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Case Study

Growth dilemmas: Amazon or Alibaba in India

By Carlos Cordon, Andreas Ebneter and Luís Henriques

12 pages

November 2018

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Reference: IMD-7-2043

This case highlights the differences in the business models of Amazon and Alibaba, respectively. Readers need to analyze the characteristics of India with respect to culture, wealth and income distribution, demographics, economy, infrastructure, digital potential, diversity, and foreign direct investment policy. Based on their assessment, they need to decide which company represents the better strategic fit for success in India. Theoretical models illustrated are Hambrick’s strategy diamond, SWOT analysis, customer segmentation, concept of clockspeed by Charles H. Fine (double helix model), and principles of platform business models.

Learning Objective

Strategic evaluation using Hambrick’s strategy diamond
SWOT analysis
Customer segmentation
Concept of clockspeed by Charles H. Fine (double helix model)

Keywords

Logistics, Platform, eCommerce, Diversity, Strategy

Settings

India
Amazon, Alibaba Group, Consumer Services, Retail
Current

Type

Published Sources

Available Languages

English

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