To gain the attention of online customers and interact with them, a number of business models are developed over the Internet. Each model is unique in its application to generate revenue for an organization. Any given firm may combine different models as part of its Internet business strategy to increase profitability. This paper focuses on a methodology to evolve an integrated e-business model by combining available models over the Internet. A collection of e-business models is given for ready reference. The methodology is specified in Situation Actor Process–Learning Action Performance (SAP-LAP) framework, so that any given firm can identify the related issues in evolving an integrated business model. Business environment and e-commerce trends are considered in ‘situation’; e-business model development team comprises the ‘actor’, and the ‘process’ part deals with evolving an integrated business model. The steps of flexible systems methodology are followed to combine the models in an integrated manner. Learning issues are given based on SAP analysis; action items and performance metrics are given to evolve an integrated business model. SAP-LAP issues addressed in the paper facilitate companies to enter the web with clear goals. A case study is developed to illustrate the various steps proposed by the methodology.
e-commerce, Internet business models, flexibility, SAP-LAP models
