THE ROLE OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN PRODUCT COST MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SERVICES: BIG DATA AS AN INTERVENING VARIABLE

Abstract

The study explores the role of Big Data (BD) in mediating the relationship between Blockchain Technology (BT) and Product Cost Management (PCM) within electronic payment services. Employing a descriptive approach, a questionnaire was distributed among employees of the International Smart Card (ISC) (Qi Card), academics, and auditors in Iraq, yielding 74 responses. ISC was selected as it represents the largest electronic payment company in the country. The findings indicate that BT significantly influences PCM, with BD serving as an intervening variable. Given Iraq’s rapid advancements in electronic payment to foster financial inclusion, this study contributes by highlighting how electronic payment companies can minimise service costs through BT adoption. The results underscore the significance of electronic payment systems in developing economies by strengthening trust in digital financial infrastructures.