...GB520: Strategic Human Resource Management Professor Susan Pettine Kaplan University Apple Inc. Case Study 2008 Apple Inc. Case Analysis Introduction The 2008 Harvard Business Case Study on Apple Inc, describes the illustrious company which is fast becoming the wealthiest company ever with a net worth of $500 billion dollars. It illustrates how the company has had some issues, but still find a way to yet sustain its’ name and position over the years. The status of the company was examined in detail by the article which revealed a number of strategic moves under the leadership of several CEO’s in marketing, the PC industry and the consumer electronics industry. This paper offers an analysis of how I view Apple Inc. using the Strategic Management Process. Therefore, the latter part will offer recommendations of some difficulties Apple Inc. faced as it made successful changes (Slind & Yoffie, 2008). Synopsis (Background) of the Situation April 1, 1976 Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak cofounded Apple Computer in Los Angeles, California from Jobs garage; they built a computer circuit board and named it Apple I. In just a few months they sold 200, in less than three years Apple had annual sales of $1billion which quickly propelled them an industry leader. Apple was thriving to a degree that seemed to be beyond the capacity of Apple computer. Although Mac sales surged in recent years, Apple’s share of the PC market consistently...
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...STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT APPLE INC. Submitted by: BURGAS, JHENNEL CATORCE, FREYA JULIA DACALOS, DAVE RYAN MERIDA, KRISTY RAE SABILLO, MA. CARMEN F 12:00-3:00 Submitted to: Mr. Rene Y. Paquibot 1. Summary Everything started on April 1, 1976, when Steve Jobs, 20, and Steve Wozniak, 25, both electronic experts, decided to create and sell personal computers designed by the latter. Their little company was located in Job’s garage. They called their company Apple and their first machine, Apple I. It was just a simple computer with no case, keyboard and power supply. However, in October 1976, through the efforts of Woz, an improved version of Apple I was introduced, called the Apple II. Mike Markkula, a retired millionaire because of Fairchild and Intel, decided to visit Jobs’ garage and invested one-third in the company and helped in running it. The Apple II was introduced in 1977, with a Motorola microprocessor, keyboard, a power supply, a monitor, and a programming software. In 1978, Apple sold an improved version of Apple II which contained a disk drive for third-party developers to write software programs for the computer such as EasyWriter and VisiCalc. By the end of 1980, Apple became the leader in the embryonic personal computer industry because of the high sales generated by Apple II. It even introduced its next product, Apple III. However, such product was still outsold by Apple II, with the latter becoming a...
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...Apple Case-- “Taking a Bite Out of the Competition” Synopsis On April 1, 1976 Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs started and founded Apple Computers. Jobs was the visionary and marketing expert while Wozniak was more about the technical aspects. In 2004 Mr. Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Then in 2009 Jobs to medical leave from the company. Since 2004, the Apple Company led its competition in revenue and margins. And with the introduction of the products (iMac, MacBook, iPod, iPhone, and iTunes) the company started to expand into the digital entertainment market. Apple Computer change the name of the company to Apple, Inc. to symbolize its new, more diversified nature. Critical Factors for Success I believe that a major part of Apple, Inc.’s success fell on the fact that the introduced new, innovative products. No one in the digital entertainment market had any products even close to the iPod and iTunes technology that Apple introduced. And having such innovative product also created product differentiation for the company as well. People associated upscale and advanced products with the Apple brand. Making their products compatible with other computers besides Mac was a critical factor. Then people who didn’t necessarily have the Mac computer but had an iPod could still use the product. The opening of the App Store allowed 3rd-party developers to create applications for purchase just for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Apple, Inc. also worked with other companies, such...
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...One of the first reasons for Apple’s failures was the apple III, which had major quality problems; the most important of these was due to the lack of a cooling fan where the apple III would overheat, warping the motherboard in 1980’s. Also another detail about why apple III did not succeed in the market was because of its price, which was more expensive, compared to business computers during that time. Furthermore, another 80’s failure was the “Lisa” which was named after Steve Job’s daughter. The Lisa was a disaster in the market because firstly due to its market price $10 000 and secondly due to its 1MB memory. Therefore these failures continued in the 90’s where both the company’s visionary and founders departed. In 1983, Sculley became president and CEO of Apple. Jobs believed that Sculley would help him Apple “grow” with his management skills. However, Steve Job’s considers this as the biggest failure for Apple Inc. and its growth. Eventually, it cost Steve Job his job. In 1988, the stock reached a low near $4, and the company posted losses of over $1 Billion. To add on, Apple was facing market competition against many companies one of them been Microsoft, which started selling its OS to any PC maker that, would buy it. Eventually, Apple had contemplated licensing its Mac operating system on other computers. However, the idea was rejected and resulted in Microsoft shares of the computing market to take off. Microsoft's operating system, which was on more computers that cost...
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...Case Study Summary: Apple Inc is one of the most successful and valuable brand in the world. With their wide range of innovative and user friendly products ranging from iPod to iPhone, MacBook’s etc. Apple surely enjoys a huge market share and a loyal customer base. The huge success can be attributed to its ability to proactively think ahead of the market and leapfrog its competitor’s. But before achieving the huge success it had its own set of failures in the PC industry. Apples complete transformation from Apple computers to Apple Inc makes it a perfect example of successful change story. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research is study how technology and innovation based firms like Apple Inc. has achieved success by adopting various change initiatives and walking the talk. Apple has always believed in his vision and values of believing in technology. It also aims to understand how Innovative firms like Apple Inc. have been successful by being proactive and what are the drivers of change and the change models that led them to embrace and imbibe the culture of innovativeness to stay ahead of the market. An attempt is made to relate the best model that is reflective of Apple’s change strategy (based on the factual information). Introduction The two most important factors that drive today’s intensely competitive world are technology and obsolescence, being directly proportional to each...
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...Case Case Study #1 Apple Inc. Dixie Corbin MGMT 670 Fall 2013 What does a competitive strength assessment reveal about Apple's computer business as compared to the leaders in personal computer industry? Use the methodology in Table 4.2 to support your answer. Does it appear that the company's competitive positions in the media players and smartphones are stronger or weaker than its position in computers? Table 4.1 is in Chapter 4, page 65; Table 4.2 is the SWOT analysis, page 71. Apple Inc. has provided many innovative and creative products to consumers over the years. Many industry analysts want to know if Apple can sustain its growth and defend against new competitive threats. Apple lost their CEO Steve Jobs in 2011 to health issues. They were still able to stay ahead of the competition with impressive growth into 2012. “The company set record quarterly revenues and profits during its second quarter of 2012, which resulted in its stock price catapulting to a level that made it the world’s most valuable company as measured by its market capitalization.” (Gamble & Marino, 2012) Even with the loss of Steve Jobs, Apple was able to continue to provide innovative products such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod. During Job’s absence Tim Cook was able to perform successfully and was eventually appointed Job’s successor as Apple’s CEO. With a new CEO, Apple faced many difficulties including being forced to “work creatively and expeditiously to sustain the company’s success...
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...The present case study «Apple Inc. in 2010» deals with the main problems of Apple Inc. (previously known as Apple Computer, Inc. for the first 30 years) - an American multinational corporation that along with its subsidiaries designs, manufactures and sells personal computers, consumer electronics and software. The company's best-known hardware products are the Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. Its most popular software includes the Mac OS X - a PC operating system and iOS – а mobile operating system as well as the iTunes media store. By 2009 Apple Inc. had over 300 retail stores in several countries. It is one of the largest publicly traded companies in the world by market capitalization, as well as the largest technology company in the world by revenue and profit. As of 2010, the company had approximately 46,600 full-time employees. Within the last decade (2000-2010) Apple has successfully introduced three major innovations – iPod in 2001, iPhone in 2007 and iPad in 2010. To view how the company got so successful let us review in short the history and growth of the Apple Inc. over the years. As we know it was founded in 1976 by Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak, two young talented electronics masterminds both in their early twenties, who unfortunately dropped out of college. Their first computer was manufactured in the Jobs family's garage and called Apple I. The company was incorporated in 1977 and was named Apple Computer, Inc., but the word "Computer"...
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...GBA507 | Apple Case Study | | | | Laura GriffinJanuary 2, 2013Professor Gregory Fallon | | Apple Computer was founded in 1976 by masterminds Steven Wozniak and Steven Jobs. Together they created and introduced the first mass produced personal computer and eventually went on to produce breakthrough after breakthrough in the technology and music world. Steve Jobs had a short stint away from the company however, returned many years later to bring Apple Inc. into the fast growing and much anticipated world of music and technology. Apple has been engaged in design, development and marketing of personal computers, media devices, and portable music devices such as, the famous and highly sought after iPod. The company also sells a variety of related software, services, networking solutions, third party digital content and applications. Their product line encompasses products such as, the Mac pc; several versions of the iPod, music download program iTunes, the iPhone, iPad, and the iStore to purchase items that service their product lines. Apple primary operates in the US. And its headquarters are located in Cupertino, CA. The company employs approximately 47,000 employees. Apple has had many highlights in its history, as well as, some setbacks. The company was led by pioneers in the beginning creating the first mass produced personal computer but had a hard time keeping up as other entrants matched and surpassed capabilities of what Apple products...
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...Karen Romero WRIT 340 – Section 66748 20 November 2013 Apple, Inc. A Case Study in External Communication Executive Summary Background: On June 25, 2010 Apple released the iPhone 4. With its sleek, new, stainless steel frame design, thousands of people rushed to buy Apple’s latest gadget. Apple and its partner carriers received 600,000 pre-orders for the iPhone 4s in the first 24 hours, making it the largest number of pre-orders Apple had received in a single day for any device up to that time. By the end of the month, Apple had sold over 1.7 million iPhone 4s’. Not long after the release, customers began to report antenna issues with the phone. They said that if they touched the antenna located on the outside of the phone or gripped the phone too hard, they would lose reception and their phone calls would drop. With such high demand for the iPhone 4, one would think that Apple would have ensured their product was as up to standard as possible before making the big release. Unfortunately, this was not the case and they were not prepared for such a large retaliation from the iPhone 4s users. Apple was then faced with the challenge of having to address the issue to the public. From the result of the public address that Apple issued, two things are certain: 1. Apple was not prepared to deal with such negative feedback from their customers 2. Apple’s public relations or communications team did not handle the situation correctly. They lacked some very...
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...iPhones, iPods, iPads, the Macintosh desktops and laptops as well as other product services. The differentiation strategy Apple has employed allows them to try meet the needs of a diverse global market by offering its customers innovative new products, as well upgrades and improvements on existing products. Their ability to develop their own operating systems and software gives them complete control over future software, operating systems and products when it comes to future developments. Apple’s innovation strategy revolves around quickly responding to new market demands and, technology advancements. Apple always has improvements in its product lines which match with current technology trends. The pieces fit well together very well because in my opinion differentiation and innovation work well hand in hand. They are innovating new products and services that set them apart from their competitors and, using this to execute their differentiation strategy. Yes, I do believe Apple’s strategy is evolving because through their ability of developing their own operating systems, software and hardware. Apple has been able to grow from just the computer industry and evolved into the media player, mobile phone and tablet computer industries. 2. The key elements in Apple’s strategy in computers are the style, unique features and limited selection. The appearance in Apple computers is very attractive, sleek and stylish. Their computers have this edgy and fashionable look which is very different...
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...Apple Inc. is one of the most profitable companies in the world and its Apple logo is recognized as a house hold name. “Apple Computer was incorporated in 1977 and went public in 1980.” (Finkle & Mallin, 2010) You cannot talk about Apple without talking about its co-founder Steven P Jobs. Both go hand and hand because without the vision and leadership of Steve Jobs, Apple would not exist nor have an array of products under its belt. “Jobs co-founded Apple Computer with Steve Wozniak in 1976. After founding Apple, Jobs was fired by the company's board of directors 10 years later at age 30. After his termination, he went on to create two more companies. During this period Apple went through three different CEOs and their stock price dropped to $2 a share. As a result, Jobs was invited back to join the company as CEO. Not only did Jobs rejuvenate Apple, but it flourished. Jobs led the company to the forefront with cutting edge products” (Finkle & Mallin, 2010) which are sold throughout the world. “His philosophy has always been to create products consumers will find easy to use and marry innovative technology to work productivity and personal entertainment.” (Mallin & Finkle, 2011) There product “line designs, manufactures and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, and portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. The Company’s...
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... * Assessing The Goal Of Sports Products, Inc. Case Study September 24, 2012 John Rapa Assessing the Goal of Sports Products, Inc. case study Introduction Sports Products Inc. is a large producer of boating... Premium * Assessing The Goals Of Sports Products Inc Assessing the Goals of Sports Products, Inc. Case Study Paper What should the management of Sports Products, Inc., pursue as its overriding goal? Why What... Premium * Case Analysis: Assessing The Goal Of Sports Products, Inc. Case Analysis: Assessing the Goal of Sports Products, Inc. Submitted by: Group 1 Acebedo, Gladys Bandiola, Penuel Bautista, Jherwienne Cruz... Premium * Assessing The Goals Of Sports Products, Inc. Assessing the Goals of Sports Products, Inc. Assessing the Goals of Sports Products, Inc. Establishing and monitoring goals of any organization can be a... Premium * Assessing The Goal Of Sports Products, Inc. Maples University of Phoenix Finance for Decision Making FIN/419 Thomas Ster November 19, 2012 Assessing the Goal of Sports Products, Inc. Loren Seguara... Premium * Assessing The Goal Of Sports Product the firms stock price is falling. The management of Sports Products, Inc. should pursue its overriding goal by understanding the objectives needed for the firms... Premium * Assesing The Goal Of Sports Products, Inc specific recommendations would you offer the firm? Ans: From the information available in the case study, we get a picture that this company has some...
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...Apple Inc.’s current problems are summarized below in the order of their priority. 1) Apple’s market share is being challenged: This is Apple’s biggest and most immediate problem. With Macintosh revenues being less than 20% of Apple’s Sales in 2011 (Apple Inc. in 2012: Case Study, Yoffie/Rosanno, Page 1), its bottom line is being driven primarily by the sale of iPhones and iPads. A reduction in Apple’s market share will have an adverse effect on its revenues. The table below further illustrate the stiff competition Apple is facing: Smartphones (Global Share) Apple: 18.9% (2011) Android: 46.4% (2011) Tablets (Global Share) Apple is expected to fall from 76.1% to 54.7% in 2012 Android increases from 23.6% to 44.2% in 2012 Apps (Number of Apps) App Store: 585,000 Android: 450,000 (Apple Inc. in 2012: Case Study, Yoffie/Rosanno, Exhibit 7,8 and 9) 2) What’s next? No revolutionary product in the last 2 years: Apple’s next problem is the absence of a recent product that has had run away success like the iPod or the iPhone. This has resulted in more pressure on Apple’s existing product line, which is facing stiff competition. Their recent failures and challenges include : a) Mac Mini: A high price forced people to choose a Windows desktop with more functions and faster performance at a lower price. b) Apple TV: This consumers failed to have the desired effect on...
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...Harvard Business Case Study: Apple Inc. Dennis Stovall Kaplan University GB 520 Strategic Human Resources Management March 25, 2014 Abstract This business analysis focuses on the commercial enterprising activities of a world leading consumer electronics company, i.e. Apple Inc. and how, through its technologically advanced creativity and electronics expertise, it succeeded in introduced the world to a radically new era of multimedia innovation. Apple Inc. opened up an entirely new method in which microchip technology was to be developed and used for industrial, institutional and commercial use. It is due in large part through the amazing talent of Steve Jobs that this esoteric technology managed to achieve stellar proportions with regards to the open market. The purpose of this case study is to shed some light on Apple Inc.’s adopted business plan, the one that led to the advent of a revolutionary new market, i.e. microcomputers and later iPods and iPhones. It serves to address why this business plan, if in fact there was a creditable one to begin with, did not achieve’-in terms of business management’- an unprecedented if not historic record of business design and implementation; at least one that could be looked upon as a shining example of how to introduce an amazing new product technology and sell it to the worlds consumers so as to obtain record profits while helping to stabilize the market and influence world wide business conduct...
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...Apple in the digital age from the iPod to the iPad Apple Inc. The Case Study 2000 - 2010 Foreward John Ashcroft Welcome to this Apple case study. I have always been something of a computer geek. My first computer was a Commodore Pet in 1978. It had 8k of RAM and a cassette player for storage. Programmed effectively, a two dimensional pencil sketch of a rocket would take off and zoom off screen. Beyond that and a few simple games, I don’t recall it did much at all. My first experience of Apple was the Apple II in the early 1980’s. The combination of Apple and a Visicalc spreadsheet, greatly enhanced financial and business plan modelling. Business models were more easily produced and what-if simulations were available at the click of a button. It was a great step up from the pencil and calculator. Seven years ago, I abandoned Microsoft and converted entirely to Apple. Apple Macs, MacBooks, MacBook Air, iPods, iTouch, the iPhone and the iPad, I had to try them all and never looked back This is the case study of Apple in the digital age. The great era of the iPod, the discovery of the digital hub and Apple’s move into the mainstream consumer market with the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. It has many great examples for enthusiasts of marketing, leadership, organization, financial analysis and strategic management. The story begins almost ten years ago. In 2001, Apple sales fell by a third and the company reported an operating loss of $350 million some 6% of sales. The company...
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