Business model design and innovation has been identified as a powerful tool for creating competitive advantage, yet empirical studies which identify the mechanisms for creating this competitive advantage are largely absent in the literature. Coupled with this, innovative multi-sided platform firms that depend on the resources of partners have grown to be some of the most valuable firms in the world, disrupting entire industries in the process. However, there is a dearth of empirical studies on business model design strategies that confer competitive advantage on multi-sided platforms. This study explores the business model design and innovation strategies used by owner-managers of multi-sided platforms to create competitive advantage. Data was collected through 13 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with the owner-managers of South African multi-sided platforms. This study found that partners and customers play an important role in co-creating value and influencing the design of multi-sided platforms. In order to create competitive advantage with their business models, the owner-managers in the study used four broad, non-exclusive business model design and innovation strategies. These comprised: design differentiation strategies, value creating innovation strategies, building network effects and locking in customers and partners through relationship management strategies. This study contributes to the literature by identifying business model design strategies that are utilised to create competitive advantage. The study also highlighted the importance of “ecosystemic” thinking in creating multi-sided platforms. A framework is presented that can aid managers in creating multi-sided platform business models that confer competitive advantage. / Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

El presente proyecto tiene la finalidad de ofrecer al consumidor final un producto que brinde una experiencia diferente y especial. Hoy en día, existen dos problemas que muy a menudo son latentes en el país como la caída del cabello en las personas y la contaminación del medio ambiente. Según últimos estudios, cada vez más personas sufren de caída de cabello por diferentes motivos tales como estrés, herencia, estética, diabetes, hipertensión, etc. Es por ello que en este proyecto se ofrece una solución a través de una línea de productos con la marca Pritvi y Pritvi Men, son shampoos en barra naturales que ayudan a prevenir la caída del cabello, puesto que no usan químicos que afectan el cuero cabelludo porque está hecho a base de esencias naturales. Asimismo, el producto está dirigido a clientes pertenecientes al sector económico B, que residen en San Borja, San Isidro y Miraflores, la estrategia utilizada para la fijación de precios es la penetración de mercado con un precio accesible de 35 soles. También, se tiene en cuenta el tema de la contaminación ambiental que sigue en aumento, por este motivo nació una tendencia ambientalista que promueve iniciativas que buscan cuidar el medio ambiente, es por ello que los empaques de Pritvi y Pritvi Men son eco-amigables. / The aim of this project is to provide the end consumer with a product that provides a different and special experience. Today, there are two problems that are very often latent in the country, such as people’s hair loss and environmental pollution. According to recent studies, more and more people suffer from hair loss for different reasons such as stress, inheritance, aesthetics, diabetes, hypertension, etc. Therefore, this project offers a solution through a line of products with the brand Pritvi and Pritvi Men, are natural bar shampoos that help prevent hair loss, since they do not use chemicals that affect the scalp because it is made from natural essences. Also, the product is directed to customers that belong in the economic sector B, who reside in San Borja, San Isidro and Miraflores, the pricing strategy is market penetration with an affordable price of 35 soles. Also, it takes into account the issue of environmental pollution that continues to increase, for this reason an environmental trend was born that promotes initiatives that seek to care for the environment, this is why Pritvi and Pritvi Men packages are eco-friendly. / Trabajo de investigación

El método de evaluación más utilizado por los centros educativos es el examen escrito. Considerando que ellos tienen miles de alumnos matriculados, deben elaborar una enorme cantidad de pruebas. En tal sentido, surgen dos problemas. En primer lugar, los profesores deben enviarles las preguntas potenciales a los coordinadores de cada curso para que las verifiquen y aprueben. Este proceso se realiza, por lo general, mediante el correo electrónico, correo físico o encargos; de hecho, involucra a muchas personas, lo cual aumenta el riesgo de que las preguntas se filtren. En segundo lugar, se necesita una exorbitante cantidad de papel y tinta para elaborar los exámenes; es decir, las pruebas físicas tienen grandes costos. Nopel es una plataforma digital móvil que tiene como finalidad la digitalización profesional de los exámenes. Básicamente, el profesor les envía a los estudiantes la prueba a través de la aplicación -la cual funciona con tecnología bluetooth y no internet- y ellos visualizarán las preguntas y enunciados desde sus propios celulares. Sin embargo, los alumnos podrían utilizarlos para plagiar. En tal sentido, la principal característica que diferencia a Nopel de otras plataformas virtuales de evaluación es el sistema de prevención de plagio, en donde cualquier acto prohibido (i.e. salir de la aplicación, tener conexión a internet, tomarle screenshots a las preguntas, etc.) será detectado y notificado automáticamente al profesor. Por otro lado, Nopel eliminará la riesgosa cadena de suministro que involucra el proceso de creación, verificación y aprobación de pruebas a través de una nube encriptado. / The evaluation method most used by schools is the written exam. Considering that they have thousands of students enrolled, they must prepare a huge amount of tests. In that sense, two problems arise. First of all, teachers should send potential questions to the coordinators of each course for verification and approval. This process is usually done by email, physical mail or orders; in fact, it involves many people, which increases the risk of questions leaking. Secondly, an exorbitant amount of paper and ink is needed to prepare the exams; that is, physical tests have great costs. Nopel is a mobile digital platform that aims to professionally scan exams. Basically, the teacher sends students the test through the application - which works with bluetooth technology and not internet - and they will visualize the questions and statements from their own cell phones. However, students could use them to plagiarize. In this sense, the main feature that differentiates Nopel from other virtual evaluation platforms is the plagiarism prevention system, where any prohibited act (leaving the application, having an internet connection, taking screenshots of the questions, etc.) will be automatically detected and notified to the teacher. On the other hand, Nopel will eliminate the risky supply chain that involves the process of creating, verifying and approving tests through an encrypted cloud. / Trabajo de investigación

La contaminación ambiental se ha convertido en uno de los problemas sociales más importantes a nivel internacional. Este impacto tiene como causa principal el uso excesivo de plástico, el cual demora en degradarse entre 150 a 1000 años, dependiendo del tipo de producto. En el Perú, el uso promedio de plásticos es de 30 kilogramos por persona al año. Con el fin de poder contribuir con la disminución del uso de plástico de un solo uso y ser una huella de sostenibilidad en el planeta, nace BioPack, una empresa eco-amigable que ofrece platos biodegradables a base de residuos orgánicos, dando un nuevo valor a los productos que ya no se utilizan. En el presente trabajo de investigación, se podrá apreciar el análisis y desarrollo de esta empresa en sus diferentes etapas de evolución. En primer lugar, se presenta el modelo de negocio de BioPack, a través de la herramienta del Business Model Canvas y la validación de cada uno de sus cuadrantes. Seguido de ello, se explica el desarrollo del plan de negocio, mostrando el análisis interno y externo de BioPack. A continuación, se explica el concierge, es decir, la validación de la intención de compra de los usuarios objetivos de la empresa, por medio de ventas reales. Finalmente, se presenta el desarrollo de cinco importantes planes operativos de la empresa. Uno de ellos es el Plan Financiero, uno de los más importantes, debido a que, con este, se concluyó si la empresa era viable y rentable en el tiempo. / Environmental pollution has become one of the most important social problems in the world. This impact has as its main cause the excessive use of plastic, which takes about 150 to 1000 years to degrade, depending on the type of product. In Peru the average use of plastics is 30 kilograms per person per year. In order to contribute to the decrease in the use of single-use plastic and be a mark of sustainability on the planet, BioPack is born, an eco-friendly company that offers biodegradable dishes based of organic waste, giving new value to products that are no longer used. Throughout this research paper, you will appreciate the analysis and development of this company in its different stages of evolution. First, the BioPack business model is presented, through the Business Model Canvas tool and the validation of each of its quadrants. Following this, the development of the business plan is explained, where the internal and external analysis of BioPack is shown. Then, the concierge is explained, that is the validation of the purchase intention of the objective users of the company, through real sales. Finally, the development of five important operational plans of the company is presented, such as the Financial Plan, the latter one of the most important, because, from this, it was concluded if the company was viable and profitable over time. / Trabajo de investigación

No description available.

NutriExpress es un modelo de negocio que busca satisfacer la demanda de mercado de alimentos naturales que brinden un alto valor nutricional y medicinal para el mejor funcionamiento del organismo, los cuales a diferencia de otras alternativas de complementos nutricionales, están libres de cualquier químico y aditivo. El problema que en la actualidad nos permite realizar este proyecto, es el incremento en la concientización de la población al querer adoptar una alimentación más sana, natural y balanceada evitando el consumo excesivo de grasas y químicos, por lo que cada vez más peruanos se muestran dispuestos a mejorar sus hábitos de alimentación. Para tener una mejor comprensión del problema a abordar se realizó el análisis y la identificación de algunos componentes del mercado como: las tendencias del consumidor, el origen del problema y las necesidades insatisfechas. Mediante entrevistas realizadas a los segmentos de clientes pudimos validar la siguiente hipótesis: “No existen amplias alternativas saludables que ayuden a mejorar su alimentación y el funcionamiento de su organismo sin poner en riesgo su salud”. En este trabajo se utilizaron herramientas aplicadas a la administración como el FODA, Flujo gramas, diagrama de Gantt, entre otros. A su vez, se realizó la investigación del tamaño de mercado, entono externo e interno y la validación de los experimentos. Para finalizar, empleamos herramientas financieras, las cuales nos permitieron realizar el pronóstico de ventas, Balance General y El Estado de Resultados. / NutriExpress is a business model that seeks to meet the market demand of natural foods that provide high nutritional and medicinal value for the better functioning of the body, which, unlike other alternatives of nutritional supplements, are free of any chemical and additive. The problem that currently allows us to carry out this project, is the increase in the awareness of the population by wanting to adopt a healthier, natural and balanced diet avoiding excessive consumption of fats and chemicals, so that more and more Peruvians are shown willing to improve your eating habits. To have a better understanding of the problem to be addressed, the analysis and identification of some market components were carried out, such as: consumer trends, the origin of the problem and unmet needs. Through interviews with customer segments, we were able to validate the following hypothesis: "There are no broad healthy alternatives that help improve your diet and the functioning of your body without putting your health at risk." In this work, tools applied to the administration were used, such as SWOT, Grams flow, Gantt chart, among others. In turn, the investigation of the market size, external and internal environment and the validation of the experiments was carried out. Finally, we use financial tools, which allowed us to make the sales forecast, Balance Sheet and the Income Statement. / Trabajo de investigación

Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) cost the US healthcare system over $45 billion to treat and cause millions of deaths annually. A large subset of HAIs are associated with medical devices that are meant to improve and save lives. Infected devices are treated using traditional antibiotics, contributing to development of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is expected to cost $100 trillion and kill more people a year than cancer by 2050; thus, new alternative antimicrobials for the treatment of device-associated HAIs are critically needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as 26 amino-acid (aa), marine-derived Chrysophsin-1 (CHY1), are poised to reduce HAIs due to their broad antimicrobial activity and unique mechanisms of action that do not promote bacterial resistance. AMPs are short (12-50aa), positively charged (+2-+9) proteins found in the innate immune systems of many different species. Their high separation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic residues leads to many unique mechanisms derived from many unique secondary and tertiary structures that are not yet well understood. Despite the discovery of over 2000 natural AMPs and many more synthetically designed AMPs, none have been successfully commercialized for healthcare applications due to challenges surrounding cytotoxicity, short in vivo half-life (degradation), high costs of production and effectiveness in physiological environments (such as those with high-salt). Several strategies have been investigated to overcome these challenges, for example, truncation of cytotoxic sequences or D-amino acid substitution to improve AMP toxicity and stability; however, many of these strategies can reduce antimicrobial effectiveness. A unique strategy of increasing stability, reducing cytotoxicity, and maintaining antimicrobial activity that is relevant for medical devices is the covalent tethering (binding) of AMPs via a flexible tethering molecule to the surface. However, the effect of tethering parameters on resulting AMP mechanisms and activity is still widely debated. AMP activity can vary widely by utilizing different tethering strategies, which include additional variables such as: (1) peptide choice and properties (such as native mechanism, concentration, charge, and structure), (2) tether choice and properties (such as chemical composition, length, charge, surface density, and flexibility), and (3) testing conditions (such as temperature, solvent composition and substrate type). Some studies suggest that AMP performance may be tether-dependent, for example some AMPs require longer tethers while others do not and some need a flexible tether. Thus, models for predicting successful tethering strategies for different AMP properties, which currently do not exist, must be developed. Further, complicated and often destructive techniques, such as XPS and SEM, are typically implemented to study the relationship of all these parameters vs. antimicrobial activity, which are labor-intensive and limited in scope. Predictive models guiding tether strategy need to be constructed, but also new techniques to study tethering be developed. If these technical milestones are achieved they can serve as a predicate for commercial implementation of a host of new therapies targeted at reducing device-associated HAIs. The overall goal of this thesis was to study the relationship between antimicrobial activity of tethered C-CHY1 examining both spacer length and peptide surface density and the development of a feasible clinical business case for tethered AMPs. To achieve this goal, a traditional entrepreneurial approach was taken in which a minimally-viable product was first designed and business case analyzed, followed by studies to better optimize and understand the underlying structure-mechanism relationships. CHY1 with a C-terminus cysteine to allow for surface-binding (C-CHY1) was tethered onto a silicon dioxide surface via a flexible poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) tether, and then both surface binding behavior and antimicrobial success of C-CHY1 were examined as a function of tether properties and reaction conditions. For these studies, quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) was the primary technique, a real-time, non-destructive flow method that was then coupled with downstream characterization techniques: fluorescent microscopy and contact angle measurements. In parallel a deep dive into domestic and international business models for commercializing AMP technologies. Specifically, tether length and surface density effects on C-CHY1 mechanisms were studied, followed by the effect of temperature, type of microbe, and salt concentration on the antimicrobial mechanisms of tethered C-CHY1. QCM-D was used to measure binding of C-CHY1 via three different length tethers, PEG molecular weight (MW) 866, 2000 and 7500, followed by microscopy to measure antimicrobial effectiveness against two model microbes Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Modeling of QCM-D data allowed for surface density and thickness to be calculated and related to C-CHY1 antimicrobial activity. PEG 7500 allowed proper C-CHY1 orientation and mobility, allowing for its native pore-forming mechanism and highest activity while PEG 866 tethers led to denser grafting and an effective, yet non-native ion displacement mechanism. The QCM-D was used to characterize the effect of salt concentration and temperature reaction conditions on the grafting density of C-CHY1 tethered via PEG 866 and PEG 7500, which was then related to antimicrobial activity. For PEG MW 866, neither temperature nor salt concentration increases significantly altered the grafting density of C-CHY1 while for PEG 7500 increasing temperature allowed for significantly increased grafting density. C-CHY1 density had no significant effect on antimicrobial activity against either microbe. Temperature of bacterial incubation did demonstrate microbe-specific changes in C-CHY1 antimicrobial activity. These results demonstrated that small changes in reaction conditions can drastically change membrane selectivity of C-CHY1. An in-depth investigation of the effects of bacterial membrane composition and temperature on soluble C-CHY1 mechanism was implemented to better understand the molecular membrane- and temperature-dependent selectivity and structure-function of C-CHY1. Supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) formed in QCM-D can be used as model membranes to elucidate AMP action mechanisms against membranes of different compositions. Two and three component SLBs representative of Gram-negative phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidyglycerol acid (PG) with and without charged lipopolysaccharide, LPS and Gram-positive bacteria phosphatidylcholine (PC) and PG with and without charged lipoteichoic acid, (LTA) were formed at both 23°C and 37°C. C-CHY1 at 5 µM was exposed to the different membranes and mechanistic surface action was studied. The membranes formed highly different baseline responses in QCM-D, indicative of vastly different membrane structures, thicknesses and deposition behaviors on SiO2, warranting future studies. Further, significant effects of LTA incorporation were observed in both peptide interaction and deposition. There were measurable effects of temperature on membrane formation as well as peptide interaction kinetics and even mode of interaction. Lastly, business models for the commercialization of novel medical device technologies such as surface-tethered C-CHY1 were investigated. While this technology has the potential to solve many unmet needs, there must a commercialization plan implemented in order to have an impact. There is a clear disconnect between technology development in academia and technology commercialization in industry that must be connected. Development of an entrepreneurial mindset at the graduate school level, can help bridge the gap. A thorough investigation of domestic and international business models for commercializing AMP technologies was carried out and distilled in the form of the Business Model Canvas developed by Alexander Osterwalder that can be used as a roadmap for commercialization efforts. Using the QCM-D a relationship between both spacer length and peptide surface density and the antimicrobial activity of tethered C-CHY1 was determined. A business plan was developed in order to increase the impact of this and other AMP based work. This work provides a roadmap for future researchers to quickly develop and commercial novel AMP based coating technology.

Digitalization has in many ways transformed the value offering for companies in several industries. Now a days, most manufacturing companies face the challenge to understand how to form their business models to ensure that it reflects the real value of a digital solution. A company with a traditional structure will most probably struggle with today’s constant need of business model renewal, where the business models of today should be more flexible and adapted to long term opportunities. In this qualitative extensive case study, the authors aim is to further explore values created by digital solutions and digital transformation of business models in manufacturing companies.  The result includes a framework of the most prominent values created by digital solutions and how they affect the business models in manufacturing companies. The empirical findings show that developing a business ecosystem with the customer as provider of the data is key for digitally transforming the business model. The value of data facilitates the process of developing comprehensive product-service systems in order to provide values such as availability and proactive abilities.

The aim of this thesis is to develop a new business model for district heating and cooling firms which can contribute to a stabilization of the Swedish national energy system. The business model is developed for a district heating and cooling firm and is exemplified with Fortum Heat. The theoretical investigation around the topic creates a rigid base for following qualitative empirical studies. Osterwalder’s canvas for business model generation is used together with a Casual Loop Diagram to identify a number of business opportunities which stabilizes the national energy system. One of the business opportunities is developed into a business model. The study results in a business model which offers Svenska Kraftnät an increased volume of electricity production through free capacity in CHP plants. This stabilizes the national energy system when the electricity production from renewable energy sources is low. Free capacity occurs due to more and more energy efficient buildings and investments in new production capacity. Heat from the electricity production is loaded into thermal storages to cover a part of the future need for heat. Heat can also be rejected as surplus heat into water if the demand for electricity is high. Renewable biofuels turn CHP plants into bio-condensing electricity power plants. A general exemplification of this situation at Fortum Heat shows positive economical results. Producing electricity independently of the current demand of heat makes it possible for Fortum Heat to be a part of Svenska Kraftnät commercialization of the power reserve. A finalizing discussion highlights aspects needed to be considered when implementing the business model at Fortum Heat.

The increase mobile data traffic from the emerging Internet services, especially multimedia, has posed considerable challenges for the telecom industry. Their initial mobile data services business models are generally not compatible with these emerging Internet services. Thus, there is a substantial need to investigate the suitable options to make media as a profitable telecom business sector. However, there are different challenges and opportunity factors in developing sustainable mobile media business in each market, due to the unique circumstances applied as the result of customer characteristics, mobile market situation and regulatory/law enforcement.</p><p>The first purpose of this thesis is to explore the business model options to deliver media services on top of mobile broadband. Although, we limit our focus to Indonesia, we first analyzed the worldwide patterns toward the media services in order to get a broader view of the current trend. We mapped multitudes of actor involved in digital online / on the top (OTT)media service, which together they form different types of constellation in the value network,as well as service, delivery and revenue model. We also put our focus to get the lessons learned from Spotify's business model, by framing it using Chesbrough and Rosenbloom's model.</p><p>The second purpose is to understand the Indonesian mobile user's characteristic toward the mobile media services. We conducted survey to 119 Indonesians, analyzed the result with one sample T-tests and validated it with the correlation tests (Cronbach Alpha and Pearson correlation), within the Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)framework. Our findings confirm the low willingness to pay, but an open attitude for the services. The mobile device and network quality are not the barriers for them to adopt the services, and there is a tight connection between the decisions to adopt the services with the perception that the service is popular.</p><p>Through those findings, we assessed the feasibility of the identified options and formulated the recommendations. We used our understanding about Indonesian market structure (telecom and media), regulation, and mobile user, as well as the lesson that we got from media services provisioning in Sweden and worldwide trend. We found that the pricing tiers, adjustable pricing, and differentiated features are some of the key success factors.Meanwhile, being part in the point-to-multipoint partnership with the well-known OTT player is the potential position that the Mobile network operators (MNOs) in Indonesia should take in provisioning OTT media services, rather than deliver the services by their own.