• Refine Query
  • Source
  • Publication year
  • to
  • Language
  • 423
  • 154
  • 146
  • 97
  • 90
  • 83
  • 75
  • 57
  • 33
  • 14
  • 8
  • 7
  • 7
  • 5
  • 3
  • Tagged with
  • 1090
  • 1090
  • 305
  • 151
  • 148
  • 147
  • 146
  • 140
  • 136
  • 134
  • 131
  • 124
  • 118
  • 116
  • 114
  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
461

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY TO REVIEW BUSINESS MODEL THEORY IN THE DANISH RAILWAY SECTOR

Roldsgaard, Kasper Vilstrup 07 July 2014 (has links)
PURPOSE:! The! purpose! is! to! explore! the! basic! assumptions! for! innovating! the! Danish! railway! operator¿s! historic! business!model!in! an! unprecedented! institutional!crisis.!! METHOD:! A! management! survey! collects! 22,729! responses! from! 368! managers! (80%!of!the!managers!in!the!Danish!railways!with!average!seniority!of!15! years)! to! explore! these! basic! assumptions! to! specify! the! areas! of! leadership! that! have! a! significant! impact! on! facilitating! innovation! of! business!models!in!times!of!crisis.! RESULTS:! Successful!leadership!in!a!crisis!depends!on! the!articulation!of! the!basic! assumptions!and!challenges!for!the!development!of!the!current!business! model.! It! is! not! enough! to! make! goals! for! the! future,! as! the! related! challenges! should! also! be! articulated.! A! core! task! for! strengthening! the! development! in! the! railway! sector! is! to! prioritize! new! infrastructure! projects! to! innovate! the! existing! railway! operations! gradually,! rather! than!starting!new!business!ventures.! ORIGINALITY/VALUE:! Management!studies!in! times!of!crisis!are!rare.!Furthermore,! the!causes! of!the!institutional!crisis!in!the!Danish!railway!sector!have!until!now!not! been! studied! from! a! management! perspective! based! on! the! managers¿! understanding! of! the! factors! affecting! the! innovation! management! of! a! business! model! in! crisis.! The! doctoral! thesis! identifies! some! emerging! areas! of! cognitive! leadership! that! have! not! yet! received! sufficient! attention! in! the! literature! on! business! models,! but! nonetheless! the! company!managers!believe! that! the!areas!of!cognitive!leadership!have!a! significant! impact! on! the! survival! of! the! organization! and! its! future! success.! / Roldsgaard, KV. (2014). AN EMPIRICAL STUDY TO REVIEW BUSINESS MODEL THEORY IN THE DANISH RAILWAY SECTOR [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/38615
462

Towards Sustainable Aviation: Business Models for Sustainable Aviation Fuels / Mot Hållbart Flyg: Affärsmodeller för Hållbara Flygbränslen

Uthman, Darwin, Danha, Jack January 2024 (has links)
The aviation sector is in a critical position where it must switch to environmentally friendly alternatives in order to lessen its impact on the environment. The implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in airline business models is thoroughly examined in this thesis, which uses the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and the Triple Layered Business Model Canvas (TLBMC) as its primary conceptual frameworks. A thorough examination of the airlines' SAF pricing tactics and business models has been conducted, considering the sustainability of the environment, the economy, and society. This has made it possible to identify strategies that will effectively encourage the use of sustainable jet fuel. Through the examination and evaluation of aviation industry dynamics, legislation, and technical advancements, this research provides useful information to help direct strategic planning and decision-making within the aviation industry. The findings indicate that innovation, sustainability, and cooperation are essential for industry players to embrace in order to steer the aviation sector toward a more resilient and environmentally friendly future. The integration of sustainable aviation fuel within the airlines' business models represents a decisive step towards sustainability in the aviation industry. In this thesis, the Triple Layered Business Model Canvas TLBMC has been used to complement the traditional Business Model Canvas BMC. Using these frameworks together offers a holistic analysis of the environmental, economic and social impacts of SAF implementation on airlines such as Scandinavian Airlines SAS and BRA Braathens Regional Airlines. Sustainable jet fuel is used as a temporary solution to reduce the aviation industry's environmental impact. However, analysis and review of the sustainable fuel's life cycle from production to consumption is needed to be able to evaluate its environmental and social benefits. From an economic perspective, sustainable jet fuel production and availability is a major challenge for airlines. In order to overcome this challenge, innovative pricing strategies and cost-sharing initiatives are required in which various stakeholders from the aviation industry are involved. In summary, this thesis contributes to increased knowledge in changing business models in the aviation industry as well as an analysis of current price strategies for sustainable aviation fuel. Leveraging the insights from the TLBMC analysis of business models and pricing strategies for SAF integration, this research aims to inform strategic decision-making in the aviation sector and accelerate the industry's transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. / Flygindustrin befinner sig i en avgörande position där behov för övergång till hållbara alternativ för att minska dess miljöpåverkan finns. Denna avhandling utgör en omfattande utforskning av hållbara flygbränslen införande inom flygbolagens affärsmodeller, med användning av både Business Model Canvas (BMC) och Triple Layered Business Model Canvas (TLBMC) som huvudramverk för analys. En noggrann analys av flygbolagens prisstrategier för hållbart flygbränsle och affärsmodeller har genomförts med hänsyn till miljömässiga, ekonomiska och sociala hållbarhetsaspekter. Detta har möjliggjort identifiering av effektiva tillvägagångssätt för att främja införandet av hållbart flygbränsle. Genom att utföra analyser och granskning av flygindustrins dynamik, riktlinjer och tekniska framsteg, bidrar denna forskning med praktiska insikter som syftar till att vägleda beslutsfattande och strategisk planering inom flygsektorn. Resultaten har visat på att det är avgörande för industrins intressenter att ta till sig innovation, hållbarhet och samarbeta för att föra flygsektorn mot en grönare och mer motståndskraftig framtid. Integrationen av hållbara flygbränsle inom flygbolagens affärsmodeller representerar ett avgörande steg mot hållbarhet inom flygindustrin. I denna avhandling har Triple Layered Business Model Canvas TLBMC, använts för att komplettera den traditionella Business Model Canvas BMC. Användning av dessa ramverk tillsammans erbjuder en holistisk analys av de miljömässiga, ekonomiska och sociala effekterna av SAF införande på flygbolag som Scandinavian Airlines SAS och BRA Braathens Regional Airlines. Hållbart flygbränsle används som en tillfällig lösning för att minska flygindustrins miljöpåverkan. Dock behövs det analys och granskning av det hållbara bränslets livscykel från produktion till konsumtion för att kunna utvärdera dess miljö och sociala fördelar. Från ett ekonomiskt perspektiv utgör det hållbara flygbränsle produktionen och tillgängligheten en  stor utmaning för flygbolagen. För att övervinna denna utmaningen krävs det innovativaprissättningsstrategier och kostnadsdelning initiativ där olika intressenter från flygindustrin är involverade. Sammanfattningsvis bidrar denna avhandling till ökad kunskap inom förändring av affärsmodeller inom flygindustrin samt en analys av nuvarande prisstrategier för hållbart flygbränsle. Genom att utnyttja insikterna från TLBMC-analysen av affärsmodeller och prissättningsstrategier för SAF-integration, syftar denna forskning till att informera strategiskt beslutsfattande inom flygsektorn och påskynda branschens övergång mot en mer hållbar och miljömedveten framtid.
463

Circular Business Model for Sri Lankan Tourism SMEs : A qualitative study on how tourism SMEs can adopt circular business model

Nawarathna, Alahakoon Kankanamalage Buddhika Prasadini, Perera, Balasuriyage Nirasha Sewwandi January 2024 (has links)
Tourism is an industry that makes important contributions to the Sri Lanakan economy. Thelong-term survival of this industry depends on the longevity of natural resources and thebeauty of the environment. Today, the tourism industry is impacting the naturalenvironment negatively. The concept of circular economy is gaining global attention assustainable alternative to traditional economic practice. Through qualitative approach, thisthesis investigates how the Sri Lanka tourism industry can adopt a circular business modelto mitigate its negative impacts. The methodology utilized semi-structured interviews withfive business personalities involved in hotel and accommodation sectors listed undercategory of small and medium-sized business.  The study first examined the awareness and perceptions of the circular business modelconcept among tourism SMEs in Sri Lanka. This is a step was extremely important, asawareness is a fundamental prerequisite for adopting more sustainable practices. Theresearch investigated the current level of understanding and knowledge about circularbusiness model concepts within these small and medium-sized enterprises. This exploredhow tourism businesses in Sri Lanka currently view the circular model whether they see itas a practical, beneficial approach or faced concerns and lack knowledge.  Next, under Opportunities and Challenges the study explored the key opportunities andchallenges that either enable or challenge the transition towards circular business models.On the opportunity side, the research examined factors that could facilitate and incentivesSMEs to achieve circularity, such as cost savings, improved brand reputation, attractingenvironmentally conscious tourists, and preserving local value chains and resources. Thefindings also highlighted that some SMEs are already employing innovative circularpractices, indicating a readiness to embrace more sustainable operations. Conversely, theresearch could identify several barriers to the widespread adoption of circular practicesamong SMEs. These barriers include limited awareness of circular economy principles,financial constraints, and regulatory challenges.  Finally, the study evaluated on developing practices the effectiveness of any existingbusiness development goals or initiatives related to circular economy strategies within SriLankan tourism SMEs. This involved assessing the current state of circular practices,identifying areas for improvement, and determining the specific types of support andresources needed to help these enterprises successfully adopt and sustain a circular businessmodel.  The thesis suggests several avenues for future research, including road map to achieve fullysustainable circular business model. It also recommends evaluating the effectiveness ofgovernment policies and initiatives in promoting the adoption of circular economyprinciples within the tourism sector and investigating the role of technology and innovationin facilitating the transition to circular business model. Key words – Circular Business Model, Tourism SMEs Sri Lanaka, Sustainability,Resources optimization
464

Insikter om hur Generativ AI påverkar på ett managementkonsultbolag : En kvalitativ fallstudie om hur affärsmodellen kan komma att förändras av Generativ AI hos ett managementkonsultbolag

Sundin, Niklas, Tingwall, Joel January 2024 (has links)
Denna studie undersöker hur Generativ AI påverkar affärsmodellen hos managementkonsultbolag. Genom en kvalitativ metod med semistrukturerade intervjuer samlades data in från ett managementkonsultbolag och ett kundföretag. Resultaten visar att Generativ AI kan effektivisera processer, särskilt inom texthantering och textskapande, utan att omedelbart förändra vinstmodellen. På lång sikt förväntas dock betydande förändringar i affärsmodell en om tekniken får ett större genomslag. Slutsatsen är att Generativ AI utgör främst möjligheter, men också en utmaning för branschen, där tidig implementering och anpassning är avgörande för att behålla konkurrenskraft. / This study examines how Generative AI impacts the business model of management consulting firms. Using a qualitative method with semi-structured interviews, data was collected from a management consulting firm and a client company. The results show that Generative AI can streamline processes, particularly in text handling and text creation, without immediately altering the revenue model. However, significant changes in the business model are expected in the long term if the technology gains greater traction. The conclusion is that Generative AI primarily presents opportunities but also poses a challenge for the industry, where early implementation and adaptation are crucial for maintaining competitiveness.
465

Business model canvas for humanitarian operations of logistics service providers

Kucukaltan, B., Irani, Zahir, Acar, A.Z. 22 April 2022 (has links)
Yes / For years, humankind has been facing various disasters of which logistics has a crucial role for alleviating sufferings of vulnerable people, who are isolated and in need of basic supplies. Owing to the increasing importance of logistics in humanitarian operations, logistics service providers (LSPs) have recently become more prominent. Yet, only a few LSPs have the capabilities and mechanisms to offer operational solutions for humanitarian relief. Also, the conducted extensive literature review makes evident that the existence of a limited number of normative research reveals a barrier about what LSPs can bring into the humanitarian field. Accordingly, why LSPs are particularly important in the humanitarian supply chain and how LSPs manage their activities and resources in humanitarian operations become the main questions to be addressed. Thus, this study seeks to explore humanitarian operations of LSPs from different dimensions, enabled by Business Model Canvas (BMC). In this sense, the obtained findings clarify both similar and different viewpoints of diverse LSPs when mapped against the BMC. Consequently, the categorised interrelated information presented through the cross-case synthesis provide novelty to advance insights both on strategic missions of LSPs in humanitarian relief operations and on the usage of BMC beyond its common commercial implementations.
466

Owner-managers failure experience and business model innovations in B2B firms: The roles of coopetition, managerial persistence, and financial resource slack

Nyuur, Richard B., Donbesuur, F., Owusu-Yirenkyi, D., Ampong, G.O.A., Tantawy, A.A. 26 June 2023 (has links)
Yes / This study proposes and tests a model of how and when previous failure experience can impact on subsequent business model innovation of business-to-business (B2B) SMEs. Analysis of survey data from a sample of 182 B2B SMEs in Ghana indicates that failure experience is positively related to business model innovation – and that coopetition capability mediates this failure experience. Further analysis of boundary condition effects reveals that high levels of financial resource slack strengthen the positive relationship between coopetition and business model innovation, while the level of managerial persistence has no effect on failure experience and coopetition relationship. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of these findings.
467

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Value Creation within Sustainable Business Models : A multi-case qualitative study on the influence of Artificial Intelligence tools in shaping the Triple Bottom Line of Sustainable Business Models

Cognigni, Andrea, Gutermann, Mattijs January 2024 (has links)
Background: The United Nations' sustainability development goals for 2030 and 2050 areincreasingly challenging for companies. Many firms struggle to integrate sustainability into theirbusiness models while balancing economic profit and effective management with environmental andsocial efforts. Modern digital technologies, especially AI, are proving valuable in this area, withnumerous researchers studying their impact on Sustainable Business Models. Despite this,researchers so far focused often on effect of the digital technologies in general or on quantitativeanalyses only on one specific sector or geographical area. For these reasons, a gap in the literaturewas identified in the lack of qualitative research on the impact of AI on companies’ SBMs, morespecifically in terms of value creation and without a focus on one specific market. Purpose: This research aims to explore how Artificial Intelligence technologies can impactcompanies’ Sustainable Business Model on the three different levels of the triple bottom line. Theresearch, more specifically, will only focus on the value creation aspect of the Sustainable BusinessModel. This choice was made to fill a gap identified in the existing literature and to contribute to theexisting knowledge on this important and fast-changing topic. The paper aims to provide valuableinsights to scholars, researchers, companies, and practitioners in general, allowing them for a deeperunderstanding of the link between AI and SBM’s value creation. Method: This research is structured as a qualitative study using grounded theory approach. To obtainthe findings presented in this paper, the authors used a multi-case study approach. The data collectionprocess started with a purposeful sampling that allowed to identify relevant companies for the study.The study data sample consists of six companies from different countries (Belgium, Italy, Sweden)and different sectors (energy, consulting, manufacturing, banking), and of three independentresearchers. In total, 12 semi-structured open-ended interviews were conducted and constituted theempirical data analysed in the research. Conclusion: Seven different categories of AI technologies influencing company’s SBMs weredetected, namely conversational and personal assistance AI, optimization and system managementAI, visual processing AI, data analytics AI, predictive analytics AI, automation and decision AI, andmarket and revenue optimization AI. These different technologies can positively influence the threeaspects of the triple bottom line in different ways. Valuable insights were obtained on how companiesare currently using this technology to reduce their environmental impact, to boost their economicperformance in nowadays’ rapidly evolving market, and to positively impact the employees and thecommunity they operate in.
468

Advancing Sustainable Resource Management through Circular Economy: The Case of Graphite in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Fadyl, Said January 2023 (has links)
This case study investigates the potential graphite circular economy within the lithium-ion battery industry, intending to create sustainable management of graphite waste streams. The improper handling of graphite as waste amplifies the carbon footprint and incurs additional costs for battery recyclers. Unlike cathode materials in batteries, graphite regeneration into battery-grade material has not beenindustrialized. Therefore, the study investigates recycling and other alternative approaches to obtain the circularity of graphite. The research explores downcycling, recycling, and upcycling business modelsfor graphite from lithium batteries. With the aim to maximize value and minimize efforts and associated costs. As per methods, an exploratory qualitative method was employed with the data mainly collected through interviews with actors in the graphite sector and recycling technologies. The findings showeconomic viability, feasibility, market dynamic, and regulatory aspects as crucial considerations for the decision-making of battery recyclers. Given the novelty of the material, evaluating technical feasibility through research and development requires coordination with potential partners. Several potential customer options, including graphene applications, steel and refineries, and refractory products, are proposed, each involving a respective business model. Furthermore, the study suggests diversifying partners and establishing partnerships with material receivers as a short-term strategy while awaiting advancements in recycling and upcycling technologies.
469

A scalable business model for mass customization of broadband services in the emerging Africa market / Dawid Pieter de Wet

De Wet, Dawid Pieter January 2012 (has links)
Africa’s rapid adoption of the mobile phone is quickly closing the digital divide in voice services. But, just as one divide is closing, another one is widening. Consumers almost everywhere are demanding more services and higher Internet access data rates. In the developing world the knowledge gained through access to information is creating unprecedented opportunities and is having a dramatic impact on the way people live and work. Africa, however, has been largely left behind in the shift to broadband. Increasing the availability and affordability of broadband services is thus high on the agenda for policy makers in Africa, though it will require major efforts from both government and the private sector. Fundamental to the all efforts to close the “digital divide” is the need to provide a ubiquitous and affordable access network that will enable distribution of broadband services to anywhere, and anytime throughout Africa. While many kinds of broadband services are being offered to the African population, the currently available services have failed to reach the majority of Africans living in rural areas. This poses a very pertinent question that justifies further investigations: why have the existing broadband services failed to satisfy Africa’s need for a ubiquitous digital communication service. The lack of penetration of the existing services makes it clear that a different technology and service offering is needed, a service offering that is affordable to the large consumer market segment and which can complement the mobile and ADSL broadband networks to provide services to all of Africa on a cost effective basis. This research work investigates the current business and technology domains and develops new knowledge and the insights that are required firstly to understand why existing broadband services are failing to reach rural Africa and secondly to understand what criteria must be satisfied to deliver broadband access services to the mass consumer Africa market. The research work focuses on the interrelationships between markets, technology and business of the consumer broadband market and defines new thinking as reference to provide guidance to the future development of more suitable broadband offerings for the rural African market. The study centres around three principal areas of knowledge contribution. Analysis of the primary factors impacting the delivery of broadband services Firstly the study addresses the current market dynamics and technology realities to determine two critical aspects: 1) Can the mass market afford broadband services or will it remain the privilege of the higher income groups? And, 2) Can existing mobile broadband , ADSL and satellite access services meet the demands to service the mass market or is an alternative technology option required? Through analytical review the study determined that there is a large, and growing, middle class market that can afford broadband access services. This market sector is quantified in terms of consumer income levels and demographic user data. The study formulates the commercial and service criteria applicable to a broadband access service on servicing this target market. The study further investigates the availability, affordability and market penetration of the current mobile and ADSL broadband services and found that the available service options cannot effectively meet the current and future demand. The limitation in meeting the current market demand leads to a large under serviced consumer market in Africa. The study proposes a unique approach to quantify the specific under-serviced gap, which will not be met by currently available broadband technologies. The technology comparative study provides new insight into the limitations of mobile 3G broadband services and why this technology will not be able to meet the future demand for consumer broadband services in Africa. The technology study furthermore quantifies the advantages of using satellite technology to implement a mass consumer broadband service in Africa. The study proves that the ubiquitous nature and rapid deployment capabilities of satellite access networks provides distinct benefits when deploying a mass consumer network which makes satellite the technology of choice for consumer broadband services. We then continue to assess the ability of existing satellite broadband offerings to satisfy the needs of African end-users, and find that those offerings have been optimized for the needs and affordability levels of customers from the develop world. The result is that satellite broadband services aimed at the African end-user is primarily used by corporate and institutional customers, with little penetration of the consumer market. This finding provides the motivation for developing a business model that can leverage available technology to effectively service the African consumer market. Innovation of new concepts to support a viable broadband business strategy The mobile prepay model as well as the DStv pay-TV subscription services have demonstrated the need for a specific business innovation to ensure successful market adoption of new technologies. Both these industries have demonstrated that innovative approaches in the commercialization of technology solutions are critical to ensure the mass adoption thereof. The second section of the study therefore focuses on the innovations that are required to overcome the obstacles as identified in section 1 in order to arrive at a business strategy and business model that will prove to be viable in the delivery of broadband services to the rural African consumer market. The first challenge is the selection of the most appropriate technology platforms and the architectural design of the delivery systems to effectively service the mass consumer market. In order to adapt the business models employed by existing satellite broadband service providers the study defines the following two specific business innovation concepts that contribute to a new business paradigm for mass market broadband access services: 1) Through applied billing model innovation the study defines a new billing structure for broadband services and set a completely new paradigm for users to influence the cost of the service. The new billing model provides end-user the capability to adapt their broadband usage patterns to meet their budget constraints. 2) To successfully deliver a technology service to an emerging market requires a very specific organisational structure that effectively integrates knowledge, capability and funding while minimizing risk and uncertainty. The study proposes a new symbiotic organisational structure that elegantly combines capability and knowledge while minimizing funding requirements to ensure the acceptable market development risk. Development of a business model simulator for satellite broadband service delivery The deployment of a new type of satellite broadband service to rural Africa on an experimental basis is too expensive to be conducted for research purposes. A more practical approach that is also widely used in other domains of engineering is to construct a simulated model of the system being studied. The third knowledge contribution area of the study therefore focuses on constructing a mathematical model of the expected behavior of a business operation that provides satellite based broadband services to the African market. This simulator can be applied to quantitatively analyze various existing or proposed new business strategies. The business model simulation integrates all the business, market, technology and commercial relationships that impacts on the expected behavior of such an operation and provides a quantified model of expected business behavior based on the underlying dynamics of the satellite broadband industry. The development and validation of the business model simulator represents a unique contribution to this industry as no results of a similar model that represents the operations of a satellite broadband access service provider has been published before. The model empowers Service Providers and industry stakeholders to analyze different business strategies and to quantify the impact of various business decisions. In general it can be stated that this research work adds knowledge and insight to the field of applied business strategy as applicable to providing advanced technology-based services for emerging markets. The final outcome of this research study is the business model simulator. It integrates various market and business elements as well as satellite network engineering practises into an integrated financial cost modelling, business scenario planning and engineering network design tool. Through this integration of known disciplines the study provides an additional extension to the field of satellite business engineering. / PhD (Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013
470

A scalable business model for mass customization of broadband services in the emerging Africa market / Dawid Pieter de Wet

De Wet, Dawid Pieter January 2012 (has links)
Africa’s rapid adoption of the mobile phone is quickly closing the digital divide in voice services. But, just as one divide is closing, another one is widening. Consumers almost everywhere are demanding more services and higher Internet access data rates. In the developing world the knowledge gained through access to information is creating unprecedented opportunities and is having a dramatic impact on the way people live and work. Africa, however, has been largely left behind in the shift to broadband. Increasing the availability and affordability of broadband services is thus high on the agenda for policy makers in Africa, though it will require major efforts from both government and the private sector. Fundamental to the all efforts to close the “digital divide” is the need to provide a ubiquitous and affordable access network that will enable distribution of broadband services to anywhere, and anytime throughout Africa. While many kinds of broadband services are being offered to the African population, the currently available services have failed to reach the majority of Africans living in rural areas. This poses a very pertinent question that justifies further investigations: why have the existing broadband services failed to satisfy Africa’s need for a ubiquitous digital communication service. The lack of penetration of the existing services makes it clear that a different technology and service offering is needed, a service offering that is affordable to the large consumer market segment and which can complement the mobile and ADSL broadband networks to provide services to all of Africa on a cost effective basis. This research work investigates the current business and technology domains and develops new knowledge and the insights that are required firstly to understand why existing broadband services are failing to reach rural Africa and secondly to understand what criteria must be satisfied to deliver broadband access services to the mass consumer Africa market. The research work focuses on the interrelationships between markets, technology and business of the consumer broadband market and defines new thinking as reference to provide guidance to the future development of more suitable broadband offerings for the rural African market. The study centres around three principal areas of knowledge contribution. Analysis of the primary factors impacting the delivery of broadband services Firstly the study addresses the current market dynamics and technology realities to determine two critical aspects: 1) Can the mass market afford broadband services or will it remain the privilege of the higher income groups? And, 2) Can existing mobile broadband , ADSL and satellite access services meet the demands to service the mass market or is an alternative technology option required? Through analytical review the study determined that there is a large, and growing, middle class market that can afford broadband access services. This market sector is quantified in terms of consumer income levels and demographic user data. The study formulates the commercial and service criteria applicable to a broadband access service on servicing this target market. The study further investigates the availability, affordability and market penetration of the current mobile and ADSL broadband services and found that the available service options cannot effectively meet the current and future demand. The limitation in meeting the current market demand leads to a large under serviced consumer market in Africa. The study proposes a unique approach to quantify the specific under-serviced gap, which will not be met by currently available broadband technologies. The technology comparative study provides new insight into the limitations of mobile 3G broadband services and why this technology will not be able to meet the future demand for consumer broadband services in Africa. The technology study furthermore quantifies the advantages of using satellite technology to implement a mass consumer broadband service in Africa. The study proves that the ubiquitous nature and rapid deployment capabilities of satellite access networks provides distinct benefits when deploying a mass consumer network which makes satellite the technology of choice for consumer broadband services. We then continue to assess the ability of existing satellite broadband offerings to satisfy the needs of African end-users, and find that those offerings have been optimized for the needs and affordability levels of customers from the develop world. The result is that satellite broadband services aimed at the African end-user is primarily used by corporate and institutional customers, with little penetration of the consumer market. This finding provides the motivation for developing a business model that can leverage available technology to effectively service the African consumer market. Innovation of new concepts to support a viable broadband business strategy The mobile prepay model as well as the DStv pay-TV subscription services have demonstrated the need for a specific business innovation to ensure successful market adoption of new technologies. Both these industries have demonstrated that innovative approaches in the commercialization of technology solutions are critical to ensure the mass adoption thereof. The second section of the study therefore focuses on the innovations that are required to overcome the obstacles as identified in section 1 in order to arrive at a business strategy and business model that will prove to be viable in the delivery of broadband services to the rural African consumer market. The first challenge is the selection of the most appropriate technology platforms and the architectural design of the delivery systems to effectively service the mass consumer market. In order to adapt the business models employed by existing satellite broadband service providers the study defines the following two specific business innovation concepts that contribute to a new business paradigm for mass market broadband access services: 1) Through applied billing model innovation the study defines a new billing structure for broadband services and set a completely new paradigm for users to influence the cost of the service. The new billing model provides end-user the capability to adapt their broadband usage patterns to meet their budget constraints. 2) To successfully deliver a technology service to an emerging market requires a very specific organisational structure that effectively integrates knowledge, capability and funding while minimizing risk and uncertainty. The study proposes a new symbiotic organisational structure that elegantly combines capability and knowledge while minimizing funding requirements to ensure the acceptable market development risk. Development of a business model simulator for satellite broadband service delivery The deployment of a new type of satellite broadband service to rural Africa on an experimental basis is too expensive to be conducted for research purposes. A more practical approach that is also widely used in other domains of engineering is to construct a simulated model of the system being studied. The third knowledge contribution area of the study therefore focuses on constructing a mathematical model of the expected behavior of a business operation that provides satellite based broadband services to the African market. This simulator can be applied to quantitatively analyze various existing or proposed new business strategies. The business model simulation integrates all the business, market, technology and commercial relationships that impacts on the expected behavior of such an operation and provides a quantified model of expected business behavior based on the underlying dynamics of the satellite broadband industry. The development and validation of the business model simulator represents a unique contribution to this industry as no results of a similar model that represents the operations of a satellite broadband access service provider has been published before. The model empowers Service Providers and industry stakeholders to analyze different business strategies and to quantify the impact of various business decisions. In general it can be stated that this research work adds knowledge and insight to the field of applied business strategy as applicable to providing advanced technology-based services for emerging markets. The final outcome of this research study is the business model simulator. It integrates various market and business elements as well as satellite network engineering practises into an integrated financial cost modelling, business scenario planning and engineering network design tool. Through this integration of known disciplines the study provides an additional extension to the field of satellite business engineering. / PhD (Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Page generated in 0.1071 seconds