Managers, entrepreneurs, and investors need mastery of platform business models to thrive in the modern economy. Today's most powerful firms—Airbnb, Amazon, Salesforce, Tencent—operate as platforms connecting buyers and sellers, users and advertisers, developers and consumers, deriving value from network effects and orchestrated ecosystem innovation. This rigorous course combines advanced theory from industrial economics, market design, and game theory with practical application. Students will develop expertise in platform design, pricing strategy, governance, competitive dynamics, and regulatory challenges through case studies spanning social media, enterprise software, healthcare, and emerging technologies including AI, blockchain, and Web3. The signature element is an intensive consulting engagement with a sponsoring organization. Past clients include Airbnb, Allstate, BASF, edX, IBM, Microsoft, PTC, and Thomson Reuters. Teams conduct stakeholder interviews and produce comprehensive 25-35 page strategic blueprints with executive presentations. Projects have resulted in direct hiring, million-dollar budget allocations, and new venture launches. This class prepares students for careers in strategy, technology, entrepreneurship, venture capital, or any industry competing with or transforming to platforms.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.