BUSINESS MODEL DESIGN SUPPORT DEVICE AND BUSINESS MODEL DESIGN SUPPORT METHOD

Abstract

To allow a user to easily design a business model.SOLUTION: An apparatus for supporting design of a business model stores management information including information on a flow of currency between stakeholders. The apparatus generates and presents a revenue stream chart screen on the basis of the management information. The revenue stream chart screen includes multiple layers arranged in a first direction. Each of the layers includes one or more stakeholder sections arranged in a second direction. Each of the stakeholder sections includes one or more blocks. Each of the blocks indicates a specific accounting item of a stakeholder. The revenue stream chart screen includes currency flow blocks that indicate flows of currency between the stakeholder sections of adjacent layers and connect the stakeholder sections. The apparatus decides arrangement of the stakeholder sections in each of the layers on the basis of a state of intersection of the currency flow blocks.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to support for designing a business model. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known digital tools that are used in workshops to support the design of business models. Such business model design support tools enable multiple users to move between multiple types of screens, such as a framework screen for discussing win-win relationships among stakeholders, and a framework screen for visualizing each stakeholder's business concept and discussing strategies, and to hold multifaceted discussions.

[0003] For example, the development support device disclosed in International Publication No. 2016 / 151795 is characterized by comprising a memory unit that stores display data related information in which information for displaying stakeholders and transaction objects between the stakeholders on multiple screens having different perspectives on the transaction is stored, and a control unit that displays at least a portion of the transaction objects and stakeholders on multiple screens based on the display data related information, accepts a user's update of the display data related information, and displays at least a portion of the transaction objects and stakeholders on multiple screens based on the updated display data related information (see, for example, Abstract). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 151795 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By presenting the flow of money between stakeholders to the user, the user can hold discussions to help each stakeholder earn higher profits. In general, since there is a flow of money between multiple stakeholder pairs, the screen layout showing the flow of money between stakeholders tends to become complicated.

[0006] To make it easier for users to design business models that will enable each stakeholder to generate high profits while looking at a screen showing the flow of money, it is important to reduce the overlap of components displayed on the screen and make it easy to visually confirm information such as the flow of money and expenditure or income items on the screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a business model design support device that displays information on transactions between stakeholders, the device comprising one or more computing devices and one or more storage devices, the one or more storage devices holding management information, the management information including information on monetary flows between stakeholders, the one or more computing devices generating and presenting a revenue stream chart screen based on the management information, the revenue stream chart screen including a plurality of layers arranged in a first direction, each of the plurality of layers including one or more stakeholder sections arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the one or more stakeholder sections including one or more blocks, each of the one or more blocks indicating specific account items of a stakeholder, the revenue stream chart screen including monetary flow blocks indicating the monetary flow between stakeholder sections of adjacent layers and connecting the stakeholder sections, the one or more computing devices determining the arrangement of the stakeholder sections of each of the plurality of layers based on the intersection state of the monetary flow blocks. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it becomes easier for users to design business models. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of a usage state of a business model design support system (computer system) according to an embodiment of this specification. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a business model design support device. [Diagram 3] 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a client terminal. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a business model design support device according to an embodiment of the present specification. [Diagram 5] 1 shows an example of an income stream chart screen generated by the business model design support apparatus and displayed on a display device of a client terminal. [Figure 6] 1 shows an example of the structure of stakeholder information. [Figure 7] 1 shows an example of the configuration of expense item information. [Figure 8] 13 shows an example of the configuration of stakeholder arrangement information. [Figure 9] 13 shows an example of the configuration of expenditure item allocation information. [Figure 10] 13 shows a flowchart of an example of a process for generating an income stream chart screen. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing details of steps S104 and S105 in the flowchart of FIG. 10. [Figure 12A] 13 shows different layouts of the first revenue stream flow screen. [Figure 12B] 13 shows different layouts of the first revenue stream flow screen. [Figure 12C] 13 shows different layouts of the first revenue stream flow screen. [Figure 12D] 13 shows different layouts of the first revenue stream flow screen. [Figure 13A] 13 shows different layouts of the second revenue stream flow screen. [Figure 13B] 13 shows different layouts of the second revenue stream flow screen. [Figure 14] 1 shows an example of a Revenue Stream Flow screen that includes a dummy stakeholder section. [Figure 15] 13 shows an example of a Revenue Stream Flow screen including a Copy Stakeholder section. [Figure 16] 1 shows an example of a business map screen and an example of a revenue stream chart screen generated based on information entered on the business map screen. [Figure 17A] 1 shows one of two revenue stream chart screens to be compared. [Figure 17B] 4 shows another of the two revenue stream chart screens to be compared. [Figure 17C] 17B shows a modified version of the revenue stream chart screen of FIG. 17B. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart of an example of a process for adjusting the layout of one of the revenue stream chart screens in order to compare two revenue stream chart screens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the following, when necessary for convenience, the description will be divided into multiple sections or embodiments, but unless otherwise specified, they are not unrelated to each other, and one is related to the other as a partial or complete modification, detail, supplementary explanation, etc. Furthermore, in the following, when the number of elements, etc. (including the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc.) is mentioned, it is not limited to the specific number, and may be more than or less than the specific number, unless otherwise specified or clearly limited in principle to a specific number, etc.

[0011] This system may be a physical computer system (one or more physical computers) or a system built on a group of computing resources (multiple computing resources) such as a cloud infrastructure. The computer system or the group of computing resources may include one or more interface devices (including, for example, a communication device and an input / output device), one or more storage devices (including, for example, a memory (main memory) and an auxiliary storage device), and one or more arithmetic devices.

[0012] When a function is realized by executing a program by a computing device, the defined process is performed using a storage device and / or an interface device, etc., as appropriate, and therefore the function may be at least a part of one or more computing devices. A process described using a function as the subject may be a process performed by a system including one or more computing devices.

[0013] The program may be installed from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution computer or a computer-readable storage medium (for example, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium). The description of each function is an example, and multiple functions may be combined into one function, or one function may be divided into multiple functions.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an example of the usage of a business model design support system (computer system) according to an embodiment of this specification. The business model design support system presents information for one or more stakeholders to discuss and consider a business mechanism that will generate higher profits. The business model design support system includes a server 101 and multiple client terminals 102. The server 101 and the client terminals 102 communicate with each other via a network 104. In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the business model design support device 101 is configured with one server, and is connected to the client terminal 102 via the network 104. The configuration of the communication network between the server 101 and the client terminal 102 is arbitrary.

[0015] The server 101 is a business model design support device that provides a service for designing a business model to the client terminal 102. The business model design support device 101 can be configured with one or more computers, or can be configured with computer resources on the cloud. In this way, the business model design support device 101 can include one or more arithmetic devices and one or more storage devices.

[0016] An input / output device 103 is connected to each of the client terminals 102 by wire or wirelessly. The input / output device 103 is, for example, a stationary or portable input / output device combining a thin display and a touch panel. The input / output device 103 presents a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen to the user. Using the client terminal 102 and its input / output device 103, the user can view and operate the GUI screen provided by the business model design support device 101 to obtain necessary information.

[0017] A user can use a screen provided by the business model design support device 101 to hold a meeting for designing a business model, such as a workshop or group work. A workshop can be held, for example, by a facilitator who encourages the progress of the discussion, and other participants. In this way, a user can design a new business model while referring to and operating the screen provided by the business model design support device 101. Note that a single user may use the services provided by the input / output device 103.

[0018] 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the business model design support device 101. The business model design support device 101 includes a main storage device 202 configured with a volatile storage element such as a RAM, and an auxiliary storage device 203 configured with an appropriate non-volatile storage element such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or a hard disk drive.

[0019] The business model design support device 101 further includes a calculation device 201 such as a CPU that executes a program 208 stored in an auxiliary memory device 203 or the like by reading it into a main memory device 202, thereby performing overall control of the device itself and also performing various judgments, calculations, and control processing.

[0020] The business model design support device 101 includes a communication interface 206 for connecting to a network and exchanging data. These components of the business model design support device 101 can communicate with each other via an internal bus 207. The business model design support device 101 may further include input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel for receiving input operations from a user, and an output device such as a display for displaying processing results to the user.

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 203 stores a program 208 for implementing functions required for the business model design support device 101 of this embodiment, as well as an information database (DB) 204 that stores data required for various processes. The information database 204 stores business model data, which will be described later.

[0022] The business model design support device 101 may be a physical computer system (one or more physical computers) or a system built on a group of computing resources (multiple computing resources) such as a cloud platform. The computer system or the group of computing resources includes one or more interface devices, one or more storage devices (including, for example, a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device), and one or more arithmetic devices.

[0023] When a function is realized by executing a program by a computing device, the defined process is performed using a storage device and / or an interface device, etc., as appropriate, and therefore the function may be considered to be at least a part of the computing device. A process described using a function as the subject may be considered to be a process performed by the computing device or a system having a processor thereof.

[0024] The program may be installed from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution computer or a computer-readable storage medium (for example, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium). The description of each function is an example, and multiple functions may be combined into one function, or one function may be divided into multiple functions.

[0025] 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the client terminal 102. The client terminal 102 includes a main memory device 222 configured with a volatile memory element such as a RAM, and an auxiliary memory device 223 configured with an appropriate non-volatile memory element such as an SSD or a hard disk drive. The client terminal 102 further includes a calculation device 221 such as a CPU that reads out a program 228 stored in the auxiliary memory device 223 or the like into the main memory device 222 and executes it, performs overall control of the system itself, and performs various judgments, calculations, and control processes.

[0026] The program 228 includes a program that enables the client terminal 102 to present information provided by the business model design support device 101 to the user, and further enables the client terminal 102 to transmit user operations to the business model design support device 101 .

[0027] The client terminal 102 includes a communication interface 226 for connecting to a network and exchanging data, an input device 224 such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, microphone, etc. for receiving input operations from a user, and an output device 225 such as a display for displaying processing results to the user and a speaker for outputting sound, etc. As shown in Fig. 1, an external input / output device 103 may be connected to the client terminal 102 via the communication interface 226.

[0028] These components of the client terminal 102 can communicate with each other via an internal bus 227. Necessary information (data) as well as a program 228 for implementing necessary functions are stored in the auxiliary storage device 223. The client terminal 102 may be, for example, a general desktop, notebook, or tablet computer.

[0029] Next, a description will be given of functions of the business model design support device 101. Fig. 4 shows an example of a functional configuration of the business model design support device 101 according to an embodiment of the present specification. The functions described below are implemented by, for example, the arithmetic unit 201 of the business model design support device 101 executing a program 208.

[0030] The business model design support device 101 includes a screen operation acquisition unit 301, a business model information acquisition unit 302, a business model information update unit 303, a business model information storage unit 304, a display screen generation unit 305, and a display screen update notification unit 306. Business model information 310 is management information, and is stored in the information database 204.

[0031] The business model information 310 includes stakeholder information 311, expenditure item information 312, stakeholder arrangement information 313, and expenditure item arrangement information 314. The stakeholder information 311 and the expenditure item information 312 are information referenced for generating an income stream chart, which will be described later. The stakeholder arrangement information 313 and the expenditure item arrangement information 314 are configuration information for the income stream chart.

[0032] The screen operation acquisition unit 301 acquires information on operations performed by a user on a screen from the client terminal 102. In the configuration example of Fig. 1, the user inputs a user operation at the input / output device 103. The business model information acquisition unit 302 acquires business model information 310 from the information database 204 to update the screen in response to the user operation. The business model information update unit 303 updates the business model information 310 based on the acquired information on the user operation.

[0033] The business model information storage unit 304 stores the updated business model information 310 in the information database 204. The display screen generation unit 305 generates data for an updated display screen according to the updated business model information 310. The display screen update notification unit 306 transmits the generated data for the display screen to the client terminal 102. The client terminal 102 displays the updated screen on the input / output device 103.

[0034] 5 shows an example of an income stream chart screen generated by the business model design support device 101 and displayed on the display device of the client terminal 102, or the input / output device 103 in the configuration example of FIG. 1. The income stream chart screen 500 presents information on transactions between stakeholders. More specifically, it shows at least a part of the account items of each specific stakeholder and the flow of money between the stakeholders.

[0035] A user can discuss the revenue of each stakeholder while changing the currency flow between the stakeholders on the revenue stream chart screen 500. In one embodiment of the present specification, the overlap of displayed components (currency flow, etc.) is reduced, making it easier to visually confirm information such as currency flow and profit amount on the screen.

[0036] In the configuration example of FIG. 5, the income stream chart screen 500 shows information on four stakeholders. They are "service user", "service provider", "affiliated store", and "platform (PF) provider". The income stream chart screen 500 shows the expenditure, income, and monetary flow of these stakeholders. The service provider is the focus stakeholder and is marked with a star. In one embodiment of this specification, the income stream chart screen shows information on stakeholders related to the focus stakeholder.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present specification, the income stream chart screen shows multiple layers. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 5, the income stream chart screen 500 includes three layers 501, 502, and 503. The layers 501, 502, and 503 are arranged in the vertical direction (first direction) of the income stream chart screen 500. The layers 501, 502, and 503 are arranged in this order from the top.

[0038] Each layer contains one or more stakeholder sections. A stakeholder section shows expenditure and / or income information for the corresponding stakeholder. Each stakeholder section is composed of blocks representing each information item. The width of each block represents its amount. A wider block indicates a larger amount.

[0039] In the configuration example shown in Fig. 5, the top layer 501 is made up of a stakeholder section 511 of the service user. The stakeholder section 511 shows only the expenditure items of the service user. The stakeholder section 511 is made up of a product purchase expenditure block 521. The product purchase expenditure block 521 is represented by a home base-shaped pentagon with the central tip pointing downward.

[0040] The middle layer 502 is composed of a stakeholder section 512 of the service provider company. The stakeholder section 512 shows information on the income, expenditure, and profit of the service provider company. The stakeholder section 512 is composed of one income block 551, multiple expenditure blocks 522A to 522E, and one profit block 541.

[0041] The income block 551 is represented by a rectangle. The width of the income block 551 indicates the amount. The stakeholder section 512 includes a product price expenditure block 522A, a PF usage fee expenditure block 522B, an application provision expenditure block 522C, a store recruitment expenditure block 522D, and a general expense expenditure block 522E.

[0042] Product price expenditure block 522A and PF usage fee expenditure block 522B are represented as home plate-shaped pentagons with the central tip pointing downward. The other expenditure blocks 522C, 522D, and 522E are represented as rectangles. The width of each expenditure block 522A to 522E indicates its amount. Profit block 541 is represented as a rectangle. The width of profit block 541 indicates its amount.

[0043] The income block 551 is arranged above the expenditure blocks 522A-522E and the profit block 541. Below the income block 551, the expenditure blocks 522A-522E and the profit block 541 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. In the example of FIG. 5, the expenditure blocks are arranged from the left in descending order of amount, with the profit block 541 being arranged at the right end. The width of the income block 551 is equal to the sum of the widths of the expenditure blocks 522A-522E and the profit block 541.

[0044] The bottom layer 503 is composed of two stakeholder sections 513, 514. Stakeholder sections 513, 514 are arranged in a row horizontally from the left in this order. The horizontal direction is an example of a second direction that intersects with the top-bottom direction. Stakeholder section 513 shows information on the income, expenditure, and profit of affiliated stores, and stakeholder section 514 shows information on the income, expenditure, and profit of the PF providing company. The stakeholder sections may be arranged in order of width. In this example, the width (amount of income) of stakeholder section 513 is greater than the width of stakeholder section 514.

[0045] The stakeholder section 513 is composed of one income block 552, multiple expenditure blocks 524, and one profit block 542. The income block 552 is represented as a rectangle. The width of the income block 552 indicates its amount. The stakeholder section 513 includes a product purchase cost expenditure block 524A, a transportation cost expenditure block 524B, and a general cost expenditure block 524C. Each expenditure block is represented as a rectangle. The width of each expenditure block indicates its amount. The profit block 542 is represented as a rectangle. The width of the profit block 542 indicates its amount.

[0046] The income block 552 is arranged above the expenditure blocks 524A-524C and the profit block 542. Below the income block 552, the expenditure blocks 524A-524C and the profit block 542 are arranged in a left-right direction. In the example of FIG. 5, the expenditure blocks are arranged from the left in descending order of amount, with the profit block 542 being arranged at the right end. The width of the income block 552 is equal to the sum of the widths of the expenditure blocks 524A-524C and the profit block 542.

[0047] The stakeholder section 514 is composed of one income block 553, multiple expenditure blocks 525A, 525B, and one profit block 543. The income block 553 is represented as a rectangle. The width of the income block 553 indicates its amount. The stakeholder section 513 includes a PF development and operation expenditure block 525A and a general expenses expenditure block 525B. Each expenditure block is represented as a rectangle. The width of the expenditure block indicates its amount. The profit block 543 is represented as a rectangle. The width of the profit block 543 indicates its amount.

[0048] Income block 553 is arranged above expenditure blocks 525A, 525B and profit block 543. Below income block 553, expenditure blocks 525A, 525B and profit block 543 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. In the example of Figure 5, expenditure blocks are arranged from the left in descending order of amount, with profit block 543 being arranged at the right end. The width of income block 553 is the same as the sum of the widths of expenditure blocks 525A, 525B and profit block 543.

[0049] As illustrated in Fig. 5, in one embodiment of the present specification, a plurality of stakeholder sections in one layer are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction. In one embodiment of the present specification, each stakeholder section is a block of one or more blocks, and the areas of different stakeholder sections are partitioned, and no block of one stakeholder section is sandwiched between blocks of another stakeholder section. The shape of each block is not limited to the example illustrated in Fig. 5, and may be appropriately set according to design.

[0050] The revenue stream chart screen 500 further shows a money flow block that represents the flow of money between layers. This allows the user to easily recognize the flow of money between stakeholders. In FIG. 5, three money flow blocks 561, 562, and 563 are shown. The money flow blocks connect the source stakeholder section and the destination stakeholder section of the adjacent layer.

[0051] Money flow block 561 is contained in interlayer 571 between layer 501 and layer 502. Money flow blocks 562 and 563 are contained in interlayer 572 between layer 502 and layer 503.

[0052] A money flow block is a strip-shaped block that connects an expenditure item of the expenditure source in the upper layer and an income item of the expenditure destination in the lower layer. The width of the money flow block indicates its amount. In the example of Figure 5, the expenditure source block, expenditure destination block, and the money block that connects them have the same width.

[0053] For example, money flow block 561 connects the source, product purchase price expenditure block 521, and the destination, income block 551. Money flow block 562 connects the source, product price expenditure block 522A, and the destination, income block 552. Money flow block 563 connects the source, PF usage fee expenditure block 522B, and the destination, income block 553. The source blocks connected to the destination blocks by money flow blocks are represented by pentagons, and represent the flow of money from the upper layer to the lower layer.

[0054] On the revenue stream chart screen 500, the user discusses the revenue of each stakeholder while changing the monetary flow rate between the stakeholders. When the shaping button 591 is pressed, the arrangement of the components on the revenue stream chart screen 500 is updated according to the changed information. In one embodiment of this specification, the business model design support device 101 arranges the components so that the overlap of the monetary flow blocks is reduced. This makes it easier for the user to visually check information such as monetary flow rate and profit amount on the revenue stream chart screen.

[0055] The business model design support device 101 generates an income stream chart screen from information on the account items of the stakeholders included in the business model information 310, and further includes configuration information of the income stream chart screen in the business model information 310. Details of the information included in the business model information 310 will be described below.

[0056] The income stream chart screen, an example of which is described with reference to Fig. 5, can be generated from stakeholder information 311 and expense item information 312. Stakeholder placement information 313 and expense item placement information 314 are configuration information that indicate the positions of components of the income stream chart screen.

[0057] Fig. 6 shows an example of the configuration of stakeholder information 311. Stakeholder information 311 includes information about stakeholders. In the example configuration of Fig. 6, stakeholder information 311 includes a stakeholder ID column 351 and a stakeholder name column 352. Stakeholder ID column 351 indicates an ID for identifying a stakeholder. Stakeholder name column 352 indicates the name of the stakeholder.

[0058] Fig. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the expenditure item information 312. The expenditure item information 312 shows information on the expenditure items of each stakeholder. In the example of the configuration of Fig. 7, the expenditure item information 312 includes a stakeholder ID column 361, an expenditure item ID column 362, an expenditure item name column 363, an expenditure amount column 364, and an expenditure destination stakeholder ID column 365.

[0059] The stakeholder ID column 361 indicates an ID for identifying a stakeholder. The ID indicated in the stakeholder ID column 361 matches the stakeholder ID indicated in the stakeholder information 311. The expenditure item ID column 362 indicates the ID of each expenditure item of each stakeholder ID. The combination of the stakeholder ID and the expenditure item ID identifies all expenditure items of all stakeholders.

[0060] The expenditure item name column 363 indicates the name of the expenditure item. The expenditure amount column 364 indicates the amount of each expenditure item for each stakeholder. The expenditure destination stakeholder ID column 365 indicates the stakeholder ID of the expenditure destination. All IDs in the expenditure destination stakeholder ID column 365 are included in the stakeholder information 311. If the expenditure destination is a contractor not included in the stakeholder IDs indicated by the stakeholder information 311, the expenditure destination stakeholder ID column 365 indicates "-".

[0061] Fig. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the stakeholder arrangement information 313. The stakeholder arrangement information 313 shows the arrangement positions of the stakeholder sections on the income stream chart screen. In the example of the configuration of Fig. 8, the stakeholder arrangement information 313 includes a stakeholder ID column 371, a layer number column 372, and an arrangement number column 373.

[0062] The stakeholder ID column 361 indicates an ID for identifying a stakeholder shown on the income stream chart screen. The stakeholder ID column 361 indicates some or all of the stakeholder IDs included in the stakeholder information 311. The layer number column 372 indicates the number of the layer in which the section of the stakeholder indicated by the stakeholder ID is located.

[0063] In the example in Figure 8, stakeholder ID "1" is the ID of the focal stakeholder. The layer that contains the focal stakeholder's section is assigned the number "0". The numbers decrease from the focal stakeholder's layer toward higher layers. For example, the number "-1" indicates the layer one layer above the focal stakeholder's layer. Conversely, the numbers increase from the focal stakeholder's layer toward lower layers. For example, the number "1" indicates the layer one layer below the focal stakeholder's layer.

[0064] 9 shows an example of the configuration of the expenditure item arrangement information 314. The expenditure item arrangement information 314 shows the arrangement positions of expenditure blocks on the income stream chart screen. In the example of the configuration of FIG. 9, the expenditure item arrangement information 314 includes a stakeholder ID column 381, an expenditure item ID column 382, ​​and an arrangement number column 383.

[0065] The stakeholder IDs indicated in the stakeholder ID column 381 match the stakeholder IDs indicated in the stakeholder placement information 313. The expenditure item ID column 382 indicates the expenditure item IDs of each stakeholder indicated in the stakeholder ID column 381. The expenditure item IDs of each stakeholder ID indicated in the expenditure item ID column 382 match the expenditure item IDs of the stakeholder IDs indicated in the expenditure item information 312.

[0066] The location number column 373 indicates the location within the stakeholder section of the block (expenditure block) of the expenditure item indicated by the expenditure item ID column 382. In this example, the location number indicates, for example, the order from the left end of the stakeholder section. The location number "1" indicates the left end of the stakeholder section, and a larger number indicates a position further to the right.

[0067] Next, the process of the business model design support device 101 for generating (including updating) the income stream chart screen will be described. Fig. 10 shows a flowchart of an example of the process of generating the income stream chart screen. First, the screen operation acquisition unit 301 receives the user's designation of a stakeholder of interest from the client terminal 102 (S101).

[0068] The business model information acquiring unit 302 acquires information for generating an income stream chart screen from the business model information 310. Specifically, the business model information acquiring unit 302 acquires information on the focused stakeholder and stakeholders directly or indirectly associated therewith from the stakeholder information 311 and the expenditure item information 312.

[0069] A directly related stakeholder is a stakeholder with which there is a monetary flow between the focused stakeholder and the focused stakeholder. In other words, it is a stakeholder to which the focused stakeholder receives expenditures and a stakeholder to which the focused stakeholder receives expenditures. By referring to the expenditure recipient stakeholder ID column 365 of the expenditure item information 312, the stakeholder directly related to the focused stakeholder can be identified.

[0070] An indirectly associated stakeholder is a stakeholder with which there is a monetary flow between the focused stakeholder and a stakeholder directly associated with the focused stakeholder (excluding the focused stakeholder). In other words, it is a stakeholder that is a recipient of expenditures by the stakeholder directly associated with the focused stakeholder, and a stakeholder that is a recipient of expenditures by the stakeholder directly associated with the focused stakeholder. These can also be identified by referring to the expenditure recipient stakeholder ID column 365 of the expenditure item information 312.

[0071] Note that only information on some of the stakeholders associated with the stakeholder of interest may be acquired. For example, only information on stakeholders having a direct spending relationship with the stakeholder of interest (directly associated stakeholders) may be read out.

[0072] Next, the business model information update unit 303 determines the layer number and the location number of the target stakeholder (S102). The layer number and the location number of the stakeholder are the layer number and the location number of the stakeholder section.

[0073] The layer number and the location number of the focused stakeholder are specified in advance. In this example, the layer number of the focused stakeholder is "0" and the location number is "1." In other words, the stakeholder section of the focused stakeholder is located at the left end of the layer numbered "0."

[0074] The positions of other stakeholder sections on the revenue stream chart screen are determined based on the position of the section of the featured stakeholder. This allows the user to check information about the featured stakeholder more easily. Also, by placing the section of the featured stakeholder at the edge (left or right edge) of the layer, the revenue stream chart screen becomes easier to view. The position of the section of the featured stakeholder may be different from this example.

[0075] Next, the business model information update unit 303 determines layer numbers of other stakeholders (S103). In this example, the other stakeholders are stakeholders that are directly or indirectly associated with the stakeholder of interest.

[0076] First, the business model information update unit 303 determines the layer numbers of the stakeholders that are linearly associated with the focus stakeholder and have an expenditure / income relationship with the focus stakeholder. The expenditure recipient stakeholders of the focus stakeholder are placed in the layer immediately below the focus stakeholder's layer. Therefore, their layer number is "1". The stakeholders that have the focus stakeholder as an expenditure recipient are placed in the layer immediately above the focus stakeholder's layer. Therefore, their layer number is "-1".

[0077] Furthermore, the business model information update unit 303 determines the layer numbers of the stakeholders indirectly associated with the noted stakeholder. These stakeholders have an expenditure / income relationship with the stakeholders directly associated with the noted stakeholder. Therefore, based on the layer of the stakeholder directly associated with the noted stakeholder, the layer numbers of the stakeholders indirectly associated with the noted stakeholder can be determined as described above.

[0078] Next, the business model information update unit 303 determines the allocation number in the layer of the other stakeholders (S104). Furthermore, the business model information update unit 303 determines the allocation number of each expenditure item of each stakeholder (S105). The allocation number of an expenditure item is the allocation number of its expenditure block. Details of these steps S104 and S105 will be described later with reference to FIG. 11.

[0079] The business model information storage unit 304 stores the determined information in the stakeholder placement information 313 and the expenditure item placement information 314. The display screen generation unit 305 generates configuration information of the income stream flow screen showing information on the focused stakeholder and its associated stakeholders, by referring to the updated business model information 310. As described above, the placement positions of the blocks in each layer are determined from the stakeholder placement information 313 and the expenditure item placement information 314.

[0080] The external shape of the block is determined in advance, and its width is determined by the amount of the item to which the block corresponds. The display screen generation unit 305 generates a money flow block in addition to the income and expenditure blocks. The expenditure block and income block connected by the money flow block can be determined by referring to the expenditure item information 312. The display screen update notification unit 306 transmits configuration information of the income stream chart screen generated by the display screen generation unit 305 to the client terminal 102.

[0081] The above processing example generates a new income stream chart screen. In another example, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the user can operate and update the displayed income stream chart screen. When the user presses the shape button 591, the client terminal 102 transmits updated configuration information to the business model design support device 101. The configuration information may include adding or deleting blocks, or changing amounts.

[0082] The screen operation acquisition unit 301 receives the update information. The business model information acquisition unit 302 acquires information on the stakeholders of the current income stream chart screen from the stakeholder information 311 and the expenditure item information 312.

[0083] The business model information updating unit 303 acquires pre-update stakeholder information and expenditure item information of the stakeholders of the current income stream chart, as well as update information transmitted from the client terminal 102, from the business model information acquiring unit 302. The business model information updating unit 303 updates the stakeholder information and expenditure item information in accordance with the received update information. The business model information updating unit 303 refers to the updated stakeholder information and expenditure item information and determines the placement position of each block, as described above.

[0084] The business model information storage unit 304 stores the updated stakeholder information and expenditure item information, as well as the generated allocation information, in the business model information 310. The display screen generation unit 305 generates an income stream chart drawing as described above, and the display screen update notification unit 306 returns configuration information of the income stream chart drawing to the client terminal 102.

[0085] The following describes a method for determining the layout positions of blocks in the income stream chart diagram by the business model information update unit 303. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the details of steps S104 and S105 in the flowchart of Fig. 10.

[0086] The business model information update unit 303 selects the layout that minimizes the layout score (SCORE) below (S111). SCORE = Σ{W(Lk) × max(Ai,Aj)}

[0087] Sigma (summent) is performed for all pairs of intersecting money flow blocks. Ai represents the flow rate (amount) of one of the intersecting money flow blocks, money flow block i, and Aj represents the flow rate (amount) of the other money flow block j.

[0088] Lk represents the interlayer k where the intersecting money flow blocks i and j exist, and W(Lk) represents the weighting factor. An interlayer is an area between adjacent layers of a stakeholder section. As described with reference to FIG. 5, a money flow block is placed between adjacent layers to connect the spending source and spending destination of the adjacent layers.

[0089] If there is only one layout with the minimum placement score (S112: “=1”), that layout is determined as the layout of the revenue stream flow screen to be displayed. If multiple layouts have the minimum placement score (S112: “>1”), the business model information update unit 303 selects one layout from among them.

[0090] First, the business model information update unit 303 selects from the selected layouts a layout in which the expenditure amount (including the expenditure destination stakeholder) of the expenditure item on the left side of the stakeholder on the left side of the layer closer to the focus stakeholder is larger (S113). Here, the focus stakeholder is placed at the left end of the layer. Step S113 will be described later with reference to Figures 12C and 12D.

[0091] If only one layout is selected in step S113 (S114: “=1”), that layout is determined as the layout of the revenue stream flow screen to be displayed. If multiple layouts are selected (S114: “>1”), the business model information update unit 303 arbitrarily selects one layout from them (S115).

[0092] 12A-12D show different layouts of the revenue stream flow screen for the same stakeholder group. The stakeholders shown are Company A through Company H. Company D is the focus stakeholder. Company D's directly related stakeholders are Company A, Company B, Company C, Company G and Company H. Company D's indirectly related stakeholders are Company E and Company F. Company E is Company A's directly related stakeholder and Company F is Company B's directly related stakeholder.

[0093] These layouts each have the placement score described with reference to Figure 11. The layouts shown in Figures 12C and 12D have the smallest placement score = 10, and one of these is selected as the screen to be displayed. In this example, the layout shown in Figure 12D is selected.

[0094] The configuration of the revenue stream flow screens of Figures 12A to 12D will be described. The layout of Figure 12A includes three layers 701, 702, and 703. Layer 702 is sandwiched between layers 701 and 702. The stakeholder section of Company D, which is the stakeholder of interest, is included in layer 702.

[0095] A weight W=1.0 is assigned to an inter-layer 704 between layers 701 and 702. A weight W=1.0 is assigned to an inter-layer 705 between layers 702 and 703. Both inter-layers 704 and 705 are in contact with layer 702 of company D, which is the stakeholder of interest, and are at the same distance from layer 702. Therefore, the same weight coefficient is assigned to them. However, different weight coefficients may be assigned to them.

[0096] The upper layer 701 is made up of stakeholder sections for companies A, B, and C, arranged in that order from the left. The middle layer 702 is made up of stakeholder sections for companies D, E, and F, which are stakeholders of interest, arranged in that order. The lower layer 703 is made up of stakeholder sections for companies G and H, arranged in that order.

[0097] In the upper layer 701, the stakeholder section of company A is composed of expenditure block 706 for expenditure A and expenditure block 707 for expenditure B. The numbers in parentheses in expenditure blocks 706 and 707 indicate the amounts. This is the same for the other expenditure blocks 708 to 712. Each of the expenditure blocks 706 to 712 represents expenditure from one stakeholder to another stakeholder, and is connected to the income block of the other stakeholder by a money flow block. These are represented by a home base-shaped pentagon.

[0098] The stakeholder section of Company B consists of expenditure block 708 for expenditure C and expenditure block 709 for expenditure D. The stakeholder section of Company C consists of expenditure block 710 for expenditure E.

[0099] In the central layer 702, the stakeholder section of company D is composed of an income block 715, expenditure blocks 711, 712, and 713 for expenditure F, expenditure G, and general expenses, and a profit block 714. The expenditure blocks 711 to 713 and the profit block 714 are arranged in a horizontal row below the income block 715.

[0100] The stakeholder section of company E is made up of an income block 716, an expenditure block 717 for general expenses, and a profit block 718. The expenditure block 717 and the profit block 718 are arranged in one horizontal direction below the income block 716. The stakeholder section of company F is made up of an income block 719, an expenditure block 720 for general expenses, and a profit block 721. The expenditure block 720 and the profit block 721 are arranged in one horizontal direction below the income block 719.

[0101] In the lower layer 703, the stakeholder section of company G is made up of an income block 722, an expenditure block 723 for general expenses, and a profit block 724. The expenditure block 723 and the profit block 724 are arranged in an example of the horizontal direction below the income block 722. The stakeholder section of company G is made up of an income block 722, an expenditure block 723 for general expenses, and a profit block 724. The expenditure block 723 and the profit block 724 are arranged in an example of the horizontal direction below the income block 722.

[0102] Interlayer 704 is composed of money flow blocks 731-735. Money flow block 731 represents expenditure A from company A to company D, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure A (10). Money flow block 732 represents expenditure B from company A to company E, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure B (30). Money flow block 733 represents expenditure C from company B to company D, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure C (5).

[0103] Money flow block 734 represents expenditure D from company B to company F, and its flow rate is equal to the amount (10) of expenditure D. Money flow block 735 represents expenditure E from company E to company D, and its flow rate is equal to the amount (5) of expenditure E. The width (horizontal size) of each money flow block is proportional to its flow rate.

[0104] The income of Company D, represented by income block 715, is equal to the sum of expenses A, C, and E. The income of Company E, represented by income block 716, is equal to expenses B. The income of Company F, represented by income block 719, is equal to expenses D.

[0105] Interlayer 705 is composed of money flow blocks 736 and 737. Money flow block 736 represents expenditure F from company D to company G, and its flow rate is equal to the amount of expenditure F (7.5). Money flow block 737 represents expenditure G from company D to company H, and its flow rate is equal to the amount of expenditure F (5).

[0106] 12A, some of the money flow blocks in interlayer 704 intersect. Specifically, money flow block 732 intersects with money flow block 733, money flow block 732 intersects with money flow block 735, and money flow block 734 intersects with money flow block 735.

[0107] The placement score is calculated as follows: All intersecting pairs are included in interlayer 704. Therefore, the weighting factor of all pairs is 1. Among money flow block 732 and money flow block 733, the maximum width is money flow block 732, which is 30. Among money flow block 732 and money flow block 735, the maximum width is money flow block 732, which is 30. Among money flow block 734 and money flow block 735, the maximum width is money flow block 734, which is 10. Therefore, the placement score (SCORE) is 30 + 30 + 10 = 70.

[0108] FIG. 12B shows another example of the Revenue Stream Flow screen. The displayed blocks are the same as those in the Revenue Stream Flow screen of FIG. 12A, but the arrangement of the blocks is different from that in the Revenue Stream Flow screen of FIG. 12A. The reference numerals attached to the blocks, layers, and interlayers are the same as those in FIG. 12A. The following mainly describes the differences from the Revenue Stream Flow screen of FIG. 12A.

[0109] In the revenue stream flow screen of FIG. 12B, the stakeholder section of company C is located at the left end of layer 701. That is, in layer 701, the stakeholder sections of company C, company A, and company B are arranged in this order from the left. The positions of the other stakeholder sections are the same as in the example of FIG. 12A. Also, the positions of the blocks within each stakeholder section are the same as in the example of FIG. 12A.

[0110] In the layout shown in Figure 12B, only the money flow blocks of one money flow block pair in interlayer 704 intersect. Specifically, money flow block 732 and money flow block 734 intersect. The placement score is calculated as follows: The intersecting pair is included in interlayer 704. Therefore, the weighting factor of the pair is 1. Among money flow block 732 and money flow block 734, the maximum width is 30 for money flow block 732. Therefore, the placement score (SCORE) is 30.

[0111] FIG. 12C shows another example of the Revenue Stream Flow screen. The displayed blocks are the same as those in the Revenue Stream Flow screen of FIG. 12A, but the arrangement of the blocks is different from that in the Revenue Stream Flow screen of FIG. 12A. The reference numerals attached to the blocks, layers, and interlayers are the same as those in FIG. 12A. The following mainly describes the differences from the Revenue Stream Flow screen of FIG. 12A.

[0112] In each of layers 701, 702, and 703, the order of the stakeholder sections is different from that in the example of Fig. 12A. Specifically, in layer 701, the stakeholder sections of companies C, B, and A are arranged in this order. In layer 702, the stakeholder sections of companies D, F, and E are arranged in this order. In layer 703, the stakeholder sections of companies H and G are arranged in this order.

[0113] In addition, the arrangement order of the expenditure blocks in the stakeholder section of company D is different from that in the example of Fig. 12A. Specifically, the orders of expenditure blocks 711 and 712 for expenditures F and G are reversed.

[0114] In the layout shown in Figure 12C, only the money flow blocks of one money flow block pair in interlayer 704 intersect. Specifically, money flow block 731 and money flow block 735 intersect. The placement score is calculated as follows: The intersecting pair is included in interlayer 704. Therefore, the weighting factor of the pair is 1. Among money flow block 731 and money flow block 735, the maximum width is 10 for money flow blocks 731 and 735. Therefore, the placement score (SCORE) is 10.

[0115] Figure 12D shows another example of the Revenue Stream Flow screen. The displayed blocks are the same as those in the Revenue Stream Flow screen of Figure 12C, but the arrangement of the blocks is different from that in the Revenue Stream Flow screen of Figure 12C. The reference numerals attached to the blocks, layers, and interlayers are the same as those in Figure 12C. The following mainly describes the differences from the Revenue Stream Flow screen of Figure 12C.

[0116] Compared to the layout in Fig. 12C, the order of the stakeholder sections in layer 703 is reversed. The other configurations are the same as those in the layout in Fig. 12C. Therefore, the placement score is also the same as that in the layout in Fig. 12C, and the placement score (SCORE) is 10.

[0117] Among the layouts shown in Figures 12A to 12D, the layout shown in Figure 12C or 12D has the smallest placement score (SCORE) of 10. Therefore, one of these layouts is selected as the layout of the revenue stream flow screen to be displayed according to step S113 or S115 of the flowchart shown in Figure 11. In this example, the layout of Figure 12D is selected according to step S113.

[0118] More specifically, as described above, step S113 selects a layout in which the expenditure amount (with expenditure destination) of the expenditure item on the left side of the stakeholder on the left side of the layer closer to the stakeholder of interest is larger.

[0119] The business model information update unit 303 first compares the expenditure amounts of the leftmost expenditure blocks among the expenditure blocks in which the expenditure destination stakeholder exists in the layer of the target stakeholder. If these are different, the layout with the larger expenditure amount is selected. The layouts in Figures 12C and 12D are compared.

[0120] In the layout of Fig. 12C, the expenditure block 712 of expenditure G is located at the left end of the layer 702. In the layout of Fig. 12D, the expenditure block 711 of expenditure F is located at the left end of the layer 702. The expenditure amount of expenditure F is greater than the expenditure amount of expenditure G. Therefore, the layout of Fig. 12D is selected.

[0121] The business model information update unit 303 selects expenditure blocks having expenditure recipient stakeholders from the left side in the layer of the target stakeholder, and compares the amounts. If the amount of one layout is higher, that layout is selected.

[0122] If one layout cannot be selected in the block arrangement of the layer of the focal stakeholder, the block arrangement of other layers is referred to. The layers are selected in order starting from the layer closest to the focal stakeholder. One of the adjacent layers above and below may be given priority, or the priority of the layers may be the same. In this way, the layout of the revenue stream flow screen to be presented to the user can be selected.

[0123] Other example layouts of Revenue Stream Flow screens will now be described with reference to Figures 13A and 13B. The examples described below include inter-layer cross currency flow blocks with different weighting factors.

[0124] Figures 13A and 13B show different layouts of the Revenue Stream Flow screen for the same stakeholder group. The stakeholders shown are Company A through Company G. Company F is the focal stakeholder. Company F's direct stakeholders are Company C and Company D. Company F's indirect stakeholders are Company A, Company B, Company E and Company G. Company A is a direct stakeholder of Company C and Company D, Company B is a direct stakeholder of Company D and Company E. Company E is a direct stakeholder of Company B and Company G, and Company G is a direct stakeholder of Company C and Company E.

[0125] Each of these layouts has a placement score as described with reference to Figure 11. The layout shown in Figure 13A has a placement score = 10, and the layout shown in Figure 13B has a placement score = 7.5. Therefore, the Revenue Stream Flow screen with the layout shown in Figure 13B is selected.

[0126] The layout of the Revenue Stream Flow screen in Figures 13A and 13B will now be described. The layout in Figure 13A includes three layers 751, 752, and 753. Layer 752 is sandwiched between layers 751 and 752. The stakeholder section for Company F, the stakeholder of interest, is included in layer 753 and is located at the left edge of it.

[0127] A weight W=0.5 is assigned to the inter-layer 754 between the layer 751 and the layer 752. A weight W=1.0 is assigned to the inter-layer 755 between the layer 752 and the layer 753. The inter-layer 755 is in contact with the layer 753 of the company F, which is the stakeholder of interest. The distance from the layer 753 to the inter-layer 754 is greater than the distance from the layer 753 to the inter-layer 755. Therefore, a greater weight coefficient is assigned to the inter-layer 755, which is closer to the stakeholder of interest, than to the inter-layer 754, which is farther away.

[0128] The upper layer 751 is made up of stakeholder sections for companies A and B, arranged in that order from the left. The middle layer 752 is made up of stakeholder sections for companies C, D, and E, arranged in that order. The lower layer 703 is made up of the stakeholder section for company G, the stakeholder of interest, and company G's stakeholder section, arranged in that order.

[0129] In the upper layer 751, the stakeholder section of company A is composed of expenditure block 756 of expenditure A and expenditure block 757 of expenditure B. The numbers in parentheses in expenditure blocks 756 and 757 indicate the amounts. This is the same for the other expenditure blocks 758 to 761, 764, and 768.

[0130] Each of these expenditure blocks represents expenditure from one stakeholder to another and is connected to the other stakeholder's income block by a money flow block. They are represented by a home base pentagon. Company B's stakeholder section consists of expenditure block 758 for expenditure C and expenditure block 759 for expenditure D.

[0131] In the central layer 752, the stakeholder section of company C is composed of an income block 763, an expenditure block 760 for expenditure E, an expenditure block 761 for expenditure F, and an expenditure block 762 for general expenses. The expenditure blocks 760 to 762 are arranged in a horizontal row below the income block 763.

[0132] 13A shows only the income from other stakeholders shown in the figure, and does not show the income attributable to the expenditures of stakeholders not shown in the figure. The income block 763 of company C corresponds to expenditure A (expense block 756) from company A, and their amounts (widths) match. In addition, the sum of expenditure E and expenditure F of company C matches the income of company C.

[0133] The stakeholder section of company D is composed of an income block 767, expenditure blocks 764 and 765 for expenditure G and general expenses, and a profit block 766. The expenditure blocks 764 and 765 and the profit block 766 are arranged in a horizontal row below the income block 767. The width (amount) of the income block 767 is equal to the sum of the widths (amounts) of the expenditure blocks 764 and 765 and the profit block 766.

[0134] The stakeholder section of company E is composed of an income block 771, expenditure blocks 768 and 769 for expenditure H and general expenses, and a profit block 770. The expenditure blocks 768 and 769 and the profit block 770 are arranged in a horizontal row below the income block 771. The width (amount) of the income block 771 is equal to the sum of the widths (amounts) of the expenditure blocks 768 and 769 and the profit block 770.

[0135] In the lower layer 703, the stakeholder section of Company F, which is the stakeholder of interest, is composed of an income block 774, an expenditure block 772 for general expenses, and a profit block 773. The expenditure block 772 and the profit block 773 are arranged in one horizontal row below the income block 774. The width (amount) of the income block 774 is equal to the sum of the widths (amounts) of the expenditure block 772 and the profit block 773.

[0136] The stakeholder section of company G is composed of an income block 777, a general expense expenditure block 775, and a profit block 776. The expenditure block 775 and the profit block 776 are arranged in a horizontal row below the income block 777. The width (amount) of the income block 777 is equal to the sum of the widths (amounts) of the expenditure block 775 and the profit block 776.

[0137] Interlayer 754 is composed of money flow blocks 781-784. The width (horizontal size) of each money flow block is proportional to its flow rate. Money flow block 781 represents expenditure A from company A to company C, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure A (15). Money flow block 782 represents expenditure B from company A to company D, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure B (5). Money flow block 783 represents expenditure C from company B to company D, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure C (15). Money flow block 784 represents expenditure D from company B to company E, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure D (15).

[0138] The income of company C, represented by income block 763, is equal to the expenditure A of company A. The income of company D, represented by income block 767, is equal to the sum of expenditure B of company A and expenditure C of company B. The income of company E, represented by income block 771, is equal to the expenditure D of company B.

[0139] Interlayer 705 is composed of money flow blocks 785 to 788. Money flow block 785 represents expenditure E from company E to company D, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure E (5). Money flow block 786 represents expenditure F from company C to company G, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure F (10).

[0140] Money flow block 787 represents expenditure G from company D to company F, and its flow rate is equal to the amount (5) of expenditure G. Money flow block 788 represents expenditure H from company E to company G, and its flow rate is equal to the amount (10) of expenditure H.

[0141] In the layout shown in Figure 13A, money flow block 786 and money flow block 787 of interlayer 755 intersect. The placement score is calculated as follows. The intersecting pair is included in interlayer 755. Therefore, the weighting factor of the pair is 1.0. Of money flow block 786 and money flow block 787, the maximum width is 10 for money flow block 786. Therefore, the placement score (SCORE) is 10.

[0142] Figure 13B shows another example of the Revenue Stream Flow screen. The displayed blocks are the same as those in the Revenue Stream Flow screen of Figure 13A, but the arrangement of the blocks is different from that in the Revenue Stream Flow screen of Figure 13A. The reference numerals attached to the blocks, layers, and interlayers are the same as those in Figure 13A. The following mainly describes the differences from the Revenue Stream Flow screen of Figure 13A.

[0143] In the Revenue Stream Flow screen of Figure 13B, in the stakeholder section of symbol A, the positions of expenditure block 756 of expenditure A and expenditure block 757 of expenditure B are swapped. In layer 752, the stakeholder section of company C and the stakeholder section of company D are swapped. In other words, the stakeholder sections are arranged in the order of company D, company C, and company E. The arrangement of other components is the same as in Figure 13A.

[0144] In the layout shown in FIG. 13B, only the money flow blocks of one money flow block pair in interlayer 754 intersect. Specifically, money flow block 781 and money flow block 783 intersect. The placement score is calculated as follows. The intersecting pair is included in interlayer 754. Therefore, the weighting factor of the pair is 0.5. Among money flow block 781 and money flow block 783, the maximum width is 15 for money flow block 781. Therefore, the placement score (SCORE) is 7.5.

[0145] The revenue stream flow screen layout selection method described with reference to Figures 11 to 13B determines the layout based on the intersection area of ​​the intersecting money flow blocks. Specifically, it is based on the sum of the products of the number of intersecting money flow blocks and the wider width of the money flow block. In addition, a weight coefficient that decreases with increasing distance from the attention stakeholder is assigned to the money flow block. By these conditions, a layout that is easier to view can be selected.

[0146] Another example of the selection method may be based on the number of intersecting money flow blocks without reference to the width of the money flow block. Alternatively, the width of both intersecting money flow blocks, for example, the sum of the widths of both, may be referenced instead of only one of them. Weights for money flow blocks may not be defined.

[0147] Next, a revenue stream flow screen including a dummy stakeholder section will be described. In one embodiment of the present specification, the business model information update unit 303 places a dummy stakeholder section in the layer for the flow of money across layers. This makes it possible to generate a revenue stream flow screen that is easier to view.

[0148] Figure 14 shows an example of a Revenue Stream Flow screen that includes a dummy stakeholder section. The stakeholders shown in the Revenue Stream Flow screen are Company A through Company D. Company C is the stakeholder of interest.

[0149] Company C's direct stakeholders are Company A and Company B. Company C's indirect stakeholder is Company D. Company A is a direct stakeholder of Companies B and C, and Company B is a direct stakeholder of Companies A, C, and D. Company D is a direct stakeholder of Company B.

[0150] 14 includes three layers 801, 802, and 803. Layer 802 is sandwiched between layers 801 and 802. The stakeholder section of company C, which is the stakeholder of interest, is included in layer 803 and is located at the left end thereof.

[0151] A weight W=0.5 is assigned to the interlayer 804 between the layer 801 and the layer 802. A weight W=1.0 is assigned to the interlayer 805 between the layer 802 and the layer 803. The distance from the layer 803 to the interlayer 804 is greater than the distance from the layer 803 to the interlayer 805. Therefore, a greater weight coefficient is assigned to the interlayer 805, which is closer to the stakeholder of interest, than the interlayer 804, which is farther away.

[0152] The upper layer 801 is composed of a stakeholder section for company A. The middle layer 802 is composed of a dummy stakeholder section 840 for company C and a stakeholder section 815 for company B, arranged in this order. The lower layer 803 is composed of stakeholder sections for the stakeholders of interest, companies C and D, arranged in this order.

[0153] Interlayer 804 is composed of money flow blocks 831 and 832. The width of each money flow block is proportional to its flow rate. Money flow block 831 represents expenditure A from company A to company C, its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure A (10), and its width matches the width of dummy stakeholder section 840 of company C. Money flow block 832 represents expenditure B from company A to company B, its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure B (15).

[0154] Interlayer 805 is composed of money flow blocks 833, 834, and 835. Money flow block 833 is an expenditure from company A to company C, and is the same as the expenditure in money flow block 831. Therefore, the flow rate of money flow block 833 matches the amount of expenditure A (10). Money flow block 834 represents expenditure C from company B to company C, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure C (5). Money flow block 835 represents expenditure D from company B to company D, and its flow rate matches the amount of expenditure C (5).

[0155] As described above, company B receives expenditures from company A, and company C receives expenditures from both company A and company B. Therefore, the flow of money from company A to company C crosses layer 802.

[0156] The dummy stakeholder section 840 is placed in layer 802 and is connected to the expenditure block 811 of company A by the money flow block 831. Furthermore, the dummy stakeholder section 840 is connected to the stakeholder section 816 of company C placed in layer 803. The method of calculating the placement score is as described with reference to Figures 13A and 13B.

[0157] Next, a revenue stream flow screen including a copy stakeholder section will be described. In one embodiment of the present specification, the business model information update unit 303 arranges a copy stakeholder section for a specific stakeholder in addition to a normal stakeholder section to represent an expenditure loop. This makes it possible to generate a revenue stream flow screen that is easier to view.

[0158] Figure 15 shows an example of a Revenue Stream Flow screen that includes a Copy Stakeholder section. In this example, there is a spending loop with spending going from Company A to Company B to Company C back to Company A. For Company A, a regular stakeholder section 865 is provided, along with a Copy Stakeholder section 890 to receive spending from Company C.

[0159] The stakeholders shown in the revenue stream flow screen of Figure 15 are Company A through Company D. Company C is the focal stakeholder. Company C's direct stakeholders are Company A and Company B. Company C's indirect stakeholder is Company D. Company A is a direct stakeholder of Company B and Company C, and Company B is a direct stakeholder of Company A, Company C, and Company D. Company D is a direct stakeholder of Company B.

[0160] 15 includes three layers 851, 852, 853, and 854, which are arranged in this order from the top down. The stakeholder section of company C, which is the stakeholder of interest, is included in layer 853 and is arranged at the left end thereof.

[0161] Layer 851 is composed of a normal (copy source) stakeholder section 865 of company A. Layer 852 is composed of a stakeholder section of company B. Layer 853 is composed of a stakeholder section 866 of company C and a stakeholder section 867 of company D, arranged in this order from the left. Layer 854 is composed of a copy stakeholder section 890 of company A.

[0162] A weight W=0.5 is assigned to interlayer 855 between layer 851 and layer 852. A weight W=1.0 is assigned to interlayer 856 between layer 852 and layer 853. A weight W=1.0 is assigned to interlayer 857 between layer 853 and layer 854.

[0163] The distance from layer 853 to interlayer 855 is greater than the distance from layer 853 to interlayer 856 or 857. The distances from layer 853 to interlayers 856 and 857 are the same. Therefore, a greater weighting factor is given to interlayers 856 and 857, which are closer to the stakeholder of interest, than to interlayer 855, which is farther away.

[0164] Interlayer 855 is composed of money flow blocks 881. The width of each money flow block is proportional to its flow rate. Money flow block 881 represents expenditure A from company A to company B, and its flow rate is equal to the amount of expenditure A (20).

[0165] Interlayer 856 is composed of money flow blocks 882 and 883. Money flow block 882 represents expenditure from company B to company C, and its flow rate is equal to the amount of expenditure C (10). Money flow block 883 represents expenditure D from company B to company D, and its flow rate is equal to the amount of expenditure D (7.5).

[0166] Interlayer 85 is composed of a money flow block 884. Money flow block 884 represents expenditure E from company C to company A, and its flow rate matches the amount (5) of expenditure E. Money flow block 884 connects block 861 of expenditure E from company C to copy stakeholder section 890 of company A. By arranging two stakeholder blocks of company A in this way, the flow of money between stakeholders belonging to different layers and company A can be presented in an easy-to-read layout.

[0167] Next, a process of generating an income stream chart screen from a business map screen will be described. In one embodiment of this specification, the business model design support device 101 presents a business map screen to a user. In response to information input by the user on the business map, the business model design support device 101 generates stakeholder information 311 and expense item information 312.

[0168] 16 shows an example of a business map screen 901 and a revenue stream chart screen 902 generated based on information entered on the business map screen. By presenting the business map screen, a user can more easily enter information to generate a revenue stream chart screen.

[0169] On the business map screen 901, stakeholders are represented by icons such as building shapes or human shapes. Monetary expenditures are represented by an icon of a "￥" surrounded by a "circle". The flow of money is represented by a directed line segment starting from one stakeholder and ending at another stakeholder. Participants in the discussion draw various icons and directed lines, for example, by touching the business map screen 901 with their fingers. The business map screen 901 is suitable for viewing the relationships between stakeholders.

[0170] For example, the display screen generation unit 305 generates a business map screen 901. The business model information acquisition unit 302 acquires information input by the user via the screen operation acquisition unit 301, and stores it in the stakeholder information 311 and the expense item information 312 of the business model information 310. In response to the user's instruction, the business model design support device 101 generates the income stream chart screen 902 as described above.

[0171] The business model design support device 101 may accept user updates on the income stream chart screen 902 and update the business map screen 901 to reflect the updates.

[0172] Next, a process for adjusting one revenue stream chart screen to match the other revenue stream chart screen when comparing two revenue stream chart screens will be described, which makes it easier for a user to compare two different revenue stream charts.

[0173] 17A and 17B respectively show two revenue stream chart screens 951 and 952A to be compared. To facilitate the user's comparison, the business model design support device 101 changes the layout of one revenue stream chart screen to match the other revenue stream chart screen. For example, when the "Compare" button on the revenue stream chart screens 951 and 952A is pressed, the layout of one screen is changed.

[0174] In one embodiment of this specification, the business model design support device 101 changes the income stream chart screen with a high placement score to match the income stream chart screen with a low placement score. The placement score of the income stream chart screen 951 shown in Fig. 17A is 10. On the other hand, the placement score of the income stream chart screen 952A shown in Fig. 17B is 15.

[0175] Therefore, the business model design support device 101 changes the income stream chart screen 952A shown in FIG. 17B so as to increase the coincidence rate with the income stream chart screen 951, and generates the income stream chart screen 952B shown in FIG. 17C.

[0176] A more specific explanation will be given. The income stream chart screen 951 in FIG. 17A shows information on companies A to E, with company C being the focus company. The income stream chart screen 951 includes layers 961 and 962, which are arranged in this order from the top down. A weighting coefficient W=1.0 is assigned to the inter-layer 963 between them. A money flow block from expenditure B (expenditure block 965) of company A intersects with a money flow block from expenditure C (expenditure block 966) of company B. The amount of expenditure B is 10, and the amount of expenditure C is 5. Therefore, the placement score (SCORE) is 10.

[0177] The income stream chart screen 952A in Fig. 17B shows information on companies A to E, with company C being the focus company. The income stream chart screen 952A includes layers 971A, 972, and 973, which are arranged in this order from top to bottom. A weighting factor W=1.0 is assigned to the interlayer 974A between the layers 971A and 972. Also, a weighting factor W=1.0 is assigned to the interlayer 975 between the layers 972 and 973.

[0178] In the interlayer 974A, a money flow block from expenditure A (expense block 976) of company A intersects with a money flow block from expenditure D (expense block 979) of company B. The amount of expenditure A is 5, and the amount of expenditure D is 15. Therefore, the placement score (SCORE) is 15.

[0179] Therefore, the business model design support device 101 selects the revenue stream chart screen 951 of Fig. 17A as the reference revenue stream chart screen. In the revenue stream chart screen 951 of Fig. 17A, a layer 961 is composed of stakeholder sections of companies A and B, and the stakeholder sections are arranged in this order from the left. Also, a layer 962 is composed of stakeholder sections of companies C, D, and E, and the stakeholder sections are arranged in this order from the left.

[0180] In the revenue stream chart screen 952A of Fig. 17B, layer 971A is made up of stakeholder sections for company B and company A, arranged in that order from the left, and layer 972 is made up of stakeholder sections for company C and company D, arranged in that order from the left.

[0181] The business model design support device 101 adjusts the order of the stakeholder sections on the revenue stream chart screen 952A so that the number of coincidences between the stakeholder section orders on each layer of the two screens increases.

[0182] As shown in Figure 17C, the order of the stakeholder sections of layer 971A of revenue stream chart screen 952A is changed. The revenue stream chart screen 952B shown in Figure 17C differs from the revenue stream chart screen 952A shown in Figure 17B in the order of the stakeholder sections of layer 971B and the order of the money flow blocks of interlayer 974B.

[0183] In the revenue stream chart screen 952B, the layer 971B is composed of a stakeholder section of company A and a stakeholder section of company B, arranged from the left. This order is the same as the layer 961 of the revenue stream chart screen 951 shown in FIG. 17A. Therefore, the order match of the stakeholder sections is higher. On the other hand, in the inter layer 974B, the money flow block from expenditure B (block 977) and the money flow block from expenditure C (block 978) intersect. Therefore, the placement score (SCORE) is 20, which is higher than the score of the revenue stream chart screen 952 before the correction.

[0184] In one embodiment of this specification, the business model design support device 101 calculates rearrangement scores (SCORE') of revenue stream chart screen layouts with different arrangements of stakeholder sections, and selects an adjusted layout based on the rearrangement scores. The rearrangement scores represent the degree of agreement between the order of the stakeholder sections of a layer and the standard revenue stream chart screen.

[0185] 18 is a flowchart of an example of a process for adjusting the layout of one of the income stream chart screens for comparing two income stream chart screens. The business model information update unit 303 determines the layout of the income stream chart screen of one of the comparison objects A based on the placement score (SCORE) (S151). Next, the business model information update unit 303 determines the layout of the income stream chart screen of the other comparison object B based on the placement score (SCORE) (S152).

[0186] Next, the business model information update unit 303 compares the placement score SCORE(SA) of the comparison object A with the placement score SCORE(SB) of the comparison object B (S153). The comparison object with the smaller placement score is assigned "α" and the comparison object with the larger placement score is assigned "β" (S154, S155).

[0187] Next, the business model information update unit 303 reselects, for the comparison target β, the arrangement sequence that maximizes the rearrangement score (SCORE′) below. SCORE´=Σ{W(L)×M L (α, β)}

[0188] Here, W(L) represents the weighting coefficient of layer L. In one embodiment of this specification, a layer closer to the stakeholder of interest is given a higher weighting coefficient. Note that the weighting coefficient may be omitted. M L (α, β) represents the number of matches between comparison target α and comparison target β in layer L. If the positions (orders) from the left end of the same stakeholder section match, the count is 1.

[0189] An example of Figures 17A to 17C will be described. Compare the revenue stream chart screen 951 of Figure 17A with the revenue stream chart screen 952A of Figure 17B. Between layer 961 and layer 971A, the order of company A and the order of company B are different. Between layer 961 and layer 972, the order of company C and the order of company D are the same. The weighting coefficient of layer 972 is 1.0. Therefore, the value of the relocation score (SCORE') of the revenue stream chart screen 952A is 2.0.

[0190] Compare the revenue stream chart screen 951 in FIG. 17A with the revenue stream chart screen 952B in FIG. 17C. Between layer 961 and layer 971B, the order of company A and the order of company B are the same. The weighting coefficient of layer 971B is 0.5. Between layer 961 and layer 972, the order of company C and the order of company D are the same. The weighting coefficient of layer 972 is 1.0. Therefore, the value of the relocation score (SCORE') of the revenue stream chart screen 952B is 3.0.

[0191] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but includes various modified examples. For example, the above-mentioned embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. It is also possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration.

[0192] In addition, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, etc. may be realized in part or in whole by hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. In addition, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as the program, table, file, etc. that realizes each function can be stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card or SD card.

[0193] In addition, the control lines and information lines shown are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are connected to each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 101 Business model design support device 102 Client terminals 103 I / O Device 201 Arithmetic equipment 202 Main storage 203 Auxiliary storage device 206 Communication Interface 301 Screen operation acquisition section 302 Business Model Information Acquisition Department 303 Business Model Information Update Department 304 Business model information storage unit 305 Display screen generation section 306 Display screen update notification section 311 Stakeholder Information 312 Expenditure item information 313 Stakeholder Allocation Information 314 Expenditure item arrangement information 501, 502, 503 layers 561, 562, 563 Money Flow Block 511, 512, 513, 514 Stakeholder Section 571, 572 Interlayer

Claims

1. A business model design support device that displays information on transactions between stakeholders, comprising: one or more computing devices; one or more storage devices; The one or more storage devices store management information, the management information including information on the flow of money between stakeholders; the one or more computing devices generate and present a revenue stream chart view based on the management information; the revenue stream chart view includes a plurality of layers arranged in a first direction; Each layer of the plurality of layers includes one or more stakeholder sections arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; each stakeholder section of the one or more stakeholder sections includes one or more blocks; Each block of the one or more blocks represents a particular item of account of a stakeholder; the revenue stream chart view includes a money flow block showing a flow of money between stakeholder sections of adjacent layers and connecting the stakeholder sections; The currency flow block has a width according to the amount of money, The one or more computing devices determine an arrangement of stakeholder sections in each of the multiple layers based on the number of intersecting currency flow blocks and at least one width of the intersecting currency flow blocks.

2. The business model design support device according to claim 1, The money flow block connects an expenditure block of a expenditure source stakeholder section and an income block of a expenditure destination stakeholder section, in a business model design support device.

3. A business model design support device that displays information on transactions between stakeholders, comprising: one or more computing devices; one or more storage devices; The one or more storage devices store management information, the management information including information on the flow of money between stakeholders; the one or more computing devices generate and present a revenue stream chart view based on the management information; the revenue stream chart view includes a plurality of layers arranged in a first direction; Each layer of the plurality of layers includes one or more stakeholder sections arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; each stakeholder section of the one or more stakeholder sections includes one or more blocks; Each block of the one or more blocks represents a particular item of account of a stakeholder; the revenue stream chart view includes a money flow block showing a flow of money between stakeholder sections of adjacent layers and connecting the stakeholder sections; A focused stakeholder section is defined, The one or more computing devices, A weight is given to the money flow block so that the weight is smaller the farther the layer in which the stakeholder section of interest is included is located, and A business model design support device that determines an arrangement of stakeholder sections in each of the multiple layers based on the weights and the intersection state of the money flow blocks.

4. A business model design support device as claimed in claim 1, The one or more computing devices arrange a pre-specified stakeholder section of interest at an end of a layer.

5. A business model design support device that displays information on transactions between stakeholders, comprising: one or more computing devices; one or more storage devices; The one or more storage devices store management information, the management information including information on the flow of money between stakeholders; the one or more computing devices generate and present a revenue stream chart view based on the management information; the revenue stream chart view includes a plurality of layers arranged in a first direction; Each layer of the plurality of layers includes one or more stakeholder sections arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; each stakeholder section of the one or more stakeholder sections includes one or more blocks; Each block of the one or more blocks represents a particular item of account of a stakeholder; the revenue stream chart view includes a money flow block showing a flow of money between stakeholder sections of adjacent layers and connecting the stakeholder sections; The one or more computing devices, determining an arrangement of stakeholder sections in each of the plurality of layers based on the intersection state of the currency flow blocks; Arranging the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer in this order; placing a dummy stakeholder section in the second layer to indicate the flow of money from the first layer to the third layer; A money flow block is placed to connect the payment source stakeholder section of the first layer and the dummy stakeholder section; A business model design support device that places a money flow block connecting the dummy stakeholder section and a payment destination stakeholder section of the third layer.

6. A business model design support device according to claim 1, The one or more computing devices arrange multiple stakeholder sections representing the same stakeholder in different layers.

7. A business model design support device that displays information on transactions between stakeholders, comprising: one or more computing devices; one or more storage devices; The one or more storage devices store management information, the management information including information on the flow of money between stakeholders; the one or more computing devices generate and present a revenue stream chart view based on the management information; the revenue stream chart view includes a plurality of layers arranged in a first direction; Each layer of the plurality of layers includes one or more stakeholder sections arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; each stakeholder section of the one or more stakeholder sections includes one or more blocks; Each block of the one or more blocks represents a particular item of account of a stakeholder; the revenue stream chart view includes a money flow block showing a flow of money between stakeholder sections of adjacent layers and connecting the stakeholder sections; The one or more computing devices, determining an arrangement of stakeholder sections in each of the plurality of layers based on the intersection state of the currency flow blocks; comparing the first revenue stream chart view to the second revenue stream chart view; calculating a placement score based on the intersecting monetary flow blocks of the first revenue stream chart view; calculating a placement score based on the intersecting monetary flow blocks of the second revenue stream chart view; A business model design support device that changes the placement of a stakeholder section of one revenue stream chart screen in accordance with the placement of the stakeholder section of the other revenue stream chart screen based on the placement score value of the first revenue stream chart screen and the placement score value of the second revenue stream chart screen.

8. A business model design support method executed by an apparatus, comprising: The device holds management information, the management information including information on the flow of money between stakeholders; The device generates and presents a revenue stream chart screen based on the management information; the revenue stream chart view includes a plurality of layers arranged in a first direction; Each layer of the plurality of layers includes one or more stakeholder sections arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; each stakeholder section of the one or more stakeholder sections includes one or more blocks; Each block of the one or more blocks represents a particular item of account of a stakeholder; the revenue stream chart screen includes a money flow block showing the flow of money between stakeholder sections of adjacent layers and connecting the stakeholder sections; The currency flow block has a width according to the amount of money, A business model design support method in which the device determines an arrangement of stakeholder sections in each of the multiple layers based on the number of intersecting currency flow blocks and the width of at least one of the intersecting currency flow blocks.

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