...2014 Examine Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities and determine whether or not the company has met these requirements/responsibilities. Provide two examples to support your decision. Apple Corporation has been known to have many successes and challenges in many years as it relates to their ethical and social responsibilities. In recent news, Apple has been under a microscope due to the suppliers that they employed to manufacture their products. FoxConn is a leading supplier of Apple that runs factories throughout China. In recent news, Apple has taken the heat for violations with this supplier due to workers working more than 60 hours a week with no off days, suicide threats, and low wage compensation, and dangerous working conditions. Although FoxConn is employed by Apple Corporation, it too must follow the company business conduct that applies to all its operations, including those overseas. Apple Corporation shows a true commitment to ensuring the highest standards of social responsibility wherever our products are made. They insist that their suppliers provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity and respect and use environmentally responsible manufacturing processes (Klein, 2011). The Code of Conduct ensures that Apple takes preventive measures in cases that involve the company and its employees in ethical issues. Through implementation of the Code of Conduct, ethical awareness and action is a proactive...
Words: 1955 - Pages: 8
...CORPORATE ANNUAL REPORT: A BUSINESS APPLICATION 2cd edition Complete the following before you submit your assignment. This step is required to validate your compliance with sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act. 1. Remove the front cover of the workbook and identify: * Name: Oskar Diaz de Leon _. * Term: Spring1 2010 . * Company: Apple Computer Inc (AAPL) _ . * Instructor: Natasha Bell-Scott _ . 2. Print out your completed electronic template. 3. Attach the following: * This front cover (completed) * Electronic solution template * Company annual report Chapter 1 - Introduction * Chapter 1: Select a Company and Gather Documents—Question 1Fill in the page numbers on the annual report where the following are located. | Required information for this workbook project. | Page No. | Required information for this workbook project. | Page No. | Financial Highlights (Not absolutely necessary, but very common in annual reports.) | 36 | Statement of Cash Flows | 59 | Chairman’s Message (President’s, CEO’s or other top official’s message or letter to the shareholders) | 36 | Notes to Financial Statements | 60 | Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) | 36 | Report of Independent Accountants...
Words: 1572 - Pages: 7
...Apple Inc. is a very successful producer of computer software and hardware that leads in its competitive industry. To evaluate the progress, success, and faults of the company, the SWOT analysis is used. SWOT analysis stands for Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat for a particular organization, which can help in formulating a strategy for its business and can also help in analyzing its internal environment (Strengths & Weakness) and external environment (Opportunities & Threats). First of all, according to the article “Apple Inc. : Services - Company Profile, SWOT & Financial Report”, the author states that strong R&D capabilities and great brand image are the biggest strengths of the company. Apple’s strength relies on focusing Research and Development, “In the last three years, the company invested more than $7,592m in research and development. The R&D team of the company executed several projects to enhance and develop various products and technologies.” (“Apple Inc. : Services - Company Profile, SWOT & Financial Report” 19). R&D helps the company to create innovative products and stand out from its competitors. Apple expenditure trend shows that the money spent for R&D increases year after year. Apple’s return of investment on R&D paid off with innovative products and with company’s revenues. Moreover, Apple’s brand image is highly recognizable and holds brand awareness to the majority of consumers. This solid brand image can increase the sales of the new products compared...
Words: 721 - Pages: 3
...part of corporate self-regulation integrated with into business. Increasingly, companies are putting a public face on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity, but is it driving customer trial, purchase and loyalty and ultimately brand equity? Too frequently these activities are unconnected or, worst of all, go in opposite directions, which for certain types of companies become catastrophes. The authors describe three different approaches for incorporating their CSR activities with their marketing activities. The current CSR debate is clear evidence of missed opportunities to leverage CSR in brand-building activities. More money than ever is being invested in CSR and companies are making wide-reaching organizational changes to support it. Most now have CSR departments reporting to the chief executive, publishing CSR reports and developing CSR strategies and plans. However, despite this intense investment activity, results are few and far between. Instead of bolstering the brand and bottom line, CSR efforts have come under fire both from investors, who cry misuse of shareholders’ money, and from consumers and interest groups who criticize companies for promising more than they deliver. Shell, the Coca-Cola Company, and British American Tobacco are just some of the latest organizations to have experienced backlash for their CSR efforts. Overview of Apple Apple is one of the biggest company/organization on the earth. Any corporate or organization final aim is to make...
Words: 1832 - Pages: 8
...October 10, 2011 Hoda Bagdady-Asal PhD Abstract The following is a business analysis of the Apple Company. This analysis has been used to determine the financial health of the Apple Company through review of its financial statements. Also, I have included a summary of Apple’s technological advantages over other companies in the same industry, as well as, a benchmarking analysis also comparing Apple to other companies. To invest in a company or not, its economic activities gives idea of the status in the market. Financial statement gives information of financial status of the company as well as its stability. Financial statement is an accounting report of the financial activities of a company base on the entrance and exists of money. Managers use financial statement of the company to evaluate performance of their employees, to prepare a budget of the company base on expectations, to make a decision that can modify operations in the company, for example, when Jobs came back to Apple in 1997 as a chief executive officer, base on the financial statements, closed plants, reduce number of employees, and sold stock to Rival Microsoft Corporation. His purpose was to obtain capital to inject to the company. Also manager uses financial statement for annual report of the company to stockholders. This financial statement is important for investors, lending companies, stockholders, for example evaluated the statement to decide if stockholders can sell or buy more stock...
Words: 2276 - Pages: 10
...Business Report 1 BUSINESS REPORT ON APPLE INC. Business Report on Apple Inc. In APA Style Business Report 2 Abstract Apple Computer Inc.,, as it is known today, has gone from merely a small-time computer manufacturer into one of today’s top brand name of desktops, laptops, operating systems, mobile phones, and electronic music streaming. The company has had its ups and downs in its profitability trend, management portfolio, and over-all business operations. Yet, it has survived the demands and criticisms of the business world. Computerization is something that our world cannot do without, and Apple, along with the other companies in the same industry, is kept busy to provide users with their expectations. This paper aims to present a bird’s eye view of the Apple as what it is today, its historical background, an assessment of Apple’s future performance, and some pertinent reasons why it a good company to acquire. With the popular gadgets like the iPod and iPhone making waves in the market, it does not come as a surprise that Apple is kept on its toes to fulfill the expectations set by the demanding market. Apple is one of the leading companies in the world as evidenced by its growing sales and profits and its continuing competitive edge is one reason why remains on the top most desired to work or invest. Business...
Words: 2490 - Pages: 10
...The Ethical and Social Responsibility of Apple Company John Bryant BUS 508 April 29, 2014 Prof. David Grasser Corporate Ethical and Social Responsibility – Apple Company Apple Company is one of the largest manufacturers of computers and electronics. “Apple Company was founded on April 1, 1976, by college dropouts Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, who brought forth a new company vision of changing the way people, viewed computers” (Library of Congress, 2008). The ethical and social responsibility of Apple Company should have started with its inception; however, it did not. It was not until years later with the advent of social media and the power of worldwide communications, did Apple Company focus on ethical and social responsibilities regarding the treatment of its employees in their factories overseas. The international reports of employee maltreatment; the use of underage employees; and, documented instances of wrongful disposals of toxic matter into the environment, forced Apple to take immediate action and establish safeguards which would protect its employees, the environment and more importantly the brand name that is Apple Company. Apple Company: The Establishment of the Apple Supplier Code of Conduct An examination of Apples current position regarding ethical and social responsibilities determined that, in 2007, Apple Company established the Apple Supplier Code of Conduct, which is a set of guidelines Apple suppliers are to follow. The rules established...
Words: 2572 - Pages: 11
...Apple was founded in 1976 as a personal computer company (1). Since first introducing the Apple 1 computer kit, the company has revolutionized the marketplace for electronics. With 2012 revenues topping $156B (2), they are currently the 2nd most profitable company in the world (3). As their products become hotter with each new each new release, an increasing visibility and scrutiny regarding their manufacturing partners and supply chain has gained momentum. All too frequently, the company has responded to reports of questionable factory conditions and employee treatment with a promise of improvement. Apple’s supply chain has come under fire for what can be considered unethical treatment of workers across their extensive supplier network. Since the launch of their iPhone product line, Apple executives have continually proclaimed to their extended stakeholders that their supply network is thoroughly audited and inspected via their Supplier Responsibility Program. As Max H. Bazerman and Ann E. Tenbrunsel note, “When we fail to notice that a decision has an ethical component, we are able to behave unethically while maintaining a positive self-image. No wonder, then, that our research shows that people consistently believe themselves to be more ethical than they are” (4). Setting aside its own view, Apple must focus their efforts on the economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities of not only improving the environment at their suppliers, but also the slow developing...
Words: 2951 - Pages: 12
... Apple Inc., formerly called Apple Computer, was founded in California on April 1, 1976. Apple is an electronics and software company who designs and sells personal computers and laptops, computer software, and consumer electronics. They are known primarily for producing iPods, iPhones, iPads, and the MacBook Pro. The software Apple has developed includes Mac OS (operating system), iOS (mobile operating system for the i-product line), iTunes, iLife, QuickTime player, Final Cut Studio, and iWork. Apple has retail stores in 45 states in the United States of America (US) as well as being located in 13 different countries. Additionally, the company also has an online website where product orders can be placed. Since its inception, Apple has steadily grown in net worth and is the largest publically traded company in the world (by market capitalization). Apple is also the largest technology company in terms of revenue and profit. Today, software and computer sales are only a small part of Apple’s operations. There are many important variables and factors that can affect the overall performance of any company, including Apple Inc., in terms of their relationship with their customers as well as other important entities who are involved in their supply chain. Additionally, since Apple has stores and manufacturing facilities located outside of the US, they must contend with exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, and commodity price risk. Risks Facing Apple Interest...
Words: 1457 - Pages: 6
...typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] Apple Corporation is a computer company that sells consumer electronics and computer hardware/software. It was started by three men; Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in Cupertino,CA. They wanted to make and sell personal computers. Later, Ronald Wayne sold his Share to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Back then, it was a very risky investment and too much of a risk for Ronald Wayne. Now, Apple is one of the biggest computer companies in the world. Today they are said to be worth around $705 Billion (Finger, 2013). It has very loyal customers that trust and buy only Apple products. This is because it is a company/product well known for its quality electronics. Despite its rather high prices, people will wait in line and pre-order Apples’ “Next big thing”. This company is well respected and well known. It must adhere to ethical business practices by being a socially responsible business. This paper will examine Apples’ current position as a socially responsible business. We will start by determining if Apple meets the standards it has made for itself as well as legal standards. Then we will take a look at the impact of supplier violations of Apples’ ethical and social responsibility policy and discuss ways to ensure fewer violations in the future. After establishing ways to regulate and implement more cooperation from suppliers, we will analyze Apples’ current marketing strategy and determine if customers will pay...
Words: 1271 - Pages: 6
...Assignment 1 Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Apple Incorporation BUS 508 Name Date Instructor Apple Incorporation Apple Inc. is a corporation based in Cupertino, California (USA). The company designs, develops and sells consumer electronic products such as laptops and desktops, mice and iPhone. It also develops computer software, most popular of which is Mac OS X. Its major products include the Mac computers that it has been developing since 1984. Also included in the list are some of the world’s renowned products: iPhone and iPod, as well as the iPad. The company was initially found by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976. Their purpose was to develop and sell computers that were more personal and easy to use than the current systems at that time, which were very complex and required knowledge of a programming language to operate. In 1977, the company incorporates as Apple Computer, Inc. and itself to Apple Inc. in 2007. This change reflected upon the fact that Apple now focused on consumer products rather than computers. (Jason D. O'Grady (2009) “Apple Inc.”) Apple has developed an extensive Supplier Responsibility in which it assess the impacts of its operations and policies to the environment it operates in, including its employees and customers along with the physical and built environment. Apple has made its responsibility to ensure that its workers are...
Words: 1586 - Pages: 7
...Apple Inc. Apple Inc. formerly Apple Computer, Inc., is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Cupertino, California that creates and retails consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. Apple’s mission and vision summarizes its committed efforts in bringing the best user experience to its customers through its advanced hardware, software, peripherals, and services along with a unique ability to design and develop its own operating system, hardware, application, software, and services, in order to provide its customers new products and solutions with superior case-of-use, seamless integration, an innovative design (“Apple Inc. Form 10-K Annual Report”, 1, 2012). Company’s mission and vision statements against the performance of the organization Apple’s mission and vision statements and objectives are neither interchangeable nor autonomous. Without objectives, the mission and vision statements are impractical. Without the mission and vision statement the objectives have no relevance. Both statements are too broad to be measurable, and the objectives are too definite to provide the big picture. When properly coordinated they strike a balance that helps to shape the business operations and service strategy. Apple Inc.'s mission statement is as follows - Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through innovative hardware, software and...
Words: 2990 - Pages: 12
...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...
Words: 3108 - Pages: 13
...Research Paper ( Apple Inc. Cupertino, CA) INTRODUCTION Founded on April 1st, 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne started an electronic product company, which later became known as one of the most successful and innovative businesses, Apple Inc. Today, it has integrated itself into the lives of many, worldwide. Apple Inc. is best known for their famous “i-products”, customer service, and easily accessible tech support and locations. Although Apple has succeeded thus far, Apple Inc.’s profits are plummeting as competitors are rising, leading to failure in the future with the continuation of this trend. LOSS IN FINANCIAL GROWTH Apple Inc. has become the top technology company in the world with around $145 billion in cash (Worstall) and growing revenues each year. However, Apple Inc. has not shown growth in their net profit margin at the end of 2013. Apple’s net profit margin has decreased by 5% in just 2013 alone, (Hoovers, Financial Report) even with releases of new iPhones and computers. Even though this is a fairly recent event, it forecasts what could be happening to Apple. With major companies such as Samsung and Microsoft showing a 3.21% and a 5.05% increase in profit margin, respectively. (Hoovers, Financial Report) Apple is slowly losing its dominance in the market. With this current trend, we believe Apple will no longer be as successful as they currently are 15-20 years down the line. COMPETITORS CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Apple Inc. had a vision...
Words: 1031 - Pages: 5
...Evaluating Apple Computer’s Annual Report Axia College of University of Phoenix Apple Computer Financial Report On November 5, 2008 Apple Computer filed the company’s 10-K report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Although the company is required to file yearly reports with the SEC financial managers and investors use this information to help make sound financial judgments when deciding to invest in Apple Computer. In the report financial ratios, including liquidity, asset management, financial leverage, profitability, and market-based, will be discussed based on the last two years of data. The report also analyses Apple’s working capital management, long-term debt, types of stock, stock selling prices, the weighted average cost of capital, and an evaluation of the data and how the company compares to industry averages. The report will conclude with a recommendation of whether an investor should buy Apple stock. Financial Ratios According to Moyer, McGuigan, and Rao (2007), “Management uses financial ratios for analysis, monitoring, and planning purposes.” Financial ratios assist management in indentifying the strengths and weaknesses of the company, aid management in the monitoring the company, which may uncover a problem in a certain area of the firm’s operations and institute remedial action, and aids in planning. Analyst must keep in mind that while financial ratios are important that one ratio alone should not be used to make financial...
Words: 2449 - Pages: 10
