For this case report, you will work individually. The main body of the report must be no shorter than 3 pages and no longer than 5 pages, single spaced. The main body should comprise:
- Introduction/Background information – include relevant facts and issues on company. Competitors, industry
- Financial Analyses – Provide answers based on both qualitative and quantitative analyses to the following questions:
1. Is the solar industry an attractive industry? Why or why not? Be specific. Students will also discuss what Porter’s Five Forces reveal about the solar industry.
2. From 2007-2011, First Solar was consistently more profitable than its major competitors: SunPower, Suntech, and Yingli.
What are the sources of First Solar’s competitive advantage? Are they sustainable? Where you can, be quantitative.3. Looking forward, what are the biggest threats to First Solar’s strategy? What recommendations would you make to Tymen deJong to guide First Solar?
- Recommendation/Solution –Provide one justifiable and realistic solution to the problem; explain the reasons behind the proposed solution; support this solution with justification and include relevant theoretical concepts as well as the results of your research.
Figures and tables could be placed in an appendix at the end of the paper but preferably incorporated in the body where appropriate. All figures and tables must be numbered and all pages, including pages with tables and figures must be numbered.
RUBRIC:
• There was a well focused diagnosis of strategic issues and key problems that demonstrated a good grasp of the company’s present situation and strategic issues.
• Effective Executive Summary
• Did not waste space summarizing information already found in the case.
• Recommendations and conclusions were presented and supported in a literate and effective manner.