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

As wireless communications continue to permeate many aspects of human life and technology, future generations of communication networks are expected to become increasingly heterogeneous due to an explosion of the number of different types of user devices, a diverse set of available air interfaces, and a large variety of choices for the architecture of the network core.<br>This heterogeneity, coupled with increasingly strict demands on the communication rate, latency, and fidelity demanded by a growing list of services delivered using wireless technologies, requires optimizations across the entire networking stack.<br>Our contribution to this effort considers three key aspects of modern communication systems:<br>First, we present a set of new techniques for multiple-input, multi-output beam alignment specifically suited for unfavorable signal-to-noise ratio regimes like the ones encountered in beamformed millimeter-wave wireless communication links.<br>Second, we present a computationally efficient estimation algorithm for a specific class of aeronautical channels, which applies to systems designed to extend wireless coverage and communication capacity using unmanned aerial vehicles.<br>Third, we present a new class of multi-hop relaying schemes designed to minimize communication latency with applications in the emerging domain of ultra-reliable and low-latency communications.<br>Each of the three problem areas covered in this work is motivated by the demands of a future generation of wireless communication networks and we develop theoretical and/or numerical results outperforming the state of the art.

This thesis examines the role of online platforms in relation to anti-progressive counterpublic dynamics. Counterpublicsare understood as alternative discursive arenas that form in response to exclusion from the wider public sphere. The relevance of counterpublics derives both from their ability to influence mainstream political discourse and from how anti-progressive counterpublics have been found to contribute to real-life violence. As the internet becomes an increasingly important venue for political discussion and contestation, the public sphere is extended online. This study explores how platforms can be seen as enabling (or constraining) the dual function of online counterpublics, i.e. as both inward and outward-oriented in relation to opposing publics, by examining the anti-feminist online community known as “Men Going Their Own Way” (MGTOW). The role of platforms is understood in terms of platform affordances, and netnographic methods were used to study these in relation to two online platforms. The results show that the two platforms presented different opportunities for the MGTOW counterpublic to some extent, suggesting that this counterpublic is able to utilise platforms for different purposes. Twitter was found to be particularly suitable for the outward-oriented function, i.e. for interacting with and opposing other publics, while mgtow.com was shown to be fertile ground for the inward-oriented function, and in that sense enabled contact between members in a way that contributed to the development of anti-progressive counterdiscourse.

This dissertation describes the development of a system for the automated, high-throughput screening of organic reactions. This system utilizes a liquid handling robot for reaction mixture preparation combined with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) for reaction mixture analysis. With an analysis speed of ~1 second per reaction mixture, this system is capable of screening thousands of reactions per hour. Reaction mixtures are prepared in 384-well microtiter plates using a liquid handling robot. A sample of each reaction mixture (50 nL) is then transferred to a PTFE coated, glass slide using a pin tool. By offsetting the placement of the pin tool during each transfer, up to 6,144 unique reaction mixtures can be placed on each slide. The slide is then transferred to the DESI stage by a robotic arm, and the DESI-MS analysis begins, taking as little as 7 minutes for 384 reaction mixtures. We utilize a scheduling software to control each component of the system, which automates the entire process from reaction mixture preparation to DESI-MS analysis. In order to efficiently analyze and visualize the extremely large data sets generated by the system, we developed a custom software suite to automatically process each data set. We have used this system to screen several classes of industrially relevant reactions including Suzuki coupling, nucleophilic aromatic substitution, reductive amination, and Sonogashira coupling. We have validated both positive and negative results from the system using flow chemistry, and we have observed excellent agreement between the two methodologies. By being capable of screening thousands of reactions per hour, requiring only microliter quantities of reaction mixtures, and consuming less than a milliliter of solvent during the DESI-MS analysis, this system significantly reduces the time and costs associated with organic reaction screening.

Background: Online platforms have nowadays been more developed and used by the population. For this reason, companies use to share more information through them. Moreover, the interest in sustainability also increases by people. Therefore, companies are trying to communicate sustainability through different techniques and actions.   Problem: we have noticed that companies create different content depending on which social media are they communicating. For this reason, we found interesting to look for how companies communicate sustainably.   Purpose: the purpose of this thesis is to answer the question about how companies communicate sustainability through social media. Moreover, the thesis aims to contribute to the existing knowledge.   Method: To answer this question the researchers conducted a multiple case study of three companies that communicate sustainability through the different 4 online platforms studied (Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).   Results: the main result find by conducting the research is in how companies place the product in order to communicate sustainability, as some of them place it as a protagonist and some others do not.

La presente investigación buscará determinar la relación entre el uso de las herramientas de marketing digital y la captación de leads en el sector de bienes raíces entre hombres y mujeres entre los 26 y 45 años de edad de los niveles socioeconómicos A y B de Lima Metropolitana. Dada la relevancia que ha adquirido internet en los últimos años como canal de promoción y venta y la concentración de oferta inmobiliaria en el espacio digital, es importarte comprender la eficacia de la implementación de las herramientas de marketing digital y su relación con las plataformas actuales para poder complementar de manera eficiente una estrategia tradicional que permita potenciar la captación de leads e influir positivamente en la decisión de compra final del bien inmueble Entre los principales resultados del estudio, se pude concluir que, actualmente, los usuarios digitales, están en su mayoría en la búsqueda de un bien inmueble en los próximos años. Están familiarizados con plataformas digitales, la mecánica del sector inmobiliario para obtener información de calidad de sus potenciales clientes y están dispuestos a brindar datos personales vía canales digitales. Dentro de este contexto, se pudo determinar que la implementación de herramientas digitales dentro de la estrategia de marketing de las organizaciones de bienes raíces impacta directamente en la captación de leads. Por ello, es de vital importancia conocer la relación entre estas herramientas y los usuarios digitales para elaborar una estrategia integral online de alto impacto. / This research will seek to determine the relationship between the use of digital marketing tools and lead acquisition in the real estate sector between men and women between the ages of 26 and 45 of socioeconomic levels A and B of Metropolitan Lima. Given the relevance that internet has acquired in recent years as a promotion and sales channel and the concentration of real estate offer in the digital space, it is important to understand the effectiveness of the implementation of digital marketing tools and their relationship with current platforms for be able to efficiently complement a traditional strategy that allows to enhance lead acquisition and positively influence the final purchase decision of the real estate. Among the main results of the study, it can be concluded that, currently, digital users are mostly in the search for real estate in the coming years. They are familiar with digital platforms, real estate mechanics to obtain quality information from their potential clients and are willing to provide personal data via digital channels. Within this context, it was determined that the implementation of digital tools within the marketing strategy of real estate organizations directly impacts lead acquisition. Therefore, it is vital to know the relationship between these tools and digital users to develop a comprehensive online strategy of high impact. / Trabajo de investigación

The thesis carries out a critical examination of the problematic and complex dynamics aroused by the conceptual gap between the Modernity and Tradition, suggesting that such polarization is present in the way people think and talk about sex and sexuality in Kenya. Considering the difficulties of implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Kenyan secondary schools, the study questions the possibility of isolating and distancing different sexual values and attitudes, and supports instead the need for a different approach to teaching sexuality, capable of bridging those differences through an inclusive language. Digital Platforms are critically examined as potential spaces for the realization of the theoretical project of an “Ecology of knowledges”, thus as places for developing respectful and comprehensive dialogue about sexuality among adolescents.

Developing microdevices on flexible material attracts scientific community to explore applications in different aspects of health and point of care diagnostics. Flexible substrates offer unique characteristics such as flexibility, stretchability, portability, low-cost, and simple fabrication. Fabrication of cost-effective paper-based analytical devices by wax printing has recently become popular using cellulose filter papers. Paper-based devices need higher temperature to form hydrophobic barrier across paper substrate, rely on large working channels (≥ 500 μm) for liquid handling, and exhibit lower efficiency (~50%) of sample mobility. Such limitations confine applications of wax-based fabrication. In this dissertation, we report printability, fidelity, and applications of wax micropatterns on polyethylene terephthalate-based substrate (PET), which is a a non-cellulosic, non-fibrous, and non-porous material. Resolution, sustainability against heat and biocompatibility was tested on wax micro-features. The patterned devices were explored for variety of applications.First, wax microwells on PET showed mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) self-renewal or direct differentiation. Second, microfluidic flow was demonstrated on wax printed microchannels on PET which was used to develop distance-based assay. Third, fluidic properties of trinucleotide repeat sequences were investigated on wax microchannels. Fourth, multilayer wax-on-plastic device was fabricated using wax printing with hand painting of conductive materials for electrochemical immunosensing.

This study investigates product development of complex products in a modular environment at the paver manufacturer Dynapac. It is determined how the complexity of a modular product constrains product development.Product development in a modular enviornment is a popular research topic in previous literature. However there is limited literature regarding in what ways the complexity of a modular product constrains product development in form of new product variants demanded by the market. A more comprehensive research within this field is interesting for manufacturing companies producing complex products in a modular environment since it could ease and optimize their product development processes. An efficient product development process is crucial to stay competitive and to be able to serve the market rapidly with qualitative and desired products, which increases the importance of this study.With the aim to address the limitations of the existing literature on product development based from modular complex product systems a case study was conducted. The constraints of developing a new paver model demanded by the market caused by the complexity of the paver design were identified.The findings of the research have both theoretical and managerial implications. The theoretical contribution consists mainly of the identification of a new type of overall constraints in modular complex product systems which I call ‖architectural functional constraints‖. These constraints cause an unexpected chain reaction of affected modules in the product system when a change to one module is made, even if the change ostensibly only should affect the module in question. The results show that the effects of this type of constraints is a constraining factor on product development of new product variants in a modular environment. The effects of the architectural functional constraints constrain product development since they trigger time consuming activities in order to avoid a dysfunctional product, or a product that has a high level of commonality with other product offerings. Further the effects oppose a rapid and cost-efficient product development which is regarded to be two of the main benefits with modularity.The managerial implications include a decision process for new product development projects that can be used when architectural functional constraints are found in a product in order to ensure an economic sustainable development of new product variants. Hence managers can use the decision process as a tool to both make and communicate current and future decisions in a structured way.The study is a starting point for further studies investigating how the complexity of modular products might constrain product development efforts. It is expected that the results of the study can be used by other manufacturing companies operating in a similar context, producing complex product systems in a modular environment.

As commissioned by Bontouch AB, this project contains the attempt to create an Augmented Reality application for smartphones, where a parcel is visualised in order for a user to get a comprehensive image of the parcel size. The main focus of the project was to create an eectively running en- gine that can process images for computer vision, in order to determine the pose of the smartphone camera. The experi- ment explored the possibilities of using gyroscope measure- ments between input images in order to formulate valid as- sumptions of upcoming images using homographies. These assumptions were meant to unburden the computer vision engine, creating very high performance. The ultimate goal of the engine was to track the motion of a known reference object in the image, with high precision. The proposed method performed adequately, improving reliability of the motion tracking algorithms. The resulting mobile application, run on an iPhone 5S, could perform camera pose estimation at up to 60 times per second, at a video camera feed resolution of 1280x720 pixels. This high performance resulted in a very stable rendition of the parcel. / Som ett uppdrag från Bontouch AB innehåller det här pro- jektet ett försök att skapa en Augmented Reality-applikation för smartphones, där postpaket ska visualiseras för att ge användare en förstärkt bild av paketets storlek. Huvudfo- kus i projektet var att bygga en eektiv motor som kan behandla bilder för datorseende, för att beräkna positionen och riktningen på mobilkameran. Experimentet utforskade möjligheterna för att använda gyroskopdata mellan bilder för att formulera giltiga antaganden hos kommande bilder med hjälp av homografier. Dessa antaganden vad ämna- de att avlasta motorn för datorseende, för att åstadkomma hög prestanda. Målet var att motorn skulle följa rörelsen hos ett givet referensobjekt i bilden, och att göra det med hög precision. Den föreslagna metoden presterade tillräckligt, och för- bättrade pålitligheten hos algoritmerna för att följa objek- tets rörelser. Mobilapplikationen som byggdes, och kördes på iPhone 5S, kunde beräkna kamerans position of riktning upp till 60 gånger per sekund, när videokameran försåg mo- torn med bilder med 1280x720 pixlars upplösning. Den höga prestandan resulterade i en väldigt stabil bild av paketet.