Blockchain applications in the supply chain of Iran Aluminum Company: A thematic analysis

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, adopting emerging technologies like blockchain is critical for optimizing supply chain processes. Despite technological advancements, industries such as the Iran Aluminum Company (IRALCO) continually seek competitive advantages through innovation. This study addresses existing research gaps by identifying blockchain applications in IRALCO’s supply chain, leveraging its potential amid rising industry competition. As a qualitative, developmental-applied study, it employs exploratory semi-structured interviews with IRALCO managers, specialists, and experts, using snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved with ۱۵ interviews. Data analysis followed a three-level thematic coding approach (Basic, organizing, and comprehensive themes). The findings of the research show that the applications of blockchain technology in the supply chain of IRALCO in the form of ۶۳ basic themes, ۲۱ organizing themes, and ۷ comprehensive themes including accurate tracking of processes, improving transparency and trust, improving collaboration and efficiency, optimizing and improving performance, improving sustainability and effectiveness of the supply chain, improving transparency and legal proof, improving security and data protection have been obtained. These results underscore the transformative potential of blockchain in IRALCO’s operations. Consequently, the study recommends that IRALCO officials implement precise strategic plans to harness these benefits, fostering both industry growth and long-term operational excellence.

کلیدواژه ها:

Blockchain technology ، Supply chain ، Blockchain in supply chain ، Iran Aluminum Company ، Thematic Analysis