ABSTRACT. In this paper, we propose a new system architecture, which is a solution for reducing and even avoiding the complexity and vulnerability of existing supply chain systems. First of all, through analyzing the cases of supply chain disruptions caused by natural and human factors, some major issues which exist in the traditional supply chain systems are clarified and some maladies of centralized system architectures are demonstrated by reviewing previous studies and practical researches. Secondly, we propose a conceptional model which introduces some features of decentralized system architecture based on blockchain technologies, such as new consensus mechanism and smart contract into traditional supply chain systems so that issues mentioned above will be solved and supply chain resilience can be improved. Thirdly, through the conduction of case studies, the applicable domains and supply chain types of conceptional model and proposed system architecture are demonstrated. Finally, we identify some unsettled issues and drawbacks derived from coexistence of both system architectures and indicate the solutions regarding these challenges.

ABSTRACT. Nowadays, developing new products that meet consumer demands is an important issue for firms. Mechanisms to develop new products cooperating with consumers will be needed. On the other hand,　the spread of social media creates various network communities. Members have more opportunities to gather new information and ideas through interaction with other members inside and outside the network communities. As a result, a chain of knowledge creation that generates new ideas is occurred. This also applies to the creation of ideas for product development. In this research, we examine whether network communities help upgrading the knowledge level required for consumer-led new product development through a questionnaire survey in Japan. As the results, network communities help upgrading knowledge level, connections with lead users help upgrading knowledge level, network community members' motivations are necessary for upgrading knowledge level, and social capital on network communities is necessary for upgrading knowledge level are clarified.

ABSTRACT. Cryptocurrencies based on UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) model keep the deposit’s total amount to meet withdraws’ one for preventing double spend, in other words, they audit “the conservation of currency value” in every transaction. In order to use the cryptocurrencies in financial business, it is necessary to express the increase or decrease of debt amount by interest, however, it is incompatible with the safety of cryptocurrency operation. We propose a management method which can express interests or repayments with keeping the conservation of currency value. In the proposed method, an issuer simultaneously issues the same amount of positive and negative cryptocurrencies, where the former means the lending amount considering interest and the latter means the debt. Following these issues, the two currencies are offset only by the issuer.

ABSTRACT. From being associated with the financial services primarily, blockchain is now affecting other industries as well. Blockchain is attracting interest as a way to track and monitor food through the supply network, ensuring its origin. Consumers are increasingly demanding to know where their purchases come from and how they are made. In food industry, consumers can confirm the provenance of their purchases by blockchain. Despite some blockchain research on innovation adoption in fintech contexts, little is known about how consumers evaluate blockchain in food traceability and transparency. This study explores consumers' motivations to purchase food with blockchain code and takes the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) as a reference and develops an extended model by considering perceived trust, since the capabilities of blockchain technology for food traceability and transparency. The results show that blockchain technology has the capability to build trust and affect purchase intention. Results also highlight purchase intention is significantly and positively influenced by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and habit. The results further show that technographic can significantly enhance intention to the use of blockchain technology to trace food. The research provides an insight to practitioners and researchers on how to increase intention towards blockchain.

ABSTRACT. Cyber Debris: We propose a new concept of IoT devices left without an administrator on the Internet. Mirai's attack in 2016 revealed the danger of vulnerable Cyber Debris. Reducing the threat caused by Cyber Debris, it is necessary to control the number and to prevent vulnerability to individual devices. One of the factors behind the increase in Cyber Debris is the spread of consumer IoT devices. It is practically hard to demand consumers to manage their own IoT devices. Therefore they are left behind without management, which means they are likely to be cyber debris. In this research, we show that the business model of subscription is more effective in both number control and vulnerability countermeasure than general selling out in consumer IoT devices. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of organizing the requirements for establishing a subscription model in consumer IoT devices and promoting subscriptions, we analyze the policy currently proposed in the UK and discuss the possibility of subscription dissemination.