Overview

This unit examines how organisations create, deliver, and capture value through digital platforms and ecosystems. It focuses on the structure and dynamics of multi-sided platforms, the role of network effects, and the strategic interactions between platform participants. Students will explore how APIs, data, and user interactions enable platform-based business models and ecosystem growth. The unit also considers competitive dynamics and scaling strategies in platform markets. Through applied analysis, students will develop the capability to evaluate and design platform strategies that support innovation, scalability, and sustainable competitive advantage in digital environments.

Requisites

Prerequisites
INF60007 Business Information Systems

AND

Successful completion of 75 credit points

OR

Enrolment into the Global Master of Business Administration and successful completion of 75 credit points

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
01-March-2027
30-May-2027
Last self-enrolment date
14-March-2027
Census date
30-March-2027
Last withdraw without fail date
20-April-2027
Results released date
06-July-2027
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
02-August-2027
31-October-2027
Last self-enrolment date
15-August-2027
Census date
31-August-2027
Last withdraw without fail date
21-September-2027
Results released date
07-December-2027

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Analyse multi-sided platform models and their strategic implications
  2. Evaluate value creation mechanisms within digital ecosystems
  3. Assess the impact of network effects on platform growth and competition
  4. Design platform-based strategies to support innovation and scalability
  5. Collaborate effectively in teams to develop recommendations for managing digital platform ecosystems

Teaching methods

All applicable locations

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)

Face to Face Contact (Class)

 2 12 weeks 24
Online (Lecture) 1 12 weeks 12
Unspecified Learning Activities (Independent Learning) 9.5 12 weeks 114
Total     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULOs
Research Essay Individual 30 - 50 % 1,2,3
Report Individual 20 - 30 % 2,3,4
Case Study Report Group 30 - 50 % 1,2,4,5

Content

  • Platform theory and multi-sided platforms  
  • Network effects and platform dynamics  
  • Inclusive AI Recommendations in digital platforms  
  • API economy and platform integration  
  • Platform-based business models  
  • Ecosystem structures and participant roles  
  • Platform competition and scaling strategies  
  • High-level considerations of ecosystem coordination 
  • Contemporary issues in digital platform design and operations

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.