...Cast study of Apple Company Apple is undoubtedly the world's largest and most innovative companies. Their products can 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...
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...The Apple product life cycles indicates just how big the iPhone and the iPad will be over the next few years. It took the iPod five years to break the thirty million units per annum mark. The iPhone got there in four and the iPad will make it in year two of launch. As for the Sony Walkman it never made it, it took over ten years to top out, the iPod topped out within eight years of launch. Apple product Life Cycles are moving faster and higher sooner than ever before. iPod sales may have peaked in 2008 at just under 55 million units and may fall to around 45 million units this year but the iPhone is set to sell just under 70 million units and the iPad is chasing fast behind. It all adds up to an exciting phase of growth for Apple over the next four years with revenues set to rise over $100 billion in 2011. Students of corporate strategy and business theory are familiar with the concept of the Product Life Cycle. Generally the life cycle is perceived to have four specific stages, introduction, growth, maturity and decline generally plotted with volumes a function of time. In the introduction phase, costs are high, sales volumes are slow, there may be little or no competition and customers have to be stimulated to action. Profits are limited and the product is cash extensive as marketing costs are substantial. Key customers tend to be innovators and early adopters. In the growth phase, unit costs are reduced as volumes increase, advertising is amortised over greater...
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...of Apple products between Chinese students (12000 words). Executive summary This research focuses on determining the factors which influence the buying behaviour of the customers Chinese students for Apple products. The research was conducted among around 1000 contacts out of which 130 students responded. The research used survey method to collect information from the large audience. The analysis of the information was conducted using SPSS while the survey questions were developed with the help of the literature review which was conducted by review different academic journals. The review of the literature pointed out that there are a number of factors which affect the buying behaviours of customers and that Apple had knowledge about all these factors due to which it was so popular among the Chinese customers. It has been pointed out from the analysis of the information that there are different factors which influence the purchase intention of the Chinese customer such as the quality, brand, design, technology and the functionality. All these are the main focus for Apple products due to which they are so popular among the Chinese customers. It has however been pointed out that price is a significant deterrent and has an adverse impact on the customer buying behaviour. Apple products are significantly expensive in comparison to the competitor products due to which consumers are unable to afford it. The research also suggested those Chinese customers who were using Apple products...
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...Apple was founded on the first 1st April 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Roland Wayne in Cupertino, California. Apple was originally founded to create personal computers but expanded its market in 2001 with the iPod, a revolutionary music playing device. Since that time apple has gone on to release a number of other market leading products including the Apple iPhone, Apple TV and the Apple iPad to make it the market leader in consumer electronics. ------------------------------------------------- Photo courtesy of http://www.technobuffalo.com/2011/12/14/apples-founding-contracts-go-for-1-6-million-at-auction/ ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Apple now has 406 retail stores across the world selling a total of 17 different products in a range of sizes, along with a huge range of accessories. ------------------------------------------------- After Apple’s first day as a listed company on December 12, 1980 it had a market capitalisation of $1.778 billion. Apple IPO makes instant millionaires, December 12, 1980 | EDN. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/edn-moments/4403276/Apple-IPO-makes-instant-millionaires--December-12--1980. [Accessed 10 March 2014] ------------------------------------------------- Market Capitalisation is “the total dollar market value of all of a company’s outstanding shares” (citation), calculated...
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...Apple Products MKT/471 November 11, 2015 Microsoft was created in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. These two entrepreneurs created the world’s first operating system that became a household, and business, name. Microsoft’s mission is to “Empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more” and their strategy is to “Build best-in-class platforms and productivity services for a mobile-first, cloud-first world” (Microsoft, 2015). Their integrated system is heavily used in today’s market with their dominate competition being Apple. Currently their product that hit that market last month was Windows 10. This system is supposed to be a new sleek design that is replacing the horrible software of Windows 8. Windows 10 brought over the touch screen capabilities as well. Currently, it is offered as a free upgrade with the possibility of an individual being charged for this software after one year of being on the market. Microsoft also offers discounts on other software programming to teachers, students, and even business professionals. This product can be found online and most computer retail stores. Windows 10 is supposed to change the way people interact with their computers. “Windows 10 is the first step to an era of more personal computing, one in which Microsoft is moving Windows from its heritage of enabling a single device – the PC – to a world that is more mobile, natural, and grounded in trust. With Windows 10, applications, services, and content...
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...Writing Exercise: Bring together quotations from two essays Goal: Bring two different authors’ ideas into conversation effectively. Method: Try out these different “moves.” Advanced: Identify or create a “move” of your own. Move #1: __(author 2)__’s idea of __(key term)__ helps provide further understanding/insight/implications of __(idea from author 1)__. Move #2: __(author 2)__’s idea of __(key term)__ complicates/renders problematic/challenges __(idea from author 1)__. Move #3: __(author 2)__’s idea of __(key term)__ helps make visible what __(author 1)__ ignores/fails to take into account/assumes in his/her discussion of __(idea from author 1)__. Step #1: Fill in the blanks. Step #2: Follow up the statement with an explanation of “idea from author 1.” This may take one or multiple sentences. When you do so, do not just explain the author’s idea in broad strokes. Rather, focus on the nuances that will help you better develop your following agenda. Step #3: Explain how author 2’s idea intervenes in what you have just said about author 1’s ideas. This sentence may be a restatement of the sentence you wrote in step #1, but you should now be able to include more details than you were able to discuss in step #1. Step #4: Follow up on step #3 with a nuanced exploration of author 2’s ideas by focusing on his/her ideas that develop or challenge author 1’s idea. Step #5: Summarize what you have written focusing on the resulting idea. This can be used as your topic...
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...Durability of Apple Products In recent years and particularly months, Apple has been scrutinized for its products durability. There has been some suspicion that they purposely set out to ensure their goods become defective over a short period of time. This usually coincides with a newer version being released. In this way, consumers will prefer to purchase the upgrade, rather than fix the old model. (Rampell, 2013) In the past month, Apple has released its latest iPhone, the iPhone 6. Fans, bloggers and critics took to the Internet to review its features and functionality. Instantly, social media was hit with the apparent news that the iPhone 6 bends in people’s pockets during day-to-day activities. Whether or not this was the case, the notion had taken storm and was spreading virally. It seems that the already growing concerns are becoming more prominent in the consumers mind. However, Apple released a defending statement on the 26th of September 2014. They disclosed that only 9 customers have complained about their phone being too “flimsy”. They also defended their stance regarding the durability, by boasting their glass was the strongest in the industry and the phone contained inserts that reinforced stress locations. Furthermore, Apple stated that before launch the iPhone 6 went through a series of testing to ensure it was up to day-to-day use. The regarded the matter of bending as “extremely rare” and should have no problems withstanding normal use. (Reed, 2014) ...
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...A leading indicator of economic forecast can impact Apple’s product sales forecast is the Consumer Confidence Index. Consumer Confidence is a measure of the level of optimism consumers have about the performance of the economy. Consumer Confidence influences consumption (where consumption is a large part of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)). According to the text, Principles of Economics, “if consumers expect good economic conditions and are optimistic about their economic prospects, they are more likely to but major items such as cars or furniture.”1 While Apple products may not be considered major items, the company (Apple Inc.) could use the current consumer confidence index as a gauge on how well its products could do in the market in a particular period.(Appendix Personal consumption form freelunch.com) Unfortunately, consumer confidence here in the United States (US) has dropped (from 71.5 to 65.1) in the last two months (November and December 2012)2. This drop has been attributed to the uncertainty surrounding the fiscal cliff debate3. If consumer confidence continue to drop here in the US, Apple Inc. may have to look to overseas to make up any sales deficit. 2. What are the international economic factors that impact Apple’s product sales and cost? APPLE’s operations and financial performance depends significantly on worldwide economic conditions. The various economic factors that come into play are: a) Personal disposable income of consumers b) Currency exchange rates...
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...Advertising and Communications – Final Assignment Table of Contents Define your product 2 What is its function? 3 What problem or opportunity does it solve? 4 What is its name? 7 Reaching your audience 8 Who is your target audience? 9 What drivers will they respond to? 10 Delivering the message 11 What Integrated Marketing Communications mix will you select? 11 What specific media will you use? 14 Regulatory issues 15 What regulatory or trade association issues or restrictions do you operate under? 15 Final Campaign 16 Present a completed example of an advertising/commercial/alternate media campaign. 16 As we saw with the pre-assignment, the desserts are very diversified and can be eaten in different way: eat-in or take away, drink or eat, fruity or nature, for adults or children… This is a large subject and many actors are already implanted. Thus, in such a competitive environment, it is important for a new brand to be different: to offer a new concept in order to position the brand as the new favorite dessert in the consumer’s mind. Define your product According to a study managed by MedecineNet.com, United States’ children and teenagers do not eat enough fruits[1]. Moreover the obesity rate in the United States grew up last decades: ““Over the last three decades, obesity rates among children and adolescents have nearly tripled,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, MD. “Obese children...
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...Marketing Report – Toohey’s New Five Seeds Cider Morgan Grace and Sciobhan Leahy Word Count: 1500 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Executive summary 2.0 Situational Analysis 3.0 Swot Analysis 3.1 Strengths 3.2 Weakness 3.3 Opportunity 3.4 Threats 4.0 SWOT Matrix 5.0 PEST Analysis 5.1 Political 5.2 Economical 5.3 Socio-cultural 5.4 Technology 6.0 Marketing Strategy 7.0 Marketing Mix 7.1 Product 7.2 Price 7.3 Promotion 7.4 Media and Advertising 7.5 Promotion 8.0 Critique 1.0 Introduction This marketing report addresses the SWOT analysis, PEST analysis, marketing strategy, marketing mix and critique of Toohey’s Five Seeds Cider. It also credibly evaluates the marketing, promotions and the creators of Toohey’s Five Seeds Cider 1.1 Executive Summary 2.0 Situational Analysis The following situational analysis has been prepared in order to address the Macro environment issues surrounding the target market and destination. 3.0 SWOT Analysis 3.1. Strengths Toohey’s is apart for the Lion Nathan which is a premium Australasian Alcohol Company, which was established in the late 1980’s and by 1990 was one of Australia’s largest corporate companies. Lion Nathan embodies a sense of Australian pride, owning two breweries, Castlemaine Perkins in Brisbane and Toohey’s brewery in Sydney. Furthermore employees over 1800 Australians and 1400 New Zeeland’s, and holds shares on both the Australian and New Zealand stock...
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...Apple Preference Mapping A central location trial was conducted for 10 dessert apple varieties using participants from Bristol and Hull. The following presentation will analyse the statistical results gained from the data received and suggest areas for future product launches within the UK apple industry. Task 1 Recruitment of Panellists The Market Research Company was asked to recruit 100 Panellists in each city for the trial with 50% of the panellists from each age group (1 & 2). The data shows that the number of people recruited in Bristol exceeded the required amount with a total of 169 Panellists. Further to this, 71% of the panellists recruited were from the age bracket 2. Recruitment in Hull matched closely to the total requirement of panellists, however again the recruitment favoured towards the age bracket 2 with 73% coming from this. The company therefore exceeded the total requirement of panellists by 71 people. Sum of Age City Bristol Bristol Total Hull Hull Total Grand Total Age 1 2 1 2 Total 49 120 169 28 74 102 271 Task 1 Overall Mean Liking Data Average of Top Red Average of Gibson's Green Average of Royal Gala Average of Braeburn Average of Fuji Average of Pink Lady Average of Granny Smith Average of Sun Gold Average of Johnson's Red Average of Golden Delicious Total 4.290229885 4.5 4.790229885 5.324712644 5.483908046 5.701149425 5.713218391 5.876436782 6.094252874 6.962643678 Overall Golden Delicious had the highest mean liking with a score...
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...authorities that the Gala red apples and Granny Smith green apples from California were suspected to be contaminated with the bacteria. As you are well aware, this whole situation came to our attention because of sick and dying people. According to the Center for Disease Control, as of January 9, 2015, 32 people infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 11 states. Those states are Arizona, California, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. That’s why this led to the restriction of gala and Granny Smith apples entering from the United States into Malaysia. The restriction was imposed by the Department of Malaysian Quarantine Inspection Services after I have received that notice on the contamination on January 15. Their representative will explain it later I presume. My next step would be to stop from importing the affected apples while the Health Ministry will check those already in the local market. Furthermore, our ministry had no jurisdiction to recall apples that were already in Malaysia as this involved food nutrition, which is regulated by the Health Ministry. Under Chapter 9, Subsection (1) subparagraph (i) of the Public Health Act (Food) (Cap 182), those who prepare, sell or import the product can face an imprisonment of five years, a fine or both, according to the MoH. My advice is people need to be careful when shopping for apples now. I call upon fruit sellers...
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...of the market. Although he was new to Beech-Nut, Hoyvald had wide experience in the food industry, and his aim, as stated on his resume, was “aggressively marketing top quality products.” In June 1982, Hoyvald was face with strong evidence that Beech-Nut apple juice for babies was made from concentrated that included no apples. The concentrated was bought from the supplier of the low-cost apple concentrated, Universal Juice Company since 1977. First investigation by two employees of Beech-Nut showed that there are presence of corn syrup, but the Vice President of Beech-Nut, Mr. Lavery dismissed the report. A turning point occurred when investigation by private investigator showed that Universal plant only produced sugared water and invited Beech-Nut to join a suit against Universal. Some of the executives have urged Hoyvald to switch the supplier and recall all the apple juice on the market, but he was hesitant because he claimed that even if the apple juice was bogus, no evidence that the juice was harmful. Switching supplier required Beech-Nut to pay additional cost of $750,000 for the juice and recalling all the apple juice on the market would cost about $3.5 million and means that they are admitting that the company has sold adulterated product. He also said that it tasted like apple juice and it surely provide some nutrition. Furthermore, he had promised his Nestle superior that he would return a profit of $7 million for the year. Recalling all the juice...
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...negocio, la innovación, alrededor de esta variable giró la nueva filosofía de Apple Inc.. Con la introducción de productos nuevos e innovadores, como el reproductor de música iPod, que se ha convertido en uno de los pilares del éxito actual de Apple. Jobs ha mantenido esta estrategia con el lanzamiento de nuevos productos, estilizados y de fácil uso que ayudaron a que incrementara su share, generando nuevos mercados. Jobs ha sabido identificar claramente la tendencia del mercado hacia la sincronización entre los teléfonos móviles y PC, así como el mercado de la música digital, con una visión estratégica enfocada hacia estos cambios. Los objetivos se establecieron alrededor del éxito financiero y su medición mediante las unidades vendidas. Jobs desarrolló una estrategia de entrar en estos mercados por productos diferenciados, estilizados y fácil de usar, impulsado por una investigación de nuevos productos y la evaluación de las tendencias del mercado y su reacción con estas innovaciones. Dado lo anterior considero que Steve Jobs se desempeñó de una manera sorprendente ya que supo redirigir a su compañía y enfocarla a un futuro muy claro para ellos con su visión. Convirtió a Apple en un rotundo caso de éxito después de que hasta el 2007 presentaba pérdidas en sus finanzas. 2. What are the chief elements of Apple’s strategy? How well do the pieces fit together? Is the strategy evolving? Apple mantiene productos innovadores en el mercado, al darse cuenta de que innovación...
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...stores were expected to be more successful in the near future. IKEA's imminent strategic expansion into this region exemplified its ambitions to dominate this emerging market. This Case Study illustrates how IKEA's ventures into China and Japan are laden with unique marketing challenges which it had not encountered before in other international markets. Read the attached case (Case Study: "IKEA: A Long March to the Far East" - Source: Oxford University Press) and answer the following questions; 1. Based on your analysis, what are the opportunities and challenges for IKEA in their market operations in (a) China; and (b) Japan? 2. Describe the market entry strategies that IKEA adopt in China and Japan respectively. 3. What are IKEA product, pricing, marketing communication and distribution decisions in the two Asian markets? To what extent these...
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