## 3 Research Design and Methodology, and Model Integration
### Blockchain-Based SER-M (B-SER-M) Model  
Building upon the foundational SER-M model, the B-SER-M model presents an innovative approach that incorporates blockchain technology to enhance the traditional system of manufacturing 5G ceramic antennas, as depicted in Figure 5. The model analyzes the synergy between \"Subjects\" (S), 'Environment' (E), and 'Resources' (R), and demonstrates how their interaction is crucial for implementing the proposed blockchain mechanisms. In the B-SER-M model, 'Subjects' are key players within the manufacturing ecosystem, including the manufacturing companies (MCs) themselves, supply chain partners (SCPs), quality verifiers (QVs), and technical service providers (TSPs). The manufacturing company is at the forefront, responsible for designing and producing antennas with a focus on the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process. Supply chain partners encompass a wide range of entities, from raw material suppliers to logistics providers, who collaborate with manufacturers to supply the necessary components and services. Quality verifiers ensure that the products comply with standards and regulations, while technical service providers support the blockchain infrastructure and are in charge of system maintenance and updates. Collectively, these subjects leverage blockchain technology to elevate transparency, traceability, and reliability in the manufacturing process. The 'Environment' factor in the model pertains to external conditions that impact the manufacturing process. For 5G ceramic antenna production, this includes industry standards and regulations (ISRs), market trends (MTs), the economic environment (EE), technological advancements (TAs), socio-cultural factors (SCFs), and political factors (PFs). These environmental factors are critical as they shape the context in which the integration of blockchain into the antenna manufacturing process occurs. 'Resources' refer to the assortment of assets available to a company, which are integral to the manufacturing process. This includes physical resources (PRs) like manufacturing facilities and materials; human resources (HRs) comprising skilled labor involved in R&D, manufacturing, and quality control; technical resources (TRs) such as 5G antenna design and manufacturing technologies; financial resources (FRs) needed for R&D and scaling production; and informational resources (IRs) like market data and technical documentation. These resources play a pivotal role in maintaining efficiency, fostering innovation, and sustaining competitiveness in the manufacturing process. Blockchain technology, characterized by decentralization, immutability, and transparency, ensures trust among businesses and transparency in transactions. Smart contracts, a key feature of blockchain, are automated programs that execute contractual terms when predefined conditions are met, addressing issues such as process inefficiencies in the manufacturing of communication components. Within the B-SER-M model, blockchain is utilized to record and verify the interactions among 'Subjects', 'Environment', and 'Resources'. This not only resolves trust issues among enterprises but also strengthens data integrity and security. Moreover, it allows for transparent tracking and analysis of factors influencing corporate growth, utilizing smart contract functionality to automate contract execution and transaction processes. The data recorded on the blockchain are employed to trace corporate decision-making, resource utilization, and performance outcomes. This ensures accountability for corporate actions and decisions, with a verification process that guarantees reliability. Additionally, this mechanism emphasizes corporate responsibility and transparency, promoting ethical management practices and building trust among stakeholders.