*3.1. Hypotheses*

Previous research indicated the problem of transparency and functioning of the FSC and emphasized the need for digitalization of its business in the segment of wholesale and retail activities [1–9,11,15–17,19,20,22–28]. However, no research has provided a comprehensive overview of the negative effects of individual indicators and the path to minimize those effects through the implementation of modern technologies (BT, IoT, DLT, etc.). Obtaining a complete picture of the importance of critical indicators and the usefulness of the implementation of the digitalization process in FSC first requires defining the impact of all indicators in a mutual comparison.

The first research hypothesis, H1, was set as follows: H1—critical indicators have a statistically significant impact on the sustainability and functioning of the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities. By testing this hypothesis, the first specific goal of this research is achieved, and the individual influences of each of the analyzed indicators are clearly defined. The first research hypothesis must be supported by seven supporting hypotheses H1(a)–H1(g), which test the individual influence of each of the critical indicators. The supporting hypotheses are: H1(a)—poor coordination and transfer of information among FCS participants has a statistically significant impact on the sustainability and functioning of FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H1(b)—food loss and/ or waste has a statistically significant effect on the sustainability and functioning of the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H1(c)—economic performance has a statistically significant effect on the sustainability and functioning of FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H1(d)—transaction costs have a statistically significant effect on the sustainability and functioning of FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H1(e)—external elements have a statistically significant influence on the sustainability and functioning of FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H1(f)—chemical and microbial contamination have a statistically significant effect on the sustainability and functioning of the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H1(g)—control of raw material, food, and waste flows has a statistically significant effect on the sustainability and functioning of FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities.

Studies confirm that digitalization improves business processes that take place among FSC participants [1,11–13]. Implemented technologies such as BT, IoT, DLT, TTI, RFID, etc., minimize negative effects and make the FSC more functional and transparent, especially in the segment of wholesale and retail activities. In this context, and in accordance with the other specific objectives of this research through the following group of research hypotheses, we define the influence of the digitalization process on minimizing the negative impact of critical indicators. The second research hypothesis, H2, states the following:

H2—digitalization of business processes has a statistically significant effect on critical indicators in FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities. Testing this hypothesis determines if and in what way the implementation of BT, IoT, DLT, etc., minimizes the negative effect that critical indicators have on the sustainability and functioning of the FSC. As in the previous step, the second research hypothesis must be supported by seven supporting hypotheses H2(a)–H2(g), which test the connection of the digitalization process with each of the analyzed critical indicators. The supporting hypotheses are: H2(a)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on the coordination and transfer of information among FSC participants in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H2(b)—food loss and/ or waste has a statistically significant effect on the sustainability and functioning of the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities. H2(c)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on economic performance in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H2(d)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on transaction costs appearing in the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H2(e)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on external elements in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H2(f)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on chemical and microbial contamination in the

FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H2(g)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on the control of raw material, food, and waste flows in the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities. the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H2(g)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on the control of raw material, food, and waste flows in the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities.

digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on the coordination and transfer of information among FSC participants in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H2(b)—food loss and/ or waste has a statistically significant effect on the sustainability and functioning of the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities. H2(c)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on economic performance in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H2(d)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on transaction costs appearing in the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H2(e)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on external elements in the segment of wholesale and retail activities; H2(f)—the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on chemical and microbial contamination in

*Sustainability* **2023**, *15*, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 19

Considering that the direct correlation between the implementation of modern technologies and the sustainability of FSC was confirmed in previous research, it is necessary to precisely define that influence with the third research hypothesis. The third research hypothesis, H3, states: Considering that the direct correlation between the implementation of modern technologies and the sustainability of FSC was confirmed in previous research, it is necessary to precisely define that influence with the third research hypothesis. The third research hypothesis, H3, states:

H3—the implementation of the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on the sustainability and functioning of the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities. By testing the third hypothesis, the last specific goal of the research is achieved, and it is defined whether the implementation of modern technologies by minimizing the negative effects of critical indicators significantly affects the sustainability, transparency, and flexibility of the FSC. H3—the implementation of the digitalization process has a statistically significant effect on the sustainability and functioning of the FSC in the segment of wholesale and retail activities. By testing the third hypothesis, the last specific goal of the research is achieved, and it is defined whether the implementation of modern technologies by minimizing the negative effects of critical indicators significantly affects the sustainability, transparency, and flexibility of the FSC.

The presented research objectives and hypotheses are illustrated in the following research model (Figure 1). The presented research objectives and hypotheses are illustrated in the following research model (Figure 1).

**Figure 1.** Presentation of the research model. **Figure 1.** Presentation of the research model.
