...a Clickable Rubric Assignment" in the Student Center. Instructors, training on how to grade is within the Instructor Center. Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Due Week 3 and worth 240 points Use the Internet to research the Apple Corporation, its current position and reputation regarding ethical and social responsibility, and the strategies that it currently employs to market its products. Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you: 1. Examine Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, and determine whether or not the company has met these responsibilities. Provide two (2) examples that support your position. 2. Determine the impact that the publication of ethics and social responsibilities violations made by Apple’s suppliers has had on Apple’s reputation. Support your response with examples of the impact in question. 3. Suggest two (2) methods that Apple can utilize to ensure that its suppliers adhere to wage and benefits standards going forward. Justify your response. 4. Determine whether or not you believe that Apple’s customers would be willing to pay more for its products if Apple had to increase selling prices in order to provide better wages and benefits for suppliers’ workers. Provide a rationale for your position. 5. Analyze Apple’s current overall marketing strategy. Recommend two (2) actions that Apple can take in order to improve its competitive advantage in the global...
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...Competitive Strategies Pg 1 A Battle in Technology Bus 508-Contemporary Business November 2, 2013 Dr. Jean Fonkoua Competitive Strategies pg 2 The U.S offers a free market where businesses are able to have free enterprise to open and operate an ideal to provide a product or service to the public. There are many businesses that offer similar products and create competition (2013, 02). Consumers are able to have options in the marketplace. Apple Inc. and Microsoft are two companies that offer similar products to consumers. Apple, created by Steve Jobs, is an American multinational cooperation headquartered in Cupertino, California that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software and personal computers. Microsoft, created by Bill Gates, is an American multinational software cooperation headquartered in Redmond, Washington that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services related to computing. This paper will discuss how the cooperate culture of these two companies differ, three ways that each unique culture has benefited by the other’s competition, and how these companies will potentially thrive in the future. The cooperate culture of these two technology giants are very different in that Apple is more conservative, distinct, and expensive, whereas in Microsoft is more personalized, flexible, and affordable. Apple has masterfully executed a plan to sell high-priced...
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...Contemporary Business Assignment 1: Business Analysis Dana Morrison Dr. William Bonaparte BUS 508 Strayer University October 24, 2015 1. Provide a brief description of an organization where you currently work, would like to work, or one in which you have an interest that you have chosen for this assignment. In 1914 Edwin Booz started his management consulting firm renamed Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) in 1943. BAH is considered one of the oldest management consulting firms. Edwin Booz believed in a new approach to management. He believed that if you could find the right people, properly place them in the right position and provide the best possible support that the end result would be better than any theory or method. Ed believed that the three key attributes involved in placing the right person with the right partner were character, intelligence, and industry. These key attributes continue to be the core of their business and are otherwise known as "Boozisms" within the organization. In 1940 the U.S. Navy contacted BAH due to its reputation and success in management consulting and its performance with Goodyear Tire & Rubber and Montgomery Ward. Working with Navy planners, Booz consultants began working to develop a special sensor system that could track German U-boat's and assisted Navy planners with designing an attack strategy. This collaboration, by war's end, led to sinking or crippling most of the German submarine fleet and was the beginning of a long term...
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...Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies BUS 508 Shandust Duff Monday April 27, 2015 Dr. Ann Pohira-Vieth Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies This case study will discuss corporate responsibility and marketing strategies within the Apple Corporation. Ronald Wayne, Steve Jobs, and Steve Wozniak founded Apple on April 1, 1976 (Chun R. 2011). In this assignment you will read about the Apple Corporations current position and reputation regarding ethical and social responsibility as well as the strategies that are used to market its products (Chun R. 2011). Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation as well as the worlds second largest information technology company; their designs develop and sell consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. Apple’s successful journey is a combination of many factors including corporate culture, enthusiasm and innovation as well as the outstanding leadership of the late CEO Steve Jobs (2011), and the high performance products for which Apple Inc. is know for. Examine Apple’s current position on the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, and determine whether or not the company has met these responsibilities. Provide two examples that support your position. Companies have to demonstrate the importance of ethics and social responsibility. Business ethics refers to the standards of conduct and moral values involving right and wrong actions arising...
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...Competitive Strategies Case Study Assignment 2 STUDENT NAME: Professor: Dr. Wright BUS 508: Contemporary Business Raleigh, NC May 5, 2013 Determine how each corporate differs from the other The corporate cultures of the two companies are very different. One example. GM pulled its ads from Face book. Ford is doing more with Facebook. Another, GM bailed out by the government, Ford weathered the storm. The social media strategy of each company is extremely interesting. GM is going to go the traditional route. Ford has embraced the tools of social media to connect with its customers. I think that gives Ford a competitive edge. General Motors Company is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales, employing 202,000 people and doing business in some 157 countries. They also have five different business segments. They also provide on star vehicles safety, security and information system. As the second-largest automobile company in the world, Ford Motor Company represents a $164 billion multinational business empire. Known primarily as a manufacturer of automobiles, Ford also operates Ford Credit, which generates more than $3 billion in income, and owns The Hertz Corporation, the largest automobile rental company...
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...Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies BUS 508 – Contemporary Management Strayer University Introduction This assignment will examine the private enterprise systems, drivers of change on the system, ethical and social responsibilities of business, and the requirements for success in today’s business environment. Abysmal corporate ethics and social responsibility has been spotlighted in the media with events such as the Enron scandal in 2001, the BP oil spill in 2010, and more recently, the labor practices at Apple’s, China based, Foxconn factory in 2012. In an ever more competitive market place, events such as these bring ethics and social responsibility into the forefront of qualifying factors required to earn trust that equates to money from consumers. (Alijani 2012, Boon 2012, Duhigg 2012, Ewing 2013) Apple’s Current Position on Ethics and Social Responsibility Through transparency, Apple has spun this very public, internal defect of absent ethical and social responsibility by publishing a Code of Conduct, Supplier Responsibility Standards, and Working-Hours Reports on its commercial website. Additionally, Apple flooded the media with reports about it’s clean up efforts. For example, in February 2012, Apple announced it was the first technology company admitted to the Fair Labor Association (FLA). The FLA conducts independent monitoring and verification to ensure that the FLA Worklpace Standards are upheld (Apple 2014). Impact...
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...BUS 508- Assignment 2: Human Resource Strategy Latasha Luke Professor Mary Jane Granoff Contemporary Business-BUS 508 2/18/2015 In choosing an industry in which two or more companies that have been voted on some of the best places to be employed and carefully reviewing the Top 100 companies on Forbes I have chosen Wal-mart and Target. Wal-mart and Target are the leaders in the Retail industry. Both have many things in common when discussing corporate culture. Wal-mart and Target are both very customer driven. You can go into a store owned by either business and be met by knowledgeable, helpful employees. The type of service provided is a direct reflect of the type of training that is provided by each companies Human Resources Department. Each company has also embraced the idea of focusing on customers’ needs as well the needs of their employees and realizing that taking care of their employees is a way to build a strong team. Another way that these companies mirror each other is through community service efforts, both strive to be good corporate citizens at a time when the communities really...
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...Assignment Two: Human Resource Strategies of Google, Inc. & Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. BUS 508-Contemporary Business Alisha Ball Dr. Solomon Fakinlede Strayer University Compare and contrast the two (2) industries you have identified in terms of size, products, services, customers, economic and regulatory environment. Human resource management/ strategies refers to a various number of policies as well as practices that influence an organization significantly. It is related to employee behaviors, attitudes, as well as performance. These strategies are used to give organizations a competitive advantage particularly in the areas of recruitment, training and development, and diversity management. These policies and strategies help promote the practice of helping organizations to achieve their business goals as well as objectives by developing the knowledge and skills of employees in order for the organization to meet its mission as well vision. These strategies are often very strategic as well as goal oriented and helps organizations adapt to change as well as meet the needs of the consumers that they serve. These strategies help to make organizations some of the best companies to work for. Google, Inc. ranks number one on the 2015 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For. Google is a global company that develops technology including web browsers, smartphones, smart contact lenses and social media apps to help keep people connected. Their innovative technology as...
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...Running head: DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGIES Week 4 Assignment 2 Dr Hassan Yemer Contemporary Business/BUS 508 Strayer University January 24, 2011 1) Compare and contrast the two businesses—core business, their size, financials, global presence, use of e-business (marketing, sales, etc.). A diversified company is one that has multiple, unrelated businesses. Unrelated businesses are those, which (1) require unique management expertise, (2) have different end customers and (3) produce different products or provide different services. One of the benefits of being a diversified company is that it buffers a company from dramatic fluctuations in any one-industry sector. However, this model is also less likely to enable stockholders to realize significant gains or losses because it is not singularly focused on one business. Investopedia (2011) states that companies may become diversified by entering into new businesses on its own, by merging with another company or by acquiring a company operating in another field or service sector. One of the challenges facing diversified companies is the need to maintain a strong strategic focus to produce solid financial returns for shareholders instead of diluting corporate value through ill-conceived acquisitions or expansions. Wal-Mart and Kmart; along with Target are the three primary retail...
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...Assignment 1, Entrepreneurial Leadership Kelly Endebrock Dr. John Kitoko Contemporary Business, BUS 508 January 22, 2012 1. Analyze and describe the founding leader(s), leadership style, and major business principles of a profit-oriented entrepreneurial approach in which the primary goal is to provide a product or service to consumers and to make a profit. Bill Gates fits into the definition of an entrepreneur, they are said to be achievement-oriented, someone who would work until the task is completed, and who are restless and do not fit into structured organizations. “Entrepreneur Bill Gates founded the world's largest software business, Microsoft, with Paul Allen and became one of the richest men in the world.” (biography.com). Gates started with nothing more than a vision, and has been able to develop and realize this vision with grit and determination and in 30 years has become the center of the world’s largest company. Gates had nothing more than his own skills to develop Microsoft as a business and ultimately as a brand. The true test of an entrepreneur has to be in developing something from almost nothing. The Leadership style of Bill Gates is a mix of Autocratic and Democratic initially, and later he exhibits Laissez-faire styles by delegating some of the task to his key employees. Bill Gates’ Autocratic leadership styles were very obvious as he frequently joined his researchers and made teams and group out of them for more product launches. However...
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...Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies BUS 508 Kiva Thompkins January 25, 2015 Professor Jean Fonkoua Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Social responsibility is defined as “business’s consideration of society’s well-being and consumer satisfaction, in addition to profits” (Boone & Kurtz, 2013). It is not just important that a organization makes record profits, but that they are social responsible to their consumers. How a organization operates can help determine the way the public responds to their goods and services. Apple ®, a global manufacturer and provider of mobile connectivity devices, has made an impact to the technology industry through their products. The following case study will analyze Apple’s response to ethical and social responsibility, how these responsibilities have impacted their reputation, and marketing strategies. Examine Apple’s Current Position on the Company’s Ethical and Social Responsibilities, and Determine Whether or Not the Company Has Met These Responsibilities. Provide Two (2) Examples That Support Your Position Social responsibility can generally be broken down into key areas: public-health issues, environmental issues, quality of the workforce, and corporate philanthropy. Apple discloses its Supplier Responsibility Report and Environmental Responsibility Reports that outline its dedication to “ensuring these workers are treated with respect and dignity” and “reduce [their] impact...
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...Assignment 2: Diversification Strategies “The Secret of Southwest Airlines’ Success” BUS 508, Contemporary Business Determine how Southwest Airlines’ corporate culture differs from other airlines: From the time Herb Kelleher co-founded Southwest Airlines in 1971 his goal was to establish a company that cared about its employees, who would in turn care about and service the needs of their customers with pride. Southwest has created a fun-loving work environment that rewards and appreciates unique personalities and how they can enhance the customer service experience of their patrons. This is refreshing in today’s market and the main difference between Southwest and other airlines. The mission of Southwest Airlines is to ensure satisfaction of their internal as well as their external customers. The external, of course, being the traveler and the employee is viewed as an internal customer. Externally, Southwest focuses on customer service, delivered with “a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and company spirit.” Customer service is number one (#1) for this airline. It is displayed in their every movement. The airline’s president, Collen Barrett is quoted as saying, “Southwest likes to think of itself as a customer service organization that happens to fly airplanes.”(Smith, 2004) The airline is dedicated to their customers. When other airlines felt the economy crunch and decided to start charging customers to check bags, Southwest refused to add...
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...Assignment 1: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies BUS 508 Shantrelle Godfrey April 27, 2014 Dr. Ann Pohira-Vieth Assignment 1: Apple is a innovative company. They always seem to find an easier way to do things when comes to electronics but to understand Apple, you have to get to know Apple. In this paper I will be discussing Apple’s ethical and social responsibilities, the impact that the publication of Apple’s suppliers may have had on Apple’s reputation, two methods that Apple can use to ensure their suppliers adhere to wage & benefits standards, Apple’s customers would be willing to pay more for products and discuss Apple’s marketing strategy. Examine Apple’s Current Position on the Company’s Ethical and Social Responsibilities, and Determine Whether or Not the Company Has Met These Responsibilities. Provide (2) Examples That Support Your Position Apple has always been known for their innovative devices and media content and applications. It would be very hard to resist and believe that a company of such extraordinary magnitude would be in violations with their supplier. Apple’s Chinese supplier Foxconn was in violation of child labor violations, toxic conditions, and other violations of their code of ethics a few years back in 2010. After the 10 suicides at Foxconn, Apple made it a priority to reemphasize their ethic and social responsibilities. After examining the company’s ethical and social responsibilities, Apples strives to treat every worker...
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...Assignment 1: Apple Analysis: Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies BUS 508 – Contemporary Business Strayer University Provide a Brief Description of Apple Corporation. Apple Inc. started on April 1, 1976 by Steven Wozniak and Steven Jobs. They had both been interested in electronics and both worked for technical firms in Silicon Valley. After Steven Wozniak came up with a design for a computer, Jobs thought of ways to market this new design. This begins the long dynasty of Apple Computers. Apple Inc. is now an American corporation that designs, develops, and sells computer electrons, software and personal computers. It is the second largest technology company worldwide. Examine Apple’s position on ethical and social responsibilities and determine if they have met these responsibilities. Provide two reasons that support your position. Apple Inc. like most companies has become more socially responsible regarding the environment and it workers. They are concern for society’s welfare and all their workers according to their Code of Ethics. Apple is geared to build not just better products, but smaller, thinner and lighter, which means less carbon dioxide emission. Apple engineers ensure all their products are as energy efficient as possible, receiving an ENERGY STAR certified rating. This means money saved by the consumer and less emissions in the environment, which is a win-win situation for us all. Apple also recycles in 95% of the cities they retail...
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...CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND MARKETING STRATEGIES Tanika Fuentes BUS 508 Contemporary Business Dr. 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...
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