Camilla Lectures Flashcards
Learing models
Model for two-sided networks/markets, (Platform business models), Launchworks, 2022:
Basic-Level Question
Q: What is the first stage in the Rocket Model for two-sided networks?
A: The first stage is “Attract,” where platforms develop compelling value propositions to draw a critical mass of producers and consumers.
Model for two-sided networks/markets, (Platform business models), Launchworks, 2022
Intermediate-Level Question
Q: How does the “Match” stage of the Rocket Model contribute to platform success?
A: The “Match” stage involves efficiently pairing participants by filtering and presenting optimal choices, enabling successful interactions.
Model for two-sided networks/markets, (Platform business models), Launchworks, 2022
Advanced-Level Question
Q: Why is the “Connect” stage crucial in the Rocket Model for certain platform interactions?
A: The “Connect” stage builds trust and reduces information asymmetry by facilitating pre-transaction communication between participants, which is particularly important for complex exchanges requiring additional verification.
Model for two-sided networks/markets, (Platform business models), Launchworks, 2022
Expert-Level Question
Q: How can a platform achieve “escape velocity” according to the Rocket Model?
A: A platform achieves escape velocity when it systematically implements the Rocket Model stages—Attract, Match, Connect, Transact, and Optimize—while leveraging network effects to sustain growth with minimal additional effort.
Cross and same side network effects (Part of network effects):
Basic-Level Question
Q: What is a same-side network effect?
A: A same-side network effect occurs within a single group of users, where the value for a user changes as the number of users on the same side increases.
Cross and same side network effects (Part of network effects):
Intermediate-Level Question
Q: What distinguishes positive from negative same-side network effects? Provide an example of each.
A: Positive same-side network effects occur when additional users increase value, such as more players on a gaming console improving matchmaking opportunities. Negative same-side network effects arise when more users reduce value, such as too many sellers on eBay increasing competition and reducing profitability.
Cross and same side network effects (Part of network effects):
Advanced-Level Question
Q: Explain the concept of cross-side network effects and give an example.
A: Cross-side network effects occur between two distinct groups of users on a platform. The value for one group increases as the size of the other group grows. For example, more riders on Uber attract more drivers, and vice versa.
Cross and same side network effects (Part of network effects):
Expert-Level Question
Q: How can platforms balance the interplay between same-side and cross-side network effects to sustain growth?
A: Platforms must amplify positive cross-side effects, like attracting more users to one group to benefit the other, while mitigating negative same-side effects, such as limiting low-quality participants or congestion through curation or exclusion strategies. For instance, Airbnb curates listings to ensure quality for users on both sides.
Pricing platforms:
Basic-Level Question
Q: What are the two main sides in platform pricing, and how are they defined?
A: The two sides are the subsidy side and the money side. The subsidy side consists of users who are more price-sensitive and whose participation drives value to the other side. The money side consists of users willing to pay to access the subsidy side.
Pricing platforms:
Intermediate-Level Question
Q: What factors determine which side of a platform should be subsidized?
A: Factors include cross-side network effects (which side’s growth drives the other), user price sensitivity (subsidize the more price-sensitive side), and quality sensitivity (subsidize users who demand higher quality from suppliers).
Pricing platforms:
Advanced-Level Question
Q: How does dynamic pricing evolve across the lifecycle of a platform?
A: In the early stage, platforms heavily subsidize the critical side to achieve network effects. In the growth stage, pricing is adjusted to balance value and profitability. In the maturity stage, platforms monetize their user base, often introducing premium or subscription models.
Pricing platforms:
Expert-Level Question
Q: How do multi-homing costs influence platform pricing strategies?
A: Multi-homing costs refer to the ease with which users can participate in multiple platforms. High multi-homing costs justify higher prices on the money side, as users are less likely to switch platforms. Conversely, low multi-homing costs may require aggressive subsidies to retain users.
Cornerstone model / Building blocks, Ross et al,.
Basic-Level Question
Q: What is the Operational Backbone in the Cornerstone Model?
A: The Operational Backbone is a standardized and integrated layer of systems, processes, and data designed to support core business operations, focusing on efficiency and reliability.
Cornerstone model / Building blocks, Ross et al,.
Intermediate-Level Question
Q: How does the Digital Platform differ from the Operational Backbone in the Cornerstone Model?
A: While the Operational Backbone supports core operations with stability, the Digital Platform is modular and flexible, enabling rapid innovation and the deployment of customer-facing digital offerings.
Cornerstone model / Building blocks, Ross et al,.
Advanced-Level Question
Q: Explain the role of Shared Customer Insights in the Cornerstone Model.
A: Shared Customer Insights centralize organizational learning about customer needs and behaviors, enabling continuous improvement and innovation in value propositions through analytics and experimentation.
Cornerstone model / Building blocks, Ross et al,.
Expert-Level Question
Q: How does the Accountability Framework balance autonomy and alignment within an organization?
A: The Accountability Framework defines clear roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. It promotes agility by empowering teams to innovate autonomously while ensuring their efforts align with strategic objectives.
Cornerstone model / Building blocks, Ross et al,.
Q: What is the purpose of the External Developer Platform in the Cornerstone Model?
A: The External Developer Platform provides APIs and digital components for external developers and partners, fostering innovation and scaling the ecosystem through collaborative efforts.
Cornerstone model / Building blocks, Ross et al,.
Advanced-Level Question (Additional)
Q: How can the Cornerstone Model guide an organization through a digital transformation?
A: The model suggests starting with the Operational Backbone for stability, then building a Digital Platform for innovation, integrating Shared Customer Insights for continuous learning, and establishing an Accountability Framework to coordinate teams and foster alignment.
Model of the Platform challenges, Eisenmann et al. 2006:
Basic-Level Question
Q: What is the “subsidy side” in a platform business model?
A: The subsidy side consists of users who are attracted to the platform with lower or no costs because their participation is crucial to creating value for the other user group.
Model of the Platform challenges, Eisenmann et al. 2006:
Intermediate-Level Question
Q: How do “winner-takes-it-all” dynamics affect platform markets?
A: Winner-takes-it-all dynamics occur when network effects and economies of scale lead to a single dominant platform, leaving little room for competitors, as seen with platforms like Windows or eBay.
Model of the Platform challenges, Eisenmann et al. 2006:
Advanced-Level Question
Q: What is “envelopment” in the context of platform challenges, and how does it pose a threat?
A: Envelopment refers to a situation where a platform from an adjacent market bundles its services to compete against or absorb another platform, leveraging overlapping user bases or functionalities (e.g., Google integrating Maps with Search to compete with standalone GPS apps).
Model of the Platform challenges, Eisenmann et al. 2006:
Expert-Level Question
Q: What strategies can platforms use to manage the risk of multi-homing by users?
A: Platforms can reduce multi-homing by increasing switching costs, offering exclusive features, or incentivizing user loyalty through rewards programs or partnerships that make it less attractive to use competing platforms.
Sensing, seizing, transforming, Teece & Linden, 2017:
Basic-Level Question
Q: What does “sensing” refer to in Teece & Linden’s model?
A: Sensing involves identifying opportunities and threats in the environment by gathering and interpreting information about market changes, technological advancements, and customer needs.
Sensing, seizing, transforming, Teece & Linden, 2017:
Intermediate-Level Question
Q: What organizational capabilities are critical for “sensing” opportunities?
A: Critical capabilities include environmental scanning, investment in R&D, customer engagement for feedback, and leveraging ecosystem partnerships to detect emerging trends and innovations.
Sensing, seizing, transforming, Teece & Linden, 2017:
Advanced-Level Question
Q: What is the “seizing” phase, and how does it differ from sensing?
A: Seizing focuses on acting upon the opportunities identified during sensing by allocating resources, designing business models, and implementing strategies to capture value. It requires commitment to investments and operational scaling.
Sensing, seizing, transforming, Teece & Linden, 2017:
Q: How does the “transforming” phase ensure long-term competitiveness for a firm?
A: Transforming ensures the organization remains agile and adaptable by continuously reconfiguring resources, structures, and processes to address shifts in the competitive landscape and maintain relevance in dynamic environments.
PFI (Profit from innovation) model: Teece 1996
Basic-Level Question
Q: What is the main focus of the PFI Model by Teece (1996)?
A: The PFI Model focuses on how firms can capture value from innovation by leveraging complementary assets, intellectual property, and appropriability mechanisms.
PFI (Profit from innovation) model: Teece 1996
Intermediate-Level Question
Q: What are complementary assets, and why are they critical in the PFI Model?
A: Complementary assets are resources such as distribution channels, manufacturing capabilities, or brand reputation that help firms commercialize innovations and achieve competitive advantage.
PFI (Profit from innovation) model: Teece 1996
Advanced-Level Question
Q: What role do appropriability regimes play in the PFI Model?
A: Appropriability regimes determine the effectiveness of mechanisms like patents, trade
PFI (Profit from innovation) model: Teece 1996
Expert-Level Question
Q: How does the PFI Model explain the importance of timing in innovation?
A: Timing affects whether a firm can establish a dominant design or standard, secure market leadership, and capitalize on first-mover advantages. Poor timing can lead to failure to capture value despite a successful innovation.
PFI (Profit from innovation) model: Teece 1996
Intermediate-Level Question (Additional)
Q: What is the difference between specialized and generic complementary assets, and how does this impact innovation strategy?
A: Specialized complementary assets are tailored to the innovation (e.g., unique machinery), while generic assets are widely available (e.g., standard logistics). Specialized assets often provide a competitive edge, while generic assets require strategic partnerships.