MIS517 E-Business Fall 2020

Midterm
Strategies Due on Oct 24, midnight

Full name: Munerah AlMobarak KSU ID: 442204376

Read the brief case titled “Just Dial Limited,” and provide your response to the following
questions. Note the following:
 This is an exam, so collaboration, contact, or discussion on the questions and responses are
strictly prohibited. Any signs of plagiarism or collaboration will result in 0 marks for both
students. This includes copying from other students, or borrowing from any external
resources. However, certain information that support your position or argument can be
included, noting that you should use paraphrasing techniques and ensuring proper citation of
the source. External sources will be examined for that purpose.
 Submit by the due date and time. The submission area will automatically disappear after the
due date and time. Late or email submissions are not accepted.
 There are 7 questions. All questions are required.
 Response weight (points) and maximum number of words are provided for each question.
Exceeding the limit by more than 10% will result in penalty (references and illustrative charts
are not part of the word count).
 Use this Word document to provide your response.
 Responses are evaluated on the level of their completeness, clarity, relevancy, and
persuasiveness.

1. [20 pts; 200 words]

Briefly summarize the case and describe how the Just Dial platform evolved from its inception?
What is Just Dial’s business model (how does the company generate money)?

Starting as A&M communications Pvt.Ltd. the company began offering local search
solutions neglecting advertising and focusing on the phone number which was
unique and vividly present in a customer’s mind, as well as the brand name which
was changed to JustDial. Initially, the company started putting together a significant
database of businesses in Mumbai to help connect users with local businesses.
Consequently, the company launched their internet-based services through their
website.

As “Harvard Business Review on Business Model Innovation” defines four basic

principles of a business model: how the company creates and delivers value to its
customers, the ways in which the company will earn a profit, which key components
will be utilized and which key processes the company will incorporate. Just Dial
creates and delivers value by providing search and related services. The company
tended to offer free as well as paid listings for businesses as a method to earn profit,
where businesses pay for keeping top position from weekly and monthly payment
plans to annual plans (premium products). Moreover, businesses could run specific
campaigns (non-premium services). It is noticeable that one of JustDial’s key
components and processes is customer relations. The company takes good care of

1
 its clients, according to JustDial Customer Care on (www.justdial.com) the company
resolved approximately 70% of customer complaints.

- "Search Plus Service", a service that manages online transactions via the web and
mobile apps.
- The JD App works as a one stop solution for all your daily needs 
- get its foot into the e-commerce door!

2. [15 pts; 150 words]

What are the core elements of a matching platform that Just Dial could leverage as it moved
from a pure “local search” to a “search and transact” business model?

Local search is known as the use of specialized Internet search engines that allow
users to submit geographically constrained searches against a structured
database of local business listings. (Wikipedia).
Local search is all about What and Where, so you as a user know What you come to
us to find Where
Due to high mobile penetration and rapid growth of e-commerce
Amazon alexa as an example of local search,

- Justdial verified stamp

- Reminded me of booking.com

Search and transact is

3. [15 pts; 150 words]

Just Dial is leveraging trends and changes in the market to expand its scope and its business
model. Use Porter’s five competitive forces model to assess its current competitive position.

4. [10 pts; 120 words]

Just Dial developed their model to include two new features: JD Search Plus and JD Shop
Online, along with some added-value features. Do you think these are in line with their
original business strategy? Do you think they will succeed?
- * JD Verified stamp and user ratings help you choose the best businesses.

2
5. [10 pts; 120 words]
Do you think Just Dial has any competitive advantages? Sustainable competitive advantages?
Would the current strategy and business model help Just Dial to survive for the next 5 years?
10 years? What would you do differently?

6. [15 pts; 150 words]

Can Just Dial succeed in the product e-commerce space, given its “inherently local” network
of consumers and businesses? Explain why or why not.

7. [15 pts; 150 words]

Suppose Just Dial is expanding its business to Saudi Arabia. Do you think its business model
would work? What cultural differences may lead to success or failure? Would differences in
technology advancements and adoption rates (between India and Saudi Arabia) pose any
challenges in such a move? Explain.

3
 References

- https://bizfluent.com/info-7760925-business-model-vs-revenue-model.html
- https://gromor.in/blog/list-your-business-on-justdial-sulekha-1410
-