Premium Essay

Analysis of Apple Business Strategy

In:

Submitted By shb66
Words 4560
Pages 19
Analysis of Apple Inc. business Strategic Unit (iPad unit)

Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2 1. Strategic position of Apple Inc .................................................................................................................. 2 1.1 Competitive strategic position ............................................................................................................ 2 1.2 Strategic group mapping ......................................................................................................................... 4 2. External drivers of change affecting Apple’s Strategic Business Unit ....................................................... 5 2.1 PEST Analysis ....................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1.1 Political and legal drivers ............................................................................................................. 5 2.1.2 Economic factors .......................................................................................................................... 5 2.1.3 Socio-cultural factors ................................................................................................................... 6 2.1.4 Technology ................................................................................................................................... 7 2.1.5 Legal factors ................................................................................................................................. 7 2.1.6 Environment................................................................................................................................. 8 2.2 Five Forces Model

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Apple Inc. an Analysis of Business Strategy

...Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Apple Inc. in 2010 An Analysis of Business Strategy American Military University BUS620 16 February 2014 Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Abstract 2 Apple Incorporated is an industry leader and this piece will serve to address questions pertaining to Apple’s competition in the Personal Computer (PC), MP3, and smart phone market and how its strategy has evolved along with the evolution of the products. Threats and challenges that Apple faces as is moves forward are also identified. Finally a brief assessment of Apple Incorporated after the exit of Steve Jobs as its Chief Executive Officer and his effectiveness as a strategic manager. Keywords: Personal Computer Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Apple Inc. in 2010 An Analysis of Business Strategy 3 Apple is extremely competitive in the personal computer (PC) market and has carved out a very specific niche for its brand through an evolution of product development and marketing strategies. The market for personal computing evolved as quickly as technology could be developed and Apple’s approach was to offer the consumer a “plug and play” option, meaning everything needed for desktop publishing and education (from hardware and software to peripherals) were integrated in the Macintosh system and could readily and easily be utilized (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Apple offers a level of exclusivity for its consumers. The cost of an Apple machine is expensive, but the quality is...

Words: 1218 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Strategy of Mobile Phone Industry

...The strategy of the mobile phone industry: A comparative analysis of Apple, Sony, Xiaomi The strategy of the mobile phone industry - a comparative analysis of Apple, Sony, Xiaomi I Executive summary The paper sheds lights on the strategy of three mobile phone industry and that task is to perform comparative analysis on Apple, Sony and Xiaomi. The author has first started with the analysis of the macro-environment using strategic analytic tool called PESTLE. The author has used tools such as Porter’s Five Forces and SWOT to analyze the micro-environment of a mobile phone industry and define Key Success Factors that are essential to be included in company’s strategy. Moreover the paper characterizes the comparative analysis such as objectives, strengths, weakness, financial analysis (quantitative), Vario analysis (Qualitative), merger and acquisitions, market share and competitive advantage strategy, of Apple, Sony and Xiaomi. At the end, the author of this assignment has given his recommendation to these three industries and concludes with a set of challenges being faced by mobile phone industry to create and maintain customer values and profit margins for present and future business successes. The strategy of the mobile phone industry - a comparative analysis of Apple, Sony, Xiaomi II Table of Contents LIST OF ABBREVIATION ..................................................................................................................

Words: 5929 - Pages: 24

Premium Essay

Apple Analysis

...Apple Analysis Executive Summary In week 8 of AMBA 640, we will be analyzing the Apple case located in chapter one of Management Information Systems: Business Driven MIS Inc from an information systems management perspective. Our analysis will look at some of the common tools used to analyze competitive intelligence such as Porter’s Five Forces Model, the three generic strategies for choosing a business focus and the value chain analysis. We will also discuss why and how data, information, business intelligence and knowledge are important to Apple. This analysis will also include how Apple identified areas where it achieved a competitive advantage using management information systems and why competitive advantages are temporary.   Introduction Apple was launched April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak and is considered to be one of the most innovative technologies companies in the world. The company is responsible for products and services such as the Macintosh desktop and laptop computers, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iTouch, iPad, Apple TV, and iCloud. Apple also develops its own software to run on its computers, its philosophy “has always been to create products that consumers find easy to use and marry innovative technology to work productivity and personal entertainment” (Mallin & Finkle, p.49, 2011). This accomplished company faces constant challenges from a competitive market to a technology lifecycle that is continuously being shortened and thus must...

Words: 2606 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Strategic Management

...Strategic Management Analysis of the strategy of the Strategic Management – Analysis of the Strategy of the Apple, Inc. 15 June 2012 List of contents List of contents …..…..…………………….………………………………….….………… 2 List of figures …………….…….……………………………….…………........................ 3 1. Executive Summary ……………………………………..….…………….….…………. 4 2. Historical development ………………….……..………………..…..……..………...… 4 3. Environmental analysis …………………………………………………..…………...... 8 3.1 Company description ………………………………………………..…………….. 8 3.2 The SWOT Analysis of Apple …….………………………………..…………….. 10 3.3 The most influential competitors ……………………...…………..……………... 12 3.4 PEST Analysis …...…………………………………………………….…..……… 14 4. Business Analysis of Apple ……………………………………………………..……. 16 4.1 Portfolio overview …..……………………………………..………………………. 16 4.1 Corporate Identity ……………………………………….………………………… 18 4.2 Corporate Social Responsibility …………...………………………………….… 18 5. Conclusion ………………………..…..…………..……………………………………. 19 List of references ………………………..…..………..…..…………………………..….. 20 Appendix ………………….…………………………………………………………… 21-25 -2- Strategic Management – Analysis of the Strategy of the Apple, Inc. 15 June 2012 List of figures Figure 1: Apple’s 183M smartphone sell until Q1/2012 ...……………………………… 7 Figure 2: Apple net sales by product 2011 ……………………………………………… 9 Figure 3: Apple sales by product 2010 ………………………..………………….……… 9 Figure 4: Apple’s sales by product line ………………………………………...………. 10 Figure 5: Key Executives...

Words: 5730 - Pages: 23

Premium Essay

Apple Analysis

...Apple Analysis Executive Summary In week 8 of AMBA 640, we will be analyzing the Apple case located in chapter one of Management Information Systems: Business Driven MIS Inc from an information systems management perspective. Our analysis will look at some of the common tools used to analyze competitive intelligence such as Porter’s Five Forces Model, the three generic strategies for choosing a business focus and the value chain analysis. We will also discuss why and how data, information, business intelligence and knowledge are important to Apple. This analysis will also include how Apple identified areas where it achieved a competitive advantage using management information systems and why competitive advantages are temporary.   Introduction Apple was launched April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak and is considered to be one of the most innovative technologies companies in the world. The company is responsible for products and services such as the Macintosh desktop and laptop computers, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iTouch, iPad, Apple TV, and iCloud. Apple also develops its own software to run on its computers, its philosophy “has always been to create products that consumers find easy to use and marry innovative technology to work productivity and personal entertainment” (Mallin & Finkle, p.49, 2011). This accomplished company faces constant challenges from a competitive market to a technology lifecycle that is continuously being shortened and thus must...

Words: 2606 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Apple Analysis

...Executive Summary In week 8 of AMBA 640, we will be analyzing the Apple case located in chapter one of Management Information Systems: Business Driven MIS Inc from an information systems management perspective. Our analysis will look at some of the common tools used to analyze competitive intelligence such as Porter’s Five Forces Model, the three generic strategies for choosing a business focus and the value chain analysis. We will also discuss why and how data, information, business intelligence and knowledge are important to Apple. This analysis will also include how Apple identified areas where it achieved a competitive advantage using management information systems and why competitive advantages are temporary.   Introduction Apple was launched April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak and is considered to be one of the most innovative technologies companies in the world. The company is responsible for products and services such as the Macintosh desktop and laptop computers, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iTouch, iPad, Apple TV, and iCloud. Apple also develops its own software to run on its computers, its philosophy “has always been to create products that consumers find easy to use and marry innovative technology to work productivity and personal entertainment” (Mallin & Finkle, p.49, 2011). This accomplished company faces constant challenges from a competitive market to a technology lifecycle that is continuously being shortened and thus must make...

Words: 2604 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Apple Business Strategy

...Apple Corporation: Strategy Analysis Executive summary Apple Corporation continues to be the worlds most admired company because of its huge financial base, ability to attract and retain customers, ability to innovate and to produce technologically superior products. The company’s strategy as found in this report is built around creativity and innovation. Its capabilities in terms of resources and technology have made the company to produce technologically advanced products. Despite the huge influence of the external factors such as regulations, the economy and changes in technology, Apple is still strong and able to leverage its capabilities to achieve success. Apple is thus strategically positioned to achieve its objectives despite a few challenges that were identified that pose a threat to the company. Overall, its future direction should be guided by innovation and its ability to diversify its activities and products in order to extend its product line in order to survive. Introduction The 21st century has witnessed a rapid change in the way companies do business and the rationale for this is the cut throat competition among firms. The need to make profits and to gain market share has driven these companies to enact strategies that have led them to perform better (Vernon, 2001). This is not always the same with all companies as performance varies across these companies and this could be explained by the different strategies that they have adopted (Francis, 2010)...

Words: 4492 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Mgt 521

...Business Analysis Part III MGT 521 August xx, 2011 Abstract In this Business Analysis Part III I will summarize significant facts and conclude the analysis by including conclusions from Business Analysis Part I & II which will help in the decision making to invest or not in Apple Inc. Business Analysis Part III Strategic Initiatives Vision Statement According to Apple Inc “Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1985 with the Macintosh. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals, and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software, and Internet offerings.” Mission Statement According to Apple Inc, “Apple Computer is committed to protecting the environment, health and safety of our employees, customers and the global communities where we operate. We recognize that by integrating sound environmental, health and safety management practices into all aspects of our business, we can offer technologically innovative products and services while conserving and enhancing resources for future generations. Apple strives for continuous improvement in our environmental, health and safety management systems and in the environmental quality of our products, processes and services.” Value According to its new CEO Tim Cook, Apple’s...

Words: 2892 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Strategic Planning

...focus on the future. Effective strategic planning articulates not only where an organization is going and the actions needed to make progress, but also how it will know if it is successful. History Apple Inc: Apple Inc formerly known as Apple Computer Inc which provides corporate Server, MAC OS Systems and  Operating System.  Apples core product lines are the iPhone, iPod and Macintosh System. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozaniak, The founder of Apple has created the Apple Computer on 1st April 1976 and integrated in the company on 3rd January 1977, in Cupertino California. It has driven the Computer manufacturing market for more than two decades. Mr. Steve Jobs who was expelled in 1985 was return as CEO of the APPLE Inc in 1996 with new Ideas and corporate philosophy. With introduction of successful IPod Player in to 2001 Apple has again proved itself as a Market leader in consumer electronics.  Latest era of extraordinary success of the company is in iOS based Apple products like I Phone, IPod slim, I Pad and now I Pad 2. Now a day’s Apple is a biggest technology corporation in the planet with the profits of more than $65 billion. It has about 49,400 employs all over the world. Fortune Magazine most Admired company in United State in 2008 and in the world in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Apple has over 240 Store all over the world...

Words: 4221 - Pages: 17

Free Essay

Organization Behavior

...Introduction The current global and virtual business environment shapes the business strategy for the aim of competing by knowledge and expertise to win the market share in the long run. Apple Inc. is one of the major leading hardware manufacturers, originates from the United States and is popular among the world. Its long-term direction could be strengthening the research, design, development and manufacturing phases. The success of this company relies its competitive strategy, which integrates its core resources, company structure and business process and stimulates targeted customers effectively as well as attracts more customers. In the meanwhile, the success of Apple Inc. is due to the support from strategic marketing. This report for Apple Inc. will analyze strategically about Apple in terms of its business description first with company profile, financial description and future direction in it. Furthermore, the sustainable business strategies that Apple adopts will be described in detail and the effectiveness of them will also be proposed one by one. The author also makes use of one of the classic tools, SWOT analysis, to give all-around insight of its competiveness strategies in terms of advantages and disadvantages. Some suggestions will appear in the end of this report as well. Business Description Company Profile The business description comes from its financial report: “The Company designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media...

Words: 2178 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Marketing Strategy for Apple

...Name Course Instructor Date Situation Analysis 1 Key objectives 1 Competition 2 Current performance 2 Cultural and structural issues 2 Organizational resources 3 Environmental analysis 3 Political Analysis 3 Economic Analysis 3 Social Analysis 3 Technological Analysis 4 SWOT Analysis 4 Strengths 4 Weaknesses 4 Opportunities 5 Threats 5 Marketing process 5 Marketing mix 5 Products 5 Distribution Strategy 6 Promotion Strategy 6 Integrated Marketing Strategies 7 Situation Analysis Key objectives Apple was voted the general victor of the 2012 CMO Survey Award for Marketing Excellence. Apple has been chosen as the victor or co-champ for five back to back years by the example of top advertisers. Apple's unique points: 1. Empathy – Apple comprehends the needs of their customer superior to other organizations. 2. Focus – keeping in mind the end goal to benefit a vocation of the things the company chooses to do, Apple pans to dispose of the majority of the irrelevant opportunities 3. Impute –Apple may have the best item, the most elevated quality, the most helpful programming, and so forth; the company displays its product in an imaginative, proficient way to ascribe the coveted qualities ("Corporate Goals And Objectives For Global Final Paper- Apple Inc."). Competition Apple is being led by Samsung as purchasers are requesting telephones with bigger screens at less expensive costs. Indeed, even with the presentation of iPhone...

Words: 3092 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Value Chain

...VALUE CHAIN – CRITIQUE/FIRM LEVEL ANALYSIS INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT – UNIVERSITY OF BALLARAT CHINTHAKA ARIYAPALA – ID 30100162   Brief Content Topic Page 1. INTRODUCTION...………………………………………………………………………….. 3 2. VALUE CHAIN FRAMEWORK-CRITIQUE…………………………………………………….. 3 3. MAIN ASPECT OF VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS…………………………………………………. 3 4. PRIMARY ACTIVITIES…………………………………………………………………………………. 4 5. SUPPORT ACTIVITIES………………………………………………………………….…………. 5 6. LIMITATION OF VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS………………………………………………………. 7 7. COMPETENCIES……………………………………………………………………………… 8 8. INTERNAL ANALYSIS THROUGH SWOT ANALYSIS……………………………………… 8 9. VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS……………………………………………………………………….. 9 10. CONCLUTION…………………………………………………………………………………….……. 11 11. REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………….…………. 13 Introduction The value chain approach was introduced by Michael Porter in the 1980s in his book “Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance” (Porter, 1985). The concept of value added, in the form of the value chain, can be utilized to develop an organization’s sustainable competitive advantage in the business arena of the 21st C. All organizations consist of activities that link together to develop the value of the business, and together these activities form the organization’s value chain. Such activities may include purchasing activities, manufacturing the products, distribution and marketing of the company’s products and activities (Lynch...

Words: 2797 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

The Implementation of Effective Organisational Change: Apple Inc.

...The Implementation of Effective Organisational Change: Apple Inc. Simon Karuku Freelancing Table of contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………..4 SWOT Analysis ……………………………………...…………………………………… 5 i) Internal environment: Strengths……………………………………………………………..5 Ii) Internal Analysis: Weakness………………………………………………………………..5 iii) External Environment: Opportunities……………………………………………………....6 iv) External Environment: Threats……………………………………………………………..6 PESTL Analysis………………………………………………………………………………...7 i) Political factor analysis……………………………………………………………..7 ii) Economic factor analysis……………………………………………………………8 iii) Social factor analysis………………………………………………………………...8 iv) Technological factor analysis………………………………………………………..9 v) Environmental factor analysis………………………………………………………..9 vi) Legal factor analysis…………………………………………………………………10 Strategies used by Apple…………………………………………………………………………10 i) Diversification…..……………………………………………………………………10 ii) Research and Development…………………………………………………………..11 1. Brand positioning strategy………………………………………………………12 2. Product positioning strategy……………………………………………………..13 3. Pricing strategy…………………………………………………………………..14 Key Principles of Change Management needed by an organization……………………………14 1. Effective leadership……………………………………………………………..15 2. Effective Management…………………………………………………………..15 3. Stakeholder, Ethics and Governance…………………………………………….16 References……………………………………………………………………………18 List...

Words: 3899 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Week 4

...Final Business Model and Strategic Plan Graciela Venegas, Christopher Nieto BUS 475 Claudia Camacho 2-23-2015 Table of Contents Abstract 3 Executive Summary 4 Strategies 6 Conceptualizing in Business 7 SWOTT Analysis 11 Balance Scorecard 17 Reference 23 Abstract Our final business model will be discussed in this paper. We will emphasize the important factors that will contribute to the completion of our intended service. It is important to understand our mission, in order to understand the importance of our new service. We have gathered all of the relevant information which starts from describing our product to describing the necessary tools to properly implement and create this new service for Apple, Inc. Executive Summary Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops and sells consumer electronics, computer software, online services, and personal computers. We will be focusing on Apple, Inc. to create a new service that will not only impact Apple's reputation in a positive way, but it will also promote more success. Apple, Inc. has many innovated products that have been popular in our industry, we have decided to incorporate a system in this particular company as popularity, and business success is part of it. We have decided to launch a service to customers with disabilities, this will be intended to help them get...

Words: 4742 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

Apple Case Study

...Name: Unit Number: Case Name: Apple Inc. Case Study Analysis Introduction This analysis is based on Apple Inc. case study in which the strategic management is analyzed. In the process of analyzing this concept, the article also indentifies the issues and problems as they are presented together with the identification of the major issues surrounding the organization and individuals that are involved with the Apple Inc. Alternative course of action is addressed together with the recommendation that is based on the analysis. Understanding strategic management Through strategic management, a series of moves are developed and executed with an aim of enhancing the organization to be successful in the current situation and also in the future. As the Apple Inc aggressive history is analyzed, a slew of examples are unveiled with an illustration of the irreproducible ability in the effort to have an adoption as well as own market creation. Apple’s strategic management The success of Apple Inc. has been based on its ability to integrate into its model of business operation a management that is strategic. Through strategic management diligent involvement, Apple Inc. has been able to ensure that it is not maneuvered; a strategy that has enabled the company for the past 3 decades to emerge as successful in the competition. However, believing that Apple Inc. has not gone through some setbacks would be illogical. In fact, this is...

Words: 1005 - Pages: 5