Taming complexity in search matching: Two-sided recommender systems on digital platforms

Publication Title

MIS Quarterly: Management Information Systems

ISSN

02767783

E-ISSN

21629730

Document Type

Article

Abstract

We study digital multisided platforms as complex adaptive business systems (CABS) where multiple sides have different and evolving objectives, preferences, and constraints. CABS are characterized by irreducible uncertainty, which cannot be reduced by the traditional approaches of collecting and processing data. Irreducible uncertainty in the system gives rise to a complex search matching problem between agents and value enhancing transactions. This paper presents a recommender systems-based approach for taming the complexity by allowing agents to coevolve and learn in the system. We propose a novel two-sided recommender system framework, which considers emergence on both sides of the platform and adapts to the changing environment to influence agents. An agent-based simulation model is developed based on popular internet-based educational platforms to study this complex system and test our hypotheses. Our results show the value of a two-sided recommender system to tame complex search matching in platforms. We discuss implications for information systems and complexity science research.

First Page

49

Last Page

84

Publication Date

3-1-2020

DOI

10.25300/MISQ/2020/14424

Keywords

Agent-based simulation modeling, Complex adaptive business systems, Complex search matching problem, Digital platforms, Recommender systems, Two-sided recommender system

Department

Department of Operations Management and Information Systems (OMIS)

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