Assignment: Android and Network Effects
M4 Written Assignment: Android and Network Effects
Please read and use quotes from:
· M4 Reading Notes for Discussion and Assignments
· Shapiro, C., & Varian, H.R. (1999). Information Rules: A Strategic Guide to the Network Economy. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press
Read chapter 7.
· https://pinboard.in/u:frieda.mendelsohn/t:OpenSource/
· https://pinboard.in/u:frieda.mendelsohn/t:network_effects/
· https://pinboard.in/u:frieda.mendelsohn/t:two-sidedMarkets/
Instructions
Network externalities is a term used by economists to describe the effects of belonging to a network that creates value for its users. For this assignment, you are going to investigate the ECONOMIC network of devices built using an Android operating system.
Step 1. Gather information
Research the Android operating system. Wikipedia’s article, Android (operating system) is a good place to begin your research, but it should not be your only source. Try to avoid researching other people’s analysis – the purpose of this assignment is for YOU to apply the analytical framework to this market!
You’ll want to determine all of the network components of the Android network: what products, organizations, and people are part of the Android network?
Step 2. Analyze
Using the economic concepts from this course, analyze your findings:
o What are all of the components of the Android network?
o What products are substitutes for Android? How closely do they substitute?
o Are the network effects positive? negative? both? Why?
o Are there two-sided markets in the Android network? How does this affect economic behaviors?
o What is the Android economic network today? How do you think the Android network will change over time?
Step 3. Relate to the Readings
Discuss your findings in relationship to the readings for this module. Use the economic theories and concepts to support your analysis.
Notes about submissions:
Students frequently ask me how long this assignment should be—it depends on your writing style, but the range for most students will be three to five pages. What I’m looking for is an analysis in which you draw conclusions, based on your observations and supported by the economic readings.
Be sure to cite your sources (including readings and classmates) if you use any ideas from others (whether you’re directly quoting them or not).
Assignments should be single-spaced and left justified (both are the default settings).
Paper Format: APA
Answer preview to Assignment: Android and Network Effects
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