For Level 2, there are 5 learning goals. Below is the listening and reading to complete them.

And you can always go to the Categories (listed on the right and at the bottom of each article / podcast) and click on any Company or Concept. That will bring up all the content on that subject. For example, you can search Alibaba and lots of articles will come up. Or search Network Effects.

Learning Goal 1: The basics of digital economics

• One of the reasons “software is eating the world” is because the economics of digital (i.e., bits and bytes) is so different than the economics of physical goods and services. And as more and more products become smart and connected (i.e., infused with software), their economics and business models are changing.
• There are quite a few quirks in this grab bag of economics, such as non-rivalry, zero marginal production costs, complements and consumer surplus, bundling and versioning. This is an introduction to the major ideas.
• The key learning goals are:
  • The basics of Mobike and Ofo
  • Digital economics: non-rivalry, zero marginal production costs
  • Porter’s 5 Forces
• Listen and read:
  • Podcast: Can Luckin, Mobike, Didi or WeWork Be Profitable? (Jeff’s Asia Tech – Podcast 6)
  • An Introduction to the Sexy but Dangerous Economics of Digital (pt 1 of 3)
  • Review: Digital Economics (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 15)

Learning Goal 2: The basics of digital platforms

• Much of the digital phenomenon is not about software and data technologies but about the emergence of digital platforms, which are the super-predators of the business world. These include Alibaba, Tencent, Amazon, Google and many others.
• The key learning goals here are:
  • Taobao and Tmall
  • Platforms vs. pipelines
  • Digital superpower #2: Build a platform business model
• Listen and read:
  • Podcast: How Did Alibaba Beat Everyone? Products vs. Digital Platforms. (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class 4)
  • The Rise of Alibaba and China’s Super-Platforms in 7 Slides (Pt 1 of 3)
  • Review Lecture: Digital Platforms Are The Super Predators of Business (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 16)

Learning Goal 3: The basics of Alibaba’s marketplace platform

• Alibaba is a super important company in China and Asia. But it is pretty complicated. The starting point is its core marketplace platform (Taobao and Tmall).
• The key learning goals are:
  • Taobao and Tmall
  • Platforms vs. pipelines
  • Digital superpower #2: Build a platform business model
• Listen and read:
  • Podcast: Behind the Scenes with Alibaba on Singles’ Day (Asia Tech Class 5)
  • Alibaba’s New Retail Is Not About Supermarkets. It’s About Participation. (Pt 3 of 4)

Learning Goal 4: The basics of VIPShop and JD – and more digital economics

• The competition between smaller e-commerce sites like VIPShop and the big platforms (JD, Alibaba) raises really interesting strategy questions.
• The key learning goals are:
  • VIPShop and JD
  • Pricing and versioning
  • Digital-physical hybrids
  • Money wars vs. hyperscaling vs. blitzscaling
• Listen and read:
  • Should Vipshop Build a Logistics Network Like JD? (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class 7)

Learning Goal 5: The basics of JD

• JD is a really important e-commerce company in China / Asia – and is less widely understood. They are doing lot of interesting experiments in new retail right now.
• The key learning goals are:
  • JD and Alibaba
  • Digital Superpower #1: Transform the user experience
  • Digital-Physical hybrids
• Listen and read:
  • Is JD’s E-Space a Game Changer for Department Stores in China? (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class 10)
  • How Alibaba and Intime are Pioneering a new digital lifestyle

After Level 2, you should go on to:

• Learning Goals: Level 3 (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class)