Types Of Business Models Research Articles

Successful Business Model Types of Cloud Providers

The acceleration of technical change in the fast moving electronics market increases the uncertainty and risk for IT providers. Influenced by new IT provisioning concepts such as cloud computing, providers are looking to identify stable guidelines and success factors within existing and new business models. The authors have conducted an intensive analysis of the business model characteristics of 45 providers in the cloud market that are critical to success. A cloud business model framework with 105 characteristics was used to systemize the business models, and the data was analyzed statistically in regard to indicators for success. The results revealed 42 success-related business model characteristics, and a cluster analysis led to three common combinations of characteristics that describe meta types of cloud business models. The most promising meta type is a specialized cloud provider with customer-oriented branch solutions, while small-scale newcomers with aggregation services experience difficulties to be competitive. To evaluate and verify the results and the success of each business model type, 12 expert interviews were conducted. The interview statements were aggregated and summarized to offer recommendations for action and a prediction for the success of cloud business models.

Implementing open innovation concept in social business

Social business is an emerging concept which requires additional research especially in terms of priority management tools that can be used. The paper aims to evaluate how closed and open innovation concepts are implemented by social enterprises in the emerging information economy. The paper also studies social enterprises from the point of view of joint efficiency and innovation development concept evaluation to define best practices used by social entrepreneurs nowadays. The paper provides comparative analysis of two types of social business models: the ones based on open innovation and the ones based on formal closed innovative process. Research question is to estimate how implementation of open innovation influences social businesses’ outcomes, and to define the way open innovation influences social enterprises’ efficiency.

THE INTEGRATION OF BUSINESS MODELS AS PART OF PRE-MERGER AND ACQUISITIONS IN THE POLISH SECTOR OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

This paper presents the methodology of assessing opportunities and threats related to the combining of heterogeneous business models in complex organizations (enterprise groups) from the point of view of added value. The main objective was to develop a methodology for assessing the risk of including a company with a specific business model within a complex organization. The authors carried out an in-depth analysis of mutual influences for fifteen typical business models. Guided by their original approach to classifying business models in the sector for management information systems, the authors used the cross-impact method to rank models in the value chain of this sector. The operational processes of the business models were also identified. The proposed methodology allows for a relatively accurate assessment of the impact of particular operational processes of one model upon the strategic objectives of another. The study established a set of data enabling the determination of the potential risks of combining two distinct sector models, the ‘integrator’ and the ‘added value reseller’, as an enterprise group. The methodology presented in this paper could be used to develop a computer system supporting strategic decisions regarding the allocation of resources in complex organizations.

Statistical Results of Activities Categorization in Czech Agricultural Companies

Abstract In today’s competitive environment, to identify and correctly adjust the individual components of the business model is an important strategic device for every entrepreneur. This paper (preliminary study) deals with different types of business models applied to the sector of small and medium-size farms in the Czech Republic. The main objective was to identify and categorize activities undertaken by Czech farmers into homogeneous clusters and offer recommendations on possible business model modification. The research was based on data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (hereafter FADN). The principal component analysis and cluster analysis were carried out as part of the assessment, under which farms are categorized into homogeneous groups. The results showed that the farms surveyed can be categorized according to similar economic characteristics, production plans, and implementation processes into three basic clusters. The first business model is elaborated for the classic field production and various kinds of vegetable or livestock production, the second model for the special crop and livestock production, and the third one for the animal production. The use of FADN data and the fact that most Czech agricultural companies are of small- and medium-size should be taken into account as limiting factors of the study.

Sustainable business models as an innovation strategy in the water sector: An empirical investigation of a sustainable product-service system

The complexity of the challenges in the water sector means that innovative solutions are required. These solutions include not only new sustainable technologies for water treatment, but also complementary innovation in business models to support the adoption of these technologies in urban areas. This paper aims to explore the role of sustainable business models in supporting technological innovations such as decentralized approaches for water quality and quantity improvements in urban areas. The private sector involvement can be valuable in overcoming the barriers and challenges to implementation of those approaches as well as to achieve the sustainability. A case study of the product-service system as a sustainable business model in an emerging economy was conducted to deliver insights into the role of new ways of value proposition, value creation, and value capture in supporting innovative technologies in the water sector and in contributing to sustainability. The results demonstrated that consumers' acceptance, risk perception, and confidence in decentralized approaches can be improved with the support of business models through a close integration with customers. The close integration among the actors can also lead to better management of the system. Further research can focus on how different types of sustainable business models could contribute to supporting water technologies in urban areas and increase social acceptability.

Business Management Models of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Africa

In this study, the authors analyse the socioeconomic, political and geographic conditions that are conducive of cooperative microfinance initiatives in comparison with other organizational forms in Africa. They distinguish three types of institutions (MFIs) and business models: cooperatives/credit unions, non-profit or non-governmental (NGOs and commercial banks). To analyse the enabling environment for the three business models three types of factors are distinguished: macroeconomic policy, institutional, and geographical. Multinomial logistic regression is applied to investigate the impact of these external conditions. The authors use data on 1790 MFIs in selected African countries (MIX Market) and global socioeconomic data of these countries. Their findings reveal that irrespective geographic location, cooperatives feature in countries with civil law systems, low inflation rates and high levels of economic growth. Commercial MFIs (banks) feature particularly in the countries with common law legal systems. NGO type MFIs are associated with high inflation rates and low levels of economic growth.

Cracking the complexity code of charities

Abstract North American charity ventures collect donations for the needy or suffering. Few studies have analysed philanthropic ventures and altruistic promoters. In the charity industry, donors mandate intermediaries (agents) to transfer donations to beneficiairies. One of the underlying assumptions of agency theory is that agents attempt to maximize their personal welfare and compensation; this behaviour may not always be in the best interests of beneficiairies. What is the typical business model of a charitable organization? Is there a monitoring process? What is the social return on investment? The complex patterns of inter-stakeholder relationships, both good and bad, are scrutinized. The research threads it way into the ‘complexity code’ of charities via archival data and forensic science data. This article also deciphers the altruism of agents via a new behavioural matrix. To conclude, a complexity-aware monitoring process is submitted. Thus, the article sheds new light on the complexity of charities and proposes directions for future research.

Разработка стратегических проектных решений в сфере сельского туризма на основе эффективных бизнес-моделей

The article discusses the issues associated with developing strategic project decisions in
 the field of rural tourism based on effective business models. Business models development of
 investment projects in rural tourism is an integral part of investment planning of tourist areas
 and development of investment proposals. The structure of the investment proposals at the macro
 level consists of investment declaration of a rural settlement, investment passport of a rural
 settlement, which includes the list of investment sites and projects, draft agreements with
 potential investors. Macro level of investment proposals presented by business plan, feasibility
 study or investment project passport. The content of these documents is determined by a business
 model that is used to describe the basic principles of design, development and successful project
 implementation. The article describes the key elements of a business model, considers a stepwise
 development algorithm, and determines interconnection between the content of its key elements
 and strategic project decisions for the development of tourist areas of rural settlement. The
 authors analyze the main types of business models, most widespread in the Russian Federation:
 "Cooperation", "Specialization", "Diversification" and examine the key risks associated with the
 implementation and promotion of tourist products. The business model is an effective tool not
 only for the formation of a unique value proposition and determination of principles of
 construction and development of a successful project, but also for the development of investment
 decisions at micro-level that meet the investment policy and socio-economic development
 strategies of rural settlement in general.
 Within the framework of the development of investment proposals, which are mainly the
 result of investment planning of territories, optimum ratio (interconnection) should be defined
 between strategic project decisions at macro-level and key elements of the business model of a
 particular investment project.

Protecting products versus platforms.

P have long been the most important legal assets of biotech companies. Increasingly, however, biotech firms find themselves on one side of a divide: as either traditional product companies or platform companies. Given the differences between these two types of business models, the merits of intellectual property (IP) protection vary between them. This article explores how those differences relate to biotech startups and entrepreneurs seeking to protect their inventions.

Conceptualizing business models in industrial networks

This paper is concerned with business model conceptualizations and outlines a framework for their analysis in industrial networks. A literature review suggests that there is a broad range of current conceptualizations of business models. Analyzing them as they pertain to interaction, business relationships, and industrial networks reveals two main explanations for their differences: first, they clearly rely on different basic theoretical assumptions, and second, they seem to address two types of business models. We refer to these as firm-centric and network-embedded business models. Based on this distinction, a scheme of analysis at the levels of the firm, relationship and network is suggested for the two types of business models. Business models are challenging from an analytical as well as managerial perspective. Further research on emerging network-embedded business models is suggested.

Protecting products versus platforms

Patents have long been the most important legal assets of biotech companies. Increasingly, however, biotech firms find themselves on one side of a divide: as either traditional product companies or platform companies. Given the differences between these two types of business models, the merits of intellectual property (IP) protection vary between them. This article explores how those differences relate to biotech startups and entrepreneurs seeking to protect their inventions.

The microbiological quality of take-away raw salmon finger sushi sold in Hong Kong

The safety of ready-to-eat foods is an important issue. Improper storage and handling of ready-to-eat items may lead to foodborne disease outbreaks. In this study, raw salmon finger sushi (nigiri) was selected as a target ready-to-eat food for microbiological surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of take-away sushi sold in the licensed sushi shops in Hong Kong. Sushi samples were collected from 120 randomly selected licensed sushi shops in the 19 districts in Hong Kong from 1st June to 30th July 2014. They were tested for aerobic colony count (ACC), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus counts as well as the presence of Salmonella spp. to evaluate their overall hygienic quality. None of the samples was found to contain Salmonella spp. and 1.7% of the collected samples were classified as unsatisfactory for containing more than 100 CFU/g of E. coli indicating the overall hygienic quality of take-away sushi in Hong Kong was good. There was no significant difference between samples purchased from chain stores and those from self-hosted business, suggesting that microbiological quality of take-away sushi was not affected by these two types of business models. Based on the current findings, it was suggested that the government should have more frequent routine inspections and provide food hygiene education to the workers in the sushi shops in Hong Kong so as to minimize the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks.

플랫폼서비스 생태계의 개념적 유형화

This study first introduces platform services and their business models. On the basis of the concepts of business ecosystem, we present a framework for distinguishing types of the platform service business models. Two key characteristics of business ecosystems-ecosystem configuration and value production process-are employed as fundamental dimensions for constructing typology. In particular, we also present the notion of value ecosystem, where not a single platform provider but a federation of platforms constitutes a virtual platform and completes a service system. The value ecosystem represents two distinct types of platform service business models : meta-platform ecosystem and platform coalition ecosystem. They show different governance structure in the platform federation and service flows across the ecosystem. We present detailed analyses of these two value ecosystems focusing on relevant cases of e-payment FinTech : Apple Pay as an example of meta-platform and Kakao Pay for platform coalition. Our conceptual typology contributes to platforms' proper strategy formulation and presents policy implications to, for example, platform neutrality.

Analysis of business models and strategies of innovation development of logistics service providers

As a result of synthesis of theoretical development of foreign and domestic scientists, ordering experience of international and national logistics companies, basic characteristics of typical business models of logistics operators are established, relationship of internal and external factors and their impact on the individualized business models and corresponding strategies for innovation are defined. Double-pyramid model of relationship of innovative development factors is proposed for logistics service providers, optimum combination of which allows individualized business model and strategy of the company. The necessity of coordination these factors with target strategic guidelines of logistics service customers and led to the idea and a roadmap for formation of integrated logistics strategies to integrate operational and administrative processes of suppliers and customers in the supply chain, and create cross-functional project teams that generate synergies of knowledge, ideas, processes and effects. It is proved that the new business models of various types of logistics service providers require extensive use of modern information and communication technologies and business tools in the electronic environment. The emergence of new mobile and cloud technologies, social networks and large volumes of structured and unstructured data resulted in the birth of a «new style of IT», which enhances the flexibility and speed of information sharing, formation of collective experience, operational detect problems and make right management decisions. The proposed structure of information support systems of inter-organizational and cross-functional interaction in the implementation of integrated logistics strategies of innovation development determines the level of intellectualization of logistics activities, possibility of coordination of logistics processes along the supply chain, harmonization of relations between partners and their mutual loyalty.

Does Business Model Affect CSR Involvement? A Survey of Polish Manufacturing and Service Companies

The study explores links between types of business models used by companies and their involvement in CSR. As the main part of our conceptual framework we used a business model taxonomy developed by Dudzik and Witek-Hajduk, which identifies five types of models: traditionalists, market players, contractors, distributors, and integrators. From shared characteristics of the business model profiles, we proposed that market players and integrators will show significantly higher levels of involvement in CSR than the three other classes of companies. Among other things, both market players and integrators relied strongly on building own brand value and fostering harmonious supply channel relations, which served as a rationale for our hypothesis. The data for the study were obtained through a combined CATI and CAWI survey on a group of 385 managers of medium and large enterprises. The sample was representative for the three Polish industries of chemical manufacturing, food production, and retailing. Statistical methods included confirmatory factor analysis and one-way ANOVA with contrasts and post hoc tests. The findings supported our hypothesis, showing that market players and integrators were indeed more engaged in CSR than other groups of firms. This may suggest that managers in control of these companies could bolster the integrity of their business models by increasing CSR involvement. Another important contribution of the study was to propose and validate a versatile scale for assessing CSR involvement, which showed measurement invariance for all involved industries.

Business models and financing options for a rapid scale-up of rooftop solar power systems in Thailand

Diverse solar PV business models and financing options exist in the international landscape, helping expand and accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar PV systems. The conditions for their emergence are context specific, depending on the policies, regulations, incentives, and market conditions of each country. After a review of the international landscape, this paper compiles and analyzes business models and financing options for rooftop solar PV investment in Thailand that have emerged during the period between 2013 and 2015. Despite policy discontinuity for the support of rooftop solar systems, diverse business models and financing options are driving market expansion and expanding solar access to more Thai consumers. Drawing on our policy and regulatory analyses and in-depth interviews with business representatives, we identify four types of business models and one financing option. The business models include Roof Rental, Solar PPA, Solar Leasing, and Community Solar, and the financing option is the solar loan. We analyze the drivers for their emergence, barriers to their success, and the risks from the business owners' and consumers' viewpoints. Our policy recommendation is focused on crafting a net-metering regulation with evidence-based studies on the potential costs and benefits to different stakeholders.

Efficient Urban Interchanges: The City-HUB Model

Multimodal trips are increasing in metropolitan areas, making public transport less attractive. There is a need for integration in order to achieve effective seamless mobility. One dimension of integration is to reduce the disruption of transfer among modes and interchanges appear as the best solution when big number of travellers has to transfer.The City-HUB 7FP project1 has developed a three years research for deploying new interchanges and improving existing ones. It starts by identifying two groups of dimensions that define Interchange key features. The first dimension is related to Physical&Size, including passenger demand, modes of transport, services and facilities and location in the city. The second dimension is related to Local Impacts such as developing of new activities –housing, offices, nearby shopping-, jobs creation and its connection with the local Development Plan. The combination of the elements of the two dimensions define the following key features: building design, stakeholders’ involvement and the type of business model. The findings are based on interviews to practitioners undertaken in 26 selected interchanges in 9 European countries.According to these key features, the interchange should organize the space among three different zones: access-egress zone; facilities zone; and arrival-departure-transfer zone. The first one is where links to the local area and access to transport modes are focused. The last one caters for intermodal transfers. Travel information and intermodal services are spread across both zones as well as the facilities and retailing.Users’ perceptions should be collected to improve interchange efficiency. To that end a travellers’ attitudinal survey has been carried out in interchanges in 5 European cities. From the user point of view the most important factors identified in the surveys are safety and security, transfer conditions, emergency situation, information, design, services&facilities, environmental quality and comfort of waiting time. All these elements define the interchange from two different perspectives: “as a transport node” and “as a place”. The first one is related to the functionality as a node of the transport network; the second includes all the features for make the transfer experience more attractive and efficient.The project has identified a number of recommendations for developing urban transport interchanges. Some of them refers to users, other to operators and the third part deals with local impacts, governance issues and business models. All these findings have served to develop an integrated concept of interchange: City-HUB model.

Sustainability Factors for PSS Business Models

A fundamental change in how businesses are conducted and operated is an essential factor to reach more sustainable solutions not only on the industry level but also for the entire society. In this sense, the importance of developing and implementing sustainable product service system (S-PSS) business models is increasing as the number of studies are presenting it. A S-PSS business model is an approach to achieve benefits in the three dimensions of sustainability. Through efficient resource utilization and dematerialization, this type of sustainable business model helps to embed environmental and social aspects into strategic business goals and processes while increases competitive advantage. However, most of the studies that treats PSS business models do not mention their relation to sustainability. In addition, different studies take for granted that implementing PSS leads to benefits in the three sustainability dimensions. Nonetheless, PSS business models can even have a negative effect on the environment while maintaining only economic benefits. Such contradictions and incoherencies hinder the potential of PSS business models to provide sustainability benefits and might be a barrier for its adoption. Therefore, the question this study pursues is: What are the factors that make a PSS a sustainable business model? Through literature analysis, this paper proposes the identification of a set of factors that contributes to the sustainability of PSS business models. The factors identified are investigated in an exemplary case of a bike sharing system.

ACCOUNTING ASPECTS OF THE PECULIARITIES OF THE FUNCTIONING OF INTERNET-SHOPS IN MODERN CONDITIONS

Under modern conditions, characterized by the development of information technologies, the approach to trade activity has been changing fundamentally as its movement to the virtual reality brings changes in the sphere of management and determines the organization of accounting. The current pace of development of computer systems and technologies has led to the development of e-commerce, the possibility of function of which is provided by the information systems. Methodology of research, analysis of last researches and publications. Rapid growth of e-commerce market and the existence of practical issues concerning the organization and the peculiarities of functioning of the appropriate entities have been formed a scientific interest in the task solving. The need for accounting approach to e-commerce activity subjects has been identified the relevance of research. The purpose of research is to generalize the researches regarding the e-commerce and its components, formation of a common understanding of organization and the features of e-commerce business entities with the definition of the accounting aspects in order to ensure efficiency. Subject of research. In the article the essence of e-commerce and peculiarities of its implementation in connection with the development of e-commerce in Ukraine and in the world has been considered. The activity of Internet-shops as one of the most popular e-commerce systems has been researched. Advantages, disadvantages and feasibility of functioning of Internet-shops compared to other systems have been identified. The place and role of accounting as well as the features of its organization in creating of Internet-shop have been determined. The features of accounting according to the different ways of payment have been considered. Results of research. The development of e-commerce in Ukraine and in the world contributed to the development of the activities of Internet-shops as one of the most common of its systems. The ability to save money and time when buying goods contributed to factors of this kind of e-commerce system in Ukraine. However, during the organization of this type of trade it is important to take into account the negative impacts, one of them – the need to develop electronic payment systems. Organization of operation of Internet-shops has a number of features and in the first place it is provided by the Internet-site that initially requires an investment, but in the future development minimizes costs and is more efficient and less expensive way of doing business in the modern world. In the research the different aspects of Internet-shops, taking into account the methods and organization of accounting, have been considered, the possible expenses at the beginning of activity and in the further development of this type of trade have been identified, the various ways of purchase by customers, that determine in complex the characteristics of functioning of the Internet-shop, have been considered. Thus, accounting in modern conditions being still a source of high-quality (accurate, timely) information for management system has been developing and transforming in parallel with changes in the types of business, appearance of new objects and requests for information by appropriate users. In the article the peculiarities of the activities of the online shops in modern conditions have been considered, in further research the other types of such business models should be more studied. In addition, as e-trade is actively growing, the analysis of problematic issues becomes the main tasks: pricing, product range, delivery and payment.

Strategic business networks in the Finnish wood products industry: a case of two small and medium-sized enterprises

The use of network-based business models has been brought up as a means of creating com-petitive edge in the tightening global competition. In practice, adopting network-based models has not yet become common in the wood products industry. The objective of this study is to gain better understanding of types of network-based business models using a case study of two small and medium-sized wood industry companies in Finland (for a sake of anonymity named as A and B). The network of company A is found to consist of mostly of established actors with a new-in-the-market value creation system, whereas network for company B is more stable and has an established value system aiming at growth and incremental innovations. Both networks had experienced difficulties in finding partners and lacked some strategic resources. Via this example we wish to stimulate further research interest on the sources of network-based competitive advantage in the traditional wood product industry in a need of renewal of business models.