain technology addresses the lack of integration between the current entities of the Egyptian supply chains
CommunicationBlockchain technology provides better communication with partners across the supply chain
TransparencyIn the blockchain, data regarding the medications' status is collected. Transparency throughout the supply chain makes detecting mistakes and those responsible for solving them more manageable
OpportunismCounterfeit drugsBlockchain technology helps medical firms to decrease medicine fraud risks
Privacy concernsSome companies still fear putting their information online – the threat of hacking by actors having superior control over the network
UncertaintyLegal situationThe legal situation is still relatively uncertain. Blockchain systems, therefore, require a legal framework
Network securityDecentralized systems feature a higher level of network failure security given by the large number of nodes storing data
Bounded rationalityLack of trustThe blockchain's privacy model based solely on anonymity may result in a loss of trust, fearing that their identity will be uncovered
Change resistanceThe employee culture may hamper the implementation of the technology
ex ante costsSetup costsBlockchain systems require high initial costs for implementation, particularly when current systems are incompatible
Contracting costsBlockchain may reduce contracting costs through a trustless environment and smart contracts
Ex-post costsRunning costsWith a scalable system, the more data it stores, the more it requires storage and speed
Control costIncreasing the control over the firms' supply chain activities ensures the safe delivery of medication by monitoring the specific requirements of the medications regarding temperature and other aspects. In this vein, blockchain may help to decrease control costs
Information asymmetriesVisibilityBlockchain technology provides firms with more visibility across their supply chains
ImmutabilityBlockchain technology provides authentic data that cannot be adjusted or altered

Source(s): Authors own work

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