UNA Multi Sided Marketplaces and The Transformation of Retail Chapter Discussion

Think of some transformational new businesses such as Starbucks, Blue Apron, or Amazon (please note that these are only examples–you may choose these or other businesses that you see as transformational).

Answer the following questions:

1. How was each business different from what came before? What was similar to what came before? Scale them in terms of “newness” from truly transformational (5) to substantial (1). Explain your rationale.
2. Was there an innovator advantage? Explain your answer. If there was an innovator advantage, how long did it last?
3. Where did the idea for the business come from? If you can’t find this information, speculate.

ref: Strategic Market Management, Aaker and Moorman, 11th Edition (chapter 13)