Aluminum Versus Plastic: A Life-Cycle Perspective on the Use of These Materials in Laptop Computers

This new business analytics case study challenges readers to help Durable Aluminum build a strategic plan for convincing more laptop computer manufacturers to specific aluminum cases instead of plastic. Readers will be asked to help position aluminum as the preferred choice with regard to the environment, consumer choice, and pricing, focusing on full lifecycle cost compared with plastic. Crystallizing realistic analytical challenges faced by companies in many industries, this case study covers the entire decision-making process, providing opportunities to perform analyses, interpret output, and recommend the best actions. Author: Ryan Luchs, Drew Lessard, and Robert P. Sroufe, Duquesne University.