...Case Analysis, Apple Inc. 1 Case Analysis, Apple Inc. 1 of 4 Case Analysis, Apple Inc. 2 This case analysis is written to analyze the topic of Strategic Management and answering the question of why it is critical to the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission. This analysis will address the major issues surrounding the organization or individuals involved with the organization, will identify alternate courses of action to address the issues identified with a decision/recommendation for action. Once called Apple Computer and historically know for its Macintosh personal computers (PC) line, Apple Computer dropped the latter part of its name in 2007 and became Apple, Inc. Even though non-PC product lines drove the majority of Apple’s financial performance there still seemed to be no real change in the company’s strategic profile. There were several thousand people that were laid off and by lying off employees to try and fix their financial issues, could have been a portion of the problem (Yoffie & Slind, 2008). Jobs are what contribute to a company’s effectiveness. If the jobs had been retained and management had attempted to find new ways of conducting business to survive by being innovative, Apple, Inc. may have witnessed success earlier (Mello, 2011, pp 112-115). Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and John Sculley came on board and made great strides towards increase in effective marketing, partnering with other companies and joint ventures...
Words: 950 - Pages: 4
...employees. This paper illustrates Apple Inc.’s SWOTT analysis and how the company develops its vision, mission, and guiding principles based on this analysis. This paper also reviews how Apple’s strategic plans and objectives define quality as a core principle. Finally, an assessment of some tools Apple uses to measure customer satisfaction and how these measurements can enhance quality. Apple Inc. Apple designs, develops and markets personal computers, media devices, and portable digital music players. Founded in 1979 by Steve Wozniak and Steven Jobs, Apple has become a world leader in the personal electronic entertainment industry. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online stores. The company reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and application stores, and has recently introduced its magical iPad that is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices. The organization built this empire by sustaining the Four Basic Values establish from its conception. Honesty; Ensures Apple demonstrate honesty and high ethical standards in all business dealings. Respect; Treat customers, suppliers, employees, and others with respect and courtesy. Confidentiality; Protect the confidentiality of Apple’s information and the information of our customers, suppliers, and employees. Compliance; Ensure that business decisions comply with all applicable laws and regulations. These simple values have transformed Apple from a two...
Words: 1294 - Pages: 6
...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
...Strategic Management Strategic Human Resources Management June 18, 2013 Introduction What is strategic management and why is it critical to the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission? Strategic Management is essential for the success of any business. It is critical for any organization to properly plan and implement that plan that will align the organization’s strategy to key objectives. In a nutshell, strategic management can be defined as the process where an organization performs an analysis on what needs to happen in order to achieve and meet the objectives of the organization (Mello, 2011). In other words, it is the process utilized by top management in order to align the organization to the environment. The process of strategic management includes the organization’s mission statement, an analysis of the environment, the organization’s self-assessment, setting goals and objectives, and setting a strategy (Mello, 2012). Apple Inc. is a great example as to why strategic planning is critical for the success of any organization. Background What started at a family garage by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, is now a multibillion-dollar corporation. Back in the late 70s, Jobs and Wozniak built the very first Apple, a computer circuit board named Apple I. After several months, they sold 200 of them. Shortly after that, Jobs and Wozniak partnered with Mike Markkula, a 33 year old retired millionaire. Together with Markkula as the businessman and Wozniak...
Words: 1197 - Pages: 5
...University BUSI 601-Accounting for Decision Making July 22, 2012 Individual Learning Project 1 Apple was incorporated on January 3, 1977, along with its subsidiaries .Apple is engaged in designing, manufacturing and marketing mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, software and portable digital music players. Apple was created by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs in Silicon Valley, California. The two began building Apple Computers in 1976 in the living room of Steve Jobs’ parent’s living room. Steve Wozniak would build the computers and Steve Jobs would market and sell the computers. Apple uses various marketing techniques to promote their products. These processes are distinct in design and are adhered to throughout Apple’s organization Individual Learning Project 2 S.W.O.T Analysis Chart Strength 1. Innovators of high-tech quality products. (i.e. IPhone, Ipad, and Mac). 2. Globally recognized symbol (i.e. Apple sign) 3. Loyal customer (“Apple Culture) 4. Retails stores are made to be hands on with customers to experience Apple products. 5. One of a kind Research and Development team 6. Solid presence in the education division Weakness 1. The passing of Steve Jobs 2. Lower market share and higher price compared to other competitors (i.e. Microsoft, Dell). 3. Apple TV has limited selection compare to other TV companies such as Comcast or Direct TV. 4. Apple has not been able to go as deep mixing Facebook or other social networks into its products. Threats...
Words: 1344 - Pages: 6
...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...
Words: 1437 - Pages: 6
...5/28/2014 Apple Ife Matrix Analysis - Research Papers - Alexpadron MOZHISH1 UPGRADE Get Access to over 1,709,571 More Essays. Upgrade Your Account Now. RESEARCH DOCUMENTS BOOK NOTES AP NOTES Home » Miscellaneous Apple Ife Matrix Analysis By alexpadron | March 2008 Add to Library (0) Download Print Report this Essay Page 1 of 1 Apple IFE Matrix Analysis It was pretty surprising to me to find that all the different groups came up with fairly similar ratings in their IFE matrix for Apple Inc. My group, management, had the second highest rating at a 2.78 and I felt that we were fairly critical of the different strengths and weaknesses for the company. The groups that pertained to a more financial aspect like finance and accounting seemed to have lower scores, which were not as far above the average for utilization of resources internally. This seems interesting because many companies use resources outside their company to assist them in correcting financial problems. Also, there were a few strengths and weaknesses that every group mentioned in their matrix and they were: Steve Jobs leaving and then returning(W), large increase in inventory(W), products are globalized(S). It was interesting to see that Steve Jobs leaving and then returning was on everyone groups list because with out him these last few years Apple Inc. would probably not be where it is at today. The only downside to this is that there seems to be this great dependency on one person in...
Words: 591 - Pages: 3
...Environmental Analysis SWOT analysis Apple has created its image as a multinational corporation, which designs, manufactures and sells computers, consumers’ electronics and software. Along with these, Apple provides related services to its customers. Area of concern | Types of concern | | Favorable | Unfavorable | Internal Environment | Strengths * Loyal Customers * Flame of Innovation * Diversification and differentiation of Products * Use of Mac OSX’s unique operating system * High Brand image in global market | Weaknesses * Lack of high quality control * Unaffordable Price * Lack of proper market consideration | External Environment | Opportunities * Stake in Mobile Phone Industry * Reaching the emerging economy | Threats * High level of competition in Technology industry * Availability of Substitute products | PEST Analysis PEST analysis is helpful for understanding the Apple’s potential market and thus it will be helpful for predicting about Apple’s operations including opening a new Store outside London. PEST analysis is the combination of political, economic, Social and technological factors of environmental Analysis. [ (Jackman, 2006) ] Political Factors Apple is a multinational organization, where the core business area of Apple is the U.S. Nevertheless, According to the report of 2012, more than half sale of the products of Apple is coming from other countries rather than the U.S. This clearly indicates the Apple’s customer...
Words: 1718 - Pages: 7
...“Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” Assignment 2; “Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” Anthony Green Professor Milan Havel BUS499 July 24, 2011 “Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” * Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. * Describe the dimensions along which company success can be measured. * Describe the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. * Describe how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry. * Describe the recommendations you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company's strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results. “Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer Apple's is currently a very innovative company. It has gone through many ups and downs over the past 30 + years. From a successful company that brought in millions thanks to 2 guys a garage and a dream, to Steven Jobs, one of the founders, walking away from the company and in the process causing competitors to acquire ideas due to legal mistakes. Apple computer has faced many challenges throughout its 24 year history. Steven Jobs left...
Words: 1303 - Pages: 6
...A Critical Analysis about Competitive Advantage of Apple Inc. based on the Porter`s Five Force Model Northeastern University Strategic Leadership Xiaolong Cao Instructed by James Lux June 6th 2016 Abstract This article aims to detect two key areas in Apple`s competitive advantage through using Porter`s Five Force model. According to the knowledge learned from class, there is no forever lasting competitive advantage, so through analyzing the case of Steve Jobs competitive strategy it presents a clear and reasonable structure and explanation of their competitive advantage. After doing this analysis, this article helps to fine both the disadvantage and advantage of their competitive advantage, and each of them contains two aspects according to Porter`s Five Force Model, which provides a reliable and meaningful support to test and excavate the effect of competitive advantage and future developing orientation. Introduction In the modern time, there are numerous resources that identify the importance of the competitive strategy. The ever growing technological trends and volatility within business operations in today's society make it extremely difficult for organizations to stay complacent with their strategies. Adjustments and new ideas need to constantly be developed to be able to maintain a competitive edge. The most obvious examples happen in IT industry, high performance laptop was a competitive advantage 2 years...
Words: 1434 - Pages: 6
...APPLE COMPUTER, INC.: A CASE ANALYSIS SWOT analysis and recommendation -------------------- INTRODUCTION According to Apple Computer's 2007 10-K Annual Report, "The Company is committed to bringing the best personal computing, portable digital music and mobile communication experience to students, educators, creative professionals, businesses, government agencies, and consumers through its innovative hardware, software, peripherals, services, and Internet offerings." The company's 2005 Mission Statement reads: 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. In recognition of current market trends, Steve Jobs has claimed that he wants to transform the company by making the Mac the hub of the consumers' digital lifestyle. Despite Apple Computer's recent successes, the company is facing an ever-changing competitive environment on multiple fronts. 1. What are the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer? 2. What are some of the dimensions...
Words: 3564 - Pages: 15
...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
...and financial data of two of the leading information technology (IT) corporations in the United States. Going beyond their humble beginnings to the present, an analysis is made of their current financial performance. This serves to compare and contrast the differing business strategies of the two financial juggernauts. The two companies are direct competitors in the IT market place. Developing cutting edge software that is futuristic and enticing is what Apple does best. Apple has the ability to offer a diverse product line that caters to a wide variety of consumers, especially tech savvy earlier adapters. Dell’s marketing approach is to create a product line that is affordable and easily used by the general computing public. Audit reports, ratios, cash flows and income statements are analyzed to gain a clearer picture of which marketing strategy is proving to be the more successful. Corporate Histories and Strategies: In 1976, high school friends Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak shared a common love and interest in electronics. In their early stages, Apple I & II were designed as a hobby. Apple I was actually created in Steven’s bedroom. “They would showcase the computers at the Homebrew Computer Club (of which they were members) as a demonstration (Apple Museum, 2011)”. The highlights were the video screens, and the fact that it used few chips to operate (during this time keyboards and video screens were not well...
Words: 2760 - Pages: 12
...Apple Computer, Inc. Company Profile Reference Code: 108 Publication Date: Nov 2006 www.datamonitor.com Datamonitor USA 245 5th Avenue 4th Floor New York, NY 10016 USA t: +1 212 686 7400 f: +1 212 686 2626 e: usinfo@datamonitor.com Datamonitor Europe Charles House 108-110 Finchley Road London NW3 5JJ United Kingdom t: +44 20 7675 7000 f: +44 20 7675 7500 e: eurinfo@datamonitor.com Datamonitor Germany Kastor & Pollux Platz der Einheit 1 60327 Frankfurt Deutschland t: +49 69 9754 4517 f: +49 69 9754 4900 e: deinfo@datamonitor.com Datamonitor Hong Kong 2802-2803 Admiralty Centre Tower 1 18 Harcourt Road Hong Kong t: +852 2520 1177 f: +852 2520 1165 e: hkinfo@datamonitor.com ABOUT DATAMONITOR Datamonitor is a leading business information company specializing in industry analysis. Through its proprietary databases and wealth of expertise, Datamonitor provides clients with unbiased expert analysis and in depth forecasts for six industry sectors: Healthcare, Technology, Automotive, Energy, Consumer Markets, and Financial Services. The company also advises clients on the impact that new technology and eCommerce will have on their businesses. Datamonitor maintains its headquarters in London, and regional offices in New York, Frankfurt, and Hong Kong. The company serves the world's largest 5000 companies. Datamonitor's premium reports are based on primary research with industry panels and consumers. We gather information on market segmentation, market growth and pricing, competitors...
Words: 6864 - Pages: 28
...iApple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business While Introducing iPhone and Apple TV INTRODUCTION According to Apple Computer's 2007 10-K Annual Report, "The Company is committed to bringing the best personal computing, portable digital music and mobile communication experience to students, educators, creative professionals, businesses, government agencies, and consumers through its innovative hardware, software, peripherals, services, and Internet offerings." The company's 2005 Mission Statement reads: 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. In recognition of current market trends, Steve Jobs has claimed that he wants to transform the company by making the Mac the hub of the consumers’ digital lifestyle. Despite Apple Computer's recent successes, the company is facing an ever-changing competitive environment on multiple fronts. 1. What are the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer? 2. What are some of the dimensions...
Words: 3674 - Pages: 15
