Premium Essay

Swot – an Analysis of Apple Incorporated

In:

Submitted By DGuinn
Words 5329
Pages 22
Dan Guinn
American Intercontinental University
Unit 2 Individual Project
MGT680-11401D-02 – Strategic Management
SWOT – An Analysis of Apple Incorporated 09 March, 2014

Abstract
The advanced technology that is available today has not only allowed Apple to produce the innovative products that are available to their customers today, this same technology is used by others to remain a competitor in the market place today. Most business analyses would agree that Apple is a good strong organization. Most would also agree that Apple is strong because of its ability to accomplish the short and long term goals that have been established through its strategic plan and the SWOT analysis of the organization. Although Apple is a power house in the market place; the organization does have its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that will have to be addressed or Apple could eventually experience a decline in its market share. A SWOT analysis not only can help an organization realize it strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats it can also help the organization capitalize on the weaknesses that may exist with other organizations.

Introduction Apple Inc. was founded 1976 and was the brain child of Steven Jobs and Steven Wozniak. Although the organization was actually born on April Fool’s Day many will agree that Jobs and Wozniak’s vision for the future of computers was much bigger than a foolish dream or prank. Wozniak had a love for developing computers and while working for Hewlett-Packard he developed what would become the first Apple Computer (Apple, n.d.). It was Jobs vision of the future with computers that pushed Wozniak to realize his dream of selling his first very graphic computer. Apple struggled its first year trying to convince the public to purchase its newly graphic designed computer. It was not until 1977 when Apple

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Apple Business Analysis – Part I

...Apple Business Analysis – Part I Apple Business Analysis Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, software, and personal computers. Apple was established on April 1, 1976 by three (3) good friends: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in Cupertino, California (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc.) and incorporated on January 3, 1977 (http://investor.apple.com/faq.cfm?FaqSetID=6). The company has grown from a garage business to the largest publicly traded company in the world by market capitalization and the largest technology company in the world by revenue and profit. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc. In the mid 1970s Wozniak created the Apple 1 and Apple II which contributed significantly to the microcomputer revolution of that era. Some of Apple’s greatest known hardware products include Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad. In this paper I will share Apple’s mission, conduct a SWOT analysis, identify Apple’s internal and external stakeholders, describe Apple’s wants and needs, explain how Apple is fulfilling their needs, and conclude with whether or not I would invest in Apple Inc. Apple’s Mission Statement According to the Investor Relations section on Apple’s website their mission statement states the following: “Apples designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads...

Words: 1277 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Business

...Organizational Planning Business Analysis Part I Apple Inc. The Company Apple Inc. was established in California on April 1, 1976. It was later incorporated in the year 1977. Born in America, this multinational company designs and sells consumer electronics. Apple is the world’s third biggest mobile phone producer. The company has most admired hardware products are the Macintosh computers, the iPhone, the iPod and the iPad. Other consumer products designed by Apple include computer software like OSX and iOS operating systems and personal computers. Apple Inc. was listed as the most admired organization in the world (2008-2012) and in the United States (2008). Even though Apple’s popularity is growing in leaps, the company has been in the news for its familiar criticism for its contractors' industry practices, and for its environmental and trade practices. Apple has more than 368 retail stores in 13 countries. It is the leading public trading corporation in the world with an estimated value of US $626 billion as of September 2012. It is the largest technology corporation in the world by income and profit. The company has more than 60,450 permanent full-time recruits and over 2,990 temporary full-time employees globally and its global yearly profits exceed $110 billion. SWOT Analysis As a mutual fund Manager, my role is to decide if investing in the company is a good option. The SWOT analysis is performed to help me get a better understanding of the company and assist in decision-making...

Words: 1157 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Business Analysis Part I

...Business Analysis Part I Pamela Lewis Management 521 October 10, 2011 Dr. Melanie Brown Business Analysis Part I The company tasked a mutual fund manager to evaluation Apple Incorporated to determine if this would be a sound investment for the company. The mutual funds manager will conduct a business analysis on Apple Incorporated and present the recommendations to the company. Apple Inc. is a company known for its vibrant line of products and the innovation it brings to those products. A business analysis is the practice of diagnosing the needs of a business and establishing solutions to business dilemmas. This business analysis is simply a collection of information that will aid in deciding if Apple Incorporated has the stability to sustain a profitable portfolio. This analysis will include a SWOTT analysis, an evaluation of the company stakeholders and their needs and wants, and an explanation of how the company is fulfilling those needs. SWOTT Analysis Chart Strengths (Internal) | Weaknesses (Internal) | * Strong brand image provides and edge over competitors * Robust financial performance strengthens investors’ confidence and provides capital for future avenues * Focused Research and Development driving innovation and consolidating its market position | * Patent infringement lawsuit may affect financial condition and operating results * Product recalls may harm Apple’s reputation and add significant warranty and other expenses | Opportunities...

Words: 1705 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Case Analysis, Apple, Inc.

...Case Analysis, Apple Inc. 1 Case Analysis, Apple Inc. 1 of 4 Case Analysis, Apple Inc. 2 This case analysis is written to analyze the topic of Strategic Management and answering the question of why it is critical to the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission. This analysis will address the major issues surrounding the organization or individuals involved with the organization, will identify alternate courses of action to address the issues identified with a decision/recommendation for action. Once called Apple Computer and historically know for its Macintosh personal computers (PC) line, Apple Computer dropped the latter part of its name in 2007 and became Apple, Inc. Even though non-PC product lines drove the majority of Apple’s financial performance there still seemed to be no real change in the company’s strategic profile. There were several thousand people that were laid off and by lying off employees to try and fix their financial issues, could have been a portion of the problem (Yoffie & Slind, 2008). Jobs are what contribute to a company’s effectiveness. If the jobs had been retained and management had attempted to find new ways of conducting business to survive by being innovative, Apple, Inc. may have witnessed success earlier (Mello, 2011, pp 112-115). Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and John Sculley came on board and made great strides towards increase in effective marketing, partnering with other companies and joint ventures...

Words: 950 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Apple Inc.

...MANAGEMENT REPORT OF APPLE, INC. Strategic management report of Apple, Inc. Xu Ruiqing FTDipFM10 Kaplan Higher Education Academic February 6th 2013 Table of Contents Running head: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT REPORT OF APPLE, INC. 1 Table of Contents 2 1. Introduction 3 2. SWOT 4 2.1 Strengths 4 2.2 Weakness 4 2.3 Opportunities 4 2.4 Threats 5 3. External analysis (general environment) 5 3.1 Politics/legal 5 3.2 Economic conditions 5 3.3 Social forces 6 3.4 Technological factors 7 3.5 Environmental factors 8 4. External analysis (competitive environment) 8 4.1 Intensity of rivalry among competitors 8 4.2 The threat of new entrants 8 4.3 The threat of substitutes 9 4.4 Suppliers 9 4.5 Customers 10 5. Internal environment analysis 10 5.1 Resource types 10 5.2 Firms capabilities 11 6. Conclusion 11 7. Recommendations 12 Reference 13 1. Introduction Apple incorporated was first established as a computer company by Steve Jobs in 1976, but in 2001, Apple broke the barrier with iPod, eventually becoming the dominant market leader in music players. In following, Apple joined the phone industry in 2007 with the iPhone, which has gained a huge success and been developed to the 6th generation today. Nowadays, Apple has developed several of products such as Apple TV, MacBook, iTunes, etc. However, after Steve Jobs, the ex-CEO of Apple, passed away, the stock price of Apple once made new lows. The incumbent CEO Tim Cook took the charge of Apple and eave the situation...

Words: 329 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Environmental Scanning

...Environmental Scanning To assure the success of a business over a long period of time the business must be able to conduct regular analysis of their success. They must be able to determine where they are today and have a goal of where they would like to see themselves 5-10 years down the road. In order to conduct a true analysis of the company, one must complete an environmental scan of their organization. Thus scanning for events, trends, issues and expectations that they may be faced with in the future. Furthermore, examining all internal and external environment challenges. Internal environmental challenges may be with employees, shareholders or board of directors or the overall culture of the organization. External environmental challenges may include economic, socio-culture, political, and technological environments, as well as customers, suppliers, competitors, financial institution, government and media. Ford Motor Company One organization that decided to take a step back and really analyze their organization by conducting an environmental scan was Ford Motor Company. The company completed a complete SWOT analysis in 2013 to understand where their business was today and decide how they would best get to where they want to be. Starting as the first American automotive company to manufacture and sell automobiles and automotive parts, ford is currently the second largest US automaker and the fifth largest vehicle seller in Europe and the world ("Strategic Management Insight...

Words: 1121 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Business Analysis

...------------------------------------------------- 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

Premium Essay

Apple Presentation (by Sripriya)

...Company Facts Presentation ON apple BY I.sRIPRIYA TPS-A, ROLL NO-18 SUDMITTED TO, s.sai baba arijit santikary Introduction * Apple Inc., formerly Apple Computer, Inc., is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Cupertino, California that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software and personal computers. * Its best-known hardware products are the Mac line of computers, the iPod music player, the iPhone smartphone, and the iPad tablet computer. * Its software includes the OSX and iOS operating systems, the iTunes media browser and the Safari web browser. * Apple is world’s second largest Information Technology Company. * Third largest mobile phone maker. * Second largest publicly traded company. * Annual sales of $156.5 billion in 2012. * Apple has unusual and extraordinary brand loyalty. Apple vision statement “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.” Apple mission statement “Apple is committed to protecting the environment, health and safety of our employees, customers and the global communities where we operate. Apple strives for continuous improvement in our environmental, health and safety management systems and in the environmental quality of our products, processes and...

Words: 652 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Damn

...com/features/strategies-apple-loyal-customers/ Company overview Apple Inc. is an American Multinational Corporation engaged in designing and markets Consumer electronics, software and personal computers, was established on April 1, 1976 in Cupertino, California and incorporated January 3, 1977, the company was previously named Apple Computer, Inc. for its first 30 years, but In 2007, the word ‘computer’was dropped and then teh business became the Apple Inc. Apple employs nearly 34,300 full time employees and 2,500 temporary full time employees worldwide and had worldwide annual sales of $42.91 billion in its Fiscal year ending September 26, 2009. Apple with its unique and aesthetic design and advertising and has earned a unique reputation in the consumer electronics. The company’s product line includes famous products ranging from Macintosh (Mac, the line of personal computers), iPhone ( line of high tech smart phones), iPad, and the iPod (line of personal music players). This includes a customer base that is devoted to the company and its brand, particularly in the United States. Fortune magazine named Apple the most admired company in the United States in 2008, and in the world in 2008, 2009, and 2010. With the expansion in global business environment, Apple Inc experienced increase in market cap in 2010, which pushed down the biggest rival of the business- Microsoft and became the world’s biggest technology company. Company History The present apple Inc was founded...

Words: 570 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Apple

...UNIVERSITY OF AGDER | Term Paper - Apple | ORG 409-1, INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT | Ole Erik H. Larsen 25.09.2015 | Innhold 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE 2 3 PORTER´S STRATEGIC GROUPS 3 4 SWOT - ANALYSIS 5 5 CONCLUSION/REVIEWS 6 5.1 Future research 7 6 SOURCES 8 6.1 Guidebook 8 6.2 Internet 8 6.3 Pictures: 8 1 INTRODUCTION Apple is an American multinational technology company that constantly designs, develop and sells consumer electronics, online services, computer software and personal computers. Its best known products are the Mac line of computers, the iPhone smartphone, iPad tablet computer, and the Apple Watch smartwatch. Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne on April 1, 1976, to develop and sell personal computers. By revenue Apple is the second-largest information technology company in the world, after Samsung Electronics. On November 25, 2014 in addition to being the largest publicly traded corporation in the world by market capitalization, Apple became the first U.S. company to be valued at over US$700 billion. As of March 2015, Apple employs 98.000 permanent full-time employees, maintains 453 retail stores in sixteen countries, and operates the online Apple store and iTunes Store. ITunes are otherwise the world’s largest music retailer. Apple has in recent years enjoyed an outstanding success in technology, and the company has grown to become one of the most valuable brands in the world...

Words: 2556 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Swot Analysis of Apple

...Abstract This individual project is a SWOT analysis on Apple. We will analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Once the analysis is completed, we will propose a strategy and a product to take advantage of their vulnerabilities to increase the company’s market share. The strategies will be used to make sure the highest benefit to the company will be looked at with great detail. The evaluation would suggest the need to extend with the strategy or to redefine them. SWOT Analysis of Apple Apple Incorporated is managed by CEO Tim Cook. Apple manufacturers’ computers, computer software, computer hardware, electronics. Apple has grown since 2001 when they launched the iPod mp3 player. Apple is the most prosperous electronics company in the world and has $156.508 billion in revenue and has profited $41.733 billion all in the year 2012 (DataMonitor, 2006). SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths 1. Strategic Alliances: Apple has been thriving in increasing and improving strategic alliances with lateral manufacturers and intermediate connection giants like Verizon, Comcast, Disney, and TBS. Strategic alliances have been a source of comparable benefit as the association can focus on making innovative products like iPod, iTunes, and iPad. 2. Creativity: Creativity is apples well renowned strength in the entire industry. Apple has continued to be creative, an example of which is the creativity it conveyed to the OS and hardware conceive...

Words: 1380 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Student

...Apple iPad Marketing Plan Executive Summary To survive in the global and competitive business environment, it is essential for a company’s to conduct extensive research so that they can develop a strong brand image from the initial stage as it leads to greater financial benefits for the company. The marketing plan of Apple’s iPad is the topic where an effective marketing strategy is developed to ensure its success in the global competitive market where major plays such as Sony, Compaq and Dell have a significant impact upon Apple’s strategies. Apple’s latest ipad is the revolutionary product which is a portable mini device used as a pc anywhere with its wide range of options and innovative design. Apple’s marketing strategy will be focusing upon the product design, brand positioning, price and promotion of iPad in the global market. This will be linked to the research and analysis of the environmental forces and SWOT analysis to understand the company’s position. Apple’s market strategy will be incorporated with the generic business strategy which is towards growth and maintaining a strong position in the market through its innovative products. Apple will use competitive marketing strategy for its iPad where two such strategies can be developed which are differentiation and Focus to make iPad a success in the global market. Marketing planning and strategies can become highly effective if Apple focuses upon its strategic human resource management and make continuous efforts...

Words: 312 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Curency War Between Us and Chiina

...About | Contact | Jobs | [pic] • Lesson Store • Buy Video • Exercise Store • Powerpoint [pic][pic] Marketing Teacher: Home / The Marketing Environment The Marketing Environment [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic][pic] [pic][pic][pic][pic]The Marketing Environment What is the marketing environment? The marketing environment surrounds and impacts upon the organization. There are three key perspectives on the marketing environment, namely the 'macro-environment,' the 'micro-environment' and the 'internal environment'. [pic][pic][pic][pic][pic] The micro-environment This environment influences the organization directly. It includes suppliers that deal directly or indirectly, consumers and customers, and other local stakeholders. Micro tends to suggest small, but this can be misleading. In this context, micro describes the relationship between firms and the driving forces that control this relationship. It is a more local relationship, and the firm may exercise a degree of influence. The macro-environment This includes all factors that can influence and organization, but that are out of their direct control. A company does not generally influence any laws (although it is accepted that they could lobby or be part of a trade organization). It is continuously changing, and the company needs to be flexible to adapt. There may be aggressive competition and rivalry in a market. Globalization means that there is always the threat of substitute...

Words: 10461 - Pages: 42

Premium Essay

Apple Inc

...1.0) Introduction Apple Inc., formerly Apple Computer, Inc., is an American multinational corporation which designs and produces computer software, hardware, commercial server and other consumer electronics. Apple was established on April 1, 1976 and was incorporated in Cupertino California on January 3, 1977. Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne are best known as the founder of Apple. Currently, Apple is the world’s largest technology company and second largest company in terms of market capitalization. Apple is committed to delivering the optative individual computing and music experience to all sectors of society such as students, educators, creative professionals, businesses, government agencies, and consumers via its innovative hardware, software, peripherals, services, and Internet offerings. Unique ability are being leveraged by company strategy by designing and developing specifications and physical characteristics of its own operating system, hardware, and abundant software applications and technologies, it helps to provide customers with new products and solutions in terms of superior ease of use, seamless integrating, and innovative industrial design. It contributes amazing changes to the computer industry, and these changes are still visible in today’s world. In the past decade, Apple has developed into a complicated company which specializes in much more than just computers. In 2001, Apple broke the barrier with the iPod and finally...

Words: 2732 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Apple Marketing Plan

...Apple Ashley Dr. Allen Barclay Marketing Management: BADM 471 12/14/14 Internal Environment Background Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, both college dropouts, founded the Apple Company on April 1976. Their partnership started several years before they created Apple. Wozniak, a self-taught electronics engineer, built a box that was able to call long-distance for free. They couldn’t simply make enough money with how small their company was, so they decided to expand ("Reference for Business."). To help expand Apple, Jobs hired Mike Markkula. Markkula is a retired engineer who also managed the marketing department for Intel Corporation and Fairchild Semiconductor. Markkula bought one third of Apple Company for $250,000. He was a huge help with the business plan ("Reference for Business."). Jobs also hired Regis McKenna. McKenna was the owner of one of the most successful advertising and public relation firms in Silicon Valley. McKenna was hired to create an advertising strategy for the company. Regis’ idea was to put personal computers in consumer magazines. With the professional marketing team, in 1977 Apple 2 reached annual sales of $1 million. Regis created the Apple logo ("Reference for Business."). Refer to appendix A for a basic timeline of apple history. Products Apple products are not like other products. The products are easy to use and they have features that other products don’t have. For instances, the mouse on the macs are unique compared to those...

Words: 1687 - Pages: 7