Among the firms discussed in the documentary, who are the first-movers and who are the followers in the 3D printing industry? How did the followers differentiate themselves from the competition? Provide one instance for each firm, where the firm faced a clear challenge in connecting with the consumer market and discuss how each firm went about dealing with the challenge. Who is a prosumer, i.e., define? Provide 3 clear examples of how 3D printing can be used by prosumers? (you can use external sources as well). What were some of the compromises that Makerbot had to make in growing and becoming a bigger company? Do you think these compromises were worth it (you can talk about its worth from any one or more of the following perspectives: founder/ consumer/ employees/ community/ company performance and growth/ company survival)? Why or why not? (you can use external sources as well). Quote your favorite line (one and only one) from the documentary- a line that gave you new perspective or that you agreed or disagreed with strongly, and explain why it is your favorite line. OPTION 2 First Solar Inc. is one of the only major players in the Solar Panel Manufacturing and Solar Farm Developer industries. Identify some of First Solars competitors, both direct competitors and potential future competitors who are present in the broader Solar Power industry. Is First Solar a first mover or follower in the broader Solar Power industry? Why do you think so? Do you think it is better to be a first-mover or follower in either the Solar Panel Manufacturing industry or Solar Farm Developer industry (pick 1 industry)? Provide your reasoning based on the general pros and cons of being a first mover vs. follower and whether these pros and cons matter in First Solar attaining any 2 key success factors in the industry you picked above. Please provide a formal submission (no bullet points) with appropriate citations as discussed in previous classes. The assignment is due by 11:59pm, Sunday, Nov 24th. Late submissions will carry penalties. Submission length: 500-700 words.
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