The Impact of Blockchain on the Administrative Efficiency of Provincial Governments Based on the Data Envelopment Analysis–Tobit Model
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis article revolves around blockchain for administrative efficiency in Chinese provinces.
First and foremost, the title should be amended: 'in different provinces' is eminently saying nothing. Please try to be more informative and robust when assuming terms.
Second, blockchain is not 'novel' as such.
Third, when quoting (lines 33-36), it should be done correctly. It is not the case.
Fourth, probably providing some insights on the PIPL in China could be relevant. Inclusion: https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/5/3/57 Particularly when addressing policies stemming from different countries (lines 48-50). Probably the manuscript should connect the blockchain regulation with the PIPL, given its direct consequences on the regulation. The policy paragraph is relevant and should enable further elaborations.
Fifth, what the article is largely missing is a self-critical standpoint with blockchain. This article can provide a right balance: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016328723001623 How this article interprets blockchain through PIPL? This aspect is key and the article did not even anticipate it.
Sixth, the manuscript is very dense and it is not easy to follow. It should be rewritten particularly the introduction. DEA should be better place in the manuscript.
Ultimately, it is very ood to place Conclusion before Discussion. The cases in China should be better integrated within the manuscript.
The manuscript needs a huge re-structuring, I am afraid.
Revise & Resubmit.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageThere are several typos and the manuscript has been delivered to me in track changes mode.
Author Response
Dec. 30th, 2023
Dear Professor/Reviewer,
We would like to thank you for your efficient review and constructive and precious suggestions. The manuscript entitled “The Impact of Blockchain on the Administrative Efficiency of Provincial Governments Based on DEA-Tobit Model” was revised entirely according to your precious suggestions & comments. The revision covered all the aspects of your suggestions and comments in the attached file.
The authors sincerely appreciated your help and all the precious suggestions. If you have any other questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the address below.
Thank you and best regards.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Prof. Qingnian Wang
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis paper presents a significant and timely exploration of blockchain technology's impact on administrative efficiency across various provinces in China. The methodology, employing a three-stage DEA model and Tobit regression analysis, is robust and well-suited for this type of empirical study. The use of comprehensive data from multiple sources adds to the study's credibility and depth. Additionally, the paper makes a valuable contribution to the relatively new field of blockchain in public administration, offering insights that are relevant not only for China but potentially for other regions as well.
However, there are concerns regarding the empirical approach of comparing the impact of blockchain policies across different provinces. The variability in implementation, diverse administrative contexts, and the evolving nature of blockchain technology can affect the comparability of the results. Additionally, the study's reliance on a purely quantitative approach may not capture the full spectrum of blockchain's impact on administrative efficiency. Incorporating qualitative methods and a broader range of variables could provide a more nuanced understanding.
Additionally, there seems to be a conceptual confusion in the paper between blockchain technology and distributed ledger technology (DLT). While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not identical. Blockchain is usually considered a type DLT, but not all DLTs are blockchains. However, a blockchain can be centralised and private blockchains can even be hosted on a single node. This distinction is crucial in academic discussions, especially when assessing technology's impact on administrative efficiency. Clarifying and correctly differentiating these concepts would strengthen the paper's theoretical foundation and accuracy.
Overall, while this study provides valuable insights and contributes significantly to the field, addressing the aforementioned concerns regarding empirical comparison and language clarity would strengthen the paper.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageThe paper is generally clear and coherent, with appropriate use of technical terminology and a consistent formal style. However, there are areas for improvement in grammar and sentence structure. Some sentences could be more concise or clearer to enhance readability and accessibility, especially in explaining complex concepts. Enhancing these aspects would not only improve the paper's readability but also its overall academic presentation.
Author Response
Dec. 30th, 2023
Dear Professor/Reviewer,
We would like to thank you for your efficient review and constructive and precious suggestions. The manuscript entitled “The Impact of Blockchain on the Administrative Efficiency of Provincial Governments Based on DEA-Tobit Model” was revised entirely according to your precious suggestions & comments. The revision covered all the aspects of your suggestions and comments in the attached file.
The authors sincerely appreciated your help and all the precious suggestions. If you have any other questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the address below.
Thank you and best regards.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Prof. Qingnian Wang
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
