Flevy Management Insights Q&A
In what ways can Business Capability Modeling support the development of new business models or revenue streams?


This article provides a detailed response to: In what ways can Business Capability Modeling support the development of new business models or revenue streams? For a comprehensive understanding of Business Capability Model, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Business Capability Model best practice resources.

TLDR Business Capability Modeling supports new business models and revenue streams by identifying unmet customer needs, optimizing capabilities for new markets, and leveraging technology for innovation, enhancing Strategic Planning and Innovation.

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Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they related to this question.

What does Business Capability Modeling mean?
What does Gap Analysis mean?
What does Market Segmentation mean?
What does Digital Transformation mean?


Business Capability Modeling (BCM) is a comprehensive approach that helps organizations understand and document their functions, processes, information, and technologies. This model serves as a strategic tool to align initiatives with business goals, streamline operations, and identify areas for growth. By leveraging BCM, companies can develop new business models or revenue streams through a variety of mechanisms. These include identifying unmet customer needs, optimizing existing capabilities for new markets, and leveraging technology for innovation.

Identifying Unmet Customer Needs

BCM facilitates a deep understanding of an organization's capabilities in relation to customer needs. By mapping out capabilities, companies can identify gaps between what customers desire and what the company currently offers. This gap analysis is crucial for developing new business models that cater to unmet needs. For instance, a company might discover through capability analysis that it has strong logistics and distribution capabilities that are not being fully utilized. This insight could lead to the development of a new revenue stream by offering logistics services to other businesses. According to a report by McKinsey, companies that closely align their capabilities and business strategies can see revenue growth up to 5% faster than their competitors.

Moreover, BCM can help organizations segment their customer base more effectively. By understanding the specific capabilities that serve different market segments, companies can tailor their offerings to meet the unique needs of each segment. This targeted approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also opens up new avenues for revenue generation.

Real-world examples of companies identifying unmet customer needs include Amazon's expansion into cloud computing with Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS was born out of Amazon's internal capabilities in managing large-scale computing infrastructure. Recognizing that these capabilities could serve a broader market, Amazon launched AWS, which has since become a significant revenue source for the company.

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Optimizing Existing Capabilities for New Markets

BCM also plays a critical role in helping organizations repurpose existing capabilities for new markets or applications. This involves analyzing the company's current capabilities to identify how they can be adapted or extended to create new value propositions. For example, a manufacturing company might use its expertise in precision engineering to enter the medical devices market, leveraging its existing capabilities to serve a completely different industry.

This strategic shift requires a thorough understanding of both the company's capabilities and the needs of the new market. By employing BCM, companies can ensure that their capabilities are not only relevant but also competitive within the new context. Accenture's research highlights that companies that successfully repurpose their capabilities for new markets can achieve up to 6% higher profit margins than those that do not.

A notable example of this approach is Nokia's transition from a paper mill and rubber company to a telecommunications giant and then into network infrastructure and technology services. Each pivot leveraged existing capabilities while transforming them to meet the needs of new markets and opportunities.

Leveraging Technology for Innovation

In today's digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in enabling new business models and revenue streams. BCM helps organizations understand how their technological capabilities can be harnessed or enhanced to drive innovation. This includes identifying opportunities for digital transformation, such as automating processes, utilizing analytics target=_blank>data analytics for decision-making, or developing new digital products and services.

For instance, companies can use BCM to map out their data analytics capabilities and identify how these can be applied to new areas, such as predictive maintenance for manufacturing or personalized marketing for retail. Gartner reports that companies investing in advanced analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities can outperform competitors by up to 25% in customer satisfaction and efficiency.

An example of leveraging technology for innovation is Netflix’s transformation from a DVD rental service to a streaming platform and content creator. By understanding and developing its capabilities in streaming technology, content recommendation algorithms, and original content production, Netflix has been able to dominate the entertainment industry and continuously innovate its business model.

In conclusion, Business Capability Modeling is a vital tool for organizations looking to develop new business models or revenue streams. By providing a clear understanding of an organization's strengths and weaknesses, BCM enables companies to identify unmet customer needs, optimize existing capabilities for new markets, and leverage technology for innovation. Through strategic analysis and implementation of BCM, organizations can achieve competitive advantage, customer satisfaction, and financial success.

Best Practices in Business Capability Model

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Business Capability Model Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Business Capability Model, take a look at these case studies.

E-Commerce Platform Digital Transformation for Specialty Retail

Scenario: A specialty retail firm in the e-commerce sector is facing challenges in aligning its technology investments with strategic business outcomes.

Read Full Case Study

Business Capability Transformation in Sports Media

Scenario: The organization, a sports media company, faces challenges in adapting its Business Capability Model to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Read Full Case Study

Capability Model Refinement for Telecom Operator

Scenario: The organization is a leading telecom operator facing challenges with its existing Business Capability Model which has become misaligned with the evolving market dynamics and technology landscape.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Business Capability Modeling for Aerospace Manufacturer in Competitive Landscape

Scenario: The organization in focus operates within the aerospace sector and has recently encountered operational hurdles impacting its market competitiveness.

Read Full Case Study

Telecom Capability Transformation for a European Mobile Operator

Scenario: The organization in question is a well-established mobile telecom operator in Europe facing a plateau in growth and market share.

Read Full Case Study

E-Commerce Capability Model Refinement for Luxury Apparel Retailer

Scenario: A mid-sized luxury apparel retailer has seen its e-commerce market share stagnate in a highly competitive online retail space.

Read Full Case Study

Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

How can Business Capability Modeling facilitate better decision-making in mergers and acquisitions?
Business Capability Modeling enhances M&A decision-making by offering insights into Strategic Alignment, Synergy Potential, Risk Management, and Integration Challenges, facilitating a comprehensive analysis for maximizing value and success. [Read full explanation]
How is artificial intelligence reshaping Business Capability Modeling practices?
AI is revolutionizing Business Capability Modeling by improving Strategic Decision-Making, Operational Excellence, and driving Innovation for competitive advantage in the digital age. [Read full explanation]
How can Business Capability Modeling be integrated with enterprise risk management to mitigate risks more effectively?
Integrating Business Capability Modeling with Enterprise Risk Management allows organizations to align capabilities with risk strategies, improving resilience and strategic decision-making. [Read full explanation]
What role will IoT (Internet of Things) play in evolving Business Capability Models in the next decade?
IoT is set to transform Business Capability Models by improving Customer Experience, revolutionizing Supply Chain Management, and empowering Data-Driven Decision Making, driving organizational transformation in the digital age. [Read full explanation]
What are the challenges of implementing Business Capability Modeling in a highly decentralized organization?
Implementing Business Capability Modeling in a decentralized organization requires overcoming alignment, cultural resistance, and system integration challenges through centralized governance, effective Change Management, and flexible integration strategies. [Read full explanation]
What impact does the increasing importance of sustainability have on Business Capability Modeling?
The increasing importance of sustainability significantly impacts Business Capability Modeling by driving the integration of ESG criteria into Strategic Planning, adopting Digital Technologies for sustainability goals, and enhancing capabilities in measuring and reporting sustainability performance. [Read full explanation]

Source: Executive Q&A: Business Capability Model Questions, Flevy Management Insights, 2024


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