Developing Business Models for Ebusiness

The paper introduces first insights into a methodology for developing eBusiness business models, which was elaborated at evolaris and is currently validated in various business cases. This methodology relies upon a definition of the term business model, which is first examined and upon which prerequisites for such a methodology are presented. A business model is based on a mental representation of certain aspects of the real world that are relevant for the business. Supporting this change of the mental model is therefore a major prerequisite for a methodology for developing business models. This paper demonstrates that it addition, a business model discussion should be theory based, able to handle complex systems, provide a way for risk free experiments and be practically applicable. In order to fulfill the above critieria, the evolaris methodology is grounded on system theory and combines aspects of system dynamics and action research.