FedEx's Blockchain Technology Application in SCM

The assignment is based on a research study about FedEx's blockchain technology application in Supply Chain Management. It includes an online questionnaire with demographic questions and queries related to blockchain technology in SCM, such as its benefits, challenges, and potential use cases. Students are asked to participate in the study by completing the questionnaire honestly.

Running head: FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Research on FedEx's blockchain technology application in Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:

1FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Acknowledgement
Conducting this research has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The
contribution of this research to enhance my knowledge base and analytical skill has been
paramount. It gave me the opportunity to face challenges in the process and overcome them. This
would not have been possible without the valuable guidance of my professors, peers and all the
people who have contributed to this enriching experience. I would like to take this opportunity to
thank my supervisor ----------------------- for the constant guidance and support provided to me
during the process of this research. It would not be justified if I did not thank my academic
guides for their important and valuable assistance and encouragement throughout the research
process. I would also like to thank my friends who had provided me with help and
encouragement for collecting primary data and valuable resources. Finally, I would like to thank
people those use express services of FedEx who have participated in the research survey and
provided with valuable inputs into the subject. The support of all these people has been inspiring
and enlightening throughout the process of research in the subject.
Yours Sincerely,

2FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Abstract
Since initial stages of the development, the blockchain technology spreads into various industries
other than financial industry. In FedEx, the supply chain is considered as a ground for
implementation of blockchain technology due to lack of trust which characterize the logistics
industry. The research study is aimed to categorize the current market blockchain applications
into SCM based on its functionality. There is various usage of the blockchain technology which
is analyzed under six different points of view to evaluate expected benefits that the stakeholders
expect to gain from technological implementation. The research study is started from interest of
customer demands for evaluation of impact of blockchain to the SCM. The research is aimed to
evaluate impacts of the blockchain and also aimed to provide of recommendations on how to
adapt the blockchain implementation in FedEx. By analyzing the financial as well as information
flows, the organization identifies the process delays in the supply chain of FedEx. In the
conclusion, the business case of FedEx is evaluated based on impact of the logistics. The
research objective is linked with the research findings to evaluate the impact of blockchain
technology in SCM, identify the supply chain issues and possible solutions using blockchain.

3FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................................................8
1.1 Background of the study........................................................................................................8
1.2 Research aim and objectives..................................................................................................9
1.3 Research questions...............................................................................................................10
1.4 Problem statement...............................................................................................................10
1.5 Rationale of the study..........................................................................................................11
1.6 Structure of the study...........................................................................................................12
Chapter 2: Literature Review.........................................................................................................15
2.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................15
2.2 Theoretical framework of research study............................................................................15
2.3 Digital supply chain and supply chain execution systems...................................................17
2.4 Blockchain technology........................................................................................................18
2.4.1 Definition of Blockchain..............................................................................................18
2.4.2 How Blockchain work..................................................................................................19
2.4.3 Facts about blockchain technology...............................................................................19
2.5 Overview of current challenges of SCM.............................................................................20
2.6 Characteristics and applications of blockchain technology.................................................22
2.7 Apply of blockchain technology applications in SCM........................................................25
2.8 FedEx’s block chain technology applications.....................................................................28

4FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
2.8.1 Current situation of FedEx in supply chain management.............................................28
2.8.2 FedEx and Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA)..................................................31
2.8.3 Proposals for FedEx in blockchain technology application for supply
chain management.................................................................................................................34
2.8.4 Application scenario of blockchain technology...........................................................36
2.9 Chapter Summary................................................................................................................38
Chapter 3: Research Methodology................................................................................................39
3.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................39
3.2 Method outline.....................................................................................................................40
3.3 Research philosophy............................................................................................................40
3.4 Research approach...............................................................................................................42
3.5 Research design...................................................................................................................43
3.6 Data collection process........................................................................................................44
3.6.1 Primary Data Sources...................................................................................................44
3.6.2 Quantitative Data Analysis Method..............................................................................45
3.7 Sampling method.................................................................................................................45
3.8 Sample size..........................................................................................................................46
3.9 Ethical considerations..........................................................................................................46
3.10 Limitations of the study.....................................................................................................46
3.11 Time horizon......................................................................................................................48

5FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
3.12 Chapter summary...............................................................................................................49
Chapter 4: Results and Data Analysis...........................................................................................50
4.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................50
4.2 Quantitative data analysis....................................................................................................50
Chapter 5: Discussion....................................................................................................................74
5.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................74
5.2 Features of blockchain technology into application to supply chain...................................74
5.2 Supply chain challenges in business functions of FedEx....................................................75
5.3 Blockchain technology helps to solve the supply chain issues............................................76
5.3.1 Blockchain as traceability solution...............................................................................76
5.3.2 Blockchain for improved transparency.........................................................................77
5.3.3 Blockchain as IT innovation strategy...........................................................................79
Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations..............................................................................80
6.1 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................80
6.2 Linking with objectives.......................................................................................................81
6.3 Recommendations................................................................................................................83
6.4 Areas of future research.......................................................................................................84
References......................................................................................................................................86
Appendix........................................................................................................................................97
Online Questionnaire.................................................................................................................97

6FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Table of tables
Table 4.1: Gender..........................................................................................................................51
Table 4.2: Age...............................................................................................................................52
Table 4.3: Use of FedEx’s express service....................................................................................53
Table 4.4: Known about blockchain technology...........................................................................54
Table 4.5: Application of blockchain technology in SCM will be possible..................................55
Table 4.6: Blockchain technology disrupts line of business..........................................................57
Table 4.7: Benefits of blockchain technology in SCM..................................................................58
Table 4.8: Use causes viable for applying blockchain..................................................................60
Table 4.9: Biggest challenges to use blockchain technology in SCM...........................................62
Table 4.10: Use of blockchain technology in SCM monitor real time data..................................63
Table 4.11: Ways to prevent the supply chain challenges.............................................................65
Table 4.12: Use of digital ledger, the transactions are done accurately........................................66
Table 4.13: Inventory logistics of FedEx matches with customer’s order and transportation
services..........................................................................................................................................68
Table 4.14: FedEx Company Statistics..........................................................................................69
Table 4.15: US postal services statistics........................................................................................72

7FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Table of figures
Figure 2.1: Theoretical framework of research study....................................................................16
Figure 2.3: Supply Chain Management.........................................................................................29
Figure 3.1: Research Philosophies.................................................................................................41
Figure 3.2: Research Approaches..................................................................................................42
Figure 3.3: Research Designs........................................................................................................43
Figure 4.1: Gender.........................................................................................................................51
Figure 4.2: Age..............................................................................................................................52
Figure 4.3: Use of FedEx’s express service...................................................................................53
Figure 4.4: Known about blockchain technology..........................................................................55
Figure 4.5: Application of blockchain technology in SCM will be possible.................................56
Figure 4.6: Blockchain technology disrupts line of business........................................................57
Figure 4.7: Benefits of blockchain technology in SCM................................................................59
Figure 4.8: Use causes viable for applying blockchain.................................................................61
Figure 4.9: Biggest challenges to use blockchain technology in SCM.........................................62
Figure 4.10: Use of blockchain technology in SCM monitor real time data.................................64
Figure 4.11: Ways to prevent the supply chain challenges...........................................................65
Figure 4.12: Use of digital ledger, the transactions are done accurately.......................................67
Figure 4.13: Inventory logistics of FedEx matches with customer’s order and transportation
services..........................................................................................................................................68
Figure 4.14: Revenue percentage of FedEx Corporation..............................................................71

8FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
The blockchain technology finds much application into real world supply chain
management (SCM). The thesis paper analyzes the blockchain technology applications into
SCM. Morabito (2017) stated that blockchain is such a technology for the decentralized storage
of the transactional data. Supply chain becomes complicated, and it takes many days to make
payment among manufacturer as well as supplier, customer and vendor. It is hard for the
suppliers to trace the products which make it critical to eliminate the defects. Blockchain is one
of the solutions of those supply chain issues (Viswanadham 2017). The application of the
blockchain technology to the SCM reduces errors, delays as well as frauds and also improves the
inventory management. It helps the sellers, customers and intermediaries to resolve the issues
faster. The sellers are better track of the cost, estimate the delivery time for the routes as well as
make of decisions. The transport providers are able to post the details about capacity as well as
routes and also reduce both transport time as well as price (Omran et al. 2017). The customers
should know where the products are coming from and benefiting from reduction of cost as well
as shipping time.
The professionals from supply chain use of block chain technology for gathering as well
as tracking of data. Underwood (2016) argued that applying of blockchain technology
applications for transactions reduce friction into the commercial financing. The researcher is
interested in the blockchain technology that permitted Bitcoin as the best crypto currency within
the marketplace. The technology is a database to provide transactions into digital currency like
Bitcoin (Pilkington 2016). All the transactions are created among the users those are checked by

9FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
the cryptographic algorithms along with grouped into the blocks which are added to the
blockchain. No one can able to change information into the blocks as they are chained to all
other. Kharlamov and Parry (2017) concluded that blockchain technology can process various
transactions securely without the third parties.
This paper summarizes the use of blockchain technology applications into FedEx supply
chain management. FedEx is an American courier delivery service company. This company is
belonged to air courier industry (FedEx 2016). One of the application of blockchain technology
is that its application for logistics as well as supply chain. The supply chain is subsidiary of the
FedEx Corporation which delivers of logistics solutions to the customers. The outsourced
services are included of global inventory stock, distribution of the customers, higher inventory
value in addition to transportation management. There is increase in revenue of the supply chain
of FedEx as they offer their customers with flexibility and shift into demand. By providing
access to the supply chain technology, the company can achieve profitability. The current
situation of FedEx supply chain is challenging, therefore the company should adopt such a
technology which resolves their supply chain issues (Hofmann, Strewe and Bosia 2018). The
supply chain challenges are concerning on transparency, security in addition to visibility of their
operations into supply chain. In this paper, the researcher finds out the benefits of using
blockchain technology to solve the supply chain issues.
1.2 Research aim and objectives
The aim of this research study is to identify the benefits of blockchain on the supply
chain activities and evaluate the impact of this technology on the business activities of FedEx.
This study also determines the blockchain business cases of implementation within the logistics
and supply chain for identifying the technological impacts. It evaluates the business model of

10FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
FedEx which are affected by the blockchain technology implementation to derive
recommendations of the company. It discusses the supply chain challenges into the business
functions of FedEx and use of blockchain technology for solving the identified problems. This
research aims to fulfill theoretical as well as practical research gaps into blockchain potential on
the supply chain.
Based on the research aim, the research objectives are framed so that further research is
carried out into consideration. The objectives of this thesis paper for determining benefits of the
blockchain technology into supply chain are as follows:
 To examine the application of blockchain technology in supply chain management
 To find out the supply chain issues in FedEx
 To employ of blockchain technology for solving the supply chain issues
1.3 Research questions
The research questions are useful to understand the topic in detailed manner. The area of
analysis is based on the selected questions. The research objectives are being translated into
following research questions for this particular study:
1. What are the key features of blockchain technology into application to supply chain?
2. What are the supply chain challenges in business functions of FedEx?
3. How does blockchain technology help to solve the supply chain issues?
1.4 Problem statement
Despite there is larger competitive advantage. FedEx is lacking the integrated approach to
manage their supply chain activities such as coordination of physical, financial along with flow
of information. Into cross chain collaborations, sharing of information among the members of

11FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
supply chain are awkward process that FedEx is not simplified it. Various transactions are done
among the members located into geographic location which leads to creation of outmoded as
well as inexact data (Francisco and Swanson 2018). Due to not connected system, there may be
delay into cargo, trade flow which leads to longer lead time to supply the materials. Because of
those inefficiencies, it symbolized of chance for the new air carrier companies which offer
advanced functionalities. Blockchain is considered as one of the best solution which disrupts the
supply chain by removing of the third parties as well as enhancing the process visibility (English,
Auer and Domingue 2016). It is probable to threaten current business model of FedEx, which the
company is managing their information flow.
This particular research is also addressing the challenges that the researcher is facing
when access to the benefits of blockchain technology. It evaluates technological impact under the
perspective of supply chain by analyzing the benefits of physical and information flow. The
researcher is not able to provide a clear definition of the blockchain as it is based on various
variances in addition to different applications (Iansiti and Lakhani 2017). As blockchain is a new
technology, therefore there is misunderstanding on potential applications along with its impacts
on supply chain. This new technology is one environmental force which affects the business
model of FedEx. After identification of the research problems, the knowledge gaps are deducted.
The research topic is quite interesting in timeliness as blockchain technology is a huge area and
there is very little knowledge on its application into logistics sector.
1.5 Rationale of the study
The reason behind choosing of this topic is to identify the benefits and challenges of
blockchain technology into supply chain activities. The blockchain technology is considered as
decentralized transaction which is developed first for the Bitcoin cryptography. The researcher

12FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
gains interest into Blockchain due to its central attributes which provide data integrity in addition
to security without third party organizations in controlling transactions. This new technology
eliminates the amounts of record keeping, saving of money and disrupting of IT. The researcher
has selected this topic as this technology is an efficient way to share of information among open
as well as private networks. The research provides the technical building blocks of the
blockchain platform with aim to provide the technical aspects behind potential market
applications. Selection of this research topic focused on relationship between blockchain
technology and SCM. FedEx’s block chain technology applications are also summarized in this
particular study. As the supply chain consists of different stages, locations, therefore it is difficult
to track the activities in supply chain. Due to lack of transparency into supply chain, the
customers are not sure into true value of products.
1.6 Structure of the study
The researcher makes a division of the entire thesis paper such that the research topic will
be properly highlighted in detailed manner. There are six chapters into the research study which
are categorized as follows:
Chapter 1- Introduction: The first chapter served as introduction of the selected
research topic, aim, and research objectives of the thesis. The research aim analyzes the
blockchain technology for evaluating technological power to accomplish its usage. In order to
achieve the research objectives, three research questions are derived. The main findings of this
study are analyzed with the research questions to retrace main path of the thesis project work. It
also evaluates the problems into the research project.

13FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Chapter 2- Literature Review: This chapter provides the literature review which
focused the blockchain applications into the supply chain. A theoretical framework is provided
which evaluates on the concept of blockchain technology and supply chain management. The
literature review on blockchain differentiates among the blockchain platforms along with
applications for understanding the features of technology. It determines the impact of blockchain
technology on the supply chain.
Chapter 3- Research Methodology: This chapter summarizes the research methodology
that analyzes the research domain of the thesis project. It provides the methodological
background to the survey process as well as result analysis. The selected people are sources of
information. An online survey is taken as the primary data analysis method to take feedback
from the employees of FedEx those have experience to use of blockchain technology
applications into their supply chain activities. After collecting the data through questionnaire, the
gathered data are analyzed. The analyzed results are defined the path which led to develop the
main research findings.
Chapter 4- Results and Data Analysis: Based on data collection, the researcher is opted
for analyzing the data sources such that the results are generated based on selected research
topic. The benefits of blockchain technology in supply chain activities are analyzed which help
the researcher to get knowledge of the topic. The data are being analyzed using different
techniques and methods to analyze the response of participants.
Chapter 5- Discussion: This chapter discusses the findings of the research project of the
business case analysis of FedEx along with analysis their business model. It aims to perform a

14FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
detailed analysis of the results for evaluating the survey responses and identifying impact of
blockchain technology into SCM.
Chapter 6- Conclusion and Recommendations: It provides the conclusions based on
the research findings along with limitation of the research. The future area is also summarized
into this study. This study evaluates the role of technology on the business model of FedEx and
provides recommendations on the adaption of blockchain technology into supply chain activities
of the company.

15FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
Crosby et al. (2015) stated that new technologies presented opportunities for improving
across the supply chain activities. With use of blockchain technology into the supply chain, it
improves transparency along with reduce the administrative cost. Olnes, Ubacht and Janssen
(2017) argued that blockchain technology into supply chain help to record the price, location,
certification, date and other information to manage the supply chain. Availability of information
into blockchain increases traceability of the supply chain, gray the market and improve
compliance into outsourced contract manufacturing. This literature review chapter discusses the
theoretical framework of the research study to understand the selected research topic properly.
The concept of blockchain technology and SCM are discussed to apply its application into
supply chain activities. Current challenges of SCM are analyzed and provided solutions to
improve its activities. This chapter mainly discusses the FedEx’s block chain technology
applications into SCM and in Transport Alliance. Mainelli and Smith (2015) discussed that
bitcoin; the implementation of blockchain is used in the financial services. The innovations in
blockchain technology delivers business value by reduction of risks, improves efficiency along
with improvement into SCM. According to Iansiti and Lakhani (2017), blockchain is such as
technology which is used for decentralized storage of the transactional data.
2.2 Theoretical framework of research study
In the current era, development into advanced technology changed the nature of the
financial transactions. This section begins with compiling the theory into the theoretical
framework. In this research context, the researcher performs the analysis to confirm that the

16FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Features of
blockchain
technology for
supply chain
Challenges of
SCM
Blockchain
technology
applications in
SCM
Blockchain
solutions to SCM
SCM Blockchain
technology
Mediating Dependant
Independent
components of framework are accurate. The main objective of this research is to develop a
theoretical framework to relate the blockchain technology and SCM.
Figure 2.1: Theoretical framework of research study
(Source: Created by author)
From the above figure 1, the researcher analyzed that there are four independent variables
to show the relationship between SCM and blockchain technology. The variables are features of
blockchain technology for supply chain, challenges of SCM, and applications of blockchain
technology in SCM and blockchain solutions to SCM. SCM shows the relationship between the
independent factors and dependent variable such as blockchain technology. The proposed
framework serves as a starting point of the literature review to discuss the relationship between
blockchain technologies in addition to SCM. Bohme et al. (2015) demonstrated that increase into

17FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
transparency is resulted into greater business performance which put an impact on the supply
chain. As the blockchain technology is a public general ledger, therefore it is perfect for the
supply chain management. One of the biggest challenges into the supply chain is lack of
transparency; therefore it is hard to track the supply chain activities (Salehar 2017). Due to
record and track of transactions by use of this technology, it makes the supply chain activities
more efficient and easier.
2.3 Digital supply chain and supply chain execution systems
Crosby et al. (2016) illustrated that digital supply chain is such a supply chain which is
built on the web enabled abilities. The supply chain activities are based on both paper based and
IT enabled. Now-a-days, in most of the organizations, IT based processes are used to perform
and improve over the supply chain activities. The main goal of digital supply chain is enabling
insights for increasing over efficiencies and facilitating of profit in the organization. The
organizations into the digital supply chain are better to move the resources in addition to
inventory where there is requirement of provided time to reduce the transportation cost along
with manufacturing issues. Hernandez (2017) stated that digital supply chain monitors the real
time inventory, interactions with the customers, location of carrier and execute the performance
level of the organization. Abeyratne and Monfared (2016) concluded that the technologies such
as GPS tracking, barcodes, as well as location based data along with radio sensor network are the
parts of the digital supply chain.
Supply chain execution (SCE) system is main category of the SCM software. This
particular system applies of algorithms to forecast the future requirements for balancing supply
as well as demand. Tapscott and Tapscott (2016) cited that the system can track the physical
status of the materials, managing of the raw materials in addition to financial information

18FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
involved with the organization. According to Underwood (2016), digitalization can make the
supply chain network of an organization more secured, efficient, agile along with customer
focused. The SCE system helps the operational manager of an organization to take decisions for
managing the various types of transportation of products. There is also control of inventory
which saves the money of the organization (Cooper et al. 2017). Therefore, there is adoption of
digital supply chain which helps the organization to handle supply chain efficiently.
2.4 Blockchain technology
2.4.1 Definition of Blockchain
Wang (2017) stated that blockchain is considered as protocol for the digital ledger which
transfers of ownership from one unit to another with no use of third party agent such as bank.
Into the logistics, the well known blockchain pilot programs are IBM. It creates a centralized
ledger for creation of electronic place where the shipment documents are housed. Korpela,
Hallikas and Dahlberg (2017) defined that blockchain is such a distributed database shared
among peer-to-peer network. The transactions are done secured by use of public-key
cryptography. This particular technology underlies of Bitcoin, which is the future of digital
currencies. Saberi, Kouhizadeh and Sarkis (2018) discussed that bitcoin is a worldwide payment
system and first “decentralized digital currency” which works without central bank. The
transactions are being verified by the network nodes using cryptography and it is recorded into
ledger which is termed as blockchain. Bitcoin was being invented by unknown person under
name of Satoshi Nakamoto. Therefore, blockchain is such as public ledger which recorded of
bitcoin transactions. The advantage of Bitcoin is that it stores offline on the local hardware of the
person (Trautman 2016). This process is termed as cold storage plus it protects the currency from
taken by any other third party person.

19FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
2.4.2 How Blockchain work
The blockchain ledger is consisted of two types of records such as individual transactions
as well as blocks. The first block is consisted of header as well as data that are pertained to the
transactions taking place in set time period. The time stamp of the block is used for helping to
create alphanumeric string named as hash. After creation of first block, each of the block into the
ledger is used the block’s hash for calculation of own hash. Before adding of new block into the
chain, the verification of authenticity is done by the computational process termed as validation
(Peters and Panayi 2016). Into the blockchain process, there are various nodes into the network
which agree with new block’s hash that are being calculated. Validation makes sure that the
copies of distributed ledger share same state. Once there is addition of block, it is referenced into
subsequent blocks, while it is not changed. When there are some attempts to swap the block, the
hashes as well as subsequent blocks are changed and disrupted to the shared state of ledger
(Wang 2017). When validation is not possible, then components into the network are aware of
the problems and none of the new blocks are added into the chain until there is solving of
problems. The block caused the errors is discarded and the validation process is repeated.
2.4.3 Facts about blockchain technology
The blockchain technology should be either public or private. Based on the level of
popularity, it is at place where there were 15 years ago internet. It is analyzed that 0.10 percent
of people are used of blockchain where 75 percent of people are used of internet. By the year
2022, the global market share of the technology is raised to $20 billon. Into performing all
financial transactions, the blockchain technology saves of approximately $8-12 million (Ross
2017). This technology is selected by most of the organization to improve the supply chain
activities as it adopts of digital signature to execute the financial transactions. The history of

20FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
transactions are shared which increases the supply chain processes. Peters, Panayi and Chapelle
(2015) concluded that blockchain is peer-to-peer transactions model which are not required of
any third party to do transactions and therefore, the supply chain processes are become more
authentic.
2.5 Overview of current challenges of SCM
The supply chains are growing into complexity due to some of the factors which are
discussed below which create a critical responsive as well as cost effective supply chains.
Following are the supply chain challenges in most of the organizations such as:
Globalization: It is one of the biggest challenges of supply chain which reduces the cost.
In order to meet with the customer’s expectations, the organizations are opted to relocate their
business into lower cost country for reducing direct along with indirect cost. The global suppliers
are contributed to complexity which comes from extended delivery lead time (Fernie and Sparks
2014). The customers are required of low prices products along with delivery of materials on
time. Due to increase into globalization, there is also increase into competition along with higher
level of risks into the supply chain. Therefore, most of the organizations are facing complexities
into the business organization.
Change in market demand: The customers are required for their products at good price.
Therefore, the organizations are always in pressure to provide the customers as per their
expectations. Based on change in market, the customers are also changing their requirement day-
by-days (Christopher 2016). The companies are not able to meet with their customer’s demands
providing effect on the reputation of the organization. It also resulted into dissatisfaction of the
customers.

21FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Inventory issues: The organization cannot able to track the materials into their storage.
Inventory is buffered against uncertainty which is difficult to forecast. Supply chain visibility is
critical to reduce uncertainty in addition to manage the inventories. The supplier chain manager
is not able to track any materials, products and goods if it reaches the customers or not (Monczka
et al. 2015). As there is difficult to track the delivery of the materials, therefore the customers are
not getting right quality of products at right time and place.
Privacy issues: There is also lack of authenticity into the supply chain which affects the
business a lot. Into the supply chain, there are challenges of data privacy. The third party person
can access to the supply chain network and can hack any data into the network. Sensitive data are
being stolen which is then misused. The logistics security issues also reduce the operational cost
of the company (Hugos 2018). Due to supply chain industry becomes more digitalization; the
supply chain becomes more cyber attacks.
Pilkington and Lee (2017) discussed that there is need of transparency into the supply
chain, which reduces the supply chain challenges. In order to prevent those challenges, the
organizations are required to collaborate to improve unnecessary cost and improve over
inefficient supply chain network. Stadtler (2015) stated that optimization of financial flows along
with allocation of working capital into the supply chain makes improvement into the
performance of business. Blockchain technology is a secured solution to fix the supply chain
challenges. The applications of blockchain bring greater benefits into the supply chain. With use
of digital ledger, the transactions are done perfectly to manage the supply chain activities.

22FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
2.6 Characteristics and applications of blockchain technology
Christopher, Harrison and van Hoek (2016) believed that blockchain is a database which
is dealt with the transactions about the business assets. Following are some of the characteristics
of the blockchain technology which makes it innovative for the financial transactions:
1. The blockchain technology is distributed across the network which is ideal for the
business network of supply chain (Zhong et al. 2016). This technology encourages the
organization to come out with the firewall in addition to share of data.
2. The financial transactions which are done are agreed among the participants and stored
into the blockchain as the smart contracts that help to ensure that everything is done as
per rules.
3. Before performing of any financial transactions, there must be an agreement that all the
transactions are done valid. It helps to keep fraudulent transactions out of the
organizational database (Bostrom et al. 2015).
4. Blockchain has better security as there is no single point of failure for shutting down the
network. The higher level of financial system is being vulnerable to the hacks. This
technology secured the computers which run on nodes and also confirms the financial
transactions on the network (Melnyk, Narasimhan and DeCampos 2014). Public
blockchain uses of currency as incentive mechanism to reward to secure the transactions
on the ledger.
5. Creation of immutable ledgers is one of the key characteristics of blockchain.
Centralized database are corrupted and required trust to keep the information properly
(English, Auer and Domingue 2016). The blockchain such as Bitcoin keeps the ledger in
continuous state.

23FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Blockchain is a system behind Bitcoin and other crypto currencies. Pilkington (2016)
discussed that beyond the digital money, blockchain consists of potential uses which are
extended far. Blockchain consists of various applications which many companies are popped
with a focus on technology such as:
Smart contracts: The emerging use of the blockchain technology is creation of the smart
contracts. The developers are used of bitcoin protocols for integrating the activities for further
expansion. Crosby et al. (2016) mentioned that this contract is developed between the parties
coded as well as uploaded to blockchain. This contract is not relied on the third party authorities.
The smart contracts make the process of negotiation easier as well as efficient. The main aim of
this application is to secure the contractual procedures and reduce the contract cost. Zhu and
Zhou (2016) stated that this application is used of digital signature for making proper approval of
the participants. When the conditions of smart contracts are based on real data, then a system
called oracles are being implemented for verification and monitoring of data. The potential use
of smart contracts is financial transactions. Underwood (2016) argued that when there is
limitation of smart contracts, then there is increase into automation of contractual procedures and
reduction of transactional cost.
Finance and payment system: Within the application of blockchain technology, finance is
mostly accepted which ensures valued transparency between the trading parties. Angraal,
Krumholz and Schulz (2017) cited that each of the transactions is into the private or public
equities are transcript into the blocks and confirmed by the authority for legitimacy. Using this
application, it becomes easier to detect the fraud cases throughout stock exchange moves. By the
year 2020, blockchain will become a key significant payment system into the industry where the
payments are checked by the third party authorities (Peter and Moser 2017). There are various

24FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
blockchain based providers which subject to money services business regulations. The
decentralized platform manages money.
Blockchain also provides disruptive applications for various other industries such as:
Healthcare industry: This technology transforms healthcare by placing the patients into
center of healthcare system and increasing security and privacy of the health data. This particular
technology provides a model “Health Information Exchange” to make the medical electronic
more secured (Milani, García-Bañuelos and Dumas 2016). The blockchain applications placed
personal as well as patient information into hands of the individuals. The visit of doctor, sleeping
patterns, heart rate in addition to other IoT devices are polled and stored by use of healthcare
blockchain application.
Commercial real estate: The blockchain technology can advance leasing and purchasing in
addition to sale transactions into the commercial real estate (Li et al. 2018). It explores time and
benefits of cost of blockchain, with increase into security as well as transparency that the
technology drives across purchase as well as sale process. The real estate finds that blockchain is
focused on smart contracts which play a key role into the industry. Beck et al. (2017) concluded
that blockchain technology is transformed of real estate operations like transactions of property
such as purchase, leasing, management transactions along with sale. The blockchain technology
improves the sales process into real estate by improving over property search process, ease
leasing with subsequent property as well as cash flow management, cheaper property title
management and enable processing of finance as well as payment.
Public sector: It is the function of government to organize trusted information of the
individuals and organizations. Sikorski, Haughton and Kraft (2017) discussed that blockchain

25FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
technology simplifies managing of trusted information which makes easier for the public sector
organization to access and use of data at the time of maintaining the informational security.
Crosby et al. (2016) argued that blockchain is encoded digital ledger which stored into various
computers of the public network. It consists of data records and blocks. Those blocks are
required into the chain, as it changed and deleted by the single actor (Themistocleous, Morabito
and de Cunha 2018). It is verified as well as managed using automated along with shared
governance protocols.
Artificial intelligence: Blockchain technology is aligned with the Internet of Things (IoT)
which is increasing by advancement into the artificial intelligence (AI). Into the AI, blockchain
technology guarantees the data accuracy and feeds data into the artificial intelligence systems
(Wright and De Filippi 2015). It is a new area to integrate with the blockchain technology.
Development of the blockchain technology leads to sophistication for implementing the smart
contract. Iansiti and Lakhani (2017) illustrated that use of blockchain technology helps the
modes on blockchain to function on semi-autonomous way. According to Sun, Yan and Zhang
(2016), the results of cloud integration is negotiations between the nodes on the blockchain on
the asset price discovery. It also discovers a network of financial assets. With the IoT model, the
blockchain technology optimizes the household consumption of energy. The information which
are placed into block are being verified by people and it is not placed by single authority those
can fake the information.
2.7 Apply of blockchain technology applications in SCM
Supply chain provides a distributed ledger technology into the field of blockchain. It is
used into the organization to manage the digital assets into secured and robust way. Blockchain
technology applications are used into SCM for easier traceability of the goods and materials to

26FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
operate a trustworthy business environment. The challenging traceability is automated and
simplified by use of the blockchain technology. Cai and Zhu (2016) discussed that it is not
possible to track each and every products to origin of the raw materials, therefore the proposed
technology provides a huge benefit to the supply chain activities in an organization. Wood et al.
(2016) argued that there is potential use of blockchain technology into supply chain is to validate
the data. It allows tracking the journey of data such as valid timestamp. It is widely used for
various supply chain activities such as transfer of the shipping documents, exchanging of the
confidential documents and confirmations of orders. Zhang and Wen (2017) suggested that the
blockchain technology helps to facilitate integration of supply chain into some of the following
supply chain activities:
Traceability of goods: Due to lack of transparency into the supply chain, both the buyers
as well as consumers are not sure about the true value of products and services. Crosby et al.
(2016) considered that blockchain technology creates a consistent traceability of the goods which
is the future of supply chain. There is reliable documentation of transactions, end-to-end
interaction into the supply chain are the key benefits of using the technology applications. Into
the smart contracts application of blockchain, there is automation of order books as the
opportunities.
Monitor real time data: Based on use of blockchain technology, the products are of good
quality related to the data such as temperature, pressure to integrated IoT platforms. The
collected data are of real time which ensures about data availability along with manipulation of
security (Huckle et al. 2016). Monitoring of real time data enables the organizations to reduce
response time to the events. When the quality affect the data such as temperature reduces below
the threshold throughout the transportation, shipment of replacement of the products is triggered

27FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
into real time. However, there is destination is aligned and quality checks are assigned. With the
smart contracts application, there is automation of supply chain processes (Christopher, Harrison
and van Hoek 2016). The history of products is identifiable and extra information is secured. It is
observed that reactive processes are being automated by the smart contracts.
Security: Huckle et al. (2016) stated that it is difficult to investigate the illegal events
which are associated with the supply chain. The proposed technology should be a good solution
to fix the supply chain. With use of blockchain into supply chain of any industry, it benefits by
transferring of assets in secured process. There are secured transfer of physical assets, documents
as well as currency. There is making of transactions safely (Nair and Anbuudayasankar 2018).
The technology is accelerated the process of payment such as credit check, payment and others.
It shortens the order to the cash cycle. The applications of blockchain technology bring a greater
benefit into supply chain. Iansiti and Lakhani (2017) analyzed that register the transferring of
goods into digital ledger as the financial transactions allow identifying the data which are
relevant to manage supply chain.
The features of blockchain technology into the supply chain are to increase effectiveness
of time due to performing of real time transactions. It directs the transactions to eliminate the
overhead costs. It also reduces risks related to data frauds and stolen. The data are secured
because of cryptographic blockchain protocols (Peters and Panayi 2015). The technology
benefits into supply chain by providing a transparent process to record and track the materials
which are shipped. The blockchain is used for supply chain application to provide an opportunity
to track the products form to the end customers. FedEx is streamline to leverage of blockchain
technology into their supply chain to improve their business performance.

28FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
2.8 FedEx’s block chain technology applications
The global shipping giant FedEx integrated blockchain technology for their daily
operations by joining “Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA)” which is group to lead freight,
shipping along with logistics companies. The organization recently launched a pilot program
with use of blockchain technology to store their data for resolution of dispute (Xu et al. 2017).
This project is established what data are required for permanent ledger to ease the disputes
among the customers sending along with receiving of goods throughout FedEx. As per the
industry, the technology helps them to store records of their daily operations and also it is
secured chain into the logistics industry. The platform allows the customers to track their
packages which are shipped to the customers (Zanardini et al. 2016). The real time data and
decentralized ledger brings down the operational cost by quicker turnaround time for faster
processing of supply chain. By joining hand with BiTA, they launched a blockchain powered
pilot program for solving the disputes of their customers. This particular program clarifies what
data are being stored into the blockchain to remedy the issues of customers. Therefore, the
organization will implement of blockchain technology for increasing transparency as well as
security of data to the logistics processes.
2.8.1 Current situation of FedEx in supply chain management
The supply chain of FedEx has expanded their capabilities along with global presence.
The supply chain manager of FedEx provides an automated portal which provides their
customers a critical inventory, order in addition to shipments around the world into a single
platform (Logvinov 2016). Into short period of time, the organization is operated with small fleet
of the trucks. FedEx supply chain is third party logistics provider which empowers their
company to discover supply chains with a technology based logistics solutions. Zhong et al.

29FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
(2016) stated that the current supply chain solutions of FedEx has challenges, therefore the
company requires such a solution which support timely movement of the finished goods along
with manage the cost, time and customer’s expectations. The inventory logistics of FedEx
matches with delivery need of their customer’s order with optimum inventory stocking location
and their transportation services (Dalmolen, Moonen and van Hillegersberg 2015). FedEx
operates into strategic locations and stocking locations which are open 24 hours a day at FedEx
trade network FedEx Office, FedEx Express and other providers where the inventory of the
customers are positioned for quick fulfillment of order, delivery. The regional stocking locations
permit the customers to keep the suppliers reachable to support mobile workforces.
Figure 2.3: Supply Chain Management
(Source: Dalmolen, Moonen and van Hillegersberg 2015, pp-231)
SupplyChainManagement

30FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
The supply chain of the organization provides the customers with real time global
visibility from the single integrated and flexible IT framework. Lee et al. (2017) discussed that
the customers can able to track the order status, shipments along with inventory level by login
into the web application into the website fedex.com. In order to add flexibility into supply chain,
FedEx performs order placement, status messaging throughout use of electronic data interchange
and transport a worldwide message format. Their supply chain operated with warehouse
management system which enables consistency into capabilities along with experience into the
world (Haldenby et al. 2017). Through use of critical inventory logistics, the company can
deliver of supply chain solutions for generate of more revenue, reduction of the cost for goods
sold in addition to improve asset competence. The customers of FedEx suggested re-engineering
the supply chain for driving market penetration as well as top line revenue. The global economy
continued to steady out recession and growth mode, it is not enough for the transportation
integrators to help the customers lowering the cost of shipping (Damak 2018). FedEx should
require developing of sophisticated capabilities which enable them to add value into their supply
chain.
The package delivery giant, FedEx implemented of blockchain technology as part of their
IT innovation strategies (Cai and Zhu 2016). The company becomes part of the blockchain into
Transportation Alliance. FedEx has a recovery process after their cyber attack which increases
their interest into the blockchain technology. It ensures security as well as transparency of their
transactions along with operations. Zanardini et al. (2016) analyzed that blockchain into the
Transportation Alliance is such an organization which is made of executives operating into the
technology as well as transportation sectors. BiTA is aimed to standardize their blockchain
principles into the freight industry. The main aim of Transportation Alliance is to develop set of

31FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
blockchain standards for the future applications into the industry, promotion of blockchain
technology into the field of logistics and creating of platform for collaboration with the logistics
companies. BiTA is considered as blockchain as a disruptive technology which transform of
trucking (Sikorski, Haughton and Kraft 2017). FedEx consists of long history to innovate into the
logistics space. The technology opens a door for the customers to track their package before it
gets into hand as well as after it leaves for shipping. Therefore, FedEx has partnered with BiTA
for collaboration with other companies into the logistics industry.
2.8.2 FedEx and Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA)
FedEx aims to integrate of IT platform into their supply chain operations based on
blockchain by becoming a member of BiTA. As per the report, the logistics as well as transport
firm is involved into development of blockchain platforms to improve over their business
performance (Kupriyanovsky et al. 2017). BiTA has launched a pilot program to employ
blockchain for data storage in order to solve the dispute among the customers. Blockchain allows
the customers of shipping giant to track of the packages more perfectly. BiTA serves to promote,
educate as well as encourage adoption of the blockchain applications into logistics and
transportation sectors. By the year 2030, the value of blockchain is predicted to be $3 trillion.
Pan (2017) reported that the transport business network of FedEx developed their business
standards with adoption of blockchain for distributed ledger technology into shipping. Mainly,
FedEx joined hands with BiTA to use of blockchain into tracking of their shipment transactions.
In order to track the shipment, blockchain is used to track the parcel, from truck to track and
warehouse to warehouse until it reaches its final destination (siliconangle.com 2018). Each time
the status of parcel is changed, it is stored as transaction into the blockchain about the package
conditions along with other information.

32FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
FedEx is always tried to enhance the experience of the customers and blockchain
technology is tied to do it. As this technology is making the data more secured as well as
transparent, therefore the transport business of FedEx becomes more promising. This industry is
used of blockchain technology for automating the shipment tracking to reduce the cost along
with increase into the security (Lehmacher 2017). FedEx is serving 220 countries and shipping
of more than 1.25 billion packages annually. The blockchain platforms are solved the problems
of dispute among the customers. Into the blockchain, it provides the customers a language to
describe the issues of upstream as well as downstream from the network of FedEx (Sherif 2017).
The distributors as well as shippers are used of various tracking system in addition to this FedEx
is not having data to determine what occurred and how to determine the problems of dispute.
Blockchain technology finds the standards to be used for the transport industry. Viswanadham
(2017) discussed that FedEx keeps tab on the technology as it provides them higher transparency
as well as data security to the supply chain. The organization comes with the blockchain sphere
after they came under higher profile cyber attack on their TNT express branch in Europe.
FedEx announced acquisition with the European carrier rival TNT express in $4.8 billion
takeover which allows FedEx to expand their global shipping operations. With integration with
the courier delivery service company, FedEx expands their position and improves their delivery
services (Dalmolen, Moonen and van Hillegersberg 2015). The blockchain technology is an
effective way to improve transparency as well as efficiency by leverages the smart contracts,
which is core innovation behind the Ethereum blockchain. It helps to increase efficiency of
shipping escrow by removing the intermediaries. Gould (2017) stated that the technology is
increased tracking as well as transparency into the supply chain. The shippers gain visibility
across the supply chain moreover communicates the information with the carriers. Once there is

33FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
confirmation of shipment as well as recorded into the blockchain, then no other party can dispute
validity of transactions in addition to manipulate the records. Once the transactions are being
logged, then the smart contracts are released the payments, limited the time as well as price
associated with the intermediary processing (Nair and Anbuudayasankar 2018). BiTA is built an
integrated supply chain management system which provides each stage of the logistics processes.
The organization aims to provide decentralized brokerage system for the shippers as well as
carriers (Sun, Yan and Zhang 2016). Due to leverage of informational transparency on the
blockchain, the market will let the shippers to optimize the price along with time for the
shipments.
The shippers can able to track the cost and estimate the delivery time for various routes
or shipments to take best decisions in the market. The carriers are posting information about the
ability of shipping vehicles, adjusted the pricing based on the supply as well as demand (Peter
and Moser 2017). Transparency along with efficiency is given by the blockchain by allocation of
resources in effective manner. Therefore, FedEx launched partnership with the blockchain into
Transport Alliance for incorporating the blockchain based platforms into their logistics plans.
There are various records into their system and they think that blockchain technology is a
secured chain which transforms their logistics industry (Mainelli and Smith 2015). From the
entire analysis, it is mentioned that FedEx has keen interest into the technology for a year. They
have higher expectations of the technology. No one have any idea which of the blockchain
solutions, FedEx plans to be used. Crosby et al. (2016) discussed that public as well as private
blockchain solutions are required to be explored. The parcel delivery company connects their
data pipelines to improve the flow of their information.

34FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
2.8.3 Proposals for FedEx in blockchain technology application for supply
chain management
FedEx supply chain is implemented in the fiscal year 2016 for enhancing their global
parcel delivery services. The technologies behind the driverless cars, the Bitcoin transactions are
mostly used into FedEx freight’s truck cabs as well as freight docks. The company is used of
pilot project with use of blockchain technology to share of equipments information among the
suppliers such as FedEx as well as retailers. Wright and De Filippi (2015) discussed that
blockchain technology is such a system which is used to encrypt, share of digital signatures
enabling of Bitcoin currency. The company is planned to implement a new application which is
used by the customers to keep tabs electronically on the shipments. 80 percent are governed by
the printed bills of lading. 16,000 of the tractors are being equipped by four key technologies
such as telematics, departure of lane, stability of roll along with collision migration (Foerstl,
Schleper and Henke 2017). FedEx freight is pushed to use of technology to make their drivers as
well as roads safer along with there is providing of efficient as well as profitable parcel delivery
market. Telematics is used in the company to remotely monitor their speed of trucks,
consumption of fuel which are installed into the tractors. Peters and Panayi (2015) analyzed that
blockchain technology is recruiting tool for the company as driver of their shortages.
Saberi, Kouhizadeh and Sarkis (2018) stated that FedEx freight is shifted to the digital
platforms from their paper bills of lading, traditional record keeping format of the trucking. 98
percent of their transactions are being processed by the company in addition to FedEx Express,
the customers can input their shipment related information electronically. Apart from this, the
blockchain technology increases their efficiency along with trust among the shippers, retailers
plus carriers. Mettler (2016) believed that blockchain is allowed to do into controlled manner

35FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
across the supply chain to keep the information secured. The company is used of virtual reality
for providing training to the team members like forklift operators and flatter the learning curve
on the job training (Tmwsystems.com 2017). FedEx is positive to create of use cases. The area
which ripe the blockchain innovation is dispute innovation. Both the partners as well as suppliers
of FedEx consist of upstream along with downstream attempt to communicate into common
language. The company developed pilot programs for testing out their blockchain technology.
The pilot programs are examined the technology to be used across different platforms along with
determined the scalability (01.ibm.com 2017). The company gets benefit from the blockchain
technology as it allows the peers to exchange of money without requirement of any traditional
financial intermediary. It also lowers the price and increases the transactional speed.
Blockchain is such an enabling technology which allows the postal services for
improving the operations along with expanding the services throughout emerging applications
like supply chain management (English, Auer and Domingue 2016). The postal services of
FedEx improve existing services by beginning with the financial applications of their blockchain.
The financial platform with use of blockchain technology leverages it to offer of improved
financial services such as transferring of money. This blockchain platform allows the postal
services for streamlining the bank end of the existing services, making their services faster along
with cheaper for the postal services along with the consumers (Saberi, Kouhizadeh and Sarkis
2018). Into the long term, the postal services with the proposed technology into the financial
applications of SCM expand their applications that enabled by technology. Omran et al. (2017)
discussed that use of the inventory logistics, FedEx delivers supply chain solutions to their
customers and generates more revenue, cost reduction for goods and services, improves asset
competence. FedEx suggested that re-engineering is used in their supply chain for driving market

36FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
penetration as well as top line revenue. Abeyratne and Monfared (2016) argued that blockchain
technology removes of trust among the parties, allows interacting with the activities between the
parties more perfectly. The postal services are consisted of customers, stakeholders and partners
who coordinate with the customs agents, shipping partners, mailers as well as recipients. The
technology manages communications among various entities for speed up the shipments.
2.8.4 Application scenario of blockchain technology
Bitcoin becomes a part of the revolutionary technologies. The crypto currency challenged
the fundamental principles of the financial system by offering of decentralized, secured in
addition to trusted model to the financial transactions (Angraal, Krumholz and Schulz 2017).
According to Korpela, Hallikas and Dahlberg (2017), Bitcoin is relied on the architecture which
is powered by the blockchain technology. This technology is Bit coin’s public ledger. As per the
functional standpoint, the technology provides of decentralized as well as ordered record of the
transactions into the network of Bitcoin which are verified at any period of time.
Decentralized, trusted, secured as well as autonomous capabilities of the blockchain technology
redefine the enterprise applications. Based on the principles of blockchain technology for the
enterprise solutions, there is practical implementation of the supply chain functionality of FedEx
at enterprise scale (Pilkington and Lee 2017). This technology sets opportunities to the enterprise
scenarios. There are some application scenarios which improve adoption of blockchain
technologies into the enterprise as:
Decentralized IoT: Sun, Yan and Zhang (2016) defined that IoT becomes most key
significant trend into the enterprise software. The IoT platforms are based on centralized model
in which interaction between the devices are done to exchange of data automatically. The
blockchain technology provides of decentralized IoT platform capabilities like secure in addition

37FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
to trusted data exchange and record keeping. Into the IoT architectures, the technology is served
as general ledger keeps the trusted records of the messages exchanged between the smart devices
into the IoT topology.
Keyless signature: The public key infrastructure (PKI) is a fundamental technology
which powers the data signatures. PKI models are being relied on central authority for validating
the signatures on the data payload (Milani, García-Bañuelos and Dumas 2016). The blockchain
technology helps to overcome with limitations of the keyless security infrastructure (KSI). The
models are being used to hash functions cryptography, allows verification of the security of thee
hash functions along with public ledger availability defined to as blockchain.
Legal proof: There is validated existence to the signed documents which is relevant to
the legal solutions. There are various challenges of the traditional documents which are relied on
central authorities to store as well as validate the documents for minimizing the security
challenges (Abeyratne and Monfared 2016). It becomes critical when the documents become
older. The blockchain technology provides a model to proof existence as well as possession of
the legal documents. By leveraging of the blockchain technology, the user simplifies to store the
signature associated with the document into blockchain. The signature is then validated with the
local blockchain mechanisms.
Security trade settlement: The central security depositories are required element of the
equity as well as bond trading. The centralized nature of the central security depositories is
required as successful bond along with equity trades. The process of settlement is expensive as
well as slow, average of 2-3 days per settlement of trade (Haldenby et al. 2017). The blockchain

38FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
technology is an alternative of the traditional central security depositories relied on the central
authority. It is the capabilities of blockchain technology to allow of settlement of trades.
Anti-counterfeiting: Into the modern commerce, counterfeiting becomes one of the
challenges. Most of the solutions into market needs of trust into third party authority that
introduces of logical friction among both merchants as well as customers. Due to decentralize in
addition to security abilities of the blockchain technology, it enables an alternative of the
traditional anti-counterfeiting platform (Nair and Anbuudayasankar 2018). Both the merchants
along with marketplaces are considered as section of the blockchain network with the nodes to
store information for validating authenticity of the products. The organization is focused on
authenticity of the information and relied on security trust models of blockchain technology.
2.9 Chapter Summary
It is summarized that blockchain is such a protocol plus ledger which is required to build
the historical record of the transactions. Those ledgers are stored into various locations and
entries are being signed to avoid any changes. This technology provides secured, accessible
digital versions, trusted as well as smart contracts for managing the workflows. It automatically
transfers the payment upon the signatures are collected. It is also analyzed that bitcoin is
recognized use of the blockchain technology which enables of payment transactions among the
strangers. The technology ensures of authentication as well as verifiable transactions. As Bitcoin
has higher impact application, then it impacts the technology wider as compared to virtual
currencies. There are trends into lower trust into financial as well as public sector organizations.
This technology also reflected on emerging social trends to increase transparency among the
goods as well as services.

39FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
The research is based on FedEx’s supply chain management for innovate their logistics
space. The technology is used to track the package before it gets into hand as well as after it
leaves for shipping. FedEx has combined with BiTA for partnership with other companies into
the logistics business. Due to challenges of transparency along with competence is given by the
blockchain by allocation of resources in effective manner. Therefore, FedEx launched
partnership with the blockchain into Transport Alliance for fitting in the blockchain based
platforms into their logistics plans. The postal services are involved of consumers, stakeholders
and associates who organize with the customs agents, delivery partners, mailers as well as
receivers.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
3.1 Introduction
As it is indicated into the title of this chapter, it includes of research methodology of the
thesis paper. In this chapter, the researcher outlines the research methods, research approach, and
methods to collect the data, sample selection and research processes, type of data analysis,
ethical considerations and limitation of the research study. According to Taylor, Bogdan and
DeVault (2015), selection of the proper research methodology is suitable to facilitate the process
to collect in-depth information based on the research domain which helps the researcher to
analyze collected data. Detailed discussions are provided on research methods which help to
conduct the study. The problems and issues are being experienced at location along with
information are collected from same which is mentioned into this particular chapter.

40FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
3.2 Method outline
Detailed methods and techniques are identified into this particular chapter which is
utilized to do research on FedEx's blockchain technology application in supply chain
management. The researcher selects post-positivism as the research philosophy as it allows
cross-checking the analyzed data (Lewis 2015). Inductive design approach is selected as it helps
to do specific observations which are produced by generalized theories. It helps to identify the
blockchain technology application in supply chain management. Descriptive particular design is
selected to meet with the objectives of the study for conclude knowledge as well as observation
of the participants (Flick 2015). The data are gathered using primary data analysis method by
conducting a survey using questionnaire. The data technique used for this research study is
quantitative data technique used which is constructed of statistical models to explain the
collected data.
3.3 Research philosophy
Vaioleti (2016) stated that research philosophy helps the researcher to get several
information related to selected research topic and domain being studied. It also adds various
dimensions to the conducted research study. Smith (2015) commenced that selection of proper
philosophy makes sure that the theories and concepts are available to researcher to utilize the
efficiency of this study. The philosophy allows the researcher to conduct the study into proper
manner. There are four types of research philosophies used to conduct the study such as realism,
Interpretivism, positivism and post positivism.

41FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Figure 3.1: Research Philosophies
(Source: Lewis 2015, pp-474)
In this particular research study, post-positivism research philosophy is being selected to
conduct the work. According to Humphries (2017), this philosophy helps to maintain
transparency into the research work to conduct and utilize the methods help to cross check the
research findings. This philosophy also sets up experiments to conduct the work and background
of researchers affect outcomes of the research work. This selected research philosophy is proper
for this study as the chosen philosophy allows the researchers to cross check the analyzed data
used for data collection (Neuman and Robson 2014). It allows the researcher to conduct study
based on the theoretical concepts in addition to practical data points.

42FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
3.4 Research approach
Panneerselvam (2014) stated that the research approach is used to conduct scientific
research works into this particular study. There are two types of research approaches such as
inductive and deductive approach.
Figure 3.2: Research Approaches
(Source: Wiek and Lang 2016, pp-37)
The research approach which is followed for meeting with the research purpose is
inductive. Based on the selected research approach, the researcher begins to do specific
observations which are produced by generalized theories as well as conclusions which are drawn
from the research. The reason behind occupying the inductive approach is that it can take
account of the research context where the research efforts are active (Nieswiadomy and Bailey
2017). The weakness of this selected research approach is that it is produced from theories as
well as conclusions, therefore small number of observations is made, and therefore the reliability
of the research study is under the question.
ResearchApproachInductiveDeductive

43FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
3.5 Research design
Simonsohn, Nelson and Simmons (2017) discussed that application of research design
helps to develop framework to collect as well as analyze the data. Proper use of research design
method reveals the patterns along with sources of data. There are three types of research design
for this particular research study such as exploratory, descriptive and explanatory research
design.
Figure 3.3: Research Designs
(Source: Fletcher 2017, pp-187)
The selected research design is descriptive and it is selected as it provides proper account
of the characteristics such as behavior, beliefs, as well as knowledge of the individual’s situation.
This particular design is selected to meet with the objectives of the research study for determine
knowledge as well as views of the participants (Wiek and Lang 2016). This research design is
suitable for this particular study as it evaluates the blockchain applications into the supply chain
management. The descriptive design describes the process which is followed into the supply
chain management into the selected organization.
ResearchDesignExploratoryresearchdesignDescriptiveresearchdesignExplanatoryresearchdesign

44FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
3.6 Data collection process
While doing work into the research study, the data is being accounted as most significant
information which is required for this particular study. Sensitive data are useful to provide
insight data based on selected research topic. According to Matthews and Ross (2014),
application of the proper information is relevant to the study asset to deliver accuracy of data
while maintaining of the standard research study.
3.6.1 Primary Data Sources
The selected data source for this particular research study is primary data collection and
secondary data collection. For purpose of this research study, survey method is used as the data
collection process. Survey method is a personal as well as unstructured method whose aim is to
recognize the emotions of the participants, feelings along with opinions regarding the research
subject (Clark and Creswell 2014). As far as the data collection tools are concerned, the research
is conducted with use of structured questionnaires which is shared with the selected participants
online. Some specific questions are prepared; therefore the researcher conducts the online survey
towards the satisfaction of research objectives (McCusker and Gunaydin 2015). The survey is
used to collect the original data to describe the population too large for observing directly.
The research which is utilized from the secondary data is taken from the literature review,
journal articles and company reports. The secondary data is to be collected by other researcher
which provides context as well as theoretical underpinnings for this research study. It provides of
supportive information for formulating the research instrument to collect the data. The secondary
data is both internal as well as external (Fletcher 2017). The internal data are being derived from
the organization being used for this study such as FedEx and external data sources are taken

45FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
outside of the organization such as from the media, newspaper articles, academic journals and
market researchers.
3.6.2 Quantitative Data Analysis Method
Quantitative data analysis method is used to analyze the research problem. It allows the
researcher to examine relationship among two variables. Quantitative data technique is used
which is constructed of statistical models to explain the collected data. The researcher is used of
questionnaire for collecting the numerical data. The aspects of this research study are designed
properly before the data is collected. It provides precise measurement as well as analysis of the
target concepts such as use of survey and questionnaire (Wiek and Lang 2016). It is emphasized
of objective measurements along with numerical analysis of the collected data. This data
technique will manipulate the pre-existing data with use of excel sheet. The data are focused on
statistical data along with generalization across the groups of participants to explain the selected
research topic. It is used of systematic approaches to investigate throughout which the numerical
data are collected and the researcher transforms the collected data into the numerical form. The
quantitative approach is concerned with finding the evidences to support the research questions.
3.7 Sampling method
The method for sampling is selected for this research study is non-probability sampling
where the sample participants are selected based on their knowledge, relationships as well as
expertise into the research subject area (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault 2015). Into this current
research study, the sample participants those are selected has special relationship with
phenomenon under the investigation and relevant work experience into a transport industry. With
this research context, the data are collected those lives in Hanoi capital. The data is collected
from people who use express service in Hanoi capital

46FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
3.8 Sample size
The selected participants are the employees of FedEx Company. The sample size is 115
people.
3.9 Ethical considerations
The current research study is subject to ethical issues. While performing the data
collection along with data analysis, the researcher requires considering different concerns to
maintain the research ethics. The researcher is required to identify the differences between wrong
as well as right set of the human behaviors require conducting this particular study. The
participants are informed regarding the research objectives, as they are reassured that the
responses of the participants are treated confidential as well as used for the academic purposes
and for this particular research only (Vaioleti 2016). The data are being stored are being
protected by strict codes of ethics. The researcher consists of legal access to the information.
Matthews and Ross (2014) pointed that access to the information obtained from this study is
based on primary sources which safeguard the researchers for fake purposes. The researcher also
ensures that the data as well as information used into this research study are not used
commercially. The researcher is not able to provide standard process along with techniques to
evaluate the selected research topic. The researcher maintains code of ethics to provide required
standard for the research study (Nieswiadomy and Bailey 2017). The secondary data are being
cited by use of Harvard referencing. The secondary data are being strictly evaluated to accuracy
along with validity with critical assessment of the research methodology.
3.10 Limitations of the study
In some of the cases, the participants are refused to speak against their organization and
they are not willing to give any information of their organization. There are various research

47FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
constraints which impact the structure of this research study along with nature of analysis.
According to McCusker and Gunaydin (2015), a research work is limited to several research
constraints which are natural along with assists to define in addition to restricted scope of
undertaken study. Following are the research limitations to conduct the research study such as:
Time constraint: The allocated time to conduct the research study along with
identification of various blockchain technology applications in supply chain management in
FedEx firm. Due to limitations of time into the research study, the researcher conducts a cross
sectional study. This study is limited to conduct detailed analysis and evaluate hidden details of
selected research topic. Due to limitation of time, the researcher conducts the study based on
FedEx organization only. Further, the research study is based on the primary data.
Reliability of data: The data are being collected from people who use express service in
Hanoi capital in form of questionnaire survey requires clarification of reliability as well as
validity. The respondents are being biased towards the organization while getting feedback
which impacts the results of this research study. In order to conduct the data for this analysis, the
researcher should use of primary data analysis to take a survey into Hanoi capital.
Budget constraints: This particular research study is being provided with limited budget
which consists of restricted scope of this study. Into tight research budget, the researcher is
limited to this study to FedEx only to identify the significant blockchain applications into the
supply chain management. The researcher also restricted the analysis to the excel sheet analysis
and evaluate the validity of the selected research questions.
3.11 Time horizon
Main activities/ stages Week Week Week Week Week Week Week

48FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Topic Selection 
Data collection from secondary sources  
Creating layout 
Literature review   
Formation of the research Plan  
Selection of the Appropriate Research
Techniques
 
Primary data collection  
Analysis & Interpretation of Data
Collection
 
Findings of the Data 
Conclusion of the Study 
Formation of Rough Draft  
Submission of Final Work  

49FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
3.12 Chapter summary
This particular chapter describes of various research methodology tools which are used to
conduct better analysis on selected research topic. The researcher is tried to align the nature of
this research study with variable for various research techniques such that best research methods
are to be framed. The research tools are proper for analyzing the concepts of blockchain
technology into the supply chain management. Primary as well as secondary data collection
methods helps to better analyze the research study so that the readers should better understand
the selected topic and impact of blockchain technology into the supply chain operations of
selected organization.

50FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Chapter 4: Results and Data Analysis
4.1 Introduction
In this particular chapter, the findings from the survey of 115 respondents are evaluated
the blockchain applications into the supply chain management. The survey is conducted to ask
the respondents to rate the level of blockchain applications with the FedEx’s supply chain
management. With help of quantitative analysis, the data are being analyzed which assists to
verify the selected research topic and increases into information’s quality. This type of data
analysis helps researcher to implement of theoretical knowledge along with implementation of
practical application. Role of the people uses express services in Hanoi Capital are being
evaluated in this chapter by using the feedback. The researcher gains of information such that
they can analyze the research findings properly.
4.2 Quantitative data analysis
In this study, the researcher is considered to do online questionnaire survey so that they
can identify the use of blockchain application into FedEx’s supply chain management. The total
size of sample is 115. The data sources are both primary and secondary and technique used is
quantitative that are suitable for this particular research study. While collecting data through use
of primary technique, the researcher divides the section into two, section A is based on
demographics information of the participants and section B is based on investigation the FedEx’s
blockchain application into their supply chain operations. Secondary data is conducted to analyze
the company’s information on supply chain and statistics on US postal services those help to
better understand the role of blockchain technology into the supply chain. The following analysis
is based on primary data sources:

51FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Section A: Demographic profile
1. Gender
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
Male 44 38.3%
Female 71 61.7%
Table 4.1: Gender
Figure
4.1: Gender
Findings: The participants those are provided their responses for the survey
questionnaire are 61.7% female and 38.3% male. Therefore, both male and female are using of
express services and mostly female are interested to provide their valuable feedback for this
particular research study.

52FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
2. Age
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
18-24 years 48 41.7%
25-49 years 55 47.8%
50-79 years 9 7.8%
Above 80 years 3 2.6%
Table 4.2: Age

53FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Figure 4.2: Age
Findings: It is being analyzed that most of the respondents are from the age group
of 25-49 i.e. 47.8%. There are 41.7% participants are from age group of 18-24 years,
7.8% are 50-79 years and 2.6% are above 80 years. Therefore, most of the participants
those are interested into the survey and users of express services are middle aged.

54FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
3. How often do you use FedEx’s express service?
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
1-5 months 40 34.8%
6-12 months 17 14.8%
1-2 years 18 15.7%
More than 2 years 28 24.3%
Never before 12 10.4%
Table 4.3: Use of FedEx’s express service
Figure
4.3: Use
of
FedEx’s
express service
Findings: It is being analyzed that 34.8% answered that they are used of FedEx’s express
services for 1-5 months. 14.8% used for 6-12 months, 15.7% used for 1-2 years, 24.3% for more
than 2 years and 10.4% used never before. The express services of FedEx are better and flexible

55FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
shipping for improvement of speed-to-market. The express shipping services of FedEx are better
as compared to any other company. Their express service is fast and reliable on-time delivery to
220 destinations worldwide.
Section B: FedEx's blockchain technology application in Supply Chain Management
1. How long have you been known about blockchain technology?
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
1-12 months 48 41.7%
1- 5 years 30 26.1%
More than 5 years 28 24.3%
Never before 9 7.8%
Table 4.4: Known about blockchain technology

56FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Figure 4.4: Known about blockchain technology
Findings: It is being analyzed that 41.7% of respondents answered that they are known
about the blockchain technology for 1-12 months. 26.1% known it for 1-5 years, 24.3% for more
than 5 years and 7.8% are never before.
People are known to the fact that blockchain technology has higher potential to transform
of business operating models within long term. It has potential to create of new foundations for
the global economic as well as social systems. The impact of blockchain technology is
enormous, as it is changing foundation of their economic. From the last 1-12 months, the users of
FedEx’s express services are known that blockchain technology is often described as backbone
for the transactional layer for internet and foundation of internet of values. They are become
familiar that the technology is secured, quick in addition to cheap. It allows the exchange of
value without requirement for trust and central authority.
2. Do you think the application of blockchain technology in SCM will be possible?
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
Yes 46 40.7%
Maybe 45 39.8%
No 22 19.5%

57FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Table 4.5: Application of blockchain technology in SCM will be possible
Figure 4.5: Application of blockchain technology in SCM will be possible
Findings: It is being analyzed that 40.7% of the participants think that application of
blockchain technology into SCM is possible. On the other hand, 39.8% it may be possible and
19.5% think that it is not possible.
The blockchain technology enables greater efficiency of supply chain than ever before.
Friction into the supply chain operations become a problem. There are also transactional issues
into the supply chain; therefore blockchain is a solution to these issues. Blockchain is not a
technology behind digital payment system and it is a game charger for the supply chain
management. It improves the tracking of orders, shipments and sharing of information about the
production procedures. It also maintains the products with the suppliers as well as vendors to
become easier along with efficient.

58FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
3. Do you think that blockchain technology will disrupt the line of business?
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
Yes 31 27.7%
Maybe 37 33.0%
No 44 39.3%
Table 4.6: Blockchain technology disrupts line of business
Figure 4.6: Blockchain technology disrupts line of business
Findings: It is being analyzed that 39.3% of participants answered that the blockchain
technology is not disrupting the line of business, 33.0% said that it may be disrupting and 27.7%
believed that it is disrupting the line of business.

59FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
The blockchain is employed where there are market forces which create issues of trust.
Into the cryptocurrency, the ledger held by the financial institutions is not being distributed
around the blockchain network, and it ensures that there are no such single bodies which can
change record of the financial transactions. The blockchain technology removes any kind of
doubts and then distrust into the business processes by placement of the transactions securely
within the public network.
4. What are the benefits do you hope to gain from using blockchain in SCM?
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
Better transaction 52 45%
Increase in transaction speed 59 51%
Lower the delivery cost 61 53%
Easier tracking of the products status 47 41%
Table 4.7: Benefits of blockchain technology in SCM
Figure 4.7: Benefits of blockchain technology in SCM
Findings: From the above chart, it is analyzed that there are four major benefits of
blockchain technology into SCM. It is a checkbox type of questions where the participants can
provide more than one answer. Therefore, among 115 participants, 45% goes for better
transaction, 51% goes for increase into transactional speed, 53% goes for lower the delivery cost
and 41% for easier tracking of the products status.

60FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
The key significant benefit of blockchain technology into SCM is that it ensures for
security of the transactional data into the supply chain operations. FedEx joined hands with
BiTA to use of blockchain into tracking of their shipment transactions. Throughout the
blockchain technology, FedEx creates of digital ledger into the transactions. The blockchain
technology removes requirement to manage of the transactions and highly secured transactions.
With use of blockchain transactions, there are no such requirements of third party.

61FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
5. Which use cases do you see as viable for applying of blockchain?
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
Engagement of customer 52 45%
Dispute resolution 45 39%
Procurement 51 44%
Security 43 37%
Table 4.8: Use causes viable for applying blockchain

62FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Figure 4.8: Use causes viable for applying blockchain
Findings: It is analyzed that there are four use cases which are viable for applying of the
blockchain. It is a checkbox type of questions where the participants can provide more than one
answer. It is seen that 45% participants answered for engagement of customer, 39% for dispute
resolution, 44% for procurement and 37% for security.
Among the four use cases, engagement of the customers is mainly required for use of
blockchain technology. The technology offers means to create record of the customers
automatically. FedEx is positive to create of use cases. The experiences of customers are
coincidental; it is such a discipline that should be one of the key priorities of the business into
ultimate goal to improve engagement of the customers into relationships. Into FedEx, blockchain
technology use cases are implemented which ranges from the customer facing the payment
technology to trade and exchange of the services.
6. What are the biggest challenges to use of blockchain technology in SCM?
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
Considerations to
privacy and security
42 37%
Globalization 55 48%
Inventory issues 50 43%
Change in market
demand
37 32%
Table 4.9: Biggest challenges to use blockchain technology in SCM

63FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Figure 4.9: Biggest challenges to use blockchain technology in SCM
Findings: It is analyzed that in this research study, there are four major challenges of
blockchain technology into SCM which are identified. It is a checkbox type of questions where
the participants can provide more than one answer. 48% of the respondents answered that
globalization is the major challenge of using blockchain technology. 37% considers for
considerations to privacy and security, 43% for inventory issues and 32% for change into market
demand.
Most of the participants consider globalization as the biggest challenge as it reduces the
supply chain cost. The global suppliers are contributed towards complexity to come from
extension of delivering lead times. The customers needed of lower prices of products along with
delivering materials on scheduled delivery time. There is an increase into globalization; therefore
it leads to increase into competition with higher level of risks into the supply chain management.
FedEx is facing of complex globalization issues into their express services.
7. How much do you agree that use of blockchain technology in SCM monitor real time
data?
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
Strongly agree 0 0%
Agree 45 39.5%
Neutral 52 45.6%
Disagree 17 14.9%
Strongly disagree 0 0%
Table 4.10: Use of blockchain technology in SCM monitor real time data

64FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
F
i
g
ure 4.10: Use of blockchain technology in SCM monitor real time data
Findings: It is analyzed that 45.6% give neutral responses to use of blockchain
technology in SCM monitor real time data. 39.5% is agreed with it and 14.9% is disagreed. It is a
checkbox type of questions where the participants can provide more than one answer.
The blockchain works like database that can update the information with a difference that
the chain will store on the hard drive which is part of the blockchain network. All the changes
are being encrypted as well as recorded into real time. The collected data are being visible into
real time to the supply chain members throughout the supply chain platform that guarantees
availability of data as well as manipulation of security. Monitoring of real time data enables the
company to minimize the response time to the events. Real time customer response is takeaway
of the blockchain technology. The customers seek to place the future orders on the item after it is
dropped below particular rate. Monitoring of real time data enables the organizations to reduce

65FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
response time to the events. The organization involved into the supply chain provides real time
insights to analyze information collected throughout the manufacturing management system.
8. What are the different ways to prevent the supply chain challenges in your opinion?
Options No of
respondents
Percentage of
responses
Collaborate to improve unnecessary cost 52 45%
Improve over inefficient supply chain network 57 50%
Allocation of working capital into the supply
chain
32 29%
Table 4.11: Ways to prevent the supply chain challenges
Figure 4.11: Ways to prevent the supply chain challenges
Findings: It is analyzed that there are three possible ways to prevent the challenges of
supply chain. 50% goes for improve over inefficient supply chain network, 45% for collaborate
to improve unnecessary cost and 29% for Allocation of working capital into the supply chain. It
is a checkbox type of questions where the participants can provide more than one answer.
Blockchain technology has wider range of solutions to help for improvement over the
operational efficiency of the supply chain operations. This technology can increase speed,
accuracy of the flow of product from the point of manufacturer to in-stock replenishment to

66FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
improve availability of products, increase into customer satisfaction, and reduction of cost, and
enhance the operational efficiency and better customer relations. The challenge to automate the
supply chain for improvement of accuracy as well as efficiency is high using of blockchain
technology. By capitalizing the real time data to make informed management decisions, the
organization can react faster to change trends over the customers.
9. How much do you agree that with use of digital ledger, the transactions are done
accurately?
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
Strongly agree 0 0%
Agree 46 40%
Neutral 46 40%
Disagree 23 20%
Strongly disagree 0 0%
Table 4.12: Use of digital ledger, the transactions are done accurately

67FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Figure 4.12: Use of digital ledger, the transactions are done accurately
Findings: It is analyzed that 40% of the participants are agreed and neutral to their
answer that with use of digital ledger, the transactions are to be done accurately. On the other
hand, 20% of the participants are disagreed with it.
It is observed that blockchain is a digital ledger technology which can power the
cryptocurrency bitcoin. It is not promising to change the digital business as well as transaction
processing. This technology is part of arsenal of software as well as solutions for the digital
transformation. The blockchain technology is being tested as well as deployed across the use
cases of the use cases of the digital trust. It is one of the fastest growing digital technology that
plays key role into relevant use cases into the digital transformations.
10. How much do you agree that inventory logistics of FedEx matches with customer’s
order and transportation services?
Options No of respondents Percentage of responses
Strongly agree 0 0%
Agree 47 40.9%
Neutral 50 43.5%
Disagree 18 15.7%
Strongly disagree 0 0%

68FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Table 4.13: Inventory logistics of FedEx matches with customer’s order and transportation
services
Figure 4.13: Inventory logistics of FedEx matches with customer’s order and
transportation services
Findings: It is analyzed that 43.5% of the participants are agreed to their answer that
inventory logistics of FedEx matches with customer’s order and transportation services. On the
other hand, 40.9% are agreed and 15.7% of the participants are disagreed with it.
FedEx inventory logistics are matching the delivery needs of their customer’s orders with
optimum inventory stocking location as well as proper transportation services of the
organization. The supply chain of FedEx maintains strategic locations into the world. Their
strategic locations enable the customers to pick up the critical parts and ship them with use of
FedEx transportation services.

69FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
The following analysis is based on secondary data sources and the table shows the
company statistics of FedEx Company, with its respective data.
FedEx Company Statistics Data
FedEx Revenue 2016 $50.37 billion
FedEx Revenue 2015 $47.45 billion
FedEx Revenue 2011 $39.3 billion
Number of packages shipped annually by FedEx 1.25 billion
Total miles traveled each day by FedEx couriers
(equivalent to 100 trips around earth)
2.5 million
Number of countries and territories FedEx delivers to 220
Number of full time FedEx employees 300,000
Percent of shipped packages lost by FedEx 0.55 %
Highest Historic Stock Price Feb 17, 2007 $120.97
Lowest Historic Stock Price May 6, 1980 $2.50
Number of delivery vans in the FedEx fleet 43,000
Number of airplanes in the FedEx fleet 654
FedEx air fleet total daily lift capacity 30 million pounds
Total daily miles traveled by the FedEx air fleet 500,000
Amount FedEx paid to acquire Kinko’s $2.4 billion in cash
Highest FedEx employee salary – IT Manager $123,000
Lowest FedEx employee – Customer Service
Representative
$10.42 / hour
Table 4.14: FedEx Company Statistics
(Source: FedEx Company Statistics 2017)

70FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
From the year 2011-2016, there is an increase into revenue year-by-year. The express
services of the company are growing as it is shipping their packages properly and the number of
packages shipped annually is 1.25 billion. Sometimes, there is loss of percent of shipped
packages lost by FedEx is 0.55 %. FedEx Express is invented express distribution as well as
industry’s global leader, provides of timely delivery to more than 220 countries all over the
world. The company comprises of more than 90% of the gross domestic products into one-three
business days (FedEx Company Statistics 2017). Leading edge information technologies make
the express services of FedEx to become world’s largest express transportation organization. The
organization provides of faster as well as reliable services for more as compared to 3.6 million
shipments for each business days. The supply chain of FedEx provides logistics services which
include of critical inventory logistics, services of transportation management and fulfillment
services.
57%30%
10% 3%
Revenue
FedEx Express
FedEx Ground
FedEx Freight
FedEX Services

71FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Figure 4.14: Revenue percentage of FedEx Corporation
(Source: FedEx 2017)
Into the supply chain operations of FedEx, FedEx express group, FedEx ground, FedEx
freight and FedEx services show the group and segment revenue of the entire organization. The
revenue of FedEx express is $34.8 billion, FedEx ground is $18.1 billion, FedEx freight is $6.4
billion and FedEx services is 41.6 billion. The shipping services of FedEx are being divided into
two main services such as FedEx ground and FedEx express. The analysis for this research study
is mainly based on FedEx Express which is faster and become timely delivery commitment with
the money back guarantee and white shipping packages. Traceability along with transparency is
key significant foundations into the logistics (FedEx 2017). The blockchain technology is
optimized of business transactions along with trading relationships with secured business
networks into the blockchain both scalable and worldwide. The technology provides of shared
ledger which is being updated as well as validated into real time with each network participants.
It is enabling visibility of the activities in addition to reveals where the assets are at any point
into time those owns it.
The following table shows the statistics of US postal services:
USPS Statistics Data
US Postal service annual revenue $67 billion
Number of mail pieces processed annually 171 billion
Average number of mail pieces processed each day 563 million
Percent of the world’s card and letter mail handled by USPS 40 %

72FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Annual cost of postal worker salaries $49.4 billion
Total number of USPS employees 574,000
Number of vehicles in the Postal Service fleet 215,625
Number of miles driven every year by the USPS truck drivers 1.25 billion
Annual sales of online stamps through usps.com $223 million
Number of passport applications accepted annually 6.7 million
Tax dollars received for operating the Postal Service $0
Table 4.15: US postal services statistics
(Source: US Postal Service Statistics 2017)
The postal services of US are connecting people along with communities for more than
240 years. Their postal services provide efficient as well as trusted services to connect America
which help the business to grow. It is analyzed that US Postal service annual revenue is $67
billion with average number of mail pieces processed each day is 563 million. Secured and
reliable delivery which is provided by the postal services will enable the marketer to reach the
customers and each of the business for conducting transactions along with ship the physical
goods. The US postal services are delivering over 563 billion pieces of mail to grow their
revenue to $71.5 billion in FY2016 with an increase of revenue percentage of 3.7. It helps them
to achieve income of $610 million (US Postal Service Statistics 2017). Both UPS and FedEx turn

73FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
to decentralize their existing technology by implementation of blockchain solutions into the core
processes. Both of them are testing their blockchain based logistics.
The organization is used of distributed ledger technology for adding traceability to their
supply chains into their transport industry. Each of the ledger blockchain are tracing of their
supply chain (FedEx 2017). The main benefits of application of blockchain into SCM are to
reduce errors, delays, frauds and improve of inventory management which helps the sellers in
addition to consumers and intermediaries. The sellers can track the cost, capacity and better
estimation of delivery time for various routes. The transport providers will post details about
capacity and reduction of time and cost for transport. The consumers will identify the products
come from and it will benefit to reduce cost along with shipping times. FedEx launched of
partnership with the blockchain into Transport Alliance for the purpose of incorporating the
blockchain based on platforms into their logistics as well as supply chain plans.

74FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Chapter 5: Discussion
5.1 Introduction
The discussion chapter forms the base o conclusion. In order to provide answer to the
research questions along with solve the real world problems, this particular chapter discusses
advantages as well as disadvantages of use of blockchain technology based solution and
requirements of using this technology into SCM (Bohme et al. 2015). This particular research
study is commissioned with the objective to investigate the potential of blockchain technology
into application to the SCM. By implementation of this technology, the case organization FedEx
should improve over transparency to improve its express services among the customers.
5.2 Features of blockchain technology into application to supply chain
This particular section discusses answer to the research question 1. In a scenario, FedEx
should an aim to launch of blockchain pilots programs for their supply chain operations, the port
authority is perceived of decentralized ledger technology as threat to power on port environments
(Christopher, Harrison and van Hoek 2016). The findings of this research study are based on
quantitative research with use of both primary as well as secondary data sources. The blockchain
business cases are being identified throughout this research and it is validated in the case study of
FedEx and throughout the survey questionnaire. It increases internal validity of this research.
External validity is lower as research is explorative in nature and the results are not to be meant
to generalize across the business cases of FedEx (Dalmolen, Moonen and van Hillegersberg
2015). The results of this research study are identified perceived consequences in place of real
consequences. The benefits are provided to compare the blockchain implementation for
evaluation of the real advantage provided by the blockchain technology. As identified into the

75FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
research study, the blockchain is aimed to enhance process of visibility as well as process
coordination.
FedEx has revealed plan to implement of blockchain technology into the supply chain
operations by joining blockchain into transport alliance (BiTA) for development of industry
standards for the transportation organizations (Foerstl, Schleper and Henke 2017). The
organization is focused on finding of innovative ways to visible that the customers require
getting information of the supply chain activities. This technology will become an opening door
for the customers by providing them visible to packages before it gets into the hands. The
organization has millions of records of their supply chain activities into their system and FedEx
thinks that there should secure the records that are transformed into the logistics industry
(Hofmann, Strewe and Bosia 2018). They believe that they would streamline the exchange of
data in a secured manner. The distributed ledger technology will benefit by building supply chain
secured. The organization is confident that they can create use cases. FedEx consists of
customers as well as partners both upstream as well as downstream to attempt communication
into common language. The organization is developing of pilot programs for testing the
burgeoning technology which assist to investigate the blockchain across different platforms
(Korpela, Hallikas and Dahlberg 2017). The organization hopes that the program should clarify
what the data should store into blockchain for remedy of the customer issues.
5.2 Supply chain challenges in business functions of FedEx
This particular section discusses answer to the research question 2. There are various
supply chain challenges into the business operations of FedEx. Globalization is a challenge that
reduces the cost. There is complexity of the global suppliers for reduction of direct cost along
with indirect cost. There is also change into market demand as the customer’s requirements are

76FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
changing on regular basis. The companies are not able to meet with their customer’s demands
providing effect on the reputation of the organization. The organization is not able to keep track
of the materials and there is uncertainty into forecasting. There is also lack of authenticity into
the supply chain which affects the business a lot. Into the supply chain, there are challenges of
data privacy.
5.3 Blockchain technology helps to solve the supply chain issues
5.3.1 Blockchain as traceability solution
This particular section discusses answer to the research question 3. The possible solutions
for tracking as well as tracing the goods on order level instead of identification of each pallet of
orders. In order to trace the goods at order level, system integration with supplier is required and
huge amount of time as well as work are saved. The main goal of using blockchain is to control
over traceability. One of biggest challenges to implement the blockchain system is complexity
(Francisco and Swanson 2018). The big advantage regards the blockchain technology is to
successfully implement of technology into SCM. There is fact that permission is required to use
of the blockchain technology which makes it easier to agree on permission identities and the
information are disclosed and compared to use of un-permission ledger. At the time of choosing
ledger, the organization should think about functionality of smart contracts, if there is something
which is required or not (Dalmolen, Moonen and van Hillegersberg 2015). The smart contracts
put higher demands into the blockchain as well as information, but it enables the business
possibilities which are possible without the smart contracts. The nature of blockchain makes
possible for manipulation of data. After approval of transaction, it is not possible to change with
no interrupting the blocks within blockchain.

77FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
The blockchain technology can store the records of the transactions and it is easier to
recreate history along with identify the origin of the products; therefore the technology is
supporting the traceability system. Regards to the centralized system, the information
connectivity among the partners is required for efficient traceability system since the parties are
responsible for the data (English, Auer and Domingue 2016). For the FedEx case company, the
organization desires to bring blockchain technology as its traceability system is being suffering
due to lack of the digital updates. Into the system where the information is being gathered as well
as accessible for parties to connect would shorten the localization procedures of goods. Besides
the blockchain technology fulfills needs of traceability system, it is used as marketing tool. It is
used to visualize how the participants are controlling of their goods (Foerstl, Schleper and Henke
2017). It leads to increase loyalty among the current customers and the supply chain used to
attract new customers.
5.3.2 Blockchain for improved transparency
FedEx makes use of the blockchain technology for improvement over transparency into
the logistics industry. The organization is hoped to use of technology for storing of records. The
organization initiated efforts to aim at integrate platforms which are based on blockchain to daily
logistics or supply chain operations (Mainelli and Smith 2015). The blockchain technology
allows the customers of shipping giant for tracking the packages efficiently. More and more use
cases are required to emerge into the blockchain technology to get deployed. BiTA serves to
promote, educate and encourage of development along with adoption of blockchain applications
into the logistics as well as transportation sectors. The goal of this technology is determining
what kind of data is being required as well as adopted into blockchain applications so as to foster
trust in addition to ensure of transparency as well as efficiency (Olnes, Ubacht and Janssen

78FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
2017). The block chain’s value added is being expected to more than $3 trillion by the year 2030.
The supply chain blockchain boots of transparency trust by allowing the users for tracking where
the shipment is at provided time (Peters and Panayi 2016). The blockchain technology is
consisted of immutable ledger, changes into possession along with ownership of the goods as it
moves from producer to point of retail. It is analyzed that blockchain is decentralized and it has
no such single point of failures. The shipping, possession as well as ownership information are to
be protected from tampering.
The professionals of supply chain are used of blockchain technology for gathering as well
as using of tracking data into new methods. As for example, entries into the database of
blockchain is triggered tasks like assignment of next batches of goods arrived at port to particular
dock (Saberi, Kouhizadeh and Sarkis 2018). Applying of the blockchain technology helps to
instant settlement of the transactions that reduce friction into the commercial financing. The rules
of dispute resolution are agreed on before hand as well as it is applied on the blockchain when it
is required. Smart contracts are self-executed contracts which can trigger by the external real
world events, the details are being offered by trusted oracle. Once the transaction is being
logged, the smart contracts are released payments held to the counterparty (Sun, Yan and Zhang
2016). The smart contracts entries are to be held on the blockchain technology as well as digital
payments reduce time as well as cost associated with intermediary processing. Blockchain is
such a technology for the decentralized storage of the transactional data. The transactional
storage into the blocks is being organized while the transactions are stored into new blocks. All
the changes are being recorded along with encrypted in real time (Wright and De Filippi 2015).
The blockchain technology is promised to permit un-trusted parties. Bitcoin is considered as
trusted third party authority into the main banks. The technology saves of time as well as money

79FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
and it is less prone to the data manipulation. The application of blockchain technology ensures
security as well as trust that make the technology relevant to the future applications into the
SCM.
5.3.3 Blockchain as IT innovation strategy
FedEx, the package delivery giant should implement of the blockchain technology as it
is a part of the IT innovation strategy. The company becomes part of the blockchain into the
transportation alliances. The organization is looking towards to implement of innovative
technologies such as autonomous vehicles along with blockchain (Zhu and Zhou 2016). BiTA is
comprised of 40 companies and the goal of alliance is to develop of blockchain based on
standards for the future applications into the industry. It promotes of blockchain technology into
the logistics fields as well as creates of platform for discussion as well as collaboration among
the logistics companies (Tapscott and Tapscott 2016). BiTA is considered of blockchain as
disruptive technology which can transform the trucking as well as logistics industry.
This study revealed priceless insights about adoption of blockchain technology into the
logistics as well as context of SCM. There is a high impact of blockchain technology into the
industry, therefore FedEx hesitant to dedicate the resources for looking into possible applications
of blockchain technology (Peters and Panayi 2016). Into FedEx, 60 percent of middle managers
are raising concerns about security of the data while 28 percent of executives are sharing
reservation. The logisticians face of difficulties to get idea of its benefits along with use cases.
The results of this particular research study underlines importance to carve out possible use cases
for both logistics as well as SCM (Melnyk, Narasimhan and DeCampos 2014). There are around
60% of the participants those have implementation experiences indicate that there are higher
level of collaboration as well as commitment. Into the world of Bitcoin, each of the coin is being

80FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
traced to origin as well as transactions are transparent. It may lead that FedEx blockchain
technology reaches the properties of traceability system (Iansiti and Lakhani 2017). The findings
from the research study shows there are there are small scale experiments with the applications
of blockchain which are vital to understand the barriers along with benefits of the blockchain.
The logisticians of FedEx are engaged into the experiments for finding out how the blockchain
technology is used for their express services.
Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations
6.1 Conclusion
This particular chapter aims to provide the findings, recommendations and future
directions of this research study. Development as well as implementation of blockchain
technology is not guaranteed that it will be used in addition to succeed. Despite there are larger
interest into the blockchain technology started from the year 2014, the literature into the
blockchain into the application to SCM is still limited. The research is being contributed to the
field for identification of the potential blockchain applications into SCM and assessment of its
impact into SCM. The research is started with the literature review and company description that
serves as basis for building the business case analysis framework. The empirical study with the
objective is followed to evaluate the potential of blockchain for the logistics industry. Finally, the
analysis is conducted to lead answer to the research objectives. In this particular paper, the

81FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
researcher presented a study on current state of the blockchain into the logistics as well as SCM.
In order to provide answer to second research question, the blockchain technology brings trick as
well as treat for the logistics as well as SCM which are presented into findings of the survey. The
survey was being conducted into the FedEx those are using of express services and investigated
opinions of participants on benefits and challenges of blockchain in SCM. The blockchain
technology is expected to have an impact into the logistics industry and it is considered as treat.
Therefore, it is advised to FedEx to implement of blockchain technology for improving over
traceability so that they can able to add value added services for their existing and new
customers. Use of the technology supports both environmental as well as social aspects.
6.2 Linking with objectives
The purpose of this research study is to develop of theoretical framework to evaluate
applicability of the blockchain technology into SCM for improvement over traceability. The
results are clarified that the framework is used to evaluate the applicability of blockchain
technology for improvement over supply chain operations. Following are the objectives of this
study which are linked with the findings such as:
Objective 1: To examine the application of blockchain technology in supply chain
management
FedEx knows disruptive potential of blockchain technology along with its applications.
Among all the blockchain technology applications, a smart contract is most significant use
application into the supply chain. The aim of this application is to make the process of
negotiation easier as well as efficient along with secure the contractual procedures and reduce the
contract cost. It is mainly used into the financial transactions. Into the field of blockchain,

82FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
distributed ledger technology is used to manage the digital assets into secured way. This
particular application is used into SCM for easier traceability of the goods and materials to
operate a trustworthy business environment. Bitcoin is based on such an architecture which is
powered by the blockchain technology. The bitcoin technology provides of decentralized as well
as ordered documentation of the transactions into the network of Bitcoin which are demonstrated
at any period of time. This particular technology makes sure of authentication as well as
supportable transactions. As Bitcoin has higher impact application, then it impacts the
technology wider as compared to virtual currencies. The organization is focused on
dependability of the information in addition to relied on safety trust models of blockchain
technology.
Objective 2: To find out the supply chain issues in FedEx
Blockchain technology is used into SCM for improvement over the traceability. It is used
for the supply chain activities like transfer of the shipping documents, exchanging of the
confidential documents in addition to confirmations of orders. FedEx should implement of
blockchain technology for improvement into traceability into their express services all over the
world. Due to lack of transparency into the supply chain, both the buyers as well as consumers
are not sure about the true value of products and services. As per the survey, globalization is the
main issue into blockchain technology which reduces the cost. The global suppliers are
contributed to complexity which comes from extended delivery lead time. Due to increase into
globalization, there is increase into competition of FedEx along with higher level of risks into the
supply chain operations of the organization. FedEx is in pressure to provide the customers as per
their expectations. Due to change into the market demand of the customers, the organization

83FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
faces difficulty into meeting the demands. Due to difficult to track the delivery of the materials,
therefore the customers are not getting right quality of products at right time and place.
Objective 3: To employ of blockchain technology for solving the supply chain issues
In order to solve the supply chain issues in FedEx, the organization should adopt of
blockchain technology into their SCM where the real time data and decentralized ledger brings
down the operational cost by quicker turnaround time for faster processing of supply chain.
FedEx partnered hand with BiTA to collaborate with other companies into the supply chain
industry. The organization launched a pilot program to solve the issues raised into the business
environment. FedEx will implement of blockchain technology to raise transparency as well as
security of data to the logistics processes. The blockchain solution is used to improve over
transparency along with record the financial transactions securely. The particular technology
opens a door for the customers in order to track their package before it gets into hand as well as
after it leaves for shipping. For tracking the shipment, the proposed technology is used to track
the parcel, from truck to track and warehouse to warehouse until it reaches its final destination.
The company is benefited from the blockchain technology as it allows the peers to switch over of
money without necessity of any traditional monetary agent.
6.3 Recommendations
This particular research is attempted to throw light into the potential business cases of the
blockchain technology into the applications to the supply chain operations. Supported by the
empirical data, the business case of FedEx is proposed as the future potential applications of
technology. Following are the recommendations which are suggested for implement of
blockchain technology into SCM as:

84FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
Increase research and development on blockchain: The findings suggested that the
researcher should shift from theoretical study of blockchain technology. The researchers should
apply of technical and practical knowledge into the implementation of blockchain so as the
readers should understand its usage properly. The researchers should research more on the
prevention of supply chain issues for improvement of traceability into the organization so that
they can operate properly into the market.
Inform regulations about technical risks: The regulators should be informed about the
technical issues and limitations of the blockchain technologies into SCM so that people can
become familiar with its issues and can take possible preventive steps before it hampers the
business reputations. The organization should implement of possible policies and regulations to
improve over the technical issues. Sustainable actions should be taken to confirm and visualize
the brand image, brand reputation as well as attractiveness of the organization in the market.
Identification of market: Before implementation of blockchain technology into SCM, the
organization should identify and perform a in-depth research on the market to know its
usefulness, usage and benefits along with challenges into the particular marketplace. The
organization should ensure that identified market should seek to engage with. It should help to
make sure about affected customers, competitors in addition to opportunities of blockchain
technology into SCM.
6.4 Areas of future research
From the scientific perspective, the goal of the research study is to build further
blockchain literature into field of the supply chain. There are various research directions which
are raised from this research study such as quantitative evaluation of the blockchain business

85FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
cases. The evaluation of the application of blockchain technology represents limited part of
various opportunities that a future blockchain start up is being developed. Further development
of blockchain analysis into the supply chain is evaluated. The current research study is derived of
results from limited sample of participants due to geographic as well as time limitations. The
results can open to further inspections and study into various supply chain port with broader
range of samples. A potential future study would move to next part of the blockchain which is to
end customers and provide ability to find history of the products they are wishing to buy. Lastly,
the blockchain technology is superior to centralized system in terms of potential for the future.

86FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
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Appendix
Online Questionnaire
Dear respondents,
The research study is based on “FedEx's blockchain technology application in Supply
Chain Management”. I am inviting to participate into the research study by completion of the
online survey. In order to make sure that the information is remained confidential, please do not
insert your name. If you are interested into participating in the research survey, then please
answer the questions honestly as possible. The collected data are useful in my academic
purposes. Completion of the questionnaire will indicate your willing to participate into the
research study.
Thank you for your participation.
Section A: Demographic profile
In this section, we are interested in the participant’s background. The answers should keep
confidential.
1. Gender
 Male
 Female
2. Age
 18-24 years

98FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
 25-49 years
 50-79 years
 Above 80 years
3. How often do you use FedEx’s express service?
 1-5 months
 6-12 months
 1-2 years
 More than 2 years
 Never before
Section B: FedEx's blockchain technology application in Supply Chain Management
1. How long have you known about blockchain technology?
 1-12 months
 1-5 years
 More than 5 years
 Never before
2. Do you think the application of blockchain technology in SCM will be possible?
 Yes

99FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
 Maybe
 No
3. Do you think that blockchain technology will disrupt the line of business?
 Yes
 Maybe
 No
4. What are the benefits do you hope to gain from using blockchain in SCM?
 Better transaction
 Increase in transaction speed
 Lower the delivery cost
 Easier tracking of products’ status
5. Which use cases do you see as viable for applying of blockchain?
 Engagement of customer
 Dispute resolution
 Procurement
 Security
6. What are the biggest challenges to use of blockchain technology in SCM?

100FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
 Considerations to privacy and security
 Globalization
 Inventory issues
 Change in market demand
7. How much do you agree that use of blockchain technology in SCM monitor real
time data?
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
8. What are the different ways to prevent the supply chain challenges in your opinion?
 Collaborate to improve unnecessary cost
 Improve inefficient supply chain network
 Allocation of working capital into the supply chain
9. How much do you agree that with use of digital ledger, the transactions are done
accurately?
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree

101FedEx’s BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN SCM
10. How much do you agree that inventory logistics of FedEx matches with customer’s
order and transportation services?
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree