Problem
A. An example of a successful a) first mover, b) early follower, and c) late entrant? Can you think of unsuccessful examples of each?
B. What factors might make some industries harder to pioneer than others? Are there industries in which there is no penalty for late entry?
C. After reading the opening case in chapter 6 "Tesla in 2021", (from pg. 117) answer the following questions:
a. What were Musk's and Eberhard's goals in founding Tesla?
b. What do you think are Tesla's core competencies? Does it have any sources of sustainable competitive advantage?
c. What is your assessment of Tesla's moves into (i) mass-market cars, (ii) batteries (car batteries and Powerwall), (iii) solar panels? Consider both the motivation for the moves, and the opportunities and challenges for Tesla to compete in these businesses.
d. What do you think Tesla's (or Elon Musk's) strategic intent is?