A Framework for IoT-based Products and Services Value Proposition

The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to help firms to innovate and to address new business opportunities. However, many companies face difficulties in developing value propositions for products and services based on this technology. Considering this, we aimed to answer the following research question: which elements need to be considered to develop value propositions for IoT-based products and services? We used the Design Science Research (DSR) method to answer this question through the creation and testing of a specific framework to support the development of this type of value proposition. The framework was evaluated by 31 academic experts and practitioners and applied to two real businesses. It considers critical elements related to the value proposition and the relations between the main architecture layers of the IoT (including capabilities and challenges), the different types of values that can be generated for different actors, as well as the strategic positioning of IoT-based products and services

CRYPTOCURRENCY: A MINE OF CONTROVERSIES

Cryptocurrency is attracting the attention of many disciplines. Based on a systematic literature review, thestate of art of academic research on cryptocurrency was investigated, demonstrating its complexity andthe lack of consensus about several issues, as its definition, its operation without a financial institution,the impacts on economy and its future developments. Considering these issues, Actor-Network Theorywas selected as a theory that can provide methods, such as controversy mapping, to understand thiscomplex subject. The article analyzes this scenario, presenting a set of research topics that can beconsidered to study controversies related to cryptocurrency.Cryptocurrency is attracting the attention of many disciplines. Based on a systematic literature review, thestate of art of academic research on cryptocurrency was investigated, demonstrating its complexity andthe lack of consensus about several issues, as its definition, its operation without a financial institution,the impacts on economy and its future developments. Considering these issues, Actor-Network Theorywas selected as a theory that can provide methods, such as controversy mapping, to understand thiscomplex subject. The article analyzes this scenario, presenting a set of research topics that can beconsidered to study controversies related to cryptocurrency

Como a COVID-19 influenciou mudanças em um modelo de negócios de plataforma de uma startup? Estudo de caso da Alloy

Purpose – This study aims to identify the changes in a startup’s platform business model (PBM) due to COVID-19, considering the properties of value proposition, value creation, and value capture in three periods: Pre-COVID-19, During COVID-19 and almost Post-COVID-19. Design/Methodology/Approach – This inductive qualitative research is based on a longitudinal and single case study of Alloy, a Brazilian startup that had to change its PBM due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary data was collected through interviews, complemented by secondary data such as documents and videos. Data collected refers to the period from August 2019 to July 2023. Data analysis was conducted following the content analysis approach. Findings – Due to the COVID-19 scenario, Alloy had to change its PBM by modifying its value proposition, value creation, and value capture, moving the focus from a transaction platform to an innovation platform. While scalability decreased due to COVID-19, the PBM changes allowed Alloy to increase its network externalities, which can influence return to scale and bring it closer to success with PBM. Research limitations/implications – As a limitation, this study focuses on a single case study. Although it is singular, new cases can help to support our findings. Originality/Value – The originality of this study relies on being able to follow the steps of a startup with a PBM during the COVID-19 period. In complement, a conceptual model was developed to identify Alloy’s changes and opportunities to succeed with its PBM, which can be helpful for academics and practitioners.Objetivo – Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar as mudanças em um modelo de negócio de plataforma (PBM) de uma startup devido ao COVID-19, considerando as propriedades de proposta de valor, criação de valor e captura de valor em três períodos: Pré-COVID-19, Durante COVID-19 e quase Pós-COVID-19. Metodologia – Esta pesquisa qualitativa indutiva é baseada em um estudo de caso longitudinal e único da Alloy, uma startup brasileira, que teve que alterar seu PBM devido à pandemia do COVID-19. Os dados primários foram coletados por meio de entrevistas, complementados por dados secundários, como documentos e vídeos. Dados coletados se referem ao período de agosto de 2019 a julho de 2023. A análise dos dados foi realizada seguindo a abordagem de análise de conteúdo. Resultados – Devido ao cenário do COVID-19, a Alloy teve que mudar seu PBM modificando sua proposta de valor, criação de valor e captura de valor, passando o foco de uma plataforma de transações para uma plataforma de inovação. Embora a escalabilidade tenha diminuído devido ao COVID-19, as mudanças no PBM permitiram aumentasse suas externalidades de rede, o que pode influenciar o retorno à escala e aproximá-la do sucesso com seu PBM. Limitações/implicações da pesquisa – Como limitação, este estudo se concentra em um estudo de caso único. Apesar de sua singularidade, novos casos podem ajudar a sustentar nossos achados. Originalidade/Valor – A originalidade deste estudo está em poder seguir os passos de uma startup com PBM durante o período de COVID-19. Em complemento, foi desenvolvido um modelo conceitual para identificar as mudanças da Alloy e as oportunidades de sucesso com seu PBM, o que pode ser útil para acadêmicos e profissionais