Columbia Business SchoolStrategy FormulationCase Simulation
TSMCCase study

TSMC:
the board awaits your recommendation.

You are advising TSMC's board as AI demand surges and the cost of advanced manufacturing continues to rise. TSMC has already committed to frontier-capable production in Arizona. The board has approved one additional frontier fab—but where should it be built? Determine the sources of TSMC's competitive advantage and recommend whether the next frontier fab should be built in the United States or Taiwan.

How this works

  1. 1Sign in with Google
  2. 2Work solo, then as a team
  3. 3Complete the team recommendation

Case structure · five stages

  1. Stage IIndividual
    BackgroundReview the semiconductor industry and TSMC's business model.
  2. Stage IIIndividual
    Data RoomReview the initial exhibits.
  3. Stage IIIIndividual
    Analysis: Value Stick ComparisonConstruct your value sticks and assess whether TSMC has a competitive advantage relative to Samsung Foundry.
  4. Stage IVIndividual and Team
    Intelligence GatheringOnce every teammate has completed Analysis, your team gains access to the full exhibits and executive interviews. Each student must interview at least two executives.
  5. Stage VTeam
    RecommendationUse the additional evidence to refine your analysis and recommend whether TSMC should build its next frontier fab in the United States or Taiwan.

Take your seat

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