A Conceptual Model Analysis Framework: Analysing and Comparing Business Model Frameworks and Ontologies

A multitude of business model ontologies and frameworks are present in the extant business model literature, reflecting varied researcher perspectives and user needs. Each framework and ontology has strengths and weaknesses and is suitable for different tasks. Differentiating between the frameworks and ontologies and selecting the one that is most appropriate for a specific need is problematic because of the sometimes vastly different modelling approaches. This paper proposes a Conceptual Model Analysis Framework (CMAF) that presents a structured approach to analysing and comparing the many business model frameworks and ontologies. The elements of the CMAF, level of analysis, unit of analysis and conceptual focus, are derived from concept building research in diverse fields including dominant design, organisational science and international relations. To validate the CMAF four existing business model frameworks and ontologies are described and then analysed and compared using the CMAF.