First Solar, Inc. in 2010

First Solar, Inc. in 2010 Description

In 2010, First Solar was the global leader in photovoltaic (PV) modules and looked to dominate the market going forward. The company's strong market position was largely predicated on its proprietary Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) cell technology, which had allowed First Solar to achieve the lowest cost in the industry. Despite its success to date, the company faced significant challenges in 2010. Declining subsidies in major markets in the EU, increased competition from well-heeled Chinese manufacturers, and the risk of disruption from higher efficiency technologies all threatened to undermine the progress that First Solar had made. The case provides a backdrop for analysis of how significant changes in the external market environment alter the relative importance of a company's distinctive competencies and require the development of new competencies. Specifically, the declining growth in subsidy markets requires First Solar to seek new sustainable markets in which PV solar is viable in the absence of subsidies. Success in these markets requires development of new skills not necessary for pure-play module manufacturing. In addition, the case explores key elements of technology leadership and mitigation of disruptive forces as the industry leader. Furthermore, the case examines the rationale for vertical integration within the solar industry and confronts the question of business definition. Management at First Solar must consider whether the company is simply in the module business in 2010 or whether its development and EPC capabilities have made it a more general energy company. The case also details the company's financial strategy, highlighting the intimate linkages with the overall corporate strategy. Finally, the company's corporate culture and management control systems are examined for their effectiveness at aligning the organization amidst significant external change.

Case Description First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Strategic Managment Tools Used in Case Study Analysis of First Solar, Inc. in 2010

STEP 1. Problem Identification in First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study

STEP 2. External Environment Analysis - PESTEL / PEST / STEP Analysis of First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study

STEP 3. Industry Specific / Porter Five Forces Analysis of First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study

STEP 4. Evaluating Alternatives / SWOT Analysis of First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study

STEP 5. Porter Value Chain Analysis / VRIO / VRIN Analysis First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study

STEP 6. Recommendations First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study

STEP 7. Basis of Recommendations for First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study

Case Analysis of First Solar, Inc. in 2010

First Solar, Inc. in 2010 is a Harvard Business (HBR) Case Study on Technology & Operations , Texas Business School provides HBR case study assignment help for just $9. Texas Business School(TBS) case study solution is based on HBR Case Study Method framework, TBS expertise & global insights. First Solar, Inc. in 2010 is designed and drafted in a manner to allow the HBR case study reader to analyze a real-world problem by putting reader into the position of the decision maker. First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study will help professionals, MBA, EMBA, and leaders to develop a broad and clear understanding of casecategory challenges. First Solar, Inc. in 2010 will also provide insight into areas such as – wordlist , strategy, leadership, sales and marketing, and negotiations.

Case Study Solutions Background Work

First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study solution is focused on solving the strategic and operational challenges the protagonist of the case is facing. The challenges involve – evaluation of strategic options, key role of Technology & Operations, leadership qualities of the protagonist, and dynamics of the external environment. The challenge in front of the protagonist, of First Solar, Inc. in 2010, is to not only build a competitive position of the organization but also to sustain it over a period of time.

Strategic Management Tools Used in Case Study Solution

The First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study solution requires the MBA, EMBA, executive, professional to have a deep understanding of various strategic management tools such as SWOT Analysis, PESTEL Analysis / PEST Analysis / STEP Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, Go To Market Strategy, BCG Matrix Analysis, Porter Value Chain Analysis, Ansoff Matrix Analysis, VRIO / VRIN and Marketing Mix Analysis.

Texas Business School Approach to Technology & Operations Solutions

In the Texas Business School, First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study solution – following strategic tools are used - SWOT Analysis, PESTEL Analysis / PEST Analysis / STEP Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, Go To Market Strategy, BCG Matrix Analysis, Porter Value Chain Analysis, Ansoff Matrix Analysis, VRIO / VRIN and Marketing Mix Analysis.

We have additionally used the concept of supply chain management and leadership framework to build a comprehensive case study solution for the case – First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Step 1 – Problem Identification of First Solar, Inc. in 2010 - Harvard Business School Case Study

The first step to solve HBR First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study solution is to identify the problem present in the case. The problem statement of the case is provided in the beginning of the case where the protagonist is contemplating various options in the face of numerous challenges that Solar Pv is facing right now. Even though the problem statement is essentially – “Technology & Operations” challenge but it has impacted by others factors such as communication in the organization, uncertainty in the external environment, leadership in Solar Pv, style of leadership and organization structure, marketing and sales, organizational behavior, strategy, internal politics, stakeholders priorities and more.

Step 2 – External Environment Analysis

Texas Business School approach of case study analysis – Conclusion, Reasons, Evidences - provides a framework to analyze every HBR case study. It requires conducting robust external environmental analysis to decipher evidences for the reasons presented in the First Solar, Inc. in 2010.

The external environment analysis of First Solar, Inc. in 2010 will ensure that we are keeping a tab on the macro-environment factors that are directly and indirectly impacting the business of the firm.

What is PESTEL Analysis? Briefly Explained

PESTEL stands for political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors that impact the external environment of firm in First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study. PESTEL analysis of " First Solar, Inc. in 2010" can help us understand why the organization is performing badly, what are the factors in the external environment that are impacting the performance of the organization, and how the organization can either manage or mitigate the impact of these external factors.

How to do PESTEL / PEST / STEP Analysis? What are the components of PESTEL Analysis?

As mentioned above PESTEL Analysis has six elements – political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal. All the six elements are explained in context with First Solar, Inc. in 2010 macro-environment and how it impacts the businesses of the firm.

How to do PESTEL Analysis for First Solar, Inc. in 2010

To do comprehensive PESTEL analysis of case study – First Solar, Inc. in 2010 , we have researched numerous components under the six factors of PESTEL analysis.

Political Factors that Impact First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Political factors impact seven key decision making areas – economic environment, socio-cultural environment, rate of innovation & investment in research & development, environmental laws, legal requirements, and acceptance of new technologies.

Policy Making Impact on First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Government policies have significant impact on the business environment of any country. The firm in “ First Solar, Inc. in 2010 ” needs to navigate these policy decisions to create either an edge for itself or reduce the negative impact of the policy as far as possible.

Data safety laws – The countries in which Solar Pv is operating, firms are required to store customer data within the premises of the country. Solar Pv needs to restructure its IT policies to accommodate these changes. In the EU countries, firms are required to make special provision for privacy issues and other laws.

Competition Regulations – Numerous countries have strong competition laws both regarding the monopoly conditions and day to day fair business practices. First Solar, Inc. in 2010 has numerous instances where the competition regulations aspects can be scrutinized.

Import restrictions on products – Before entering the new market, Solar Pv in case study First Solar, Inc. in 2010" should look into the import restrictions that may be present in the prospective market.

Export restrictions on products – Apart from direct product export restrictions in field of technology and agriculture, a number of countries also have capital controls. Solar Pv in case study “ First Solar, Inc. in 2010 ” should look into these export restrictions policies.

Foreign Direct Investment Policies – Government policies favors local companies over international policies, Solar Pv in case study “ First Solar, Inc. in 2010 ” should understand in minute details regarding the Foreign Direct Investment policies of the prospective market.

Taxation & Regulation Impact on First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Corporate Taxes – The rate of taxes is often used by governments to lure foreign direct investments or increase domestic investment in a certain sector. Corporate taxation can be divided into two categories – taxes on profits and taxes on operations. Taxes on profits number is important for companies that already have a sustainable business model, while taxes on operations is far more significant for companies that are looking to set up new plants or operations.

Tariffs – Chekout how much tariffs the firm needs to pay in the “ First Solar, Inc. in 2010 ” case study. The level of tariffs will determine the viability of the business model that the firm is contemplating. If the tariffs are high then it will be extremely difficult to compete with the local competitors. But if the tariffs are between 5-10% then Solar Pv can compete against other competitors.

Government Scheme & Subsidies Impact on First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Research and Development Subsidies and Policies – Governments often provide tax breaks and other incentives for companies to innovate in various sectors of priority. Managers at First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study have to assess whether their business can benefit from such government assistance and subsidies.

Consumer protection – Different countries have different consumer protection laws. Managers need to clarify not only the consumer protection laws in advance but also legal implications if the firm fails to meet any of them.

Political System & Stability, and its Impact on First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Political System and Its Implications – Different political systems have different approach to free market and entrepreneurship. Managers need to assess these factors even before entering the market.

Freedom of Press is critical for fair trade and transparency. Countries where freedom of press is not prevalent there are high chances of both political and commercial corruption.

Corruption level – Solar Pv needs to assess the level of corruptions both at the official level and at the market level, even before entering a new market. To tackle the menace of corruption – a firm should have a clear SOP that provides managers at each level what to do when they encounter instances of either systematic corruption or bureaucrats looking to take bribes from the firm.

Independence of judiciary – It is critical for fair business practices. If a country doesn’t have independent judiciary then there is no point entry into such a country for business.

Government attitude towards trade unions – Different political systems and government have different attitude towards trade unions and collective bargaining. The firm needs to assess – its comfort dealing with the unions and regulations regarding unions in a given market or industry. If both are on the same page then it makes sense to enter, otherwise it doesn’t.

Economic Factors that Impact First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Social Factors that Impact First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Technological Factors that Impact First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Environmental Factors that Impact First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Legal Factors that Impact First Solar, Inc. in 2010

Step 3 – Industry Specific Analysis

What is Porter Five Forces Analysis

PESTEL stands for political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors that impact the external environment of firm in First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study. PESTEL analysis of " First Solar, Inc. in 2010" can help us understand why the organization is performing badly, what are the factors in the external environment that are impacting the performance of the organization, and how the organization can either manage or mitigate the impact of these external factors.

Step 4 – SWOT Analysis / Internal Environment Analysis

Step 5 – Porter Value Chain / VRIO / VRIN Analysis

Step 6 – Evaluating Alternatives & Recommendations

Step 7 – Basis for Recommendations

References :: First Solar, Inc. in 2010 case study solution