Introduction
Multi-sided platforms (MSPs) are complex phenomena; therefore, multiple studies examine various aspects of their operations. An article by Poniatowski et al. (2021) significantly contributed to understanding the phenomenon within the current dissertation and to theoretical knowledge about platforms. A study by Min et al. (2019) partially reveals the features of MSPs in terms of user platform adoption, using Uber as an example. Although the topic of the current dissertation still offers ample room for further research, the identified sources may be valuable for exploration.
Poniatowski et al.’s Study Analysis
Study Description
The development and functioning of MSPs have become an attractive topic for research and the proposal of theories. Poniatowski et al. (2021) thoroughly studied the phenomenon of platforms by combining information from various disciplines and studies conducted within them. This research seeks to contribute to theoretical knowledge by offering a conceptual framework that integrates MSP knowledge and serves as a theoretical basis for further research (Poniatowski et al., 2021). The proposed framework concentrates significantly on the platforms’ structure and its various levels. Since the study provides substantial knowledge of the platforms under study and offers insights into their structure, it has significant value for a dissertation.
Depending on the discipline in which the research is conducted, it may include a specific focus and perspective that can limit its scope. In this way, in the study of MSPs, researchers in information technology focus on the design and development of platforms and their technical capabilities. The management also considers technological options, but in terms of their benefit to the organization’s strategy. The economics, in turn, is concerned with the market dynamics of platforms and their mechanisms.
A study by Poniatowski et al. (2021) was initiated to address the need for theoretical developments that incorporate perspectives from various disciplines and provide a systematic view of digital platforms. In accordance with the identified need for the study, a research question was formulated: What ideas, concepts, and relationships comprise MSPs?
To answer the question posed, the researchers chose a systematic literature review design. The study uses a descriptive format and employs conceptual analysis to structure knowledge of MSPs across different disciplines. Of 41 journals, 363 articles were initially selected, of which 140 remained after quality analysis (Poniatowski et al., 2021). To define the concepts that form the platforms, the authors applied a hermeneutic approach, which emphasizes how understanding a particular phenomenon can depend on opinions about different concepts and their relationships (Poniatowski et al., 2021). Having studied the articles, the authors applied a concept matrix to understand the factors and dynamics at work in platform operations. As a result, the authors proposed a comprehensive framework for understanding MSPs.
The structure resulting from the review has several levels in its hierarchy. It includes two classes of concepts – internal factors and environmental dynamics, eight main concepts, such as strategies and network effects, and 18 sub-concepts, such as architects, technologies, or parties involved (Poniatowski et al., 2021). This result significantly contributes to the theory – the proposed structure combines and generalizes the concepts related to MSPs that bridge disciplinary boundaries. The implication of such an outcome is an opportunity to use the proposed framework to inform future research in different disciplines.
Critical Evaluation
The researchers present a strong argument highlighting the importance and implications of their results. First, their paper fills a gap in the scientific literature by offering a theoretical framework that integrates views on MSPs from several disciplines. Second, considering the use of a systematic review design and the number of studies included in the conceptual analysis, one might suggest the comprehensiveness of the proposed framework. Finally, by drawing on knowledge from several disciplines and creating a robust theoretical structure, the authors significantly advance existing knowledge about MSPs and provide impetus for future research. Therefore, the study provides a valuable contribution to the literature in this field.
The choice of study design and methods is significantly determined by the goals set. Given that the authors sought to fill a theoretical gap and structure knowledge about MSPs, a systematic review and conceptual analysis are the most effective approaches to achieving this goal. Alternative research methods could be used if the research focus differed. For example, a qualitative study including interviews to understand the experience of operating platforms, or a quantitative approach using regression analysis to understand the dependence of the number of users on certain aspects of MSPs. However, given the article’s current focus, the chosen methods were the most appropriate.
The researchers’ systematic review design has advantages, enhancing reliability and validity. In particular, this design is easy to replicate in the event of a need to confirm the results (Siddaway et al., 2019). Moreover, systematic reviews examine as much research as possible on the subject in question to compare and use the best evidence available. Finally, such a design allows generalization of the findings to contribute to theory and to describe the relationship between theory and evidence (Siddaway et al., 2019). Therefore, the article considered has significant potential for reliability and validity.
Min et al.’s Study Analysis
Study Description
Some studies have already highlighted the issue of platform adoption. They focus on specific platforms, which may inform the current study. Min et al. (2019) are exploring the adoption of the Uber application platform among users. The study is valuable for the current topic because it combines two key aspects: MSP and its adoption by consumers. Moreover, the authors base the research on two theoretical approaches – the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which was developed within the theory of reasoned action, and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT) (Min et al., 2019). Thus, the study tests the theory’s validity in practice, contributing to confirming its value and applicability.
The study under consideration notes the lack of representation of the consumer perspective in the study of platforms. To fill this gap, the authors aim to analyze the factors that determine consumer use of the Uber app (Min et al., 2019). Using TAM, the researchers proposed several hypotheses about how factors such as perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use positively affect attitudes toward Uber.
Applying DIT, the authors identified other influence aspects – compatibility, complexity, social influence, observability, and relative advantage. At the same time, using factors from DIT, the authors built hypotheses about their effect on perceived utility and perceived ease of use. As a result, the authors formulated 13 hypotheses within their study.
The authors chose a quantitative design to achieve the study’s goal and test formulated hypotheses. The researchers employed survey methods, using questionnaires to collect data online from Uber users. At the same time, the study was divided into two phases. The first pilot study included 220 college students recruited through the convenience sample method, and its results were used to improve the questionnaire and its measurements (Min et al., 2019).
For the second phase, participants were involved through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk crowdsourcing system. Four hundred four people completed the survey, but to improve validity, the authors included attention-check questions, which excluded several surveys, leaving 336 for analysis. The researchers used Partial Least Squares Path Modeling to analyze and test hypotheses (Min et al., 2019). The analysis results contribute to theory and practice in the management of MSPs.
Combining the two theoretical approaches in the study yielded significant results. The authors confirmed the impact of factors identified by DIT on elements defined in TRA, which they noted in their hypotheses. The findings also state that social influence, compatibility, relative advantage, and observability positively affect perceived usefulness and ease of use, while complexity has a negative effect. The high level of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, in turn, contribute to better acceptance of the Uber application among users. Thus, the study demonstrated the connection between the two theories and the possibility of their complementary use. For practice, this study highlights the factors that should be considered when designing MSPs.
Critical Evaluation
The authors of the considered research make a compelling case for the meaning and significance of the findings. They applied two theoretical approaches to identify and test multiple hypotheses about the factors that determine the use of the Uber app by consumers. The authors also demonstrated the benefit of applying TAM and DIT to research and practice. The study fills the gap in the scientific literature identified by the authors – insufficient attention to the consumer perspective in studying the functioning of platforms (Min et al., 2019). Research findings regarding factors influencing consumer attitudes may guide organizations when creating MSPs.
While the authors employed a quantitative approach and a survey for their study, alternative methods can be applied to achieve the same goal. For example, to gain insight into the user experience of the Uber application, conducting qualitative research through in-depth interviews is a viable approach. Such research can also identify which aspects of platforms attract and discourage consumers. Another potential approach is to conduct an experiment where groups of participants would use platforms with different characteristics, and researchers would determine the influence of factors in each case. However, running a survey has its advantages – it is convenient for collecting a large amount of data and analyzing it, and therefore, it is suitable for the study.
The authors of the study took several steps to verify the validity and reliability of their findings. In particular, they conducted a pilot study, which helped improve the questionnaire and its measurements. The researchers also used a robust statistical technique and a large number of scales adapted from the literature to enhance the reliability and validity of the results (Min et al., 2019). However, conducting online surveys implies a possibility of sample bias, which is a significant limitation.
Conclusion
Thus, the articles chosen for analysis are valuable and reliable sources of information for the dissertation. They are closely related to the selected topic and contribute to the development of the theory. The authors make a compelling case justifying the need for research and the value of their findings. Although alternative methods are possible in some cases, the researchers selected the most suitable research designs to achieve their goals. Finally, both studies meet reliability and validity criteria and are trusted sources of information.
References
Min, S., So, K. K. F., & Jeong, M. (2019). Consumer adoption of the Uber mobile application: Insights from diffusion of innovation theory and technology acceptance model. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 36(7), 770-783.
Poniatowski, M., Lüttenberg, H., Beverungen, D., & Kundisch, D. (2021). Three layers of abstraction: A conceptual framework for theorizing digital multi-sided platforms. Information Systems and E-Business Management, 1-27.
Siddaway, A. P., Wood, A. M., & Hedges, L. V. (2019) How to do a systematic review: A best practice guide for conducting and reporting narrative reviews, meta-analyses, and meta-syntheses. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 747–770.