Online Marketplaces

Catalog description

The course studies one of the most impactful business models in recent decades. We will study what makes an online marketplace successful, from network effects to reducing search and matching frictions, fostering trust, and effective ways to monetize. Students will explore both strategic decisions and the inner operations of these platforms, getting hands-on with the analytical and data science tools that power them. We will look at well-known models like those of Amazon, Google, Uber, and Airbnb, while also touching on the latest trends in the space. A particular emphasis will be on how AI is reshaping the way online marketplaces interact with users and the broader changes it might bring. Overall, the course will provide basic business knowledge for future investors, entrepreneurs, product managers, and anyone interested on online marketplaces.