個案總覽

The Chinese fireworks industry thrived after China adopted the open door policy in the late 1970s, and grew to make up 90 per cent of the world's fireworks export sales. However, starting from the mid-1990s, safety concerns led governments both in China and abroad to set up stricter regulations. At the same time, there was rapid growth in the number of small family-run fireworks workshops, whose relentless price-cutting drove down profit margins. Students are asked to undertake an industry analysis, estimate the industry attractiveness, and propose possible ways to improve the industry attractiveness from an individual investor's point of view. Jerry Yu is an American-born Chinese in New York who has been invited to buy a fireworks factory in Liuyang, Hunan.

<p style="color: rgb(197, 183, 131);"><strong> AWARD WINNER - Second place winner of the MDC of Hong Kong Case Writer of the Year Award</strong></p><br>The senior market associate of Trojan Technologies reflected on the water shortages anticipated in developing countries created by their explosive economic growth. Trojan sold water disinfecting equipment, and the senior market associate's job was to find new areas for growth. China was particularly intriguing because it had as much water as Canada, but 40 times the population, and its economic boom would further stress current water resources. Trojan had set growth hurdles of 30 per cent per year, and it needed new markets to reach that objective. The task in new market development was to determine if Trojan should enter China, and if so, when, where and how. The associate knew little of China: how decisions were made for water disinfecting equipment, whether Trojan's patents would be protected, and what level of resources would be required. The vice-president of new business development wanted to see recommendations within the month.

The senior market associate of Trojan Technologies reflected on the water shortages anticipated in developing countries created by their explosive economic growth. Trojan sold water disinfecting equipment, and the senior market associate's job was to find new areas for growth. China was particularly intriguing because it had as much water as Canada, but 40 times the population, and its economic boom would further stress current water resources. Trojan had set growth hurdles of 30% per year, and it needed new markets to reach that objective. The task in new market development was to determine whether Trojan should enter China and, if so, when, where, and how. The associate knew little of China: how decisions were made for water disinfecting equipment, whether Trojan's patents would be protected, and what level of resources would be required. The vice president of new business development wanted to see recommendations within the month.

This case illustrates an industry that is experiencing intensifying competition and regulation. The Chinese fireworks industry thrived after China adopted the "open door policy" in the late 1970s and grew to make up 90% of the world's fireworks export sales. However, starting from the mid-1990s, safety concerns led governments both in China and abroad to set up stricter regulations. At the same time, there was rapid growth in the number of small, family-run fireworks workshops, whose relentless price cutting drove down profit margins.