Digital & AI

Platforms and Digital Business Models

How platforms win from networks, and when their model fits your company.

A scene from the case discussion

What you will be able to do.

  • 01

    Explain how a platform creates value from its network, not only from a product.

  • 02

    Analyse network effects and decide which side a platform must win first.

  • 03

    Design a platform revenue model and decide who pays.

  • 04

    Set platform rules that protect quality and trust.

  • 05

    Decide whether the platform model suits your company or a conventional one is enough.

Who it is for.

Anyone who owns a decision at work and wants to make it on clearer ground.

  • Early career

    Building a professional base

    Learn the language and tools of business before you need them.

  • New manager

    Taking charge of a team for the first time

    Move from doing the work to owning its results.

  • Owner

    Running a business of your own

    Give your daily decisions a clear frame.

A slot for a real learner's view of this course, with consent.

Learner name (draft)Role and organisation

  • 00%

    More confidence leading

    A figure from a real survey, when there is one.

  • 00%

    Skills applied at work

    A figure from a real survey, when there is one.

  • 00%

    Effect on career

    A figure from a real survey, when there is one.

What you earn.

The syllabus.

4 modules and about 30 hours.

Module 1 · 8 hWhat a platform is and how it differs from a product firm

You compare a company that sells a product with a platform that connects two sides, and identify the sides and source of value in three platforms from different sectors, such as delivery, property and education.

Module 2 · 8 hNetwork effects and the cold start

You see why a platform strengthens with each new user, study how a booking platform started with no customers, and plan how to attract the harder side first.

Module 3 · 7 hRevenue model and pricing

You compare commission, subscription, advertising and listing fees, choose who pays and who rides free, and work out the economics of a small platform connecting craftspeople with customers.

Module 4 · 7 hRules, trust and fit for your company

You set rules for ratings, dispute handling and quality, assess competition from large platforms, and decide whether to build a platform, join one or stay as you are.

Taught by aali's faculty.

Teachers' names and photos are added once confirmed.

  • Faculty member (draft)Digital & AI
  • Faculty member (draft)Digital & AI
  • Faculty member (draft)Digital & AI

How you learn here.

  • Hands-on

    Something to do every few minutes

    Short questions and exercises keep you working, not just watching.

  • Peers

    A cohort learning beside you

    You discuss the same case and disagree about it.

  • Cases

    Real companies, real decisions

    Put yourself in the seat of the person who decided.

Common questions.

When does access start?

For cohort courses on the start date; for on-demand courses as soon as payment is complete.

How much time do I need each week?

About 5 hours a week. The details are in the course summary.

Do I need prior experience?

No. Willingness to learn is enough.

What do I get when I finish?

An aali certificate of completion you can add to your CV. We claim no degree and no accreditation.

Can my employer pay for me?

Yes. See the employer reimbursement guide.

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