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Apple Inc. an Analysis of Business Strategy

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Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010

Apple Inc. in 2010 An Analysis of Business Strategy American Military University BUS620 16 February 2014

Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Abstract

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Apple Incorporated is an industry leader and this piece will serve to address questions pertaining to Apple’s competition in the Personal Computer (PC), MP3, and smart phone market and how its strategy has evolved along with the evolution of the products. Threats and challenges that Apple faces as is moves forward are also identified. Finally a brief assessment of Apple Incorporated after the exit of Steve Jobs as its Chief Executive Officer and his effectiveness as a strategic manager. Keywords: Personal Computer

Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Apple Inc. in 2010 An Analysis of Business Strategy

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Apple is extremely competitive in the personal computer (PC) market and has carved out a very specific niche for its brand through an evolution of product development and marketing strategies. The market for personal computing evolved as quickly as technology could be developed and Apple’s approach was to offer the consumer a “plug and play” option, meaning everything needed for desktop publishing and education (from hardware and software to peripherals) were integrated in the Macintosh system and could readily and easily be utilized (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Apple offers a level of exclusivity for its consumers. The cost of an Apple machine is expensive, but the quality is extremely high and Apple cultivates a relationship between the consumer and their machine. Apple has taken great pains to develop a superior operating system and, comparatively, 53% of Windows XP users report being “very satisfied” with the Windows based operating system, while 81% report being “very satisfied” with the Snow Leopard operating system on Apple computers (Pearce & Robinson, 2013).

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