A Framework for Analyzing Emerging Business Models: Cases of China's Media Industry

Abstract

This paper proposes a framework for analyzing an emerging business model. It consists of five dimensions: information technology; business environment; value; the firm in terms of capability and resource; and firm boundary. To justify the explanatory power of this framework, we further use it to analyze two cases in China, which leads to the introduction of the Participation Business Model concept. The case studies offer valuable insights into the reality that new business models are emerging as a result of the convergence of telecommunications and entertainment industries. Our framework enables managers to explore deeply the business opportunities of technology innovation, and can be used in business model analysis, design and evaluation and for pedagogical purpose.

Keywords:

• China
• convergence
• information technology
• Participation Business Model
• telecommunications

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

An early version of this paper was used in teaching two MSc courses at Copenhagen Business School (Business Model in Information Age module) and The University of Manchester (Information Systems in Business module). I am grateful to the participating students who provided valuable input and feedback. I thank Yujiao Zhang and Heng Zhou for their research assistance.