Final answer:
LinkedIn's acquisition of Lynda.com in 2015 is an example of managing the competitive force of substitute products or services in Porter's framework. This strategy aimed to reduce the threat alternative professional learning platforms posed to LinkedIn.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acquisition of Lynda.com by LinkedIn in 2015 in order to provide professional development services to its members is an example of managing substitute products or services, which is another of Porter's competitive forces. LinkedIn made a strategic move to enhance its product offerings by including educational content and thereby reducing the threat posed by alternative professional development and learning platforms. This enhanced their value proposition and made it less likely that LinkedIn users would turn to substitute services for their professional development needs.