...Google Inc., a Sound Business Investment? Google Inc, a Sound Business Investment? The decision to invest in a company requires research and analysis. As a mutual fund manager, I am currently considering investing in Google, one of the leading Internet technology, and advertising companies in the world. Google specializes in Internet search engines and related advertising services. Google maintains a large index on websites and other online content, which are freely available through its search engine. Google generates nearly all of its revenue via online advertising. In 2010 96% of its revenue was generated from advertising. Advertisers can deliver relevant ads targeted to search criteria. Goggle’s innovation in web search and advertising has made their website a top Internet property and their brand the most recognized in the world. In order to make a sound decision regarding this investment, a SWOT analysis will be conducted to understand the organization’s strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities and threats it faces. In addition, Googles’ stakeholders will be identified along with an assessment of their needs and wants, and whether they are being addressed. Potential Internal Strengths Google has built a premier brand for it self. It is ranked among the top search engines in the world. One advantage Google has over its competitors is public perception. Part if their philosophy is “you can make money without doing evil” (Google). Google has built a...
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...Limited Company Profile Publication Date: 22 Jun 2011 www.datamonitor.com Europe, Middle East & Africa 119 Farringdon Road London EC1R 3DA United Kingdom t: +44 20 7551 9000 f: +44 20 7551 9090 e: euroinfo@datamonitor.com Americas 245 5th Avenue 4th Floor New York, NY 10016 USA t: +1 212 686 7400 f: +1 212 686 2626 e: usinfo@datamonitor.com Asia Pacific Level 46 2 Park Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia t: +61 2 8705 6900 f: +61 2 8088 7405 e: apinfo@datamonitor.com Research In Motion Limited 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 and products. Our experts then interpret this data to produce detailed forecasts and actionable recommendations, helping you create new business opportunities and ideas. Our series...
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...Abstract This individual project is a SWOT analysis on Apple. We will analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Once the analysis is completed, we will propose a strategy and a product to take advantage of their vulnerabilities to increase the company’s market share. The strategies will be used to make sure the highest benefit to the company will be looked at with great detail. The evaluation would suggest the need to extend with the strategy or to redefine them. SWOT Analysis of Apple Apple Incorporated is managed by CEO Tim Cook. Apple manufacturers’ computers, computer software, computer hardware, electronics. Apple has grown since 2001 when they launched the iPod mp3 player. Apple is the most prosperous electronics company in the world and has $156.508 billion in revenue and has profited $41.733 billion all in the year 2012 (DataMonitor, 2006). SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths 1. Strategic Alliances: Apple has been thriving in increasing and improving strategic alliances with lateral manufacturers and intermediate connection giants like Verizon, Comcast, Disney, and TBS. Strategic alliances have been a source of comparable benefit as the association can focus on making innovative products like iPod, iTunes, and iPad. 2. Creativity: Creativity is apples well renowned strength in the entire industry. Apple has continued to be creative, an example of which is the creativity it conveyed to the OS and hardware conceive...
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...eBay Inc. SWOT Analysis SWOT ANALYSIS eBay owns and operates eBay.com, the leading person-to-person and small-business auction community on the Internet. The company has around 62 million registered users who can buy and sell goods in more than 18,000 categories ranging from toys to antiques. As well as owning 60 smaller, location specific marketplaces in the US, eBay has also gained a foothold in Europe, Latin America, and China through a series of acquisitions and investments. Strengths Market leadership Intellectual property Brand Double-digit growth Pay Pal Business model Opportunities Internet usage International expansion New markets Market penetration Threats Competition Interest and foreign currency exchange rates Consumer confidence Seasonality Weaknesses Advertising revenues Technology development Litigation Increased expectations Strengths Market leadership eBay operates the leading online auction community on the Internet. leadership will benefit eBay in a number of ways. Market Firstly it will enable eBay to maintain a high level of brand awareness for the company and its offerings. Market leadership will also enable eBay to exert a greater influence on the marketplace. For example, the company would be in a better position to combat any new entrants into the market. Intellectual property eBay’s intellectual property such as its trademarks, copyrights, patents and domain names will help to give the company a competitive advantage over its rivals in...
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...Corporation Company Profile Publication Date: 27 Aug 2010 www.datamonitor.com Europe, Middle East & Africa 119 Farringdon Road London EC1R 3DA United Kingdom t: +44 20 7551 9000 f: +44 20 7551 9090 e: euroinfo@datamonitor.com Americas 245 5th Avenue 4th Floor New York, NY 10016 USA t: +1 212 686 7400 f: +1 212 686 2626 e: usinfo@datamonitor.com Asia Pacific Level 46 2 Park Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia t: +61 2 8705 6900 f: +61 2 8088 7405 e: apinfo@datamonitor.com Nokia Corporation 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 and products. Our experts then interpret this data to produce detailed forecasts and actionable recommendations, helping you create new business opportunities and ideas. Our series...
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...for: Leo Billington 2012/10/19 * Table of Contents 1.0 Executive Summary 3 2.0 Introduction 4 3.0 Current External Marketing Situation 4 3.1 External/General Environment analysis and Trends 4 1 Demographic Segment 4 2 Economic Segment 5 3 Political/Legal Segment 6 4 Social-Cultural Segment 6 5 Technological Segment 8 3.2 Detailed Market Analysis and Projected Demand 8 1. Market Size 8 2. Market Growth Rate 9 3.3 Industry Analysis Including Porter’s Five Forces 9 1. Threat of New Entrants 9 2. Bargaining Power of Supplies 10 3. Bargaining Power of Customers 10 4. Power of Substitutes 11 5. Intensity of Rivalry 11 3.4 Competitors Analysis 11 4.0 Current Internal Analysis 12 4.1 SWOT of the Business and the Product/Service 12 1. Strengths 12 2. Weaknesses 13 3. Opportunities 13 4. Threats 14 4.2 Issues and Risk Analysis 14 1. Strategic Risk 15 2. Operational Risk 15 3. Political Risk 15 4. Country Risk 15 5. Technological Risk 16 6 Environmental Risk 16 4.3 Ethical and Corporate Socially Responsible Behavior 16 5.0 Identify a Commercially Viable Market Opportunity 17 5.1 Market Opportunity Including Potential Segments of the Market and Justification 17 5.2 Define the Value Provided 17 5.3 Positioning statement 18 6.0 Marketing Plan Objectives 19 7.0 Conclusion 20 8.0 References 20 Executive Summary Starbucks was a small coffee shop opened by Gerald Baldwin, Gordon Bowker...
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...Analysis Chart Strengths (Internal) | Weaknesses (Internal) | * Strong brand image provides and edge over competitors * Robust financial performance strengthens investors’ confidence and provides capital for future avenues * Focused Research and Development driving innovation and consolidating its market position | * Patent infringement lawsuit may affect financial condition and operating results * Product recalls may harm Apple’s reputation and add significant warranty and other expenses | Opportunities (External) | Threats and Trends | * Strong growth in smartphone and tablet markets to boost Apple’s revenues * Robust outlook for mobile advertising market provides growth opportunity | Threats * Rising popularity of Google Android may affect its market share * The impact of Steve Jobs death on the company * Intense competition may affect revenues and profitability * Dependence...
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...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...
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...NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT On Apple’s New Product Development Strategy Posted on January 1st, 2010 by daniel Michael Malone from ABC News wrote an interesting article on Apple’s iPhone and its overall new product development strategy, with interesting strategic lessons for new product development and business in general. Google Nexus Offers Little Competition to Apple iPhone Why Google’s New Smartphone Won’t Knock Apple Off Its iPhone Throne COLUMN By MICHAEL S. MALONE, ABC News Jan. 1, 2010 Whether the marketplace is ready or not, the Big Guns in consumer electronics are about to make their move at the dawn of the New Year. Next Tuesday, Google is expected to announce its long-rumored Nexus One smartphone. It is undoubtedly designed to run the Google Android operating system for cellphones, which the search giant introduced more than a year ago. Android was envisioned as a major breakthrough in cellphones because it offered an "open" operating system i.e., one that other companies could use and design applications for. At the time, this strategy was compared to that of Microsoft Windows, which broke the market hegemony of Apple’s decidedly non-open OS in the mid-1980s and within a decade, turned Apple into a niche company. This time around, the new Android phones were supposed to break the hegemony of the Apple iPhone. So far, it hasn’t quite worked out that way with Android. A number of cell phone companies notably Motorola, HTC, and Samsung have adopted Android...
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...Strategic Management Group Project Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited Instructor: Mr. Audun Fiskerud Presented by: Mikael Tving Therkildsen - Jacob Brodersen – Jonas Ravn Nielsen - Gary Chuyu Fang Executive summary This report strategically analyses the Strategy Business Unit (SBU), passenger transfer service, for Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited. The strategic analysis contains investigation of certain key business areas of Virgin Atlantic, such as: defining whom the Virgin Atlantic customer is; understanding of the external environment issues of the airline industry; competitor analysis, and analysis of the Human Resources within the organization. Through the analysis of Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited, some issues for the company were uncovered. Especially two main issues should be considered as potential problems for Virgin Atlantic’s business unit and so action needs to be taken within these areas: 1. Lacking economy of scale (size of the company). 2. Increasing environmental awareness among customers. 1. Virgin Atlantic lacks economy of scale because of the size of the company and limited routes available. To be able to compete effectively and gain greater profits through economy of scale, Virgin Atlantic has to expand by opening new routes. The implementation of this will require strategic financial planning and adjustment of the company structure. It is likely that this process will take several years; however, this change is necessary to increase Virgin...
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...Strategic Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction Team B MGT 449 May 22, 2012 Teresa Knox Strategic Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction Every organization must establish a strategic position at which it wants to enter or maintain in their chosen industry. They accomplish this by developing a quality management approach and customer satisfaction measurements adhered to by all 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...
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...Business 200W – Business Research and Communication Individual Case Analysis Apple Inc. SWOT Analysis Company Overview Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation which focuses on designing and manufacturing technology products such as consumer electronics, personal computers and software. Apple Computer, Inc. was established in Cupertino, California on April 1, 1976 and incorporated on January 3, 1977 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. The company used this name for the first 30 years until it removed the word “Computer” on January 9, 2007 to reflect its expansion into the consumer electronics market in addition to its original computer market. Apple designs, manufactures and markets personal computers, servers, network solutions, peripherals, mobile communication devices, portable digital music players, and related accessories, software and services. The company’s product portfolio comprises Mac computer systems, iPod portable digital music and video players, iPhone mobile phones, iPad portable multimedia, and Xsan and Mac OS servers. The company’s applications include Mac OS, iTunes, iLife, iWork, iClould, Safari, QuickTime, MobileMe and others. Apple mainly operates in the United State and manages its business primarily on geographic structure. It develops global market through five operating segments: the Americas, Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific and retails. The company sells its products through online...
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...company is one that entails thorough research of a company’s assets, business practices, and their way ahead. As a mutual fund investor, I want to invest in a businesses with high return on investments and businesses that need collateral but will not hinder my business. I will conduct a detailed analysis of their brand, stakeholders, customers, products, business ownership, and a SWOT analysis. Background Information Apple was founded by Steven Jobs, Stephen Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976, they launched their first computer in 1977 in which they earned over $100 million by 1980. In 1984, Apple introduced the Macintosh, the first personal computer with a mouse, which was very unsuccessful in the beginning. Steven Jobs left Apple but returned to work there in 1997. Apple created very innovative products such as the iPod, iMac, iPhone, and iTunes. Apple is known for technologically advanced innovative products, which in return allows them to market their products at high dollar value and create a high demand. With the resignation and death of Steven Jobs, the future of Apple is unpredictable. SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Strengths Apple’s products are leading the way in design, reliability, longevity, uniqueness, and development. Products such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and the iPod have become the forefront in their specific arenas. Apple is known for creating innovative products that attract to people of all ages. Unlike many other...
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...inventory is mismanaged, some of the following can occur: The amount of items in stock will be more than the number of items that you sell; There will be delays in your delivery system; Your production will be interrupted; An increase in your inventory management costs; and Incorrect inventory totals (Rinatha, 2006). When inventory is managed correctly, the following activities will be possible to complete and your business will be more productive. Asset protection Assign locations to keep your overstock Keep track of all items leaving your warehouse Complete all paperwork in a prudent manner Make sure that the balance of all stock items is correct and accurate (Schreibfeder, 1997). According to Datamonitor (2009) XYZ Company was founded in 1948 and opened its first store in 1957. It owns a total of 1,559 stores of which 846 are located in the United States and 713 are located internationally in 33 countries. They own juvenile stores, side-by-side (toy and baby stores combined), and superstores as well. Because of market trends and customer shopping habits they also sell merchandise online and have a pregnancy website online as well. XYZ Company uses an inventory system called Centralized Sales Improvement System (CSIS) . It provides up-to-the-minute information regarding sales; items that are on the floor, and specific information for an item. Some of the benefits of CSIS are: Sales...
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...------------------------------------------------- Loughborough University Business School ------------------------------------------------- Strategic Management Consultancy Report Aleksandr Karev (A816441) Abstract The purpose of this report is to analyse the strategic position of Amazon and determine any competitive advantages held by the company. Beginning with a discussion of Amazon’s industry and review on the political, economic, social, and technological environments in which the company operates, the report than narrows to focus on Michael Porter’s Five Forces: threat of new competition, threat of substitutes, bargaining power of customers, bargaining power of suppliers and intensity of competitive rivalry. The report continues with a thorough SWOT analysis of the company and follows on to the analysis of the company’s internal environment. Resource base view together with value chain analysis has been chosen to analyse Amazon’s internal environment. Introduction Company Overview Jeffrey Bezos started Amazon in 1994, after identifying that Internet usage was growing at a rate of 2,300 per cent per year (Emerland, 2002). Working from a 400-square foot office in Seattle, Jeffrey launched Amazon in July 1995. By the end of 1996, Amazon has posted sales of over $16 million and served about 180,000 customer accounts, which made it one of the most successful Web retailers in the world (Galante, 1997). Amazon has continued to expand its customer base, and sales revenues have increased...
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