StrategyVein

How do we educate curiosity?

I am fortunate to have been exposed to many types and levels of education during my life. I am one of the very lucky ones who has had this opportunity. Recently, I have been reflecting on the methods and styles of learning that I have been exposed to. I broadly group them into two categories; ‘directive-based learning’ and ‘necessity-based learning.’

Directive-based learning is associated with a structured and standardized education model that educational institutions employ. We are familiar with university style teaching where a curriculum is defined, learning objectives set and standardized exams used to validate the students ability. Most importantly, the direction of the program is fixed and cannot be deviated from.

Necessity-based learning is used by students who learn out of need and desire. A person who teaches themselves a given skill (eg. Web Design) will define the curriculum and learning objectives in a dynamic manner as their project evolves. There is no set exam – only that their knowledge is validated by the forward momentum of their project.

Through reflection of my learning experiences, necessity-based learning has had far more of an impact on my life, career and interests in contrast to directive-based learning. Many of the topics that I am most deeply interested in, and those that demand the greatest strength of understanding, have originated from a necessity-based learning model. » Read full article

Multi-sided platforms – be cautious

Multi-sided platform have long been in existence but have proliferated since the rise in information technology. Reduced searching costs and the ability to serve infinitely personalised experiences to users has led to the proliferation of multi-sided platforms (MSP). Like every great MSP, there are clear benefits for all stakeholders.

Covered in this article:

• Basic economics of an MSP
• Risks of joining an MSP
• Defence tactics against MSPs

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Platform leadership strategies

The causality dilemma of ‘which came first, the chicken or the egg’ is highly relevant to platform leadership strategies. Consider eBay’s merchants as ‘chickens’ and eBay buyers as ‘eggs’. Platform leaders employ a range of tactics to establish their platform, reach platform liquidity and ultimately ‘tip’ their platform into being the dominant player.

Covered in this article

• Difference between two sided and multi-sided platforms
• How to develop a new platform when a previous platform did not exist?
• How to build market momentum around your platform and ultimately win the war?

» Read full article

Dynamics of ‘Standards Wars’

Generally associated with the ‘information age’, standards wars are strategic battles between incompatible technologies. Although not explicit to the modern technology era, standards wars have frequented the history books of the previous century. Battles between Microsoft (Windows) and Apple (Macintosh), Matsushita (VHS) and Sony (Betamax) or Edison (AC) and Westington House (DC) are well documented standards wars of the past century.

Covered in this article

The following article focuses on the dynamics of the strategy war for key platform stakeholders (consumers, suppliers and the platform leaders/wannabes). We consider the switching costs of incompatible standards and the benefits of a backward integration market entry strategy. We also look at how network affects shape the dynamics of a standard war – whether it be through direct or indirect network affects. Finally, we discuss the role the sponsor plays in promoting the standard and how that compares to an unsponsored standard war. » Read full article