1.

Blockchain in Supply Chain (Lecture 11)

Key Concepts:
1. Blockchain Basics:
o Blockchain is a decentralized, immutable digital ledger that tracks transactions
and data.
o Tokenization involves representing physical assets as digital tokens to record
origin, certifications, and history.
2. Benefits:
o Transparency: Real-time visibility across all supply chain stakeholders.
o Efficiency: Reduced paperwork and redundancy.
o Trust: Immutable records incentivize accurate data inputs.
o Traceability: Enhanced tracking and detection of gaps.
3. Applications and Examples:
o Everledger (Diamonds):
 Tracks diamonds’ origin, cutting, and certifications using blockchain.
 Enhanced trust between buyers and suppliers.
o Wine Industry:
 "Grape-to-bottle" visibility with QR codes linking the bottle to its
production process.
o Bumble Bee Seafood:
 Enables consumers to trace their seafood from catch to plate.
4. Blockchain Oracles:
o Oracles connect blockchains with external data sources (e.g., weather, stock
prices).
o Types: Hardware (IoT devices), Software (APIs), and Human (experts).
5. Limitations:
o Scalability challenges, irreversible transactions, and complexity in managing
private keys.
Potential Exam Questions:
 Case-Based: Discuss how blockchain can improve transparency and efficiency in the
diamond industry. Use Everledger as an example.
 What role do oracles play in enhancing the functionality of blockchain systems?
Provide examples.
 Evaluate the limitations of blockchain in supply chain applications and suggest
mitigation strategies.

2. Case Study: Coda Coffee and Bext360 (Lecture 12)

Key Concepts:
1. Coda Coffee’s Mission:
o Ethical sourcing and sustainability through the Farm2Cup certification.
o Direct engagement with farmers and premium pricing for quality beans.
2. Bext360 Partnership:
o Focused on transparency and ethical practices using advanced technology:
 Machine Vision: Automated quality scoring of coffee cherries.
 Artificial Intelligence: Real-time defect detection and cupping scores.
 Blockchain: Immutable records of coffee processing from farm to
consumer.
 IoT: Cloud connectivity for data synchronization.
3. Impact and Results:
o Real-time payments to farmers, reducing cash flow issues.
 o Pilot success in Uganda with high-quality scores and transparency.
o Enhanced consumer trust through QR code-enabled product traceability.
4. Challenges and Future Directions:
o Scaling the solution to larger markets like Brazil.
o Addressing data privacy and independent control over blockchain records.
Examples:
 Pilot Project in Uganda:
o Farmers deposited cherries for AI analysis.
o Real-time payments based on quality assessment.
 Expansion to Brazil:
o Addressing scalability and data control concerns for a larger cooperative.
Potential Exam Questions:
 How did the Bext360 partnership align with Coda Coffee’s mission of sustainability
and ethical sourcing?
 Evaluate the impact of blockchain and AI on the coffee supply chain using the Coda
Coffee case.
 Discuss the scalability challenges faced by Coda Coffee and Bext360 in expanding
their model.

3. Generative AI in Supply Chain (Lecture 13)

Key Concepts:
1. Overview of Generative AI:
o Uses deep learning to create new data (text, images, audio) based on patterns
from training data.
o Enhances supply chain efficiency through planning, sourcing, manufacturing,
and logistics.
2. Applications and Examples:
o Supply Chain Planning (Walmart):
 Demand forecasting using large language models.
 Real-time substitution recommendations for out-of-stock items.
o Sourcing (Pactum at Walmart):
 AI-enabled supplier negotiation, automating contract management and
evaluation.
o Manufacturing (Delta Galil):
 Predictive maintenance and quality control using AI.
 Automated corrective actions for defect resolution.
o Logistics (Project44’s Movement GPT):
 Real-time shipment tracking and route optimization using
conversational AI.
3. Challenges:
o Job Displacement: Automation replacing manual roles.
o Cybersecurity Risks: Vulnerability to hacking.
o Accountability Issues: Ambiguity in responsibility for AI decisions.
Examples:
 Adidas Product Design:
o Generative AI in the design of recyclable sneakers like Futurecraft Loop.
 Walmart’s Pactum Tool:
o Negotiated 64% of supplier contracts within 11 days, saving costs and
extending payment terms.
 Project44’s Movement GPT:
 o Simplified shipment management through conversational AI.
Potential Exam Questions:
 Case-Based: Analyze how Walmart uses generative AI to enhance supplier
negotiations and inventory management.
 Evaluate the environmental benefits of integrating generative AI in logistics. Use
specific examples like Project44.
 Discuss the challenges and ethical considerations of deploying generative AI in
supply chains.

General Preparation Tips for Case-Based Questions:

1. Understand the Framework:
o Define the problem or objective in the case.
o Identify the role of technology (e.g., blockchain, AI) in addressing the
problem.
2. Use Examples:
o Always back your answers with real-world examples like Everledger,
Bext360, Walmart, or Project44.
3. Analyze Impact:
o Discuss how technology improves transparency, efficiency, and trust while
addressing challenges like scalability or security.
4. Highlight Challenges and Solutions:
o Focus on practical limitations and propose realistic solutions.