Climate scientists generally agree that the Earth’s average temperature has risen in the past century. If this trend continues, sea levels will rise, and scientists predict that floods, heat waves, droughts, and other extreme weather conditions could occur more often. Other pollutants are released into the air, soil, and water when fossil fuels are burned. These pollutants take a dramatic toll on the environment—and on humans. Air pollution contributes to diseases like asthma. Acid rain from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides harms plants and fish. Nitrogen oxides also contribute to smog. Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as a source of household energy in many countries around the world. Various countries across the world have started using solar power for domestic purpose because it is the most abundant renewable resource of energy. Although solar energy is eco-friendly and inexhaustible, it does have a few drawbacks. he popularity of solar energy can be attributed to the fact that it does not cause global warming like fossil fuels. Also, natural resources like petrol, tar and fuels are limited and cannot meet the increasing demand for energy. Consequently, scientists all over the world are researching alternative sources like sun and wind. Firstly, one of the benefits of solar power as already mentioned is its abundant availability, especially in tropical countries. In other words, sun is a natural source of heat and hence there is no danger of depletion, whereas, other sources of energy are already exhausted. Secondly, solar energy does not cause pollution since it does not involve the combustion of fuels and hence helps to tackle global warming. Nevertheless, solar energy has its own limitations which restrict its widespread usage. The main drawback is that the solar panels which are required to extract solar energy are very expensive and cannot be afforded by people from low income groups. Also the panels are quite huge and occupy a lot of space and hence many people are reluctant to use them. Another disadvantage is that since solar power needs sunshine, it cannot be relied upon as the only source of energy in many subtropical and temperate countries where it is winter for most parts of the year.

To conclude, solar power has many advantages like being eco-friendly, inexhaustible and clean/safe unlike fossil fuels or nuclear energy. The disadvantage that solar energy is facing currently is the initial teething problem which can easily be overcome. Hence its positives outweigh its negatives.

Q1. Critically discuss the key important factors and forces in the solar energy general and industry environments that affect Tongwei choice of strategy. From your own perspective, what actions should Tongwei do to keep its competitive advantage alive in the solar energy industry? (35 marks-850 words).

Q2. Based on your findings in question 1, critically evaluate the key resources available for Tongwei to successfully compete within its boundary and sustain a competitive advantage.

As a strategist, what recommendations would you suggest to help Tongwei to sustain its competitive advantage? (35 marks-850 words).

Q3. Critically evaluate the chosen Tongwei Corporate and Business–Level Strategies components in response to the rapidly growing demand for solar energy in many regions and nations across the globe.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1 Solar power systems are considered a key tool in the energy supply for the present and future generations Several factors have promoted the developm... View the full answer