Using i*-Based Organizational Modeling to Support Blockchain-Oriented Software Engineering: Case Study in Supply Chain Management

Popularized by the rise of cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology has been gaining an increasing exposure. The potential of the distributed ledger lies in decentralization and immutable information. It promises complete transparency and a unique source of truth. In this article, a blockchain project is considered from a business and social perspective rather than from a technical one. More precisely, the focus is on understanding, from a functional analyst perspective, how the technology can fit the adopting organization’s supply chain. More specifically, the i* organizational modeling framework is proposed to depict the interactions between involved actors and the roles of the multiple stakeholders of a blockchain. i* allows to identify the relations and goals within the actors of a complex network at early and late stages of the blockchain’s adoption. The applicability and advantages/limitations of i* to the organization of blockchain projects is tested through a case study of a food retail group who is adopting the distributed ledger for Supply Chain Management (SCM).