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Business Model Canvas

What is a Business Model Canvas?

Business Model Canvas: The term "Business Model Canvas" refers to a strategic management tool that allows businesses to visualize, design, and reinvent their business models. Specifically developed by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur, this framework is presented on a single canvas, simplifying the complexities of how a business creates, delivers, and captures value.


Business Model Canvas in More Detail

The canvas is divided into nine key segments:

  1. Customer Segments: Identifies the different groups of people or organizations a business aims to reach and serve.
  2. Value Propositions: Defines the bundle of products and services that create value for a specific Customer Segment.
  3. Channels: Outlines the ways a company communicates with and reaches its Customer Segments to deliver a Value Proposition.
  4. Customer Relationships: Describes the types of relationships a company establishes with specific Customer Segments.
  5. Revenue Streams: Represents the cash a company generates from each Customer Segment (costs must be subtracted from revenues to create earnings).
  6. Key Resources: Describes the most important assets required to make a business model work.
  7. Key Activities: Denotes the most important activities a company must take to operate successfully.
  8. Key Partnerships: Lists the network of suppliers and partners that make the business model effective.
  9. Cost Structure: Outlines all the costs incurred to operate a business model.

This canvas serves as a powerful tool to describe, challenge, and pivot a business model. It supports clear communication of the business model elements and assists in strategic planning by allowing companies to test out various scenarios. The Business Model Canvas is widely used across various industries due to its simplicity and practical approach in aligning business activities, leading to enhanced strategic management and more effective performance.