Platform-centric modular service architecture design KIBS-oriented based on front-back stage structuring

Balancing customization and standardization in knowledge intensive business services is the dilemma issue of the successful trade-off between efficiency and cost. This paper develops a modular service platform architecture for KIBS firms who are thinking various dynamic relationships containing niche market strategies, platform-centric tactics and operational means of core capabilities matching in the context of service innovation. Two-dimension front-back stage structuring views on modular service architecture are identified. The first one is the object dimension in the front stage for splitting abstract and virtual service requirements; the other one is the delivery dimension in the back stage for deploying specific service organization and visual service procedures. This theoretical framework is proposed to help further studies on service modularization design in KIBS.