...Apple Computer, Inc. is a well-known designer and retailer of computer hardware, software and electronic entertainment devices. Apple began as a small personal computer manufacturing firm in 1976 with a vision to build computers that could be purchased by anyone. The company has now grown into one of the most powerful technology companies in existence. The path that led to the creation of a brand like Apple is a true testament to the level of innovation and the cultivation of customer focused business strategies that have led to devices and software such as the iPhone and iTunes. By analyzing the challenges Apples faces while putting its strategies into action the information that is gathered could be used to facilitate better strategic management planning for other business scenarios in the same or similar industries. Apple is a world-wide competitor in the electronic device and digital content delivery industry. This dual role creates a broad environment involving a multitude of suppliers, millions of potential buyers and intense rivalries among competitors. An important element that Apple capitalizes on is the demographics it serves in the competitive environment. Creative marketing and innovative, straight forward interfaces for its products allows Apple to position its software and hardware as the “everybody” product. Differentiation is a major part of the competitive environment Apple operates in so well-known competitors like Motorola’s Android operating system...
Words: 1440 - Pages: 6
...Apple Computer, Inc. is a computer technology company offering award-winning and innovate products. Founded in 1976 by Steven Jobs, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Wozniak, together the trio built and designed a motherboard in Job’s garage and labeled their first product Mac I. As technology advanced with break-through developments, Apple has evolved into a leading computer technology company boasting an array of cutting-edge products. Ranked currently 263 in the Fortune 500 and 159 in FT Global 500, Apple has 14,800 employees located across the globe. Based in Cupertino, California, Steven Jobs is the current Chief Executive Officer and Director of Apple accompanied by six other individuals who comprise the Board of Directors. As a publicly traded company under the stock symbol of AAPL, Apple experienced significant growth and profitable financial results. According to Hoovers, which provides in-depth financial information of large public companies, Apple accomplished a one year net income growth of 383.7 percent and a one year’s sales growth of 68.3 percent. From year 2005 sales, Apple grossed $13,931 million dollars—$8,194 alone in the Americas. Nevertheless, Europe, Japan, and Asia’s strong market accounted for 36 percent of overall sales. Apple’s success is a result of their highly desired, sleek, stylish, and creative products. Since Apple was founded, implementing new technology has always been an important objective for Apple. The company transformed the music industry...
Words: 1366 - Pages: 6
...Donna Dubinsky and Apple Computers, Inc. Why was Dubinsky initially successful at Apple? Donna Dubinsky was initially successful at Apple because she projected a lot of confidence and conviction in her beliefs. Donna was a decision maker who battle for procedure. Donna was focused primarily on her caring and honest relationships with her subordinates. Donna was aggressive with her convictions; she pushed hard for an interview with Apple and received an offer only after pointing out that they would never find another Harvard MBA that wanted to work in customer service. Donna took advantage of every opportunity with to advance at Apple through her direct and hard-nosed style. Donna’s individual performance was impressive. She was able to deliver results and her groups performed well on key metrics. Apple was the perfect place for Donna since being a young company light on formality that underwent frequent reorganizations. Apple’s fast growth, loose organization, and corporate culture allowed Donna to make decisions “above her pay grade” and thus demonstrate her ability to perform at higher levels of responsibility. Place yourself in Dubinsky’s position. Why did she respond the way she did to the JIT proposal? Donna could never understand why the JIT proposal was even being discussed. She didn’t see any problems in the distribution area, and thought this was a cost cutting measure by Jobs because the Mackintosh division was underperforming. Donna never understood...
Words: 532 - Pages: 3
...Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business While Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Donna Prevatte Instructor: Jacinta Acquay BUS499 Sr. Seminar in Business Administration 31 January 2012 Apple Computer, Inc. changed online music tremendously in 2003 by developing the first legal online music service known as Apple’s iTunes Online Music Store. They were first online music service to have agreements with all five major record labels. Although initially available only for Macintosh users, iTunes sold more than 1 million songs by the end of its first week in operation (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson, 2011). Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. Apple Computer, Inc. is currently a very innovative company. It has gone through many ups and downs over the past thirty years. From a successful company that brought in millions thanks to two 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. Eventually, Apple came back, thanks to Jobs rejoining and also because of the introduction of iTunes. But securing their information from this highly competitive industry is just one of their challenges. Apple saw a way to capitalize on the emerging trend of cheap music downloads by creating a legal online music distribution network. iTunes would be the key to exploiting the market (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson...
Words: 1667 - Pages: 7
...Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business While Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Describe the key challenges facing Apple Computer. Key Strategic Challenges There are a number of key strategic challenges Apple Computer must face. Apple’s competitors try to exceed them in performance by producing similar products and often at lower prices. An example is when Apple introduced the iPad. Hewlett-Packard (HP) introduced the TouchPad. In order for Apple to stay on top of the market they had to come up with a new innovation – iPad 2. The iPad 2 was slimmer, lighter, had new features and a new chipset. Apple computer must continue to introduce innovative products to the market. Another challenge for Apple is in diversification. They have to continue entering into other areas of consumer electronics. The personal computer market has intense rivalry among competitors within the industry which is driving prices down. Apple stands to create considerable value through related diversification. Products like the iPod and iPhone show that Apple continues to create its path of innovation. Apple is broad in targeting their customers ranging from users’ on-the-go, at home, as well as unsophisticated users to the power users. upon level of headings; these are illustrated here. Do not begin a new page with each new heading. In a standard paper, only the abstract, the first page of the paper, the reference page, and any appendixes begin on new pages. This paper illustrates...
Words: 483 - Pages: 2
...Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Overview/Introduction Through an analysis of the case study of Apple, Inc. this paper will describe key elements that helped make Apple the successful company it is today. The analysis of the three key environments of a business will be examined, including; general, industry, and competitor environments. Also explored will be the available lessons that readers and other companies can garner from Apple’s success. Apple’s Success Story Apple’s success rests squarely on the shoulders of innovation. In the beginning, the founders of Apple, Stephen Wozniak and Steve Jobs focused on providing something new to the market. They not only brought innovative products to consumers like the Mac computer and iPod, they did it in an innovative manner. Memorable advertising campaigns based on consumer reaction rather than technological jargon made the beginnings of a cult-like following. Apple lost its way in the mid to late eighties as it struggled to find its focus and protect its core competencies, resources, and capabilities. Steve Jobs returned to the company after a decade removed, recognized the speed with which technology moves and took steps to insure that Apple, Inc. was strategically focused to be the leader in new technology. The key to Apple’s success is their mission to make the Mac “the hub of the consumers’ digital lifestyle” (Ireland, 2009, p. C-16). From this point...
Words: 3066 - Pages: 13
...to legal mistakes. Apple computer has faced many challenges throughout its 24 year history. Steven Jobs left Apple over disagreements with John Scully, whom Jobs recruited as Apples president and CEO and started next. During Jobs absence from Apple, Apple partnered with IBM and Motorola to produce the Power PC Chip. One of the key strategic challenges that Apple Computers faced was the loss of the exclusive rights to interface design, due to a poorly negotiated contract. With this loss Apple was now in a position in which it needed to gather d its resources and fight a battle toward standardized software as... Abstract Apple Computer, Inc. is a leader in the technology industry. Whenever one thinks of Apple, computers are the first product that comes to mind. A study of Apple’s history shows that while computers may be the public’s idea of their flagship product, in truth iTunes is the product that propelled Apple’s entrance in a host of other product offerings. Apple’s challenge remains how to maintain the music division of the company while continuing their sponsorship of two equally lucrative products: the iPhone and Apple TV. After all, few companies can have the Wal-Mart effect, being able to be a one-stop-shop. Entrance into the Music Business When Steve Job returned to leadership at Apple Computers Inc. in 1997, Apple was primarily concerned with resolving the dispute between Apple and Microsoft over making operating systems and computers compatible. Eventually...
Words: 437 - Pages: 2
...ECO320-65: CAPSTONE Economic Analysis of Apple Inc Student 2 Cleary University May 14, 2007 ECO320-65: CAPSTONE Economic Analysis of Apple Inc. Introduction 3 Industry analysis 4 Personal computers 4 Computer software 5 iPod and iTunes 5 Company analysis 7 Apple Computers Inc 7 Apple Inc 8 Innovation 9 Profitability 9 Recommendations 11 Personal computing 11 Conclusions 12 References 13 Appendix 14 Introduction The primary purpose of this report is to execute an economic analysis on Apple Inc. We will review the impacts that the competitive market has had on Apple, since it was founded in 1976. This report will detail how Apple Inc. is both a dire example of the adverse effects of monopolistic competition on a company as other companies into the market; as well as an exceptional example the economic rewards yielded by innovation and brand differentiation within a competitive market. An analysis of Apple Inc would be incomplete without reviewing its past and present competitors. Reviewing these competitors will help the reviewer gain insight into comparative advantages held by other companies and the economic impact this has had on Apple Inc. this report will review the industry as a whole in order to understand the impacts of industry level supply and demand upon Apple Inc. The report will briefly examine the impact of market prices and international trade as an aspect of this report. More importantly, it will review specialization...
Words: 2731 - Pages: 11
...Apple Inc. Apple was established in 1976 as a computer company. However, in the last decade, Apple has expanded into a complex company that specializes in much more than just computers. In 2001, Apple broke the barrier of the music devices with the iPod, eventually becoming the dominant market leader in music players. In following, Apple joined the phone industry in 2007 with the iPhone, which has also been widely successful. Apple competes with many different companies throughout the different industries it takes part in. (21 competitors: Asiarim Corporation, Concurrent Computer Corporation, Dell Inc., Digi International Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Lenovo Group Limited, Insight Enterprises, Inc., RadiSys Corporation, SteelCloud, Inc., Silicon Graphics International, Super Micro Computer, Inc. etc). Apple recently reached third place in personal computer sales in the U.S., selling more Macs. Also, Apple is the leader in the tablet market with its iPad. In one quarter sold 9.52 million iPads. Apple has established a unique reputation in the consumer electronics industry since it is flexible from its philosophy of comprehensive aesthetic design. Its main characteristic is that it has a very strong customer base, which is extremely important in understanding Apple, has diversified its market and range of products to increase its profits and market share. Among its highest traded products is the iPod which enjoys global recognition. The company is currently operating over 350...
Words: 702 - Pages: 3
...Name: Course: College: Tutor: Date: Apple Inc. Analysis & Strategic Management Introduction Strategic management is the process by which an organization drafts, implements and evaluates cross-functional decisions that enable the organization to achieve its long-term objectives. It entails the process of specifying the mission of the organization, its vision, objectives and the development of the various strategies to achieve the objectives of the organization. Apple Inc. (Apple) has managed to create substantial value in the highly competitive personal computer industry, by innovating and forging a path considerably different from those of the largest competitors in the industry. The corporation also successfully differentiates its products from those of the competitors by choosing to focus on quality, design elegance, and superior customer service, while outsourcing actual manufacturing to trusted original equipment manufacturers. Yet, despite the advantages, Apple has created for itself, the stiff competition within the industry and other external factors present formidable challenges to the firm. The personal computer/notebook market is becoming increasingly commoditized, leading to intense rivalry among competitors within the industry, driving prices down and creating potentially destructive price wars (Buy, 2009). Utilizing key resources and capabilities including industry-leading design teams, talented software and hardware engineers, backed by a sizeable research...
Words: 5490 - Pages: 22
...APPLE INC. [pic] APPLE COMPUTERS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This research paper is fully depends upon the true information on the Apple Inc. This paper is specially made for the Apple Computers. The purpose of the paper is to provide the strategic analysis plan for the Apple Inc for the next three years i.e. 2011-2013. The strategic Management Model for Apple Inc gives the useful output from the analysis of all the factors that contributes. This project is based upon to find out the best suitable strategy for the Apple computers so that it can follow that strategy in next three years to carry out the desired goals for the organization. As per requirement of project, the external and internal analysis is carried out. Here we come up with TOWS analysis. From TOWS analysis, there is the 3 suggested strategies for the organization. From those three strategies, we have to pick the one which is best and justified it. OVERVIEW OF APPLE INC Mr. Steve Jobs and Mr. Steve Wozniak founded Apple Inc in 1976 after a long struggle. Before Apple was founded, IBM was already in the market and Apple came into existence when IBM launched its 4004 chip which makes the bulky parts of previous computers into the small chip size. (Aoki, 2009) Apple Inc is wholly owned subsidiary of Apple Inc. Apple Inc deals in designing, manufacturing the personal computers, mobiles, digital music devices, software related to items, services, peripherals and other networking services...
Words: 6124 - Pages: 25
...Apple Inc. is American company whose engagement priorities are developing and marketing personal computers, media devices and portable digital music player. Besides of all the devices the company develops and sells all the software which is needed to run the devices. It includes OS x and the IOS operating system; the iTunes media browser which is also compatible with other computer operating systems like Windows. Apple Inc was established by the founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne on 1 April 1976 in California, first the focus was on personal computer in 2007 the original Apple Computer Inc. name was changed into Apple Inc. because the company wanted to focus towards consumer electronics. This made Apple Inc. the third-largest mobile phone maker after Nokia and Samsung. Apple Inc. is a company who is aiming for the world by opening until 2011 364 retail stores in thirteen countries worldwide this is one of the reasons why Apple has enhanced in product sales; for online user there are the online apple store and the iTunes store where consumers can purchase, rent, and download third-party digital music, audio books, music videos, short films, television shows, movies, podcasts, games, and other applications. , viewing photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, and reading e-books.; the strong marketing and brand image gives the company an edge over regional and global competitors. Apple Inc. is the largest publicly-traded corporation in...
Words: 431 - Pages: 2
... Abstract In this Business Analysis Part III I will summarize significant facts and conclude the analysis by including conclusions from Business Analysis Part I & II which will help in the decision making to invest or not in Apple Inc. Business Analysis Part III Strategic Initiatives Vision Statement According to Apple Inc “Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1985 with the Macintosh. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals, and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software, and Internet offerings.” Mission Statement According to Apple Inc, “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.” Value According to its new CEO Tim Cook, Apple’s core values are: • We believe that we’re on the face of the Earth...
Words: 2892 - Pages: 12
...------------------------------------------------- Apple Inc. Business Analysis Category: Business Autor: Mike 26 July 2010 Words: 3002 | Pages: 13 Business Analysis of Apple Inc. On April 1, 1976 Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne joined together to form Apple Computer Incorporated. The concept behind their company was the creation of an inexpensive, simple to use personal computer kit. Working out of Jobs' garage in Cupertino, California the trio designed and manufactured their first product in three months. They named this product the Apple I and it went on sale in July 1976 for $666.66. Six months after the release of the Apple I, Ronald Wayne opted to sell his share of the company back to Jobs and Wozniak for a meager $800. Soon thereafter multimillionaire Mike Markkula joined Apple and on January 3, 1977 the company was incorporated. Apple continued to gain momentum and was one of the fastest growing companies by the end of 1978. With the introduction of the Apple II plus, the company enjoyed a 400 percent increase in sales in 1979. In December of 1980 the company went public and within minutes the 4.6 million shares sold out at a price of $22 per share. An additional 2.6 million shares was also sold out by May 1981. However, the firm suffered its first major fallback with the release of the Apple III in September of 1980. The newest version had not undergone necessary testing due to time constraints and pressure from upper management. This proved to be extremely costly mistake and by 1984 the Apple III...
Words: 3020 - Pages: 13
...| | |CORPORATE LEVEL STRATEGY | |APPLE COMPUTER, INC | | | |PREPARED BY: | |TETY JUANITA MOHD KAMAL | |WONG WAI SIONG | |LAI CHOON HOONG | |WAN HAZIRA WAN MUHAMMAD | |WAN HAMIZA WAN MUHAMMAD | |7/31/2010 ...
Words: 2443 - Pages: 10
