Assignment Brief
Section 1: Overview of the Methodological Approach
In the proposed research project, the focus is on exploring the integration of blockchain technology into business process management (BPM) and understanding its implications for organisations. While the initial proposal suggested using a survey method to collect quantitative data, feedback from the supervising lecturer indicated that a more in-depth approach would be suitable. Consequently, the research methodology has been revised to adopt a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection instrument.
Semi-structured interviews provide flexibility, allowing the researcher to explore nuanced insights from experts and professionals in the field of BPM and blockchain implementation. This method enables participants to express their experiences, opinions, and challenges regarding blockchain adoption, while also allowing the researcher to probe deeper into emerging themes. This approach aligns with previous literature, which highlights the complexities and organisational challenges of integrating blockchain into existing BPM frameworks (Mendling et al., 2018).
The use of semi-structured interviews also supports the exploration of real-world applications, barriers, and opportunities from a managerial and technical perspective, offering richer data than a purely survey-based method. Furthermore, this method allows for adaptive questioning, ensuring that the research remains responsive to new information or trends identified during the interviews, which is critical for understanding a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Section 2: Rationale for Semi-Structured Interviews
The choice of semi-structured interviews is particularly suitable for this study due to the exploratory and complex nature of blockchain in BPM. Unlike surveys, which often limit responses to predefined options, interviews enable detailed discussion about the practical, strategic, and technical challenges faced by organisations during blockchain adoption. This method allows for capturing the diverse perspectives of BPM managers, IT specialists, and blockchain consultants, ensuring that the research accounts for multiple organisational viewpoints.
Semi-structured interviews also facilitate the identification of emerging themes and patterns in how blockchain impacts process efficiency, data transparency, and operational governance. These interviews provide a balance between guidance and flexibility: a core set of questions ensures that key research objectives are addressed, while follow-up questions allow respondents to expand on areas of significance to them.
Moreover, qualitative insights obtained from interviews complement the existing literature and contribute to a deeper understanding of the practical implications of blockchain integration, including organisational readiness, technology adoption barriers, and potential benefits. This methodological choice strengthens the reliability and relevance of findings, as it ensures that conclusions are grounded in expert knowledge and reflect real-world experiences rather than purely hypothetical responses.
