...Apple Computers Inc. is an American-based multinational company that creates consumer electronics goods and computer software. Known for predominantly manufacturing personal computers and facing rocky sales and low market share during the 1990s; In 2001 the introduction of the iPod music player established Apple as a leader in the consumer electronics industry. Their latest success came when the company expanded its range of products and launched the iPhone, iPod Touch and it newest brainchild the iPad. Among their popular line of products are the iPad, iPhone, and Macintosh computers. The software products include the Mac operating systems, iTunes, iLife suite, and iWork suite. Today, Apple is the largest technology firm in the world, with annual revenues of more than $60 billion. Apple continues to expand its portfolio by branching out into other sectors of the technology industry with development, designing, and creative marketing campaigns of personal computers, communication devices, servers, network solutions, portable digital music devices, and all their related accessories. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Apple Managing the finances of a company such as Apple is not an easy job. The responsibility of the fund manager is to be knowledgeable of the pulse of the market and to ensure the welfare of the their clients to acquire a good returns on their investments. Extensive market research is required to stay abreast of the trends. In some cases, specializations...
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...Business Analysis Part III MGT 521 August xx, 2011 Abstract In this Business Analysis Part III I will summarize significant facts and conclude the analysis by including conclusions from Business Analysis Part I & II which will help in the decision making to invest or not in Apple Inc. Business Analysis Part III Strategic Initiatives Vision Statement According to Apple Inc “Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1985 with the Macintosh. 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.” Mission Statement According to Apple Inc, “Apple Computer is committed to protecting the environment, health and safety of our employees, customers and the global communities where we operate. We recognize that by integrating sound environmental, health and safety management practices into all aspects of our business, we can offer technologically innovative products and services while conserving and enhancing resources for future generations. Apple strives for continuous improvement in our environmental, health and safety management systems and in the environmental quality of our products, processes and services.” Value According to its new CEO Tim Cook, Apple’s...
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...Business Analysis-part III The strategic initiative taken by the company I selected for the business analysis for week four and week five Apple Inc. has taken to be more innovative and stylish and exploring new markets. Apple focus more on broad markets “which” includes telecom and music incorporation, and this is what kept Apple acquiring, and retaining more knowledge, and gaining experience. Apple Inc. recently alliance with Microsoft has opened new door for the organization to explore the corporate world with its personal computers, and provided opportunities for the company to license its products and software’s. This shows “that” Apple is capable of acquiring the corporate world with its operating system, and software packages. Apple other initiative is creating brand awareness in consumers, “which increased Apple profits and sales more than 40%, and this is by opening retail stores. The other move that shows Apple Inc. strategic initiative for adapting change in markets is by moving operations and manufacturing to China. Apple is one of the giant in supply chain management, because of the way in, “which” the parts and products send to a place where, they get assembled, and after, “that” get shipped to different distribution centers. Apple makes most of their money from research and development, manufacturing, and marketing. After reviewing the data from the last week cash flow, balance sheet, financial, and income statements of the company I selected Apple Inc....
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...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...
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...Apple’s Business Models Analysis and Suggestion with Web 2.0 Strategy Contents 1. Abstract 3 2. Apple’s Business Model 4 2.1. Elements of successful business model 4 2.2. Apple’s innovation on its business model 4 2.2.1. Customer Value Innovation 4 2.2.2. Profit Pattern Innovation 5 3. Challenges Analysis 6 3.1. Apple’s challenges 6 3.2. Porter’s Five Force Model analysis 6 3.2.1. Threat of new entrants 7 3.2.2. Threat of substitute products or services 7 3.2.3. Bargaining power of customers (buyers) 7 3.2.4. Bargaining power of suppliers 8 3.2.5. Intensity of competitive rivalry 8 3.3. Innovation Matrix 9 4. Suggestion and action plan 10 4.1. Apple’s Fishbone Diagram 10 4.2. Monetizing for Apple with Web 2.0 strategy 11 4.2.1. N-sided platform 11 4.2.2. Multiple revenue stream 11 4.3. Platform Innovation 11 4.3.1. Production 11 4.3.2. Creative and Media 11 4.3.3. Accessories 11 4.4. Online Promotion 12 4.4.1. Action Plan: 12 4.5. Sustainable Competitive Advantage 12 4.5.1. R&D input 12 4.5.2. Better customer value 12 4.5.3. Sustainable profit pattern 12 5. Business Model Canvas 13 Conclusion 14 Reference: 15 1. Abstract Apple’s huge success set off a global widely discussion on its secret. According to this essay, it is not difficult to find its success story was attributed to its unprecedentedly innovative business model, which was not rare in the typical case analysis...
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...Case Analysis Assignment: Apple Inc. Geraldo Moraes DeVry University BUSN-412 Business Policy Professor Raef Assaf CASE ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT: APPLE INC. Apple Inc. designs, makes, and markets mobile communication and media gadgets, PCs, convenient advanced music players, and offers a mixed bag of related programming, administrations, peripherals, organizing arrangements, and outsider computerized substance and applications (Dess, G., Lumpkin, G., & Eisner, A. 2012). Its items and administrations incorporate iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, iPod, Apple TV, an arrangement of customer and expert programming applications, the iOS and OS X working frameworks, iCloud, and frill, administration and bolster offerings. According to the case study, Apple Computer was established in Mountain View, California, on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Jobs was the visionary and advertiser, Wozniak was the specialized virtuoso, and A. C. "Mike" Markkula Jr., who had joined the group a while prior, was the businessperson (Dess, G., Lumpkin, G., & Eisner, A. 2012). Employments set the mission of engaging people, one person, one PC, and doing as such with polish of configuration and savage tender loving care. In 1977 the first form of the Apple II turned into the first PC standard individuals could utilize right out of the case, and its moment achievement in the home market brought on a processing upheaval, basically making the PC business. By 1980 Apple was the business pioneer...
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...PESTEL five forces and SWOT analysis of Apple Introduction: “Steven Wozniak and Steven Jobs had been friends in high school. They had both been interested in electronics, and both had been perceived as outsiders. They kept in touch after graduation, and both ended up dropping out of school and getting jobs working for companies in Silicon Valley. (Woz for Hewlett-Packard, Jobs for Atari)Wozniak had been dabbling in computer-design for some time when, in 1976, he designed what would become the Apple I. Jobs, who had an eye for the future, insisted that he and Wozniak try to sell the machine, and on April 1, 1976, Apple Computer was born. Hobbyists did not take the Apple I very seriously, and Apple did not begin to take off until 1977, when the Apple II debuted at a local computer trade show. The first personal computer to come in a plastic case and include color graphics, the Apple II was an impressive machine. Orders for Apple machines were multiplied by several times after its introduction. And with the introduction in early '78 of the Apple Disk II, the most inexpensive, easy to use floppy drive ever (at the time), Apple sales further increased. With the increase in sales, however, came an increase in company size, and by 1980, when the Apple III was released, Apple had several thousand employees, and was beginning to sell computers abroad. Apple had taken on a number of more experienced mid-level managers and, more importantly, several new investors, who opted to take seats...
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...Business Analysis of Apple Inc. Victoria Randle MGT 521 May 11, 2011 JAMES BURRESCIA Business Analysis of Apple Inc. Apple was created in 1977 in California. They design, manufacture, and market personal computers, mobile communication and media devices, and portable digital music players, and sell a range of related software, services, peripherals, networking applications, and third-party digital content and applications. Beginning with apple computers it was predominantly a manufacturer of personal computers, including the Apple II, Macintosh and Power Mac lines. The amount of technology that this company has produced over the years allows them to maintain an up to date status. (Apollolibrary.com) Apple In addition sells a range of third-party Macintosh, iPhone, iPad and iPod compatible products including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and other accessories and supplies through its online and retail stores. Today, Apple is the largest technology firm in the world, with annual revenues of more than $60 billion. SWOT When deciding whether or not to invest into mutual funds of Apple Inc. You have to figure out the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities this company has to offer and the threats you could face if you decide to invest. Strengths This company has been extremely successful over the years. Shortening the name of the Macintosh computers to Mac’s and the IPod music player has increased its quarter profits; this Business...
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...Business Analysis for Apple Inc Robert A Smith II MGT 521 May 9, 2011 Mary Jo Payne, Ph.D. Business Analysis for Apple, Inc As children many people are taught that the only way to earn income is by obtaining a job, and a way to get more money is by logging additional hours on the job. This ideology is true, but for people who also value possessing the free time to enjoy life while in pursuit of financial success this way of life is also very wearing. Investing is a fiscal tool people can use to send their money to work. True investors understand that making their money work presents some risks, but with guidance and thorough analysis they can maximize their earning potential whether or not they receive a raise, decide to work overtime or look for a higher paying job (Investopedia, 2011). With many investment vehicles to choose from such as bonds, mutual funds, and company stocks, the most important thing to remember before investing is to do research and only invest money when there is a realistic probability of revenue. In this paper a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) analysis of Apple Inc. was performed to determine if this electronic computer corporation giant is a worthy investment. SWOT Analysis |Strengths |Weaknesses |Opportunities |Threats | |Reputation |Product weaknesses |iPhones ...
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...VALUE CHAIN – CRITIQUE/FIRM LEVEL ANALYSIS INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT – UNIVERSITY OF BALLARAT CHINTHAKA ARIYAPALA – ID 30100162 Brief Content Topic Page 1. INTRODUCTION...………………………………………………………………………….. 3 2. VALUE CHAIN FRAMEWORK-CRITIQUE…………………………………………………….. 3 3. MAIN ASPECT OF VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS…………………………………………………. 3 4. PRIMARY ACTIVITIES…………………………………………………………………………………. 4 5. SUPPORT ACTIVITIES………………………………………………………………….…………. 5 6. LIMITATION OF VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS………………………………………………………. 7 7. COMPETENCIES……………………………………………………………………………… 8 8. INTERNAL ANALYSIS THROUGH SWOT ANALYSIS……………………………………… 8 9. VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS……………………………………………………………………….. 9 10. CONCLUTION…………………………………………………………………………………….……. 11 11. REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………….…………. 13 Introduction The value chain approach was introduced by Michael Porter in the 1980s in his book “Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance” (Porter, 1985). The concept of value added, in the form of the value chain, can be utilized to develop an organization’s sustainable competitive advantage in the business arena of the 21st C. All organizations consist of activities that link together to develop the value of the business, and together these activities form the organization’s value chain. Such activities may include purchasing activities, manufacturing the products, distribution and marketing of the company’s products and activities (Lynch...
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...Difference” In the last years I was fascinated by the rapid success of international companies such as Apple, Starbucks, Facebook and I was trying to find answers for these business phenomena. I started to ask myself: why are people in developed countries suddenly buying overpriced coffee from Starbucks Coffee Shops? Why is a company like Apple experiencing a business comeback after many years of mediocre performance in the personal computer business? Why are people thrilled to share their personal information on a social media platform and how can a company like Facebook make money with it? My answers to those questions are manifold, however whether these successes are based on smart strategic decisions, excellent marketing management or new business models, I would like to understand in a more detailed and structured way how international businesses are set up and performing. In today's fast changing mobile society I believe a fundamental expertise of international business processes and company strategies are a compulsory knowledge for an effective global business manager and leader in the future. In the following I would like to constitute a more precise understanding of the marketers’ world based on contemplation of the organizations point of view and additionally through an examination of the different roles of customers and especially consumer behaviour. I hope to connect the dots between both manifolds topics and at the end I am going to adapt four of the presented...
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...Strategic Management Analysis of the strategy of the Strategic Management – Analysis of the Strategy of the Apple, Inc. 15 June 2012 List of contents List of contents …..…..…………………….………………………………….….………… 2 List of figures …………….…….……………………………….…………........................ 3 1. Executive Summary ……………………………………..….…………….….…………. 4 2. Historical development ………………….……..………………..…..……..………...… 4 3. Environmental analysis …………………………………………………..…………...... 8 3.1 Company description ………………………………………………..…………….. 8 3.2 The SWOT Analysis of Apple …….………………………………..…………….. 10 3.3 The most influential competitors ……………………...…………..……………... 12 3.4 PEST Analysis …...…………………………………………………….…..……… 14 4. Business Analysis of Apple ……………………………………………………..……. 16 4.1 Portfolio overview …..……………………………………..………………………. 16 4.1 Corporate Identity ……………………………………….………………………… 18 4.2 Corporate Social Responsibility …………...………………………………….… 18 5. Conclusion ………………………..…..…………..……………………………………. 19 List of references ………………………..…..………..…..…………………………..….. 20 Appendix ………………….…………………………………………………………… 21-25 -2- Strategic Management – Analysis of the Strategy of the Apple, Inc. 15 June 2012 List of figures Figure 1: Apple’s 183M smartphone sell until Q1/2012 ...……………………………… 7 Figure 2: Apple net sales by product 2011 ……………………………………………… 9 Figure 3: Apple sales by product 2010 ………………………..………………….……… 9 Figure 4: Apple’s sales by product line ………………………………………...………. 10 Figure 5: Key Executives...
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...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...
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...Financial analysis As of now Apple’s shares according to NASDQ data are touching $42.62 which is a Good figure. Though the stock prices of Apple had dipped after the fmous resignation of Steve Jobs from the position of CEO followed by appointment of Tim Cooks in the same position; financial analysts now say that Apple is all set to conquer expectations in the 2nd quarter. After Tim Cook joined the board he drove major financial ventures like increasing Apple’s buyback intentions to a figure of 90 billion dollars from 60 billion dollars which in turn drove up dividend by 8%. The robust financial performance of Apple seems to be a direct result of Apple’s broader price range on I phones and increased portfolio. Obviously portfolio diversification has fueled sales and nearly 50% of activations that happened in the last year came from new sales. Apple’s gross profitability ratios are pegged at 44.11 and it is quite higher than the average of 43.5 (Morningstar 2012). The retail outlets owned by Apple helps allocation of selling and distribution expenses in an efficient manner and this way the discount fee which is paid to wholesellers is avoided. The industry average ratio of net profit is 26.97 while Apple’s figures show that its nets profit is 26.97 (Morning star, 2012). Apple’s market share is 29% in smartphone segment and 60% in tablet segment. The low price to earnings ratio of Apple (14.5) confirms that is a lesser risky investment (Garner, 2012). The current ratio of Apple is...
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...Business Analysis Part I L'Tanya M. Williams MGT/521 June 15, 2011 Dr. William Dickie Business Analysis Part I With the current state of the economy still struggling to regain momentum in the mist of record high unemployment rates, foreclosures, the ever rising cost of higher education, the skyrocketing oil and gas prices, the climate change and of course those situations that we have absolutely no control over, the natural disasters that have also impacted many of the economy’s turmoil. There is a very strong need for increased knowledge and more innovative measures of putting the state of the economy in a more favorable light. There are organizations that seek to find inventive ways of solving the issues that can be solve by man. Many corporations are looking for more efficient ways of preserving the environment, inventing planet friendly technology and creating a society of educated consumers. Apple computer Inc. is committed to being the leader in the computer industry. This essay will discuss the contributions that Apple has contributed of the past decade, such as how and why it continues to be the leading corporation among all of its want to be competitors. Apple Computer Inc Overview Apple computer Inc. was co-founded by CEO Steve Jobs and friend Steve Wozniak in 1996. Their original products were computers. Apple continues to manufacture computers and related software currently. It also develops and markets, portable digital music players, related accessories...
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