Evaluating a business model in the development stage of content based internet businesses : shown with an example of a platform for people with food intolerance

Abstract

This thesis deals with the creation and evaluation of business models for content based internet businesses. A missing business model is often a crucial factor for a breakdown when starting a business. Hence, there is a need for finding a set of criteria that can be used before implementing the business in order to assess the defined business model. This work determined some criteria mainly based on the work of Hamel (2001) and Schubert and Selz (2001). The definition and evaluation of the business model was demonstrated on a web site that provides help for people with food intolerance by offering access to a recipe database and information relevant to food intolerance. However, the criteria are applicable to all web sites that offer online delivered content. The analysis of the business model shows that the set of criteria does not give a guarantee for a successful business but is a help for analysing and correcting weaknesses in a business model.<br />