Towards semantic operationalisation of the business model: a step forward

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to develop a framework for the semantic operationalisation of the business model, which enables the automated identification of business models using content analysis. Design/methodology/approach The authors approached the operationalisation of the business model by conducting a review of the organisational and management literature to derive the key business model elements highlighted in the existing research, along with their associated keywords. Findings The study proposed a conceptual framework that specifies a granular structure of business model elements, as well as the keywords that characterise each element. By coming down to the level of distinct keywords, the authors arrived at measurable constructs to capture the magnitude of every element in a company’s business model. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to offer a semantic operationalisation of the business model by defining the set of keywords that pertain to each element of the business model. The proposed operationalisation of the business model can aid future empirical research by serving as a tool for the automated assessment of the magnitude of every element in a company’s business model using content analysis.