...Established on April 1, 1976 Apple (then Apple computers Inc) has risen in these past 30 plus to be one of the most well-known companies in the electronics world today. Their innovative thinking and creative products have taken the world by storm. The truth behind it though is that they have not always been successful there have been times when they have fallen short of the mark and failed to gain the success that they have been known for. The following are a few examples of their successes and a few of their failures. Successes IMac (1998) Off Apples many successful endeavours none of them have outshined the IMac. Introduced in the year 1998 at a price of $1,199 the system took the technical world by storm. The IMac system was in interesting bit of technology having the CPU and the monitor built in one brightly coloured casing. The IMac was called an industry altering success the reason simply being that the digital age was in full swing and the IMac gave more power than anything on the market at the time, it was more compact than thing on the market at the time and it looked better with its candy coloured body. IPod (2001) One of the driving forces behind Apple’s success would have to be their tendency to make technology smaller and small, with even more power. This premise was very evident in the October 2001 release of the IPod music player. The selling point for the IPod was that it was 1000 songs in your pocket. At the time the world was deep into the CD era heading...
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...Apple, Inc., developer of computer hardware, cellular phones, software, and accessories, have had much success throughout the years since their startup, but in order to have success they had to experience setbacks and learn from them. Apple successes include the iMac, iPod, and iPhone (Warren, 2010). Each of these products proved to be a success in design, ease of use, and the fact that they each brought a different element to the graphical user interface (GUI) in comparison to IBM PC, MP3 players, and cellular phones. Research has shown that Apple’s marketing techniques is a primary contribution for product success. The concealment of details on upcoming products spark interest in consumers; the unknown is what draws the buyer (Coursey, 2010). In reference to the iPod, “While everyone else was making an MP3 player that was better/cheaper/faster, Apple was making electronic jewelry that also played MP3’s. Never focusing on price, they brought to market more value, more style, and new ways of interacting with digital media.” This marketing tactic drew many more to purchase the Mac due to interoperability (Weisbein, 2008). iPhone’s success is due the fact that it is streamlined, fun to use, offers many application choices, and synchronizes with a Mac or PC. The price is compatible with other smart phones, though it offers a different type of technology and GUI that makes it so much more attractive and exciting to use. In addition to a cell phone, the iPhone...
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...second-biggest company.(Blackden) It's hard to imagine that the company has Apple’s scale can remain more than 50 percent of the profit growth. All of these Care from the company’s strong marketing strategy. Product. The main measures of Apple were simplifying the product plan, cut more than fifteen product styles into four basic product styles. So the cost was got an effective control, the upper producers became a small but efficient organization. Apple sign a long-term contract with his commodity producers and distributors, so in the marketing, apple keeps the price advantage. An example is IPad, one kind of tablet PC. The IPad’s pure cost is more than 350 dollars each, but if other computers want to produce the same products, they would pay more than Apple. Today, many companies have introduced the tablet computers, but the prices are still higher than IPad. The effective cost control of the products is an important marketing strategy of Apple Inc. As the result, the customers accept Apple’s products, because in the market there are no better or cheaper products that they can choose. Price. Actually, Apple’s products have their own set of prices. These prices are set up on their independent products. For example, the MacBook, one of the laptop builds on OSX system, in market, none of the laptops use the same system can compete with it, because of other brand’s laptops are build on Windows system. Because of these reason, Apple can set a price which has a great flexibility, so when the...
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...Inc in 1976.They started their business by creating and releasing a computer called “Apple II “ , which was followed by another Job’s innovation ( in 1983) known as “Apple Lisa” . This was the first time that end-users were given the opportunity to operate a computer that contained a mouse and a GUI (graphical user interface). Unfortunately for Job’s and Apple Inc, Apple Lisa” was unsuccessful in its war against its competitors. Therefore, strong-willed Apple made a very much needed assessment and wisely decided to reverse its licensing strategies. Starting from year 2000, Apple and its executives centered their attention on electronic products other than computers: 1- portable media players and 2 - mobile phones (Apple Inc, 2009). Apple’s first big hit was iPod MP3 music player which entered the market in 2001. Only two years later (2003), Apple launched its second big unique novelty: iTunes Music Store – this contemporary innovation was going to facilitate the music downloads for end-users by making available the on-line services. Since then, Apple Inc has experienced...
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...Running head: ETHICS BEHIND APPLE AND FOXCONN RELATIONSHIP 1 Ethics Behind Apple and Foxconn Relationship Maryana Didovych The College of Westchester ETHICS BEHIND APPLE AND FOXCONN RELATIONSHIP 2 Abstract This paper examines Apple, Inc.’s relationship with one of its biggest suppliers, Foxconn Technology Group. Recent growth in suicide incidents at Foxconn factories again caught media’s attention. Whether Apple’s decision to stay in business with Foxconn despite these incidents is ethical or not is examined using Traditional 5-Question approach. Contradictory evidence is also examined. Based on the result of 5-Question approach and reviewed evidence it can be concluded that Apple’s decision may indeed be unethical. Recently published evidence suggests Apple and Foxconn are addressing several issues, but close monitoring of the improvement process is required to ensure success. ETHICS BEHIND APPLE AND FOXCONN RELATIONSHIP 3 Ethics Behind Apple and Foxconn Relationship One of the biggest suppliers and manufacturers of Apple Inc’s (Apple) products recently has been involved in scandals concerning working conditions of its factory workers. This company is called Foxconn Technology Group (Foxconn). It operates in more than 40 research and development centers as well as manufacturing facilities in Asia, Russia, Europe and the Americas. According to Pratap, Radhakrishnan and Dutta (2012), Foxconn is “the world’s biggest contract electronics manufacturer, taking...
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...marketing mix strategies in creating unique relationship with the consumers 4 Apple’s strategies for promotions 4 Apple’s strategy for product placement 5 Product as a decisive part in Apple’s marketing magic 6 How Apple’s pricing strategies influence consumer behavior? 6 Conclusion 8 References 9 Introduction Apple is a multinational corporation that concentrates on the production of personal and business computers, electronics, and software. The company was founded on April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. It is truly one revolutionary company that changed the world in several ways. It started the revolution in personal computers in the 1970s with introducing the Apple II (O’Grady, 2008). The company’s introduction of the iPod made a huge impact in the electronic market, following by the iPhone and the iPad. By 2010, more than 60% of Apple Inc.’s revenues were coming from iPhone & iPad. This was a strategic move for the benefit of Apple Inc.’s customers, their employees and the market. It was clear that the company was a serious player in consumer electronics. However, all of these variations and innovations were not approved instantly. Their introduction of the Macintosh Portable, as well as a variety of other electronic equipment, including television appliances, speakers, digital cameras, failed to make a statement in the consumer market. That was the reason why Apple re - examined their existing position in the market. Apple even...
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...and iPod have become standard household gadgets, and the company behind these products, Apple Incorporated (Inc.) has lead the way in computer innovation. Since Apple released its initial public offering (IPO) in 1980, the company has thrived in all aspects of its business and breaking records on the stock market. This paper will discuss Apple’s company background, analyze the implementation and evaluation of its IPO, and conclude with the reason behind Apple was chosen. Company Background Before becoming the largest technological company in the world, Apple Inc.’s humble beginning started in April 1976 as a small private computer company owned by three men, Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Wozinak. The company originally focused on creating personal computers for the first 25 years of its existence until 2001 when Apple Inc. introduced the iMac followed by the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Over the last decade, Apple started purchasing various software corporations, such as the music company Lala, the personal assistant Siri, and most recently, Anobit Technologies, to integrate their products into Apple’s new computer innovations. Today, Apple Inc.’s main business and operational activities continue to focus on producing and marketing computer electronics, computer software, and personal computers through 357 retail stores in ten countries and its online store (Anonymous, n.d.). Much of Apple’s success revolves around the company’s record breaking net profit and revenue...
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...APPLE’S BUSINESS MODEL Apple is regarded as the world’s number one in innovation when it comes to a tech company. Apples’ innovative business strategy involves inventing and then building astonishing new products. Apple has been in the forefront of innovative business strategy, It is this innovative business strategy of Apple that has propelled Apple to the top of the pyramid. Apple has relentlessly followed the blue ocean business strategy, where instead of competing with competitors they create a new market for their entirely new kind of products. Apple always tries to find new and synergetic ways to capture and deliver value to its consumers. Let us the take the example of iPhone and the iPod, their huge success in sales would not have been possible if they had not been fusioned with the Apple App Store and iTunes respectively. It has been noticed that Apple always tries to stick by the Seven interwoven areas known collectively as the Systematic Innovation Integration (Strategy, Product, Marketing, Process, Technology, Organization and Business Innovation). It is at the core of Apples such behemoth success story. Apple also has a history of working outside of the traditional boundaries of the tech industry to create an ecosystem designed for thriving innovation. RnD plays an important part in the work culture of Apple. Apple has its presence in software, hardware, logistics, and entertainment business and they have excelled in all. If we take the example of the App Store...
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...The Apple Company is launching a new fall campaign titled, “The Big Apple!” to promote the sales of its new laptop computer, the Mac Book Pro. Featuring the campaign in New York City, Apple stores will be selling the new MacBook Pro laptops with three new cover designs. Known for its simplicity in computer design, Apple expects to ‘wow’ audiences with a departure from the usual look and a venture into new creative territory. Aimed at (but not limited to) the creative personalities that make up fast-paced and glamorous New York City, the campaign is expected to be a big success. The campaign will consist of a city-wide contest where applicants can design a cover that involves some of the elements that represent New York City and then send their idea in to Apple. The judges will then pick one of the designs to be featured alongside the two other covers which will be created by two different icons in New York city which Apple will have personally picked. One will be an up-and-coming designer, the other an artist. By doing this, Apple creates a connection between the people in the city, the culture, and their own brand. The campaign will run from September through till December, during which time the contest will be held, the designs finalized, and the new Mac Books will be available for purchase. Target Audience/Market: In terms of the target audience that Apple is looking to focus on with their campaign, there are a few demographics that the company would like to adhere...
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...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...
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...always call attention from all over the world, which can promote the company's rapid growth. However, as the market become more mature and there is more competition involved, Apple’s investors should not only pay attention to the company’s opportunities, but also guard the possible threat. Now, the largest threat which Apple is facing is how to develop itself after the Steve Jobs era. Facing this challenge, the best practice for Apple is realizing the pressure and keeping in step with the times. People generally believe that Steve Jobs is the foundation and the driving force of Apple's innovation culture. It is Jobs who bring Apple from the brink of collapse to a global industry leader and one of the most respected brands. From Apple's perspective, we believe that the company's future product blueprint has been basically established within the following two or three years. So the death of Steve Jobs will not affect short-term operations. The main longer-term challenge for Apple depends on whether it can continue to foster the same culture of innovation and the policy of consumer-oriented development approach. Culture is one of the buzzwords of business school, although it cannot be measured, designed or institutionalized. However, we all know that a strong culture always plays a huge role to the company's success and brand recognition. Over the years, Steve Jobs created the apple culture. Therefore, his departure marks the end of an era to the company. Apple needs to rebuild this...
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...over the past three years. Growing 15% from 2007 to 2008 and 20% from 2008 to 2009, Apple Inc. has maintained a steady and rapid pace that few other companies as innovative as Apple can match (Annual Report, 2009, p.19). The launch of the iTunes music store, that later expanded into a comprehensive online store for videos, books and audios, was a different business model altogether that reaped success within the first week of its launch. However, the subsequent events that occurred in the market and the various risks that are associated with Apple Inc.’s strategy for iTunes are some of the reasons that warrant a revision of the operational strategy, partially, if not altogether. The issue of digital rights management (DRM) and software piracy propped up and Apple has ever since paid out to artists and record companies more than it has pocketed itself. There are several lessons that Apple can learn from the launch of iTunes. The decrease in music sales online is an important one that Apple should take into future consideration. This drop forces one to re-evaluate whether Apple’s strategies were really effective or not. A recommendation to Apple for its future strategies would be to re-evaluate its business models keeping into view all aspects of the market and related industries so that...
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...Course Instructor Date Situation Analysis 1 Key objectives 1 Competition 2 Current performance 2 Cultural and structural issues 2 Organizational resources 3 Environmental analysis 3 Political Analysis 3 Economic Analysis 3 Social Analysis 3 Technological Analysis 4 SWOT Analysis 4 Strengths 4 Weaknesses 4 Opportunities 5 Threats 5 Marketing process 5 Marketing mix 5 Products 5 Distribution Strategy 6 Promotion Strategy 6 Integrated Marketing Strategies 7 Situation Analysis Key objectives Apple was voted the general victor of the 2012 CMO Survey Award for Marketing Excellence. Apple has been chosen as the victor or co-champ for five back to back years by the example of top advertisers. Apple's unique points: 1. Empathy – Apple comprehends the needs of their customer superior to other organizations. 2. Focus – keeping in mind the end goal to benefit a vocation of the things the company chooses to do, Apple pans to dispose of the majority of the irrelevant opportunities 3. Impute –Apple may have the best item, the most elevated quality, the most helpful programming, and so forth; the company displays its product in an imaginative, proficient way to ascribe the coveted qualities ("Corporate Goals And Objectives For Global Final Paper- Apple Inc."). Competition Apple is being led by Samsung as purchasers are requesting telephones with bigger screens at less expensive costs. Indeed, even with the presentation of iPhone 5c,...
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...Macintosh computers, iPods, iTunes, iPhones and iPads. Apple is one of the most powerful and influential high tech companies in the world. The success of Apple Inc. stems from the innovation and visions of co-founder and entrepreneur, Steve Jobs, the excellence of the stylish, user-friendly products, and the ability to create innovative products that consumer’s desire. The development of Apple Inc. came during the unstable economic times of the 1970’s. Best friends and college dropouts, Steve Jobs and Stephen Wozniak pooled their electronic and business skills to market what was to become the first personal computer. Stephen Wozniak had designed a small computer, the Apple 1, for the enjoyment of some friends at a Homebrew Computer Club meeting. The Apple 1 developed in Steve Jobs’ bedroom and garage, while he envisioned the commercial potential of a personal computer that could help families with personal finances and small businesses with day to day tasks. Vision, drive and creativity allowed this entrepreneur to take the risk to create a business. The challenge of building that business and the desire to control his destiny required passion and perseverance along with innovation. Apple’s first personal computer, the Apple 1, took six months to design and 40 hours to build with an initial investment of $1300.00 (The seeds of success, 1982). In 1975 the entrepreneurs formed a partnership and decided on the name Apple. Ron Wayne designed the diagrams of the Apple 1 and the company...
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...company was incorporated as Apple Computer, Inc. on January 3, 1977. Thereafter, the company grew by introducing many innovative and commercially successful products such as Apple II (1977) and Apple III (1980). Right from its inception, Apple had been a company committed to building great products using the latest technologies. The strong R&D focus that Jobs and Wozniak insisted on helped Apple to differentiate itself from its competitors. Product Innovation Apple Inc. (Apple) produces such items and services as “iPhone®, iPad®, Mac®, iPod®, Apple TV®, a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications, the iOS and Mac OS®X operating systems, iCloud®, and a variety of accessory, service and support offerings” (Apple, 2014). Apple’s innovation strategy, financials and business plan are described below and evaluated along with the risks involved with the strategies. Innovation Strategy Innovative companies can thrive even in a tough economy. Apple Inc. has seen hard times and good times. Apple has survived as a company because of a renewed commitment to innovation. This commitment to innovation spearheaded by Steve Jobs has caused other companies to analyze how Apple does so well. First, it is important to note that Apple has not been always successful. Even though Apple Inc. is enable to bring the strategic innovation to their products, yet in 1990s, Apple wasted billions of dollars and resources that failed to satisfy their consumers from their product such as...
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