About this course
Digital platforms (e.g., Uber, iOS, AirBnB) are transforming entire industries. The drivers of platform markets’ success are complex, and the successful setup and management of a platform requires a sound theoretical understanding of the concepts of network effects, two-sided markets, and complementarity.
The seminar seeks to provide an advanced understanding of the following questions:
- What are digital platforms and how do they impact markets?
- Which economic principles underlie platforms?
- What strategies enable firms to successfully establish platforms?
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge Objectives After the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the concept of digital platforms from a managerial and economic perspective
- Understand the economic impact of platforms
- Outline the economic principles underlying platforms
- Craft and evaluate strategies for the effective management of digital platforms
Skills Objectives
- Improve diagnostic and analytical skills (i.e., structured problem-solving)
- Build up critical thinking and interpretation skills
- Enhance verbal and argumentation skills via presentations and group discussions
Examination
Seminar paper with presentation: Each student will be assigned a reader of research papers, book chapters, and case studies to work on. To pass the course, students have to write a seminar paper and present the seminar paper in class.
Course requirements
very strongly recommend you previously attend an introductory course on economics (e.g., “Principles of Economics”) and management (e.g., “International Management”). Also, the attendance of a course on empirical research methods (e.g., "Empirical Research Methods in Management and Economics") is recommended.
Activities
The introductory session will provide an introduction into the key concepts and academic writing in a lecture-style. The largest share of this course will be based on interactive discussions among course participants and based on the presentations of the course participants. A large share of learning will occur through you preparing for the in-class session.
- Local course codeWIHN0018
- Study loadECTS 6
- Levelmaster
- Contact hours per week4
- InstructorsMichaela Lindenmayr, Jens Förderer
- Mode of deliveryHybrid
- Course coordinator