https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131562 2026-04-21T13:02:38Z 2026-04-21T13:02:38Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132494 2025-02-25T09:15:46Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A conceptual design and costing of a blockchain-based system for fuel purchasing in the airline industry Abstract: The use of Blockchain has been on the rise in the last few years and is expected to continue to increase. Traditionally the aviation industry lags in the adoption of new technologies. In the case of Blockchain, airlines have been hesitant to adopt this technology due to the high costs involved. This study develops the concept and investigates the cost of a Blockchain-based system that would be used to aid in the purchasing and verification of fuel for commercial airlines around the world. The creation and use of such a system aims to improve the purchasing experience, increase transparency and efficiency, and minimize the risks associated with fuel purchasing. In the current system, as can be seen from the research below, airlines pay more than the fuel market price as they adopt hedging strategies. This offers them protection from fuel price movements, allowing them to plan. The known cost of the flight allows them to set the minimum cost for the flight tickets. Their ability to hedge fuel at the right price is reflected in the customer ticket price and may play a significant role in their competitiveness. However, this system of fuel hedging offers its challenges and downsides too. In the study, the fuel costs from four (4) airlines are investigated, in order to establish the impact of fuel hedging costs when compared to fuel purchasing using the market price. This thesis then proposes an alternative Blockchain-based system that gives the airlines freedom to purchase fuel tokens which then can be exchanged for a certain amount of fuel. This digitizes the process and therefore makes it more efficient. The thesis presents a full cost analysis of such a system and the outcome shows that having a Blockchain-based fuel purchasing system, will reap benefits going forward due to less friction within the whole system and more automation resulting in fewer costs, even though there are higher costs to be paid in the beginning. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132110 2025-02-17T13:48:59Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Navigating the future of trademark management : the impact of blockchain on litigation and legal practices Abstract: This dissertation explores the potential of blockchain in managing trademarks within the Blockchain Intellectual Property Registry project executed by the EUIPO, particularly within the domain of licensing. Building on the foundation of the enhanced functionalities that permit parties to conclude and register licence agreements via this blockchain system, the study explores innovative solutions for evidentiary challenges in trademark disputes. This includes addressing issues related to compliance after expiration and gathering evidence from the perspective of the average consumer. The research delves into the complexities of current trademark licensing frameworks, identifying, through the examination of pertinent case law, key issues such as compliance monitoring post-license expiration and the difficulties in collecting concrete evidence to support claims in some litigation scenarios involving the quality of licensed products and services. Through drawing an analogy with scenarios involving certification marks, the work broadens the scope of these advantages to extend beyond mere licence agreements. Facilitating trademark licence registration through a blockchain-based database, within the context of the DLT solution of the EUIPO, serves as the foundation for the additional benefits, including potential alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, explored in this study. Furthermore, the integration of blockchain-based solutions, such as supply chain tracking for licensed products and portals for submitting consumer feedback, is proposed as a strategy to address the aforementioned evidentiary challenges. While acknowledging existing integration challenges with national offices, the study suggests avenues for future research to explore the interplay between national systems and the BIPR, as well as the potential expansion of the blockchain system to other intellectual property rights, including designs and copyright. Through a comprehensive approach, the work underscores the significant value that blockchain technology could add to the management of national and EUTMs, highlighting the need for continued exploration and implementation of blockchain solutions in intellectual property management. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132109 2025-02-17T13:46:30Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Player engagement in Web3 video games Abstract: This study explores the potential of Web3 games to sustain player engagement and compete with traditional gaming models. By analysing two prominent Web3 games, “Gods Unchained” and “Axie Infinity”, the research examines the role of blockchain technologies, such as NFTs and tokenomics, in shaping player engagement. The findings reveal that while financial incentives, such as token rewards and play-to-earn models, initially attract large player bases, they often fail to sustain long-term engagement once the focus shifts from enjoyment to monetary gain. Economic incentives can drive short-term player activity but fail to retain players as token value declines. In contrast, emphasising gameplay over immediate financial rewards, suggesting that a balanced approach prioritising fun and community building leads to more sustainable engagement. The study highlights the complexities of tokenomics, where market volatility can distort the gaming experience, and underscores the need for Web3 games to focus on immersive gameplay and community involvement. Ultimately, for Web3 games to effectively compete with traditional games, they must strike a balance between financial rewards and player enjoyment, ensuring that tokenomics complement rather than dominate the gaming experience. This paper concludes that the future success of Web3 games lies in adapting strategies from traditional games, particularly in terms of player retention, game quality, and governance. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132108 2025-02-17T13:45:12Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Bitcoin as legal tender : challenges and opportunities for nations without a sovereign currency Abstract: The creation of Bitcoin brought blockchain and distributed ledger technology to the world as an alternative to money and a form of sovereignty. Thereafter, the monetary value of Bitcoin has established itself as an investment asset, leading to a revolutionary shift in the global financial sector. With El Salvador becoming the first country to officially adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, Bitcoin has further changed the financial landscape on a national level. It is a milestone for Bitcoin but there is still a long way to go, given it is not yet recognised as a currency by every country. This dissertation examines the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender, particularly focusing on its impact on countries without sovereign currencies. The study reviews the principles of money and legal tender, together with Bitcoin's unique position within these structures. The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) view on El Salvador's decision to adopt Bitcoin is examined, underlining concerns regarding price volatility and financial stability for the nation. Using a comparative case study methodology, the research focuses on the early adoption of Bitcoin in both national and city-level contexts, examining El Salvador and the Central African Republic alongside Lugano, a Swiss city that promotes Bitcoin usage without granting it legal tender status. The research discusses El Salvador's challenges such as readiness at technological levels, while also highlighting opportunities for financial inclusion and economic independence. Comprehensive regulatory framework, nationwide investment strategies and a diversified financial ecosystem are potential solutions to address the IMF's concerns. The concluding section recommends research and development in respect of influence of cryptocurrencies to monetary policy, impact on financial systems, data utilisation and privacy. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z