Premium Essay

Apple Management Case Study

In:

Submitted By thienle147
Words 1580
Pages 7
Suffolk University
Thien Le
Apple iPhone 6 & 6 Plus

Managing for quality is one of the most important issues that a firm has to take care of to sustain and grow its business. The overall quality of products plays a big role in brand reputation and reliability as well as in the improvement of customer satisfaction. As a “big guy” in the manufacturing of electronic devices, Apple has separated itself from other players by creating a high quality standard derived from its brand positioning that is rooted in the company’s culture. Every product has to go through a whole set of processes to make sure that it meets the highest standard of quality. Even though they are mass-produced, its products are detailed in a way that makes them look like they are finely crafted. All the products are integrated to insure that they are easy to use with minimal after-sale support. To make those things possible, suppliers of Apple are carefully selected and tested to ensure that they are able to conform to the standards set up by the company. The quality of products is evaluated based on internal and external quality metrics such as level of customer satisfaction and design conformance. Below is the result of an official survey conducted in 2013 on smart phone customer satisfaction by manufacturer which Apple was on the top.

Apart from product quality, Apple also focuses on service quality. It provides Apple users with advice and technical support through its physical and online infrastructure if your devices are experiencing any technical issue. Apple’s staff working in its retail stores is trained to interact with customers in a friendly and supportive way. They understand that high level of satisfaction is essential to making customers loyal to their brand and products.
Despite the efforts put into quality management, problems still find their ways to come. Before

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Apple Inc.

...Elders August 12, 2014 GB520-03N Unit 1 Apple Inc. Page 3 Apple Inc., 2008 Thesis statement Strategic management and what it will provide for the organization, the economy and the stakeholders using ethical stewardship for the benefit of contributing greater organization success according to (Mello, 2015). What is strategic management and why is it critical to the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission? SHRM is a great example of the acronym for Strategic human resource management. HRP is the “critical” success because of an effective system of policies that align themselves with Apples values, goals and mission according to (Mello, 2015). In all cases, the ethical values of the company will define the maximum wealth creation for the framework of transformation leaders. Transformation to achieve and establish “environments” that are satisfying to the human capital of the company according to (Mello, 2015 p. 33). Introduction Apple computer is a great example of how a company was organized and develops, from entrepreneur that experiences a college education. Their college education led to a success in the computer business according to (Yoffie, Slind, 2008). The student was young in age and experiencing a typical company, based on what typical student browse, when they have nothing else to do. The young “college dropouts founded Apple Computer on April Fool’s Day, 1976.3”. The...

Words: 1090 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Apple, Inc. Case Analysis

...Unit One – Case Analysis: Apple, inc. Strategic Human Resources Management Unit One – Case Analysis The intended goal of this paper is to explain strategic management and why it is crucial to the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission. The focus will be on the case study provided by the Harvard Business School on the company Apple, Inc. from the year 2008. I will give a brief overview of the case and identify issues or problems therein. Alternate solutions to solve the problems Apple, Inc. faces will be identified. The best solution to permanently resolve these issues and problems and an implementation plan will be outlined. The computer circuit board, named Apple I, created in a garage on April Fools’ Day 1976 was the beginning of Apple, Inc. Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and A. C. Markkula Jr., the creators, became the industry leaders in 4 years, finally launching their IPO in 1980. Since its inception, Apple has fought to continually and steadily increase its market share and profits worldwide. Technical innovation has been no problem for this company with its numerous devices available. Their competition from Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Acer, and others and trying to compete made the company falter. According to Slind and Yoffie, Hewlett-Packard led the market share with 18.8% and Apple followed with a mere 2.6% in 2007 (2008, pg. 21). But after some hard work and diligence on Jobs’ end, Apple once again began to flourish. One obvious problem for...

Words: 992 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Itgyitidcuytg

...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...

Words: 543 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies

...outline what methods can be utilized in the future to ensure that its suppliers adhere to standards going forward. In addition certain measures may call for more overhead, will Apple’s customers be willing to pay an increase in products and services in order for Apple to assure its suppliers adhere to wage and benefit standards in the future? The research will also analyze various actions that Apple can take to improve its overall marketing approach and outreach to global markets. Apple’s position on its ethical and social responsibility should be in direct correlation to Apple's reputation as it is to the credibility of its products. Apple has clearly cited on many occasions the belief that accountability is paramount for them as well as their suppliers. Apple’s supplier code of conduct states their employees are empowered and provided with safe and ethical working conditions. It is their representation that their code goes beyond the industry standards, which should be expected of a company of its magnitude and success. Standing by its products and its impact on its presence in the local communities as well as reducing its negative impact on the environment are all stated in ethical policies and procedures set forth by Apple. The code of ethics in each organization normally defines the respect of ethical behavior. Ethics can be understood as the...

Words: 1712 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Apple Case Study

...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

Premium Essay

Managing the Human Resources

...number of popular management books in the 1980s (Peters and Waterman1982; Deal and Kennedy 1982; Handy 1985). Culture is in principle a lens through which an organisation can be understood through an appreciation of an organisation’s behaviour, rituals, beliefs, shared ideology and unspoken assumptions. Chris Hendry (1995) in his book Human Resources Management asks us to examine organisational culture in distinct sub categories. Hendry states that organisational cultures are never fully aligned, intrinsically complex and contain multidimensional subcultures. He believes that in identifying how these cultures behave an organisation can gain both a positive and a negative understanding on the effect the culture has on the staff and the work place. In order to provide a reasoned analysis of what is good and what is detrimental to the organisation of Apple this paper will use the principles of Hendry and look at individual aspects of the Apple culture in particular relation to Communication & Trust, leadership, recruitment and performance reviews. Communication & Trust Despite high competition Apple has been successful in developing a culture that is flexible and robust to meet the demands of a turbulent demanding market. The leaders within Apple have developed over the years a culture that is person centred with employees empowered to express themselves and make decisions. Many believe that this has been a key contributor to the success of Apple. It is believed...

Words: 4108 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Apple Case Study

...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

Premium Essay

Consultant

...several case points as outline in the introduction paragraph covering this weekly assignment exerted from the ASU Moodle web site and from some selected books and articles that are listed on the reference page. Also there is a series of case points under examination in the context of this research that are relate to these learning objectives which helps the reader to appreciate how some of today's most respected high-tech companies rose to prominence, then reinvented themselves once or more; to review the evolution of the personal computer industry, to obtain a glimpse of Intel's likely future as well as the future of the semi-conductor industry, and to outline approaches for building "learning organizations and lastly to appreciate the challenge of developing a complex-strategic-integration (CSI) capability through Intel and Apple Inc. case study reviews. Keywords: Innovation challenges in established firms, Intel and Apple Case Studies, Learning organizations Conclusion: Innovation Challenges in Established Firms Introduction In accordance with the Module 8 reading requirements and the textbook coverage’s from Strategic Management in Technology Innovation, Part Five on pages 1108 -1182. This research document will address specific questions that derived from these learning objectives which will conclude the term’s research on the study of technology and innovation by considering the innovation challenges facing established companies through examining the Apple Computer...

Words: 1772 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Apple's Profitable but Risky Strategy

...STRATEGY Case Study [Type the author name]   CASE STUDY ON PROFITABLE BUT RISKY STRATEGY OF APPLE INTRODUCTION: A long term plan and action that is formulated to help a company to setback and achieve a competitive advantage against its competitor and rival is called competitive strategy. This type of strategy is frequently used in marketing, promotion and advertising operations by somehow questioning the rivalry's service or product. Competitive strategies are vital to businesses which are competing in markets for the leading position, the market which is deeply saturated with substitutes for consumers. (Porter,2008). This case study is truly about the competitive strategy of Apple. Apple was founded in 1976 by two Steve Job and Steve Wozniak. Apple initiated its early reputation by making user friendly personal computers and keeping the price high against those made by the competitors. Their first computer was the Apple Macintosh (MAC). It was launched in 1984. From the very first, Apple’s strategy was innovative and profitable. Innovation brings risk with it. So Apple always followed innovative, risky but a highly profitable strategy. Apple is a front line company in industry of electronics whether in cell phones, tablets, personal computers and music devices etc. Apple’s software is actually the one which is greatly designed and programmed. Apple charge premium and comparatively high price from the consumers when compared with prices of its alternatives. Apple is actually...

Words: 2533 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Marketing

...autocratic, democratic, laissez faire and charismatic. Basically leaders tend to use all these leadership styles depending on the situations; however, one of the styles is always the predominant on them. It has to be noted that a particular leadership style will not be effective in an organisational setting. Hence, different styles are needed according to different situations. Steve Jobs CEO of Apple has been a successful leader in this modern era. His approach to leadership is both fascinating and confusing and that is the reason why he has been able to make Apple a successful company. He has brought a lot of changes in the life of people through his greatest advanced technology ever made namely the Mac, the iPod, the iPad and iPhone but has also introduced a new concept for business and leadership. His approach to creative leadership was remarkably high, that is inspiring others to do the impossible but at the same time Steve Job’s leadership style was complex because he always put a lot of pressure on his employees to provide the best possible products. Moreover, Steve Job’s management style has been described as demanding which at times can be seen as aggressive. Steve jobs can be seen in various leadership styles depending on distinct situations. It is well known that Steve Jobs might be arrogant and dictatorial. However, he was a great leader. By analysing this...

Words: 2864 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Innovation at Apple

...SUMMARY The word innovation and Apple are synonymous, from its inception in 1976 to date; it has innovated repeatedly and unceasingly with the one simple rule “SIMPLICITY”. Innovation being the key word here, the Apple strategy for the same is extremely consumer centric, they constantly create new products by assessing the needs of the consumer/consumers and in the process deliver new and cool products that possess high quality, craftsmanship and design. This case study discusses the company’s approach to creating and delivering products, which were unique and would be considered as breakthrough products. This case study also analyses the impact of Steve Jobs on the company and his employees. This study highlights excerpts from many Apple employees and it apparent from the statements that they make that “Innovation and Customer Experience” as the basic principles they followed and these were the basis for design and development of products. This way of thinking and operating can be emulated by other companies only if they choose to believe and follow the core ideals/principles they set into motion and at the same constantly adapt and change to the needs of the market. The leadership has to be convinced that the path the company is on, is inline with the values and that these values would lead to productivity, while at the same time inspiring the employees to achieve the single common goal. Another key highlight of this study is the vision of Steve Jobs with respect...

Words: 1521 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Whose Turn Is It to Polish Apple

...CASE 3: Whose Turn Is It To Polish The Apple? GROUP 2 - CASE 3 Whose Turn Is It To Polish The Apple? Page 2 of 5 I. Synthesis Locked in an inward looking, closed culture that was proven effective for quite some time, Apple operated in a double agent corporate environment that eventually turned catastrophic to the organization. The founders, Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak, relied on their guiding principles: “Do your own thing, defy the pessimists and ignore the Establishment.” Such custom gave birth to what would be Apple’s “insanely great” Mac, largely patronized and loved by users. When the shortcomings of the existing renegade corporate culture started to surface, Apple’s doomsday was inevitable causing changes in the leadership for a few times. At the time of the case, one of America’s celebrated CEOs, Gilbert Amelio, was invited to take the helm of the organization and was tasked to steer the company away from the imminent crisis it was then facing. Tasked with such great responsibilities of turning the sour crisis into sweet profitability, Amelio had to stand for what he believes would be beneficial to Apple even if he had to breakdown an existing grand old corporate system. Will his successful “chartreuse strategy” for the National Semiconductor Corporation be a duplicable victory story in the case of Apple? II. Point of View Gilbert Amelio, Apple’s New Chief III. Statement of the Problem How would Amelio change the pitch of Apple’s existing corporate culture...

Words: 1636 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Case Study

...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...

Words: 1640 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Financial Project

...31 STEVE JOBS AND APPLE, INC. Todd A. Finkle, Gonzaga University Michael L. Mallin, The University of Toledo CASE DESCRIPTION The primary issues in this case involve business startup and management, and are appropriate for entrepreneurship and management courses. A secondary issue demonstrates how personal drive and motivation are critical components of successfully managing and growing a business, thereby making this case appropriate for discussion on the topic of strategic management. The case chronicles the life and passion of entrepreneur, Steve Jobs – illustrating the rise, fall, and current state of the Apple Computer Company. The case has a difficulty level 2 and is designed to be covered within one (75 minute) class period. The required preparation time is about 2 hours. It is appropriate for small business, entrepreneurship, or management classes. The purpose of this case is to illustrate to students how individual passion, determination, and innovation is a critical element in business start up success and also to stimulate critical thinking in terms of future direction for a company in a struggling economy. CASE SYNOPSIS The Apple Computer Company is arguably one of the most innovative technology companies to emerge in the last three decades. Apple, Inc. is responsible for bringing to market such products as the Macintosh computer and laptop, iPod and iTunes, and most recently, the iPhone. The success of the company can be traced primarily to a...

Words: 5022 - Pages: 21

Premium Essay

Influences on Operations

...had little practise in writing essays and incoporating case studies in them. so what im asking is have i correctly and effectively answered the question, and is the way i incoporate my case study right? How does an understanding of the influences on operations contribute to business success? Influences on operations management have a dual effect on the businesses.. They can cause the business to undergo change and to adjust to external factors, as responsiveness to change is a constant issue. The second effect is the threats and opportunities influences present. An understanding of these external influences can help a business be able to manage and respond to them in an efficient manner by implementing various strategies. As such, this will contribute to the success of the business. Influences on operations management include: Globalisation, quality expectations, actions of competitors, technology, government policies, legal regulations and environment sustainability. One of the main influences on operations management is globalisation. Globalisation refers to the removal of trade barriers between nations, and is defined as the integration and interdependence of national economies forming a global economy. Integration means joining together through trade, deregulation and technology. The reasons for this are that businesses can drive costs down and exploit the competitive advantage each region has to offer. Apple recognised early advantages of globalisation and implemented...

Words: 989 - Pages: 4