...Donna Dubinsky and Apple Computer Case questions 1. Why was Dubinsky initially so successful at Apple? * The organizational structure for apply and the distribution division was simply and clean * She claimed that having a good supervisor as mentor is precious, and guided her career path * With her ways of doing and managing phrased by her subordinates, Dubinsky was able to equip herself not only the position powers but also reputation and personal power * In terms of work evaluation, she maintained good relationships with all dealers, a critical factor in the industry. * Employees of distribution group took pride in their system’s efficiency and simplicity. It is very critical for the employees to agree and feel good about what they do. 2. Why did she respond the way she did to the JIT proposal? Two parts, emotional and rational * The distribution division was doing excellent, as they never caused a delay in product delivery, also maintain good relationships with dealers. All of a sudden, the top management suggested a proposal that was almost mandatory. * It is very offensive that other people step into her domain and try to break what her team has created. * The rationale behind the proposal was not in favor to apple’s good in a long term. As off the shelf business got to have inventory, and also room for faulty and returned product. 3. What do you think she should have done differently? Be specific. * Instead...
Words: 321 - Pages: 2
...Case Study Apple-Merging Technology, Business, and Entertainment Marcus Burch University of Maryland, University College Author Note This paper was prepared for AMBA 640. Executive Summary In the case study of Apple-Merging Technology, Business, and Entertainment, Apple transformed itself from a computer company with limited success to a major digital company with almost limitless potential and outstanding success. Apple Inc. brings more than 35 years of mission management and problem solving ability to the digital environment. The computer and or digital industry is latent with slogans and catch phrases about its technology, innovations and proven commitment to development. Apple’s core products are the most revolutionary innovations of the digital age. The iPod, iPad, iPhone, and iOS App Store help usher in a change in the way we use and purchase products. These products spawned a new revolution in the marketing of electronics. Introduction The purpose of this case analysis is to critically analyze the case study, Apple-Merging Technology, Business, and Entertainment from Baltzan’s book Business Driven Information Systems 3E.(2012). The analysis will discuss the influence that the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other Apple products have had over the last 10 years on the company and its competitors. Over the last 30 plus years Apple has transformed itself from a computer hardware or PC...
Words: 1643 - Pages: 7
...RUNNING HEAD: APPLE CASE STUDY Apple Case Study Jennifer Burton Davenport University MGMT 321 – Organizational Behaviour Dr. Phil L. Beukema May 8, 2011 Apple Case Study Apple has stepped out of the box and implemented a new procedure in order to seek out candidates to fill possible employment positions. Looking for true believers in the Apple line of products is the major goal of hiring personal. Apple can supply the knowledge needed to teach, sell, and share to customers. However, the new procedure they have been using has included hiring personal handing out black cards in other organizations. These cards tell the employee that they are from Apple, they thought they had done a great job selling, and that if they’re interested this is how you apply to work for Apple. This new procedure has brought to light many questions starting with is it ethical? I don’t believe that Apple’s “black card strategy” is unethical, but is actually really good business. Creative recruitment techniques are needed in this fast paced and competitive world we are living in. “These days companies are dreaming up new perks and incentives as the industry wages its fiercest war for talent in more than a decade” (Miller & Wortham, 2011). Some perks that companies are offering include: free meals, shuttle passes, stock options, free haircuts, iPads, can bring your dog to work, office views, and so much more. Apple is simply acknowledging...
Words: 922 - Pages: 4
...Apple.Inc A business case study Prepared for: Prof.John Sateja Prof.Edward O’connor New Jersey City Universty Prepared By: Ahmed Elsery Elisa Flores Mazin Almudares Date: 5-8-2015 I. Company Background On April 1976, the Apple Computer was formed by a 25-year-old then Steve Wozniak and a 21-year-old then Steve Jobs who were both college dropouts . It had its humble beginnings tracing its first location of where they started to build computers in Job’s family’s garage. The years that came after became witnesses of how such first creation led to one of the biggest names in the industry now. The ideas and early innovation techniques that emerged from this location would set the foundation for building one of the most important and globally effective technology companies the world has ever seen. In fact, some diehard Apple fans come from all over the globe just to pose for pictures in front of this now-famous garage. Wozniak, the true technical mind behind the building process of Apple’s early computers, spent the summer of 1976 building the company’s very first computer. Figure 1 first apple computer Meanwhile, Jobs began creating advertisements and found a buyer for the computer. The Byte Shop in Mountain View, California, proved to be Apple’s first major customer, and coincidentally the first retail computer store chain in the world. The two Steve were able to build and sell fifty Apple computers that summer, all from within the confined space of the...
Words: 6252 - Pages: 26
...Case Study & Analysis - Apple A note on history of disruptive technology and Apple Computers: Apple computers (Inc.) has been a pioneer in successfully introducing one disruptive technology after another. Beginning in the 1980’s, Apple introduced the first “personal computer” to the market. Although IBM would soon take over this market, Apple still gave birth to idea, and looking 20 years down the road to the introduction of the MacBook, we can see that Apple was able to finally restore its position as a competitor in the PC market. In the case of the PC, the technology was not seen as a direct threat by the main frame and mini computer manufacturers at first, but as the PC grew at a rapid pace compared to the other devices, it was able to replace them. From a hindsight perspective, it is clear that Apple’s near doom in the early 1990’s was due to their inability to capitalize on the disruptive technology of the PC. But taken as a whole, the history of Apple (tied almost directly to the influence of Steve Jobs) is characterized by an ability to capitalize on disruptive technologies that have put them currently at the top of the market for technological innovation. The same goes true for the iPod, iPhone and ipad. Models of disruptive technologies and “increasing returns” - the impact on Apple The success of a disruptive technology product often depend on whether a company is able to produce a fully integrated experience which will survive to become a sustaining technology...
Words: 1200 - Pages: 5
...Apple Inc. Case Study A. In your own words, define “revenues.” Explain how revenues are different from “gains.” Revenues are the monies that are brought in as a result of the business’ core functions in their respective industry. Revenues are different from gains in that revenues can be accounted for, while still taking a loss in the overall profitability. If an item were to be sold below cost, it brings revenue (selling price), but was sold at a loss. B. Describe what it means for a business to “recognize revenues.” What specific amounts and financial statements are affected by the process of revenue recognition? Describe the revenue recognition criteria outline in the FASB’s statement of Concepts No. 5. A business can decide at what time they recognize their revenues. Revenues can be accounted for at the point of sale, or after Goods have been delivered (are out of inventory). Accounts that are affected are inventory, Accounts receivable, cash, and uncollected revenue. Financial statements affected include the Income statement and Balance sheet. The revenue recognition process is a cornerstone of accrual method of accounting. According to the FASB, revenues are recognized when they are realized and are earned when goods are transferred no matter when cash is received. C. Refer to the Revenue Recognition discussion in Note 1. In general, when does Apple recognize revenue? Explain Apple’s four revenue recognition criteria. Do they appear to be aligned with the revenue...
Words: 894 - Pages: 4
...Running Head: Apple Case Study Case Study: Apple Davenport University July 5, 2011 Overview When looking for great employees Apple strays away from the norm. Instead of looking for great salespeople who have a great track record of using sophisticated technology Apple has decided to do it differently. They look for people who love their product and enjoy using it. Apple is looking for people who, “isolate true enthusiasm and believe in the Apple products” (Jason Colquitt, 2011). Black cards are the new invention at this company. Apple has a new strategy to have their people hand out black cards t employees at other organizations. These cards have the apple emblem and have something written on each side. On the front of the card it has a compliment and tells them they should talk to Apple. On the back side it says how they have good customer service ideals and how if they are unhappy with their job they should contact Apple. Apple has also come out with a “store within a store” idea. They have set up shop inside Best Buy and have consultants to go to the stores and train employees about their brands and all others. Now, is their new black card strategy ethical or unethical? Should Apple offer a different training method for its employees recruited through their new black card strategy? Is there a difference in an employee’s motivation at Best Buy selling a Mac than an employee at Apple selling a Mac? Black Card: Ethical or Unethical When it comes to certain...
Words: 1260 - Pages: 6
...Can Apple successfully defend its position as an innovative powerhouse while expanding its portfolio to include media and software as well as attract new consumers? Apple Computer, Inc. Case Study Sheila Attipoe Rosemary Oxford On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs and Stephen Wozniak began the partnership that would eventually become Apple Computer in Cupertino, California. “Apple Computer, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company’s best-known hardware products are the Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. Its software includes the Mac OS X operating system; the iTunes media browser; the iLife suite of multimedia and creativity software; the iWork suite of productivity software; Aperture, a professional photography package; Final Cut Studio, a suite of professional audio and film-industry software products; Logic Studio, a suite of music production tools, the Safari web browser; and iOS, a mobile operating system” (Wikipedia). Some of Apple’s competitors include IBM, Dell, and HP. The first computer, the Apple I, was hand-built by Stephen Wozniak in the garage of Steve Jobs’s parents. It was known as the “kit computer” the original Apple consisted merely of a circuit board and did not even have an exterior casing. The Apple I did not sell well and this lead to the introduction of the Apple II on April 16, 1977. This helped increase the...
Words: 3733 - Pages: 15
...Course 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...
Words: 1005 - Pages: 5
...Apple Case Study Paper Rhonda Ellis-Thomas MKT 571 November 27, 2012 Professor Linda Kulka View as single page Apple Case Study Paper Apple, Inc. was started by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne; Apple has stretched from computers to consumer electronics over the last 30 years, officially changing their name from Apple Computer, Inc. to Apple, Inc. in January 2007 (CrunchBase, 2012). Among the main contributions from Apple’s product line are: Pro line laptops (MacBook Pro) and desktops (Mac Pro), consumer line laptops (MacBook Air) and desktops (iMac), servers (Xserve), Apple TV, the Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server operating systems, the iPod, the iPhone (now available for sale in over 90 countries), and the iPad. The purpose of this paper is to consider both the environmental and internal pressures contributing to the changing market dynamics facing Apple, Inc., and use a problem-solving model, identify and define one specific problem Apple will need to address and apply a robust problem-solving process. The problem, according to the Forbes article “Will Apple Repeat The Most Dangerous Strategic Mistake Leaders of Fast Growing Corporation Can Make?” by Panos Mourdoukoutas, seems to involve the fact that Apple, Inc. may be taking their customers for granted. Is it a result of pressure from the competitors? Is it the economy? Could it possibly be from a mix of internal and external issues? Research will so what may be causing this problem throughout this document...
Words: 1549 - Pages: 7
...Apple Case Study The Black card strategy is not unethical, but is a little sneaky. Apple was basically robbing the competition for their employees. I wish I had thought of something like that. The only problem may come in is when employees are given those black cards and get hired with, they may want special treatment. It absolutely should be pointed out that apple is just giving them an opportunity to have a good enjoyable job. They should realize they can’t take the black card for granted. The black card strategy is proof that Apple really focuses on good customer service and tries to hire nothing but the best. Training should be the same if you are hired through the black card or not. Just because you got a black card doesn’t mean you don’t have to train. You knew the product at the previous job, but what about at Apple? Even the person who has been at a job for years needs continuous education and training on the product and the growing business. The technology world is booming so you never know enough about anything. Employees of Best Buy are absolutely different from Apple Employees. Best Buy has a wide variety of product and most of the time they will tell you honestly which is the best or they will read strait off the box information. Whereas an employee of Apple is mainly trained on Apple products and have a better understanding then any other retail shop employee. It’s almost like going into McDonald’s and asking them how a Whopper...
Words: 263 - Pages: 2
...iPad Prospects After the Kindle Fire: 65% Market Share and Most of the Profits par4par“But, in comparison with the iPad, the Kindle Fire has a 33 percent smaller display, no cameras, no 3G wireless, less memory and only two-finger multi-touc [...] 2 comments, 1 called-out + Comment now par4par “But, in comparison with the iPad, the Kindle Fire has a 33 percent smaller display, no cameras, no 3G wireless, less memory and only two-finger multi-touc [...] Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos introduces the Kindle Fire (Image by AFP/Getty Images via @daylife) Jeff Bezos unveiled the $199 Kindle Fire this morning with great fanfare, but a closer look should disappoint those looking for an iPad killer. The Kindle Fire is poised to nibble at Apple’s market share. But this low-cost and under-powered tablet is more likely to suffocate its Android-based brethren than the iPad and actually should cement Apple’s dominance of the general-purpose tablet market. On the plus side, the Kindle Fire has a custom Amazon user interface that supports tight integration with Amazon’s content and media apps. It also includes one month’s free subscription to Amazon Prime (a $6.58 value!), which includes free 2-day shipping and some free streaming video access. In short, at $199, the Kindle Fire is an attractive Amazon shopping and content consumption device. But, in comparison with the iPad, the Kindle Fire has a 33 percent smaller display, no cameras, no 3G wireless, less memory and only two-finger...
Words: 3213 - Pages: 13
...APPLE CASE STUDY REPORT: APPLE COMPUTER 2006 HISTORICALLY REVIEW OF APPLE’S MAJOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES Since founded, Apple aimed at providing customers with special premium products. Even though Steve Jobs made it Apple’s mission to bring an easy-to-use computer to every man, woman, and child, in the development of Apple, this brand is more and more focusing on a certain group of customers. Under Porter’s position theory, Apple could be categorized into “differentiation” and “focus”. Despite of some efforts to cover low price market, Apple could hardly be regarded as cost leader during its 30 years history. Apple’s major competitive advantages could be summarized by following aspects: DIFFERENTIATION: EASE OF USE As early as 1978, Apple launched the Apple II, a relatively simple machine that people could use straight out of the box. The Apple II set in motion a computing revolution that drove the PC industry to $1 billion in annual sales in less than three years. The ease of use property of Apple products help Apple develop fast from a newly founded company to the industry leader in less than five years. It was also mentioned that of retail customers who bought a Mac, 50% had switched from using a Windows machine. That could illustrate the ease of use of Apple in the way that despite of the switching cost, there is no huge technical barrier that prevents customers turning to Apple products even though they may be used to Windows products previously. DIFFERENTIATION:...
Words: 2590 - Pages: 11
...Apple Computer Introduction: Apple Computer began it’s existence on April Fools Day in 1976 when two young men decide to sell a computer that one of the men designed. Steve Wozniak (Woz) had designed a personal computer that he and Steven Jobs built together. Woz had not even considered that idea of anyone wanting to buy it, however Jobs had a vision to introduce it to the public for sale. Woz and Jobs started the Apple Company in Jobs garage and from there it has blossomed into a billion dollar company. “Apple Computer 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”(Apple). Apple uses differentiation strategy by seeking to be unique in its industry as well as being cost competitive. SWOT Analysis: The chart below identifies Apple’s SWOT analysis. Listed are some of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats CEO Steve Jobs Program Compatibility Education sector Competition in technology Brand recognition Few Strategic Alliances Intel chips Product substitutes Good support systems Leadership Music industry Economic conditions Tech-savvy design PC market Innovativeness Law suits Strengths: CEO Steven Jobs was the visionary of the company when Apple Computers was formed. He saw that the personal computers could be sold to the public and money could...
Words: 2489 - Pages: 10
...Case Study: The Strategic Management of Apple Inc. GB520 Strategic Human Resources Management Professor Andrew Klein May 7, 2013 Strategic Management “Strategic management refers to the art of planning your business at the highest possible level” (What is strategic, 2011). A great example of strategic management is the story of Apple, Inc., formally known as Apple Computers. This story is innovative, includes traditional business strategies, an amazing record in leading change and unplanned successes. Steve Jobs, one of Apple’s founders, made the companies mission to be, “to bring an easy-to-use computer to the market” (Yoffie, 2008). When Apple went public in late 1980 the company immediately took on a new objective – to make the stockholders money. The company had several entrusted members that had different managerial strategies that were used to accomplish the objectives. Since the company was founded it has maintained a strategy of continuous innovation in product and application development. In the beginning Apple’s products were easy to use, revolutionary and profitable; however they struggled due to the lack of alliances with other industries. In the early 90’s Apple began reaching out to other industries to establish alliances and that proved to be a strategic move in order to ensure Apple achieved the company’s original mission as well as meet the stockholders demand of making money. Apple’s Leadership Steve Jobs along side of Steve Wozniak founded...
Words: 1045 - Pages: 5
