Some years ago I authored a conference paper that developed a conceptual framework for business model research (Lambert, 2008). The paper has had a modest but consistent viewings and citations and I have found the conceptual framework development exercise useful when assisting research students. The goal of a conceptual framework is to define key terms and fundamental issues and to prescribe future practice and, as Miller (1987) proffers, provides a basis for future debate.
Conceptual frameworks are sometimes developed whilst attempting to work out ways to improve processes and practice. It might not be the original intention of the research but it is something that is frequently developed along the way as a result of higher-level thinking. It is possible that a conceptual framework is developed but it is not recognised as a conceptual framework. I am interested in uncovering examples of conceptual frameworks that have been developed to serve diverse purposes to see if there is anything that can be extracted and shared with the research community.
If you have something that you would like to share please do so.
I look forward to your contribution in the form of comments, cases, queries.
Susan Lambert
References
Lambert, S.C. (2008), ‘A Conceptual Framework for Business Model Research’, 21st Bled eConference, Bled, Slovenia.
Miller, M. (1987) Accounting Theory and Policy: A Reader. In Bloom, R. and Elgers, P. (Eds.) Second ed. Orlando, Florida, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc.
Dear Susan
When I review paper I allways take a time in framework. In my opinion the framework is very important in order to write the reaserch and to do the objetives and questions. When I write a framework also I take care of the date and principals authors. Even when I write conclusions I take care of it.
Best reagards
Ingrid
Dear Colleague Susan,
Do you mean by a conceptual framework what discourse analysis calls a discursive frame?
See An Introduction to Discourse Analysis by Malcolm Coulthard Longman, 1985.
"The central concern of this book is the analysis of verbal interaction or discourse. This first six chapters report and evaluate major theoretical advances in the description of discourse. "
Ingrid and Gloria,
Thank you for your comments. Ingrid, I think we are using the term differently. I think you are referring to the framework that scopes a single piece of research or thesis. I look to develop a conceptual framework that can scope and direct ongoing debate between researchers and practitioners.
Gloria, I am going to read the text you have suggested. I think perhaps there is something for me to learn from your field.
Thank you again
sincerely
Susan
Hi
Next to conceptual frameworks, that serves to deal with explanatory models, I would suggest to look in literature on BM Ontologies.
Kind regards
Harry Bouwman
Thank you for the comment Harry. I agree that the information science use and the business model application of 'ontology' defines key elements and their relationships with each other, which are goals of conceptual frameworks, but I think the conceptual framework goes further. As I see it, a conceptual framework addresses the context in which the item of interest is being considered and the issues surrounding the processor item of interest - but maybe I am confusing this with a reference model - or being too semantic.
Susan
For me a conceptual model is related to an explanatory model, the x- and y var. In my view these are often grouped in relation to context (often ignored in IS research) and other organizational, human factors as well as factors related to the core technology at stake. A reference model is more from used from a design point of view, as a normative guideline (and might imply the issues/items of interest). A BM for me is something that helps to implement a BM, and defines the (networked) Enterprise Architecture in which processes, applications, and IT infra are core. The one set conditions to the other. By the way are you the author of the review paper in EMJ?
I agree that the reference model is a normative model that relates to a concept. I think that in general a conceptual framework relates, at the highest level, to a process.
You are correct Harry, I did co-author that EMJ paper.
Susan
Dear Susan,
Maybe my paper can help you:
Conference Paper The Impact of Digitization on Business Models – A Systematic...
Kind regards
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