University of the Witwatersrand Exam Details

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Questions and Answers

Can you identify and explain one instance of how abundance has assisted in the development of Lyft and its product portfolio?

Explain abundance (1 mark), identify an instance of abundance (1 mark) and apply to Lyft (1 mark).

What features of the Lyft platform ecosystem have enabled the business concept to thrive within the US?

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Can you identify the different launch strategies that Lyft has used since it was launched as Zimride in 2007?

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What are the two most important features of the internal IDEAS components of Lyft as a potential exponential organisation and why?

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For Porter's 5 forces, list an example for each force of how digitalisation may make an industry less attractive.

a. Rivalry between participants; b. Threat of new entrants; c. Threat of substitutes; d. Power of suppliers; e. Power of buyers. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss why the Learning Organisation is an appropriate strategic response to the Emergent School of strategy.

Your answer will be assessed on how well but succinctly you relate why the principles of the learning organisation address the challenge. Signup and view all the answers

Some scholars suggest that platform business models are a fundamentally new school of strategy. What is your opinion?

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How do Multi-Sided Marketplace Platform (MSMP) business models relate to the strategy process diagram?

MSMP business models relate by aligning with, extending, or contrasting the elements of the strategy process. Signup and view all the answers

What aspects should be assessed regarding the purpose, values, and vision in the context of MSMPs?

The assessment should include traditional strategic schools related to purpose, values, and vision while evaluating their relevance to MSMP principles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of assessing the external context in MSMPs?

The external context assessment helps identify market trends and competitive dynamics that influence MSMP strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the assessment of the internal context for MSMPs?

Factors like organizational resources, capabilities, and internal challenges should be assessed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of strategic analysis and choices in MSMPs?

The focus is on formulating the best strategies based on analyses of internal and external contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What aspects should the execution plans cover for MSMPs?

Execution plans should cover goals, objectives, and resource allocation. Signup and view all the answers

What does continuous appraisal involve in the strategy process?

Continuous appraisal involves ongoing evaluation and adjustment of strategies based on performance feedback. Signup and view all the answers

What role should the Eskom Board play in formulating strategy?

The Eskom Board should guide strategic direction, ensuring alignment with the organization's goals. Signup and view all the answers

What options should be considered for the Eskom Board's strategy formulation?

Options may include traditional oversight, active involvement in strategy development, or collaborative stakeholder engagement. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Examination Overview

Course: Business Strategy for a Digital World, Master of Management in the Field of Digital Business, 2021.
Total marks: 120 (Part A: 64 marks; Part B: 56 marks).
Duration: 3.5 hours, online format.
Open Book Exam with timed restrictions; rigorous guidelines for submissions.

Lyft Company Profile

Lyft holds 30% market share in U.S. ride-sharing, second to Uber.
Founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer; initially as Zimride.
Operates in 644 U.S. cities and 12 Canadian cities; headquarters in San Francisco.
First public offering in March 2019 raised $2.34 billion.
Sold self-driving technology to Toyota for $550 million in April 2021.

Lyft Services and Operations

Offers mobile app services for vehicle hire, scooters, bicycles, and food delivery.
Provides various ride options including shared, private, and luxury vehicles.
Driver requirements include age limits, vehicle safety standards, and background checks.
User ratings determine driver eligibility; low-rated drivers risk deactivation.

Company Evolution

Shifted from Zimride focus on long-distance rides to Lyft's urban ride-sharing model.
Name change to Lyft in May 2013 to emphasize local engagement.
Expanded services to include partnerships for health-related transportation and bicycle-sharing systems.

Regulatory Challenges

Encountered legislative hurdles; adjusted business model in accordance with regional regulations.
Criticized for dynamic pricing leading to surcharges during emergencies, raising antitrust concerns.

Growth Highlights

Introduced shared ride concept in 2014 for cost-effectiveness.
Expanded operations to Canada in 2017 and partnered with health providers for patient transportation.
Entered rental car market in partnership with Sixt in 2020.

Autonomous Vehicles Development

Formed partnerships with General Motors, Ford, and others for autonomous vehicle testing.
Acquired Blue Vision Labs to enhance image processing for self-driving technology.
Plans to launch multi-city robotaxi services by 2023.

Case Study and Exam Questions Focus

Case study centers around Lyft's business development and challenges.
Examination includes multiple-choice questions and essays on concepts like abundance/scarcity, ecosystem features, launch strategies, and exponential organization characteristics.
General questions focus on Porter's 5 Forces in relation to digitalization, learning organizations, and strategic analysis of platform business models.

Examination Preparation Tips

Familiarize with Lyft's history, business model, and regulatory environment.
Understand concepts of abundance vs. scarcity, platform ecosystems, and launch strategies for ride-sharing services.
Be prepared to apply strategic theories to the context of Lyft and broader industry implications.

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