d.light Case Study: Business Plan Impact on Social Enterprise Growth

This case study examines d.light, a for-profit social enterprise, and its mission to provide affordable and reliable lighting solutions to individuals without access to electricity. The analysis highlights the significance of d.light's meticulously crafted business plan in attracting investment, enhancing brand awareness, and guiding the organization's strategic direction. Sam Goldman, one of the founders, recognized the problem of lack of access to light and electricity faced by people and formed a team with engineering and business expertise to develop 'd.light' for resolving the issue. The case study also explores alternative strategies, such as utilizing local ambassadors for product promotion and feedback, to further enhance d.light's impact and profitability. Desklib offers a platform for students to access similar case studies and solved assignments for academic assistance.

Case Study
Student’s Name:
Student’s ID:
Subject:

1
Table of Contents
Answer 1.....................................................................................................................................................2
Answer 2.....................................................................................................................................................2
Answer 3.....................................................................................................................................................2
Answer 4.....................................................................................................................................................3
References...................................................................................................................................................4

2
Answer 1
There are millions of people all over the world who does not have access to electricity because of
economic reasons. It comprise of various public organizations which focuses upon shareholder
returns. It has been predicted by General Electric (GE) or Philips that they do not receive profit
out of it. Generally, both companies do not consider the market segment as worthy of an
investment. The organizations mainly focus on profitable markets, and as a result, the companies
do not notice the requirements of poor or rural areas (Mirvis & Googins, 2018). For example, in
Kenya, most of the low-income families spends up to 30% of their annual income for buying fuel
for kerosene lamps. Whereas, some of the African households are purchasing lightning at the rate
of £65 per kilowatt per hour which is 100 times more than the amount paid by individuals in
developed countries.
Answer 2
Sam Goldman clearly understood the issue, faced by the people related to lack of access to light
and reliable electricity. The team of Sam Goldman is considered to be a strong team that holds a
balance of engineering and business expertise (Arogyaswamy, 2017). For example, he lived the
majority of life in different countries like Pakistan, India, Canada, Peru and many more to
investigate the problem and get better solutions for such issues. By discussing with the other
team members, they realized that there is no problem in traveling to poor villages to introduce
their product that leads to the generation of a huge channel of distribution. By doing, this Sam
along with his team recognized the problem and it helped them in designing a ‘d.light’ to resolve
the issue successfully and provide light to millions of people.
Answer 3
Sam Goldman mainly emphasized the significance of d.light’s business plan as it helped the
organization to enhance its business, increase investment capital and brings awareness to his
brand. In terms of how meticulously crafted business helped d.light, I truly believe that it sets the
value, mission, and vision for the organization to follow while developing its business. It also
reduces risks and makes the potential product a more solid and attractive investment (Cross &
Murray, 2018). For example, the company must have considered the business plan as a

3
communication tool that presented the idea to other individuals to those who would have become
supporters and helpers of d.light.
Answer 4
If I were one of the founders of d.light, I would have mainly focused on educating and
introducing the products to the local citizens of the country with the help of ambassadors of
town. Such ambassadors would have been provided the items for free to use, and in return, they
would be asked to help the organization in promoting the product. The ambassadors would have
also been asked to give feedback related to the product if they agree with this terms and
conditions than the products of d.light are determined to be useful (Ozanne et al., 2016). This is
considered to be the best marketing strategy that would be beneficial for the company in gaining
profit.

4
References
Arogyaswamy, B. (2017). Social entrepreneurship performance measurement: A time-based
organizing framework. Business Horizons, 60(5), 603-611.
Cross, J., & Murray, D. (2018). The afterlives of solar power: Waste and repair off the grid in
Kenya. Energy research & social science, 44, 100-109.
Mirvis, P., & Googins, B. (2018). Engaging employees as social innovators. California
Management Review, 60(4), 25-50.
Ozanne, L. K., Phipps, M., Weaver, T., Carrington, M., Luchs, M., Catlin, J., ... & Williams, J.
(2016). Managing the tensions at the intersection of the triple bottom line: A paradox
theory approach to sustainability management. Journal of Public Policy &
Marketing, 35(2), 249-261.