Singapore University of Social Sciences

A platform business connects members of communities and enables them to transact. This business model is distinctive from that of traditional organizations, as it does not involve the use of linear value chains, to buy and transform raw materials into products or services in order to sell them at a profit. The course examines the characteristic of the platform business model and review successful (and not-so-successful) cases to derive useful management principles. In addition, the course examines the challenges that traditional companies face with platform competition and discuss their strategic options. Topics will also include how old and new business models can be combined to create entire self-reinforcing platform-powered ecosystems. A range of platform examples, such as eBay, Alibaba, Amazon, Google, Apple, Facebook, Uber and Airbnb, will be used as case studies to illustrate key business insights.