Case Analysis
1. Explain and analyze what the XOM platform does and explain
in detail how the XOM platform works including the online
experience.
2. How is the XOM platform an open platform and why did the
company choose to make the XOM platform an open
platform?
3. Explain in detail whether or not the XOM platform has a
competitive advantage in comparison to the pre-existing
organization of the supply chain in steel?
4. Explain in detail whether or not the XOM platform has a
competitive advantage in comparison to vertically integrated
steel producers?
5. Examine what were the barriers to adoption of the XOM
platform and evaluate the efforts by the company to
overcome those barriers.
6. Why were there phases of expansion and why did the
company create a family of platforms?
7. Explain why the XOM chose to expand internationally and
examine what were the benefits and costs of expanding
internationally.
