Consent to Participate in Academic Research

Study Title: Analyzing User Queries with a Supply Chain-Focused Large Language Model

Researcher: Vince Castillo, Ph.D., castillo.230@osu.edu

This is an information form for research participation. It contains important information about this study and what to expect if you decide to participate. Your participation is voluntary. Please consider the information carefully. Feel free to ask questions before making your decision whether or not to participate.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of a Large Language Model (LLM) customized with supply chain management knowledge to answer user queries in a web-based platform. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the LLM, analyze the types of questions users ask, and identify potential knowledge gaps in supply chain management.

Procedures/Tasks:

You will be asked to visit the website SupplyChainBrutus.com, where you can submit supply chain management related questions. The AI system will provide answers to your queries. After each interaction, you will have the option to rate your satisfaction with the response on a 5-point scale.

Duration:

The study will run for 6 months, but your participation is flexible. You can use the website as often or as little as you like during this period.

You may leave the study at any time. If you decide to stop participating in the study, there will be no penalty to you, and you will not lose any benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. Your decision will not affect your future relationship with The Ohio State University.

Risks and Benefits:

Risks: The primary risk is the potential for sensitive business information to be included in your queries. To mitigate this, we advise against sharing specific company information.

Benefits: You will have access to an AI-powered knowledge base for supply chain management, potentially gaining insights and answers to your questions. Your participation will contribute to advancing understanding of AI applications in supply chain management.

Confidentiality:

All data will be collected anonymously. No personally identifiable information will be gathered. Your queries and the AI's responses will be stored securely on encrypted servers for five years post-study.

Efforts will be made to keep your study-related information confidential. However, there may be circumstances where this information must be released. For example, personal information regarding your participation in this study may be disclosed if required by state law. Also, your records may be reviewed by the following groups (as applicable to the research):

• Office for Human Research Protections or other federal, state, or international regulatory agencies;
• The Ohio State University Institutional Review Board or Office of Responsible Research Practices;
• Authorized Ohio State University staff not involved in the study may be aware that you are participating in a research study and have access to your information; and
• The sponsor, if any, or agency (including the Food and Drug Administration for FDA-regulated research) supporting the study.

Future Research:

Your de-identified information may be used or shared with other researchers without your additional informed consent.

Incentives:

There are no direct incentives for participation in this study.

Participant Rights:

You may refuse to participate in this study without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you are a student or employee at Ohio State, your decision will not affect your grades or employment status.

If you choose to participate in the study, you may discontinue participation at any time without penalty or loss of benefits.

This study has been determined Exempt from IRB review.

Contacts and Questions:

For questions, concerns, or complaints about the study you may contact Vince Castillo, Ph.D. at Castillo.230@osu.edu.

For questions about your rights as a participant in this study or to discuss other study-related concerns or complaints with someone who is not part of the research team, you may contact the Office of Responsible Research Practices at 1-800-678-6251.

By using the Supply Chain Brutus website, you are agreeing to participate in this research study as described above.