...APPLE COMPUTER INC NYTIMES/ APPLE ANNUAL REPORT Oct 19, 2010 Apple Incorporated Apple Computer, Inc. is one of the most popular hardware and software companies in the world today. It is also the most innovative and competitive corporation in the technology industry. The Apple Corporation created mainly technological products that are available in the market these days. The company is famous for its quality and high technology innovations. Besides the current fame of the Apple Computer, Inc., like any other companies, it continuously experiences instability and uncertainty. Apple Corporation undergoes certain stages where it sees its strengths and weakness as wells as evaluates possible opportunities and threats to the company in maintaining and acquiring the status it currently has. The Apple Corporation has its strengths that set it apart from the rest. This company has made its own way on creating its name in the technology industry competing with IBM, Microsoft Corporation and other technology-based companies. Through the innovations done by the creative and talented minds in their company, the most sought after technological products today came from the Apple Computer, Inc. The Apple Corporation is the creator and maker of the widely known technological products like iPod, iPhone and Apple laptop. These creations have attracted most people specially those who are technically knowledgeable. Besides the products technical purposes, those are as well entertaining and useful...
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... the character of a corporation is about more than make the most of profits alone. Corporate social responsibility (CSR)entails doing business with honesty and equality - and it may perhaps even enhance the bottom line.It is unmanageable for administrators to evade corporate social responsibility. However while no administrator can send away from CSR, the wider and more unrelentinginquiry is: "What does it mean?" Explanations of CSR varies from general ones that center on hugeenvironmentally friendly and social dilemmas, such as health and pollution, poverty, Aids mainly in emergingmarkets, to more particular ones that center on doing business with honesty and clarity. The general denominator is that corporate actionmust be inspired in part by a alarm for the well-being of several non-owners, and by an essentialdedication to simplevalues such as honesty, equality and reverence for persons (Donaldson, T., 2005). “Corporate social responsibility, once a do-gooding sideshow, is now seen as mainstream. But as yet too few companies are doing it well”.(Franklin, D., 2008). This paper will analyze Apple’s corporate social responsibility policy (CSR) and the recommendations to improve their CSR. Apple Inc. Apple Inc. was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Originally just specializing in personal computers; Apple has no become one of the most dominate figures in popular culture. Through their sales of the iPod, iPhone, and iTunes music store Apple has been able to take...
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...position on ethical and social responsibility is located on their website which state “Apple is committed to ensuring the highest standards of social responsibility wherever our products are made.” You can also access the company’s 2011 Supplier Responsibility on its website. This is their official stance on the matter but the company has fallen short through examples I will provide from a review of their reports which reveal that the company is taking action to stop unethical practices. Apple presents itself as a responsible corporation that addresses violations and improves management systems but even with strict compliance of its code of conduct for suppliers, problems still occur. Apple being the largest U.S. Corporation makes them a target because other companies are envious of their success but this is not the sole reason they have earned the reputation of an evil, profit mongering corporation. Human rights activists, media outlets and various other groups believe the company has no sense of social responsibility because of the way they disregard the environment and violate human rights with poor work conditions. Their use of child labor is an example of this. Environmental, labor and other social responsibility advocates have been aware of allegations of forced overtime, child labor and other miserable working conditions at the Chinese factories that make Apple I-toys. Disregard for human life is alarming in itself but American patriots...
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...of CSR 2.2 Evolution of CSR 2.3 Emergence of CSR 3 Literature Review 3.1 Carroll's CSR Pyramid 3.2 Purpose of the firm and how that shapes views on CSR 3.3 Arguments for and against CSR 3.3.1 Arguments Against 3.3.2 Arguments For 3.3.3 Summary of the key debates 4 Methodology 5 CSR at Apple Inc. 5.1 Apple's profile 5.2 Reasons to engage in CSR 5.3 CSR policies at Apple Inc. 5.4 Type of CSR approach taken by Apple Inc. 5.5 Key dilemmas within CSR challenges 5.5.1. Labour and human rights 5.5.2. Workers’ health and safety 5.6 CSR tactics at Apple Inc. 6 Conclusion 7 References Word Count: 2837 1 Executive Summary Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been highly regarded by most corporations. However, the exact reason why corporations implement CSR initiatives is often very vague and confusing to others. This paper will explore in depth how international corporations are motivated to incorporate CSR into the business strategies and how they deal with it. Based on academic references, the report firstly outlined the CSR background as well as some theory and key debates about CSR. Then, the methodology was summarized. After that, the case study of Apple Inc. was used to demonstrate the reasons for implementing CSR initiatives in depth. Following that, the types of dilemmas the company faced, the CSR approach and tactics it used were analyzed. Finally, a conclusion was drawn at the end of the paper. 2 CSR Background 2.1 Definition of CSR ...
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...Activities in Electronic Industry Table of Contents Executive Summary……………………………………...………2 1. Introduction……………………………………………………2 2. CSR activities of Sony, Dell and Apple……………………….3 1. Employees………………………………………...…...……4 2. Environment ………………………………………………..5 3. Consumers…………………………………………………..6 3. Evaluation on CSR activities………………………………….6 3.1 Employees………………………………………………...6 3.2 Environment……………………………………...………7 3.3 Consumers ……………………………………………….8 4. Conclusion…………………………………………………….8 References…………………………………………………………….9 Executive Summary Recent years, encouraged by cultural and economic globalization, the world market is growing rapidly. With the market becoming increasingly mature and rational, corporations not only pay attention to profit and business opportunities, but also the obligation and responsibility to employees, environment and customers. Therefore, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become more and more popular among enterprises and markets. Thus, it is important to study the way CSR initiative depicts what corporations have to do in order to shoulder the responsibility for their employees, environment as well as consumers and CSR’s influence on various economic behaviors. This report analyses the CSR activities of Sony, Dell and Apple which are three electronic corporations. Specifically, it focuses on the effect on their employees, environment and consumers. The first part will mainly introduce their CSR initiatives and standards respectively...
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...Reporting on: APPLE, Inc. Fiscal Year 2011 Presented by: Bo Weichel Professor: Ekaterina Kouprianova Course: ACC 206 Accounting II Date: 11/20/11 Page | 1 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Apple, Inc. is a highly successful global company offering leading technology in personal computers, phones, music players, and tablet computers. Its success doesn’t come entirely from producing consistently innovative and quality products. It reaches down into the depths of the company itself, its organizational governa nce and control. This foundation is what keeps Apple on the leading edge of the market. Apple has a Board of Directors which contains seven members, including CEO Tim Cook. The role of the Board is to “oversee the Chief Executive Officer and other senior management in the competent and ethical operation of the Corporation on a day-to-day basis and assures that the long term interests of the shareholders are being served ” (Apple 2010, p.1). Serving on the Board set s limitations on its directors; they are advised not to serve on more than four boards of other companies (Apple 2010, p.1). Directors serve for a one year term, without limitations on the number of terms served ; however they may not continue re-election after age 75. Again highlighting the Corporations excellent internal governance, it states “The Board believes the Corporation benefits from the contributions of directors who have developed, over time, increasing insight into the Corporation” (Apple 2010, p.2). This shows...
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...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 step to meeting ethical...
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...Jacob The Apple Corporation has become one of the largest corporations in the world. There are a lot of companies that would like to be mentioned in the same breath as Apple. Many companies want to emulate their success. In this paper I will examine Apple current position and reputation, regarding ethical and social responsibility. According to Crane and Matten (2013) “One of the basic tenets of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) movement in business has been it being voluntary and meeting social expectations above and beyond the law.” The Apple Corporation has been publishing its CSR report on its website since 2007. On Apples website it states “Workers everywhere should have the right to safe and ethical working conditions. They should also have access to educational opportunities to improve their lives. Through a continual cycle of inspections, improvement plans, and verification, we work with our suppliers to make sure they comply with our Code of Conduct and live up to these ideals”. Living up to the previous statement concerning apples commitment to ethical and social responsibility has not been an easy one. My position on whether Apple has met their responsibilities would be no because with their brand being the world’s best global brand, they should be held to a higher standard. When you are the leader in your field other corporations are looking at you to ensure all the rules are being followed. Apples 2013 Supplier Responsibility Progress Report identified...
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... 2014 The Apple Corporation has become one of the largest corporations in the world. There are a lot of companies that would like to be mentioned in the same breath as Apple. Many companies want to emulate their success. In this paper I will examine Apple current position and reputation, regarding ethical and social responsibility. According to Crane and Matten (2013) “One of the basic tenets of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) movement in business has been it being voluntary and meeting social expectations above and beyond the law.” The Apple Corporation has been publishing its CSR report on its website since 2007. On Apples website it states “Workers everywhere should have the right to safe and ethical working conditions. They should also have access to educational opportunities to improve their lives. Through a continual cycle of inspections, improvement plans, and verification, we work with our suppliers to make sure they comply with our Code of Conduct and live up to these ideals”. Living up to the previous statement concerning apples commitment to ethical and social responsibility has not been an easy one. My position on whether Apple has met their responsibilities would be no because with their brand being the world’s best global brand, they should be held to a higher standard. When you are the leader in your field other corporations are looking at you to ensure all the rules are being followed. Apples 2013 Supplier Responsibility Progress Report identified several...
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...Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the system oriented theories (Legitimacy Theory, Stakeholder Theory and Institutional Theory) are reviewed in order to explain and support the arguments of the reporting methodology. In addition, the reports of two multinational companies, Apple Inc. and Toyota Motor Corporation are inspected with the theories. It is found that both companies involved in multiple activities in promoting and educating the publics about their operations as well as the ways to protect themselves and the nature. It can be concluded that both companies abide the framework and theories to disclose information to the stakeholders. 1.0 Introduction Corporate Sustainability Reporting is becoming more and more important in research and in practice lately, as the consumers are becoming smarter compare to the eras before. Companies have the responsibility to disclose details in financing and operations in order to gain support and resources from the world at large to survive in the market. There are three important system oriented theories that helps in measuring the degree of importance and explaining the methodology in disclosing informations to all types of stakeholders. Two multinational companies that provides annual report and sustainability report are reviewed to help understanding the reporting method. 2.0 Purpose of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Pursuant to the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Framework (G3.1), the Corporate Sustainability...
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...Xiaomi Vs Apple Introduction Xiaomi Inc. (Chinese: 小米科技; pinyin: Xiǎomĭ Kējì, literally "Xiaomi Tech", or "Foxtail millet tech")is a privately owned Chinese electronics company headquartered in Beijing, China. It is the world's 3rd largest smartphone distributor that designs, develops, and sells smartphones, mobile apps, and consumer electronics.[4] Since the release of its first smartphone in August 2011, Xiaomi has gained market share in mainland China and expanded into developing a wider range of consumer electronics. The company's founder and CEO is Lei Jun, China's 23rd richest man according to Forbes. The company has over 3,000 employees, mainly in mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, and is expanding to other countries such as India, and Indonesia. As per the new research by IDC, Xiaomi is now the third largest smartphone maker in the world followed by Lenovo and LG at fourth and fifth place respectively. Samsung remains at the first place despite declining shipment volume, followed by Apple Inc. at second place. Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, online services, and personal computers. Its best-known hardware products are the Mac line of computers, the iPod media player, the iPhone smartphone, and the iPad tablet computer. Its online services include iCloud, iTunes Store, and App Store. Apple's consumer software includes the OS...
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...Introduction In the relentless pursuit of continuous gains today’s corporations often make strange bed fellows to acquire these ends. These agreements are often made with developing and under developed nations whose laws and regulations fall well below international standards. For many years these back room deals in far flung countries where of no concern to most consumers. However, in recent years many multinational corporations have made headline news with accusations of human rights violations. Such allegations erodes corporate image in the eyes of consumers. Apple Corporation has fallen under public scrutiny for the treatment of its factory workers in China. These allegations have forced Apple Inc. to bring forth solutions to answer the question. What are the social and ethical responsibilities of Apple Corporation, and how can these strategies be employed to restore corporate image to better market products? Apple’s current position on ethical and social responsibilities. Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR is defined by The European Union as ‘the responsibility of the enterprise for their impact on society’. The US has no governmental regulations concerning CSR. This leaves US manufactures like Apple little legal incentive to enforce a code of conduct. Apple’s choice to further implement a strict business conduct policy reflects a commitment to the highest standard of social responsibility. Apple has always operated under a Supplier Code of Conduct that outlines...
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...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...
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...success of businesses. Creativity can be defined as an ability people use to produce fresh ideas (Mattiske 2010). Bills and Genasi (2003) go further and suggest that people should force themselves to throw the traditional way of thinking away to form new ideas or even unique method to alter their future. The quality of products can be improved if inventiveness is boosted in office. Steve Jobs states that applying attractive ideas and new technologies to the process of doing business can help companies develop and flourish. This essay will support the opinion that businesses should have some funds in motivating innovation and creativity by analyzing these benefits which have been mentioned above based on the success of two big corporations, Sony and Apple. One key point is that the value of products can be enhanced if creative thinking is promoted in the workplace. If business owners encouraged their staff to think differently, this could result in the competition between employees so they try to produce new ideas that can create value or bring profit for their companies. Company chairman can use some methods like focusing on designing the workplace (Norman 2005). According to Sam Wagner (2011), ‘The key to the job methods process is to identify a problem and solve it through creative thinking’. The author thinks that employees ought to be motivated to share their own new ideas. Then enterprise leaders will...
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... MGT 521 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...
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