...Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business While Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Describe the key challenges facing Apple Computer. Key Strategic Challenges There are a number of key strategic challenges Apple Computer must face. Apple’s competitors try to exceed them in performance by producing similar products and often at lower prices. An example is when Apple introduced the iPad. Hewlett-Packard (HP) introduced the TouchPad. In order for Apple to stay on top of the market they had to come up with a new innovation – iPad 2. The iPad 2 was slimmer, lighter, had new features and a new chipset. Apple computer must continue to introduce innovative products to the market. Another challenge for Apple is in diversification. They have to continue entering into other areas of consumer electronics. The personal computer market has intense rivalry among competitors within the industry which is driving prices down. Apple stands to create considerable value through related diversification. Products like the iPod and iPhone show that Apple continues to create its path of innovation. Apple is broad in targeting their customers ranging from users’ on-the-go, at home, as well as unsophisticated users to the power users. upon level of headings; these are illustrated here. Do not begin a new page with each new heading. In a standard paper, only the abstract, the first page of the paper, the reference page, and any appendixes begin on new pages. This paper illustrates...
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...Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Overview/Introduction Through an analysis of the case study of Apple, Inc. this paper will describe key elements that helped make Apple the successful company it is today. The analysis of the three key environments of a business will be examined, including; general, industry, and competitor environments. Also explored will be the available lessons that readers and other companies can garner from Apple’s success. Apple’s Success Story Apple’s success rests squarely on the shoulders of innovation. In the beginning, the founders of Apple, Stephen Wozniak and Steve Jobs focused on providing something new to the market. They not only brought innovative products to consumers like the Mac computer and iPod, they did it in an innovative manner. Memorable advertising campaigns based on consumer reaction rather than technological jargon made the beginnings of a cult-like following. Apple lost its way in the mid to late eighties as it struggled to find its focus and protect its core competencies, resources, and capabilities. Steve Jobs returned to the company after a decade removed, recognized the speed with which technology moves and took steps to insure that Apple, Inc. was strategically focused to be the leader in new technology. The key to Apple’s success is their mission to make the Mac “the hub of the consumers’ digital lifestyle” (Ireland, 2009, p. C-16). From this point...
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...to legal mistakes. Apple computer has faced many challenges throughout its 24 year history. Steven Jobs left Apple over disagreements with John Scully, whom Jobs recruited as Apples president and CEO and started next. During Jobs absence from Apple, Apple partnered with IBM and Motorola to produce the Power PC Chip. One of the key strategic challenges that Apple Computers faced was the loss of the exclusive rights to interface design, due to a poorly negotiated contract. With this loss Apple was now in a position in which it needed to gather d its resources and fight a battle toward standardized software as... Abstract Apple Computer, Inc. is a leader in the technology industry. Whenever one thinks of Apple, computers are the first product that comes to mind. A study of Apple’s history shows that while computers may be the public’s idea of their flagship product, in truth iTunes is the product that propelled Apple’s entrance in a host of other product offerings. Apple’s challenge remains how to maintain the music division of the company while continuing their sponsorship of two equally lucrative products: the iPhone and Apple TV. After all, few companies can have the Wal-Mart effect, being able to be a one-stop-shop. Entrance into the Music Business When Steve Job returned to leadership at Apple Computers Inc. in 1997, Apple was primarily concerned with resolving the dispute between Apple and Microsoft over making operating systems and computers compatible. Eventually...
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...General Electric (GE) competes in many different industries ranging from appliances, aviation, and consumer electronics, to energy, financial services, health care, oil, and wind turbines. These industries are quite diverse, but there are similarities among several of them. In fact, GE’s businesses are grouped in four divisions: GE Capital, GE Energy, GE Technology Infrastructure, and GE Home & Business Solutions. In recent years, more than 50 percent of GE’s annual revenue has come from its financial services businesses. However, GE has reduced its assets in financial services—GE Capital provides approximately one-third of its total earnings. In 2012, much of GE’s growth in revenues came from the manufacture and sale of jet engines for major airliners and from its increasing business in the oil and gas industry. In 2013 (based on 2012 data), GE was ranked the eighth largest corporation in the Fortune 500. Additionally, in 2013 it was ranked eleventh in Fortune magazine’s list of the 50 most admired companies. Thus, GE has been a highly successful company. GE has an impressive history and is one of the few widely diversified firms to achieve such success. GE is a highly influential global corporation. Its CEO, Jeffrey Immelt, was selected by President Obama to chair an advisory group on economic and job creation concerns. However, GE has experienced some “bumps in the road” along the way. This is to be expected because it is difficult to manage a large, widely diversified...
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...iApple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business While Introducing iPhone and Apple TV INTRODUCTION According to Apple Computer's 2007 10-K Annual Report, "The Company is committed to bringing the best personal computing, portable digital music and mobile communication experience to students, educators, creative professionals, businesses, government agencies, and consumers through its innovative hardware, software, peripherals, services, and Internet offerings." The company's 2005 Mission Statement reads: 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. In recognition of current market trends, Steve Jobs has claimed that he wants to transform the company by making the Mac the hub of the consumers’ digital lifestyle. Despite Apple Computer's recent successes, the company is facing an ever-changing competitive environment on multiple fronts. 1. What are the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer? 2. What are some of the dimensions...
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...Assignment2 Apple Computer, Inc.; Maintaining the Music Business While Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Roxanna Farris Professor: Shereen Turner Business Administration Capstone October 29, 2011 Apple Computer, Inc.; Maintaining the Music Business While Introducing iPhone and Apple TV 1. Describe key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. The key strategic challenges will be focus around the company’s commitment to gain a competitive edge. Apple was not satisfied with the Apple’s Tunes Online Music Store which reached millions; they worked on capitalizing the market by the release of the personal computer. After the release of the personal computer and a change in management the public voiced the concern for a more compatible system (Hitt, 2011). Apple launched a new product and merged with another company with the intention of gaining a competitive edge. However, the results were less than favorable. So, a key strategic challenge was to change the sales strategy, making the Mac the “hub” of digital lifestyle (Hitt, 2011). Another challenge was to increase the profit margin, to outline the graphic location; that will be served, the needs of the customer, and how to satisfy those needs. 2. Describe the dimensions along which company success can be measured. Apple computer faced the challenge of Steven Jobs severing his relationship with his business partner, John Sculley. This separation was based on differences in business strategy and the direction...
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...Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV Judith Babcock Professor Christopher B. McGrath Bus 499-Business Administration Capstone April 24, 2012 Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV Apple Inc. manufactures and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, and portable music players. They also sell software and services. The company sells the iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, Apple TV and professional and consumer software. Apple became a public company in 1980. Since then, they have become the most innovative company, the number one company in the world. In 2007, Apple Computer, Inc. changed their name to Apple, Inc., nasdaq: AAPL. The reason was Jobs explained was because the company was more of a consumer electronics company than a computer maker. On the same day of the name change, Apple Inc.launched the iPhone and Apple TV (Knowledge @ Wharton 2007). Some challenges that Apple, Computer Inc. face after surpassing, Microsoft’s Market Cap in 2010, scrutiny from Government agencies: The FCC, SEC, ITC, FBI, and FTC all have investigations that are underway looking at Apple’s practices. Apple’s success with iTunes gives it clout that threatens competitors in cable television, movie studios, print, gaming and more. Corporate lawsuits: Nokia and HTC are two competitors that currently have patent...
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...“Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” Assignment 2; “Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” Anthony Green Professor Milan Havel BUS499 July 24, 2011 “Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” * Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. * Describe the dimensions along which company success can be measured. * Describe the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. * Describe how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry. * Describe the recommendations you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company's strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results. “Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer Apple's is currently a very innovative company. It has gone through many ups and downs over the past 30 + years. From a successful company that brought in millions thanks to 2 guys a garage and a dream, to Steven Jobs, one of the founders, walking away from the company and in the process causing competitors to acquire ideas due to legal mistakes. Apple computer has faced many challenges throughout its 24 year history. Steven Jobs left...
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...Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Leave a reply Topic: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Subject: Business Details: 1. Strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. 2. Dimensions along which company success can be measured. 3. Critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple\’s future. 4. Dow Apple\’s strategy stands up against industry rivalry. 5. Recommendations you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company\’s strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results. Abstract: Apple computers were started some 35 years ago by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in the garage of Steve’s home. It has achieve tremendous growth and is currently one of the largest companies in the US marketing electronic technological produces such as the iPad and many other such items that are used extensively by consumers. The company is dedicated to providing its customers the best know-how and understanding through its original hardware, software, and computer related devices along with the best possible services. The major tactical challenge that Apple computer is facing is that the company’s competitors try to surpass its accomplishments and that they are bringing into the market comparable products that are much cheaper than the products marketed by Apple Inc. Introduction Apple Computer was started...
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...do the pieces fit together? Is the strategy evolving? Apple Corporation, Capital requirement degree of completion, Brand identifies the product price; demand, and the apple users. Supplier power, Barriers, Rivalry, Treat of Substitutes, and Buyer Power represents Apple’s overall competitive strategy. Music, Internet, and Computer is an n innovation for long term development, technological improvement with a unique design, it transcended the barriers of computer industry to cross many aspects of industries such as itunes, ipod, and iphone. It’s evolving due to a loyal customer base and ambitious leadership. 2. What are the key elements of Apple’s strategy in computers, personal media players, and smartphones? Have its strategies in its core businesses yielded success? Explain. Product diversification and innovation for long term development (music, internet, computer). Integration of software and hardware, technological improvement with a unique design, and transcended the barriers of computer industry to cross many aspect of industries (itunes, ipod, and iphone). 3. What does a competitive strength assessment reveal about Apple’s computer business, as compared to the leaders in the personal computer industry? Use the methodology in Table 4.2 to support your answer. Does it appear that the company’s competitive positions in personal media players and smartphones or stronger or weaker than its position in computers? Apple’s current success and industry position are unparalleled...
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...Apple Computer, Inc.; Maintaining the Music Business While Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Roxanna Farris Professor: Shereen Turner Business Administration Capstone October 29, 2011 Apple Computer, Inc.; Maintaining the Music Business While Introducing iPhone and Apple TV 1. Describe key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. The key strategic challenges will be focus around the company’s commitment to gain a competitive edge. Apple was not satisfied with the Apple’s Tunes Online Music Store which reached millions; they worked on capitalizing the market by the release of the personal computer. After the release of the personal computer and a change in management the public voiced the concern for a more compatible system (Hitt, 2011). Apple launched a new product and merged with another company with the intention of gaining a competitive edge. However, the results were less than favorable. So, a key strategic challenge was to change the sales strategy, making the Mac the “hub” of digital lifestyle (Hitt, 2011). Another challenge was to increase the profit margin, to outline the graphic location; that will be served, the needs of the customer, and how to satisfy those needs. 2. Describe the dimensions along which company success can be measured. Apple computer faced the challenge of Steven Jobs severing his relationship with his business partner, John Sculley. This separation was based on differences in business strategy and the direction in which...
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...King Graduate School, Monroe College Master in Business Administration MG 800: Strategic Management Title: Apple Inc. in 2012 Case Study 10/03/2015 Table of contents 1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………03 2. The Mission, Vision, and Values of Apple, Inc……………………………………03 3. External Analysis……………………………………………………………………03 4. Internal Analysis……………………………………………………………………03 5. Strategy Analysis……………………………………………………………………08 6. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………….12 7. Recommendations………………………………………………………………….12 References………………………………………………………………………….14 Introduction According to Mahsmr (2012), Apple Inc. started in 1976 as an American manufacturer of personal computers, computer software and peripherals. Originally, it was Apple Computer Inc. for 30 years, and its principal office is based in Cupertino, California. It is the very first thriving personal computer firm that has started the popularized usage of the graphical interface. During its starting years, Steve Jobs and Wozniak were responsible for the introduction of the company first innovation that was put on sale. The first personal computer product was sold then, after which, the two founders continued to produce more and more innovative personal computers. However, not all years were lucky years for Apple Inc, there were also times that the company experienced some financial struggles that led to several changes in the management. In 1997, Steve Jobs took over the...
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...Apple (AAPL) founded in 1976 is a leading software and hardware company with over 170 retail stores around the world. It designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of products from personal computers, operating systems, network solutions, and the I-pod digital music player as well as distributing third party digital entertainment products through their I-tunes store. The company sells its products to a wide customer base, from individuals, educational institutions, and creative professionals, to small and mid level business. In addition Apple Incs various products are sold through their online store as well as third party vendors worldwide. Apple, Inc. stands for innovation in personal computing and digital media distribution. The company aims for nothing short of a revolution when designing, developing, and distributing its line of products .Apple's products range from a host of desktop and portable computers geared for the consumer and education markets, digital music players (iPod), online music store (iTunes), and SmartPhone (iPhone). Applications are designed for user convenience and productivity. Competition for market share in any one of Apple's product offerings is fierce and top competitors come from a formidable list which include Dell, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, and Nokia (to mention a few). Users of Apple's products can be fickle, which causes a revolutionary product like the iPod to give way to newer technologies like the iPhone within the span of five years...
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...ETEC 522 The Business of eLearning The Phoenix Effect An Environmental Analysis of Apple Inc. Jeff Miller, Alan Doree, David Vogt, Bruce Stewart Jerry BleeckeR MET Program University of British Columbia October 22, 2004 Introduction – “As Bad as it Gets” The year was 1985. Apple Inc., the industry leader in the personal computer industry was bleeding money and floundering in a market it had once dominated. Shares in Apple were trading at an all time low of $7. The company had just announced its first layoff in history and1200 employees were being let go (Goodell, 1996). To make matters worse, Steve Jobs, Apple’s visionary leader had just lost control of the company to John Scully, the former CEO of Pepsi Cola, in a boardroom show down. Jobs was too erratic, it was claimed, and Apple required more steady leadership. Eleven years and two CEO’s later, Apple had still not recovered and teetered on the brink of extinction. It had lost was more than half its market share, and the company now only commanded only 16.5% of sales (Whelan, 98). In addition, it had just posted a $708 million fourth quarter loss and announced a reduction of one-third of its workforce for the second quarter (Goodell, 1996). A shadow of its former self, Apple needed a miracle. It needed a strategic vision and new direction. Ironically, this arrived...
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...APPLE COMPUTER AND STEVE P. JOBS (2006): PIXAR ANIMATION AND WALT DISNEY COMPANY Prepared by: AYURO, Roselyn CULPA, Cielo Mae CANO, Russel Paul EDER, Greniel Ann PEREZ, Jessamae DATE: February 20, 2012 TO: Apple Computer and Steve P. Jobs (2006): Pixar Animation and Walt Disney Company FROM: Accounting Students Consulting Team, UMAK Chapter RE: Analysis of Apple Company’s future and its competitive advantage BRIEF SUMMARY: This report aims to evaluate Apple Computer • past and present performance in order to most importantly stipulates the future position of this largely successful company. Being that the company’s objective centers on increasing profits, increasing market share, and maintaining brand image., this report tries to identify strategies that make their company more competitive. The analysis uses SWOT, IFAS, EFAS and other similar evaluative tools to reach an understandable and valid generalization. SITUATION DEFINITON: • CURRENT PERFORMANCE Today Apple’s operations are as diversified as they were never before. With its currently 13,599 employees worldwide it generated revenue of $63 million in the last quarter. It holds cash reserves of over %4.5 billion and has a ROIC of 3.05%. Apple’s operations are spread around the PC industry, computer peripherals and the software and service industry. In the overall PC industry Apple’s market share has diminished to a skinny 2.1%. Apple itself doesn’t look itself at the overall PC market...
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