Blockchain Technology (BCT) is explored as a substantial part of the next generation of the Internet affecting business models in e-business. This book explores the application of BCT in e-business focusing on the value creation. The research objective is to examine how and why BCT is used in e-business value chains. This objective is reached through a pragmatic multimethod approach combining four studies. Study 1 summarises the state-of-the-art of approaches to assess a BCT fit for a particular scenario and outlines shortcomings resulting from these approaches. Study 2 provides empirical insights into the usage of BCT in four e-business value chains based on the cases Theta (content), OpenBazaar (commerce), Presearch (context), and Crypviser (connection). Study 3 deepens the insights in the e-commerce value chain. By means of a qualitative content analysis of news articles, various BCT application domains for each e-commerce activity are presented. Study 4 narrows the perspective of analysis to e-negotiations, proposes a BC-based negotiation support system and examines its opportunities and challenges. Finally, an integrative discussion of the findings results in two explanations how BCT is applied in e-business.

About the author

Josepha Witt has been researching the use of Blockchain Technology in various application areas since 2016. Most recently, she completed her doctorate at the Chair of Intelligent Information Systems at the University of Hohenheim.

Blockchain Technology (BCT) is explored as a substantial part of the next generation of the Internet affecting business models in e-business. This book explores the application of BCT in e-business focusing on the value creation. The research objective is to examine how and why BCT is used in e-business value chains. This objective is reached through a pragmatic multimethod approach combining four studies. Study 1 summarises the state-of-the-art of approaches to assess a BCT fit for a particular scenario and outlines shortcomings resulting from these approaches. Study 2 provides empirical insights into the usage of BCT in four e-business value chains based on the cases Theta (content), OpenBazaar (commerce), Presearch (context), and Crypviser (connection). Study 3 deepens the insights in the e-commerce value chain. By means of a qualitative content analysis of news articles, various BCT application domains for each e-commerce activity are presented. Study 4 narrows the perspective of analysis to e-negotiations, proposes a BC-based negotiation support system and examines its opportunities and challenges. Finally, an integrative discussion of the findings results in two explanations how BCT is applied in e-business.