Models for designing business situations in the context of mutations

Firms are involved in strategic movements that generate alliances, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures of activities. In this cycle of mutations, change is continuous. Two firms can build an alliance, expand it to other firms, merge, or even dismantle all or any part of their activities. Between competition and cooperation, networks of activities are created and reorganized, contributing to corporate renewal. In such situations, how could information systems provide relevant information for managing mutations and how could they support the global redesign of the strategy, organization and management of firms? In this paper we first give an overview of the mutation process. Then we outline the principles and concepts of an integrated approach to strategy, organization and management in the context of mutations. Third, we present a meta‐model based on these principles and concepts that allows the information system to provide models for designing changing configurations of activities. The meta‐model can combine strategic, organizational and management thinking. Finally, we propose to look in more detail at the development phase of the mutation process. This brings to the fore the links between economic events and the integrated approach we suggest. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.