Investigating possible use of Blockchain technology in local businesses to ensure transparency, integrity, and security of transactional data

Abstract

Blockchain is an emerging technology based on the distributed digital ledger system. Decentralized trust is one of the key factors behind the blockchain-based system. Transparency of such a system is better than a conventional centralized ledger system. By using a blockchainbased transaction system, any business organization can harness key benefits like data integrity, confidentiality, and anonymity without involving any third party in control of the transactions. Since the blockchain is used in numerous applications and the horizon is expanding at an unprecedented pace. So, there is a need for an organized and systematic review of blockchain platforms. In this thesis, we have reported a systematic literature review on existing blockchain platforms. In particular, we have formulated two research questions to help us determine - what are the major frameworks that have been used to implement blockchainbased systems; and how do they differ in terms of implementation and operation. From the existing literature, we have identified eighty blockchain platforms and the majority of them have a lack of technical details. To provide the researchers with comprehensive literature on blockchain platforms, we identify related technologies and provide a map for further development and research n blockchain technology. After finishing our systematic literature review, we wanted to apply our knowledge and develop a blockchain-based application that can contribute locally. We found that tracking COVID vaccination in a transparent and accountable way is an emerging need. The blockchain platform is a good match for such applications. So we designed and developed COVAC, a blockchain-based application to manage the COVID vaccination process for local organizations. We call it COVAC. Our blockchain-based implementation ensures the transparency, integrity, and security of COVAC.