Title: Building a framework for a partnership business model

Authors: Kati Jarvi, Liisa-Maija Sainio, Paavo Ritala, Antti Pellinen

Addresses: Technology Business Research Center, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland. ' Lappeenranta School of Business, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland. ' Lappeenranta School of Business, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland. ' Tikura Ltd., Korvenkylantie 39, FI-55300 Rauha, Finland

Abstract: Value in the business model concept is traditionally described from the perspective of end-customers. We argue that this is not sufficient in today|s competitive multichannel environment. We utilise a transactional perspective and extend the notion of exchange of value and resources to the firm|s partners. The developed partnership business model construct is introduced and its usability to analyse interfirm cooperation related to provision of IP multimedia communication services is examined empirically. The goal is to find out why an operator would be a preferred channel for service delivery, and what would make their partnership business model attractive from the partners| perspective. The results suggest that partners evaluate the attractiveness of the business model of an operator in terms of value and resources. The partnership business model construct provides a valuable perspective to companies who have to consider how to attract good partners to stay competitive.

Keywords: business models; business partnerships; value; IP multimedia subsystems; IP multimedia communication services; ICT industry; information technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2010.031305

International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, 2010 Vol.4 No.1, pp.100 - 117

Published online: 29 Jan 2010 *

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