Browsing by Author "Karhu, Kimmo"

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  • AI for Platform Economy
    (2018-04-25) Sipilä, Pekka
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Bachelor's thesis
  • Alustatalouden verkostovaikutusten voimakkuuksien empiirinen estimointi
    (2023-04-27) Luotonen, Nuutti
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Bachelor's thesis
  • The buying process of B2B software solutions: A study of buying organizations’ perspectives
    (2024-05-22) Sandås, Oskar
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Master's thesis
    Digital transformation continues to reshape business operations, making the role of successful technology adoption more significant than ever. This combined with the continued trend to outsource IT solution needs emphasizes the importance of the IT procurement process. Despite this, the topic continues to be underrepresented in academia. The goal of this thesis was to study the procurement process of B2B software systems including the different phases of the process, best practices, and challenges. The thesis also studies how the existing sales framework of value-based selling aligns with procurement processes in practice. This was done by examining central topics of IT procurement in existing literature combined with an empirical study using qualitative methods. The empirical study consisted of semi-structured interviews which were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The results indicate that the value-based selling framework is roughly in line with the IT procurement process in practice. Some key questions such as whether to use performance-based contracts remain conflicted. The results also highlight the importance of a formalized and well documented procurement process model. Defining the business needs prior to deciding on technology or requirements also seems to be a common challenge and important focus area for buying organizations. Lastly, the findings also indicate a preference for strategic partnerships with external IT partners, as these enable closer collaboration and more proactivity from the partners, and they also enable the use of a lighter procurement process when procuring new solutions from the existing partners.
  • Capturing Value from Data Complementarities: A Multi-Level Framework
    (2023-05-28) Ritala, Paavo; Karhu, Kimmo
     A3 Kirjan tai muun kokoomateoksen osa
    Data—as a specific form of digital resource distinct from software—has become strategically important for individual firms and for supply chains, ecosystems, and platforms. Data is by nature nonrival; it does not lose value when shared, and in technical terms, data can be infinitely disseminated, combined, and used. Indeed, a particular data set often gains in meaningfulness and value when combined and aggregated into actionable bundles such as “data objects” (e.g., user profiles, simulation models) or “information goods” (e.g., adverts)—a phenomenon we conceptualize as data complementarities. However, as data resources also entail competitive, legislative, and technical challenges—especially with regard to their mobility—the question of who captures value from data complementarities (and how) is a relevant concern. This chapter describes a multi-level model for capturing value from four types of data complementarity: internal (hierarchy), relational (bilateral contractual relationship), supermodular (platform ecosystem), and unbounded (data markets).
  • Comparative Analysis of Pricing Models in Platform Markets
    (2023-12-08) Halmesmäki, Filemon
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Bachelor's thesis
  • Developing an End-to-End Scenario Simulation Tool for Strategic Decision-Making in a Large Cap OEM—Simulating Multiple Futures to Understand Business Implications of Key Strategic Variables
    (2024-12-28) Aila, Alessa
     School of Science | Master's thesis
    Modern organisations face unprecedented uncertainty and complexity, driven by rapid technological advancements, globalisation, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Traditional strategic planning approaches, which often rely on linear projections and historical data, struggle to address these challenges, leaving organisations ill-prepared for dynamic and disruptive changes. Quantification of scenario planning through simulation offers a promising solution to bridge the gap between qualitative foresight and quantitative decision-making. This study developed an end-to-end scenario simulation tool to support strategic decision-making across business units in a large-cap original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Using a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, the study integrated insights from existing literature with empirical data gathered through semi-structured interviews, workshops, and an iterative artefact development process. The resulting scenario simulation tool was designed to enable the case company to explore multiple futures, test key assumptions, and quantify potential outcomes in a complex business landscape. The evaluation of the simulation tool demonstrated its effectiveness in supporting strategic decision-making by enabling data-driven scenario exploration and improving the alignment of foresight activities with actionable strategies. It highlighted how organisations can use quantitative modelling to test assumptions and understand the impact of key variables on their business, fostering both strategic adaptability and operational resilience. The findings additionally emphasize the importance of incorporating stakeholder feedback, balancing complexity and manageability as well as ensuring transparency in simulation model design to drive effectiveness and organisational buy-in. This research underscores the practical benefits of combining scenario planning with quantitative simulation. It provides a framework for improving strategic agility and decision-making under uncertainty, offering both theoretical contributions and actionable tools for organisations navigating a volatile business landscape.
  • Digitaaliset resurssit: erityispiirteet ja hyödyntäminen
    (2023-12-15) Ahokas, Ville
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Bachelor's thesis
  • Digitaalisten resurssien strateginen rooli alustataloudessa
    (2023-05-02) Hemming, Ilona
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Bachelor's thesis
  • Digital advantages in the platform economy
    (2024-01-24) Viheriävaara, Aarne
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Master's thesis
    The advent and proliferation of digital platforms have significantly transformed traditional business models and consumer interactions. This thesis investigates the pivotal digital advantages that underpin the success of such platforms within the current economic landscape. Through an analysis of case data from diverse digital platforms, this research identifies and categorises the distinct digital advantages that these platforms leverage for transactional, creative, informational, productivity, network effects and strategic benefits. Additionally, the enabling digital mechanisms behind the digital advantages are uncovered, categorised, and mapped to each advantage, resulting in distinct combinations of the mechanisms that expose the diverse digital characteristics of digital platforms. The findings of this thesis contribute to the existing body of literature by offering a nuanced categorisation of digital advantages, and the digital mechanism enabling them, thereby addressing gaps in the literature regarding the characterisation and categorisation of digital platforms.
  • Digitala industriella plattformar och digital informationsdelning inom Industri 4.0
    (2023-12-27) Hermunen, Oscar
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Bachelor's thesis
  • Digitalization’s effect on port business
    (2024-09-26) Pallasaho, Tommi
     School of Science | Master's thesis
    This thesis investigates the impact of digitalization on the port industry, focusing on how digital technologies are reshaping port operations, business models, and future opportunities. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with digitalization experts, sales personnel, and top management from a leading company in the industry. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that while the port industry has begun embracing advanced technologies, it significantly lags behind sectors like aviation and rail. The industry's conservative nature, fragmentation, and resistance to change are major barriers to digital transformation. Key challenges identified include cultural shifts, workforce adaptation, data quality issues, interoperability problems, and cybersecurity concerns. Technological advancements are poised to transform port operations by enhancing efficiency, predictability, and sustainability. The practical implications suggest that ports should develop comprehensive digital strategies, invest in workforce training, improve collaboration and data sharing, prioritize cybersecurity, and focus on sustainability. For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), the study highlights the need for innovation in product development, offering integrated solutions, adopting a customer-centric approach, and forming strategic partnerships. Digitalization presents significant opportunities for the port industry to enhance operational efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability. By addressing the identified challenges and strategically embracing technological advancements, both ports and OEMs can capitalize on the benefits of digital transformation, contributing to a more resilient and advanced maritime secto
  • A disruption framework
    (2018-04) Kilkki, Matti; Mäntylä, Martti; Karhu, Kimmo; Hämmäinen, Heikki; Ailisto, Heikki
     A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
    One of the fundamental dilemmas of modern society is the unpredictable and problematic effect of rapid technological development. Sometimes the consequences are momentous not only on the level of a firm, but also on the level of an entire industry or society. This paper provides a framework to understand and assess such disruptions with a focus on the firm and industry levels. First, we give a generally applicable definition for a disruption as an event in which an agent must redesign its strategy to survive a change in the environment. Then we construct a layered model that spans from basic science to society and enables a systematic analysis of different types of disruption. The model also helps in analyzing the spread of innovations both vertically between layers and horizontally between industries. Thirdly, we introduce three main threats that may lead to a disruption and four basic strategies applicable when a disruption occurs. Finally, the framework is used to study four cases: GSM, GPS, the digitalization of photography, and 3D printing. The main contribution of this paper is the simple yet expressive model for understanding and analyzing the spread of industry-level disruptions through several layers and between industries.
  • Domain analysis of location-based and context-aware mobile services
    (2002) Karhu, Kimmo
     Helsinki University of Technology | Master's thesis
  • Dynamics in Energy Markets: A Comparison of Modelling
    (2023-12-11) Blomqvist, Peter
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Bachelor's thesis
  • Employing open innovation practises in a technology and knowledge-intensive business.
    (2022-07-29) Vuorenalho, Juha
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Master's thesis
    Saab has acknowledged that the increasing rate of technological development requires new ways to keep up with the external innovations. The conservative defense industry is being challenged by a rapidly evolving consumer market. The research objective of this thesis is to develop a comprehensive understanding of innovations and to explore what are the external and internal factors that contribute in creation of innovations in an organizational environment. The aim is to apply the relevant theory in practice in order to develop a method that allows the company to tap into innovations systematically. A custom design-science approach was used as the main method that was complimented with qualitative and quantitative methods. The design-science framework was supplemented with semi-structured interviews, user-centered design, design thinking and three evaluation methods. As a result, a novel inbound innovation concept was created. It focuses on sourcing ideas and recognizing opportunities at the very early stage. The concept poses an opportunity for companies to tap into open innovation in a systematic way. Further research is required to scope the concept further to include all aspects of open innovation and not only sourcing. By applying the developed process companies are able to employ open innovation also internally between business units and operational countries.
  • Enhancing daily life for individuals with distress: mobile application solution and business insights
    (2024-12-21) Lazarev, Kirill
     School of Science | Master's thesis
    This thesis investigates the relationship between Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) and mental health, focusing on designing a digital intervention to improve well-being. The study adopts the Information Systems Research framework, combining theoretical analysis and practical development to address gaps in coping tools for SPS and related conditions such as anxiety and depression. A mobile application prototype was developed as the core artifact, integrating AI- powered features including breathing exercises, journaling, soundscapes, and personalized analytics to support mental health management. A complementary business model ensures accessibility by offering the app for free, while revenue generation is planned through partnerships and professional services. The solution underwent preliminary evaluation by medical professionals, providing insights for refinement and further development. The findings highlight the potential of technology to deliver scalable, personalized support for mental health and contribute to broader research on digital well-being tools.
  • Estimating Impact of Weather Forecast Accuracy on Electricity Retailers' Trading Costs: A Design Science Approach
    (2024-01-24) Kankare, Ilari
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Master's thesis
    Electricity is the fuel that powers the modern economy. Electricity retailers play a vital role in delivering electricity to customers as they manage the sourcing of electricity for individual consumers. Electricity retailers employ short-term load forecasting to source the amount that matches their customers' anticipated electricity consumption in advance. Failing to do so may result in additional costs. Weather significantly influences electricity consumption, and therefore, weather forecasts are extensively employed in the load forecasting process of electricity retailers. This study seeks to estimate the impact of weather forecast accuracy on electricity retailers' trading costs. We create a load forecasting model and combine it with mechanisms on how errors of that model translate to cost for an electricity retailer. This tool can be used to demonstrate the costs from weather forecast inaccuracies. Expert interviews were conducted to align our research with industry best practices and to validate the insights generated. By studying weather parameter effect on three electricity load time series, this study also confirms the literature's understanding that weather plays a key role in load forecasting mainly driven by temperature parameter. Gradient Boosting Machine has the lowest errors of the algorithms tested. These errors translate into costs by increasing fixed imbalance fees, covarying with the price of imbalance electricity, and by increasing the risk that the retailer is exposed. For a large retailer, the choice of accurate weather forecasts can lead to cost savings. Previously, the contribution of weather forecast accuracy to load forecasting errors has not been studied extensively, nor has it been described how these errors translate into costs. Usually, the models are tested only with weather observation. However, the professionals who must deploy the models are relying on weather forecasts and must pay the costs that are associated with the choice of weather forecast. Estimating these costs enables professionals to allocate resources more efficiently in an ever-changing environment of the electricity market.
  • Exploiting and defending open digital platforms with boundary resources: Android's five platform forks
    (2018-06-01) Karhu, Kimmo; Gustafsson, Robin; Lyytinen, Kalle
     A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
    Digital platforms can be opened in two ways to promote innovation and value generation. A platform owner can open access for third-party participants by establishing boundary resources, such as APIs and an app store, to allowcomplements to be developed and shared for the platform. Furthermore, to foster cooperation with the complementors, the platform owner can use an open-source license boundary resource to open and share the platform's core resources. However, openness that is too wide renders the platform and its shared resources vulnerable to strategic exploitation. To our knowledge, platform strategies that promote such negative outcomes have remained unexplored in past research. We identify and analyze a prominent form of strategic exploitation called platformforking in which a hostile firm, i.e., a forker, bypasses the host's controlling boundary resources and exploits the platform's shared resources, core and complements, to create a competing platform business. We investigate platform forking on Google's Android platform, a successful open digital platform, by analyzing the fate of five Android forks and related exploitative activities. We observe several strategies that illustrate alternative ways of bundling a platform fork from a set of host, forker, and other resources. We also scrutinize Google's responses, which modified Android's boundary resources to curb exploitation and retain control. In this paper, we make two contributions. First, we present a theorization of the competitive advantage of open digital platforms and specifically expose platform forking as an exploitative and competitive platform strategy. Second, we extend platform governance literature by showing how boundary resources, which are mainly viewed as cooperative governance mechanisms, are also used to combat platform forking and thus sustain a platform's competitive advantage.
  • Four Tactics for Implementing a Balanced Digital Platform Strategy
    (2020-06) Karhu, Kimmo; Gustafsson, Robin; Eaton, Ben; Henfridsson, Ola; Sørensen, Carsten
     A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
    Digital platforms, such as Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android, face two major challenges in maintaining their competitive positions. First, the ever-increasing variety of thirdparty apps risks fragmenting a platform and requires the platform owner to use controls to maintain platform unity. Second, a too-open approach may invite competitors to exploit a platform. A balanced digital platform strategy requires a platform owner to deploy four tactics—leverage, control, exploit, and defense—to make the necessary trade-offs between variety and unity, and open and closed.
  • GNU ohjelmistolisenssien velvoittavuus
    (2023-04-17) Kallio, Matias
     Perustieteiden korkeakoulu | Bachelor's thesis