...Management of Apple Inc. GB520 Strategic Human Resources Management Professor Andrew Klein May 7, 2013 Strategic Management “Strategic management refers to the art of planning your business at the highest possible level” (What is strategic, 2011). A great example of strategic management is the story of Apple, Inc., formally known as Apple Computers. This story is innovative, includes traditional business strategies, an amazing record in leading change and unplanned successes. Steve Jobs, one of Apple’s founders, made the companies mission to be, “to bring an easy-to-use computer to the market” (Yoffie, 2008). When Apple went public in late 1980 the company immediately took on a new objective – to make the stockholders money. The company had several entrusted members that had different managerial strategies that were used to accomplish the objectives. Since the company was founded it has maintained a strategy of continuous innovation in product and application development. In the beginning Apple’s products were easy to use, revolutionary and profitable; however they struggled due to the lack of alliances with other industries. In the early 90’s Apple began reaching out to other industries to establish alliances and that proved to be a strategic move in order to ensure Apple achieved the company’s original mission as well as meet the stockholders demand of making money. Apple’s Leadership Steve Jobs along side of Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computers when they...
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...Study: APPLE (Apple’s Profitable but risky Strategy) Prepared by: LAM SOON LIANG BBAMGT 00009666 Date of Submission: 8th December 2014 Question 1: With reference to the case study, provide one example with a paragraph of not more than 5 lines, which clearly illustrates a link between topics or concepts drawn from at least 2 modules you studied. Launched in late 2001, the iPod was followed by the iTunes Music Store in 2003 in the USA and 2004 in the Europe – the Music Store being a most important and innovatory development. iTunes was essentially an agreement with the world’s five leading record companies to allow legal downloading of music tracks using the internet for 99 cents each. This was a major coup for Apple – it had persuaded the record companies to adopt a different approach to the problem of music piracy. With the slogan "Thinnovation" (2008), apple has become the world's most valuable company and one of the world's most valuable brands. Apple has brought three main marketing strategies that help the company to maintain their competitive advantage which can assemble to empathy, focus, and impute (Christine Moorman, 2008). Innovative Competitive strategy is a tool that companies use to achieve competitive advantages which consists of three main strategy low-price, differentiation and focus (Maria, 2012). Low-price strategy focuses on providing the same value as what competitors do with lower price, in the contrast, the differentiation strategy concentrates...
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...Lauren Nichols June 10, 2013 Apple Computer, Inc The Problem: The problem with Apple is that there is not a defined and consistent corporate strategy in place. Situation Analysis: Apple does not have a defined corporate strategy. There have been frequent strategy changes in recent years. Apple’s mission statement focuses on providing high quality, high priced personal computer and personal computing products to technologically savvy customers. However, Apple has occasionally deviated from this and introduced lower priced machines into the market. Apple has a very defined scope. They are a technology firm that offers microprocessor based personal computer and related computing products to their customers. Apple does not currently have a competitive advantage. They are no longer considered an industry leader. They are no longer successful in continuously offering new products and technologies before their competition. Their decreased market share is due to inaction and inability to follow through with strategies over the recent years. Apple is strongly affected by the technological environment. Apple is a technology firm. Apple must continue to offer new products and technologies in order to remain relevant in their market. They have not done so in recent years. There is a lack of synergy between the management and technology divisions of the company. Apple currently has conflicting goals and objectives in these two divisions of the company. These conflicting...
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...Strategic Analysis of Apple Computer Inc. & Recommendations for the Future Direction TAN Jinjin[a],* [a] “Think Different” (continuous innovation spirit), direct sale business model, customer-focused services and Apple brand power. With “Think Different” spirit, Apple innovates and upgrades its products inexhaustibly. As a successful imitation, Apple sells the products directly to customers over the web, by phone, and Apple stores in an endless stream. Implementing the customer-focused services and “Switcher” campaign, the population of Apple World and even People’s Republic of Mac (Feng, 2009) is proliferating day after day. Apple is not only an illustrious innovator and inventor, but also a successful imitator and strategist. School of Foreign Language, Shandong International University, Jinan, China. * Corresponding author. Received 11 April 2013; accepted 23 May 2013 Abstract Apple® today announced financial results for its fiscal 2012 fourth quarter ended September 28, 2012. For the quarter, the Company posted a net profit of US$45 million or US$0.13 per share. These results compare to a net profit of US$66 million, or US$0.19 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter (Bryan Chaffin, 2012). Apple is ranked number six among the main computer makers, with a market share of 3.48 percent, and worldwide, it is in ninth place with only 2.4 percent market shares for the first quarter of the year 2012. As one of the computer giants, Apple’s predominance...
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...The Apple Corporation Bus431: Marketing Strategy CERTIFICATION OF AUTHORSHIP: I certify that I am the author of this paper and that any assistance I received in its preparation is fully acknowledged and disclosed in the paper. I have also cited any sources from which I used data, ideas or words, either quoted directly or paraphrased. I also certify that this paper was prepared by me specifically for this course. Student Signature: Cynthia M. Cantu Table of Contents Organizations Background…….……………………….……………………………………...4 Business Strategy………………………………………………………………………………4-5 Mission………………………………………………………………………………………….5 Vision…………………………………………………………………………………………...6 Competition…………………………………………………………………………………… 6-7 Apple’s Strengths……………………………………………………………………………... 7 Weaknesses Apple Faces……………………………………………………………………… 7-8 Opportunities for Apple………………………………………………………………………...8-9 Threats Apple Faces…………………………………………………………………………...9-10 Demand & Competitive Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .10 Labor & Staffing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....
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...1 The volatility and evolution of computer industry Starting from 1976, Apple computer created the personal computer (PC). After IBM transformed the PC from proprietary systems into open structure, PC has been dominated by Wintel (Windows + Intel) structure. Apple insists in adopting proprietary and niche market strategies made them keep losing market share till less than 3% in 2001. However, its strategy with ignoring the market trends makes it lose the market after years. 1.1 Industrial changes: Apple lost PC market because of ignoring industrial changes The PC industry has evolved in the past decades. There are 3 phases. Let’s take a look at these phases and Apple’s position in each phase. Before 1981: Proprietary Systems. Every PC producer had to develop self own hardware and software. It was proprietary. Most buyers were technical people. There were 2 main streams in the market: Apple style machine and IBM style machine. During this period, Apple was the leader. Its strong developing ability made the Apple II became a family commodity. However, Apple didn’t use patent or trade secret to protect its products. Many computer companies re-engineered Apple II and made cheaper similar products to compete in the market. For example, Acer copied Apple II and developed the Little Professor Series. 1981- 1997: Open structure. IBM turned the PC into open structure. Compaq, HP and many other producers started to show in the market to produce IBM compatible PC...
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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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...INTRODUCTION The success of Apple’s strategy actually began when there were crises internally and financially arose that worried Mac users around the world Apple’s shareholders and customers were losing faith, and competitors were closing in fast. These crises began when John Scully joined Apple in 1983 and also the ouster of Steve Jobs from Apple Computers (Apple) in September 1985 because he cannot work closely with John Scully. Both Jobs and Scully have difference opinion in running the business. In the 1990s, Apple changed three CEOs in the four years between 1993 and 1997, and the company went through several reorganizations and also the returned of Steve Jobs to the company as Apple’s CEO in April 1997 till to date. Due to the many significant events that had happened during the year from 1984 to 2004 and the frequently changed in top management position actually had brought and contributed towards the growth and success of Apple. 1984 – 1985 Apple launched Macintosh As we can see in 1984-85, Apple next launched is the Macintosh. The Macintosh initially sold well, but follow-up sales were not strong. This was because of the again high price tag, as well as limited software titles. The machine's fortunes changed with the introduction of Apple’s new product - LaserWriter, the first PostScript laser printer to be offered at a reasonable price point, and PageMaker, an early desktop publishing package. The Mac was particularly powerful in this market due to its advanced...
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...2 Introduction 2 Business level strategies 2 Identification of the Current Corporate Level Short-Term Strategies and Tactics 3 Assessment of Remote Environment 3 Assessment of Competitive Environment 4 Identification of the Internal Environments 6 Profitability Explanation 6 Industry Financial Numbers and Explanations 7 Financial Problem or Success Statement 7 Analysis of Marketing Position 8 Strategic Position 9 Developing company’s rank in market 9 References: 11 Evaluation of the External Environment Introduction Apple Computers originated in Cupertino, California by three friends, Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs, and Ronald Wayne. Wozniak was the computer nerd of the three and had been working on a computer design and once Jobs convinced him of finishing his model and selling it to the public the beginning of Apple computers was underway. On January 3, 1977 the hard work of the three friends became Apple Computer, Inc. Soon after Wayne sold his share back to Jobs and Wozniak. The two Steve’s continued on to create one of the most successful companies that would in future years be known for their computers, music devices, cell phones, and software worldwide. Apple took off after Wozniak’s Apple I adding numerous versions of the Apple, the Macintosh line, the iPod, iPhone, and iTunes products, and numerous other computer/software products to the Apple Computer, Inc. family. Apple has made its mark on the technology industry by continuing to be successful...
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...Apple through the years Apple is known as one of the leading computer companies right now. Apple has been around for more than 30 years and throughout its obstacles, they have learned how to better themselves each time. Its products hold value and are user friendly. They tend to be more on the expensive side but that is because they believe that there engineers have built top of the line technology that are competitive with other brands. Apple throughout the years has had some obstacles but seems to produce good quality computer devices. Apple has always been in competition with the next computer / phone device. Apple had been dominating in computer technology for about two decades strong before it had a minor setback but with new strategies in place, the company stayed afloat with the economy and stands tall today. Apple Computer and the Ideas In the beginning Apple was a project that came about with two men, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak their intentions were to make switchboards and sell them for money. Jobs and Wozniak was friend in high school, and both dabbled in computer electronics. Jobs and Wozniak dropped out of school and get jobs with computer companies in Silicon Valley. Jobs went to Atari and Wozniak to Hewlett Packard. After getting their careers started, they came together and figured out how to transfer data to a computer screen. They took their idea to the computer shop and spoke with Paul Terrell. Terrell bargained that if the two men could...
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...SAMPLE CASE APPLE COMPUTERS, INC. PREPARED BY MAX BEEBER September 1, 1995 FOR OL 421 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND POLICY INTRODUCTION: In 1976, Steven Wozniak and Stephen Jobs designed computer boards in a garage. During the next six years, this operation was transformed into a Multi-million dollar company called Apple Computer. It broke into the Fortune 500 in 1982. While Apple has experienced tremendous growth, it has recently begun to experience problems, which, if unabated could have a significant negative impact. This includes a weak organizational structure, a rapidly changing external environment, lack of strategic leadership, and major problems with its products and within its dealer network. Therese and other serious problems have created a situation in which Apple faces key decision points that will determine the future of the company. The time of this case is late 1983. CURRENT MISSION, GOALS, & STRATEGY: Apple Computer develops, builds, and markets microcomputers. Its current philosophy states that it is “…driven by desire to build products that combine ideas already out at a low enough cost to make them useful. We are not really technology drive.” Apple is currently working on the IIE and the MacIntosh. It is also attempting to construct a more advanced computer called the Lisa, but this project is not yet completed. No specific marketing, financial, or production goals were state for...
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...Apple is the multinational company of United States. The underlying company produces and sells the electronic products and computer software. Apple Company was established in 1976 with the name of Apple computer but after that it has changed its name as Apple incorporation and provides several other services. The underlying company is the largest information technology company according to the revenue. Apple also produces mobile phones and it is the world second largest mobile phone manufacturer. The total employees of apple are 115,000. Apple has total 478 retail stores in seventeen different countries. The total annual revenue of apple from the whole world for the year of September 2015 was $233 billion. The revenue of Apple contributes to...
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...Balochistan University of information techonology engineering and management sciences | Implementing Strategic Management | APPLE Inc. | Rabia Iftikhar 12285 | MBA 5th B | Jun 24, 2013 | | | | | | Ma'am Mehwish Shahid Think Different ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Praise and thanks to “ALLAH” Almighty, the one testing us all at all times and making decisions about what we don’t know and can’t know. The report being submitted today is a result of collective effort. There are innumerous helping hands behind who have guided us on our way. Writing this report appeared to be a great experience to us. It added a lot to our knowledge. This report is one of our memorable experiences in student life. Though words are inadequate in offering thanks to our teacher but we owe our profound gratitude to Ma’am Mehwish Shahid for stimulating our creative abilities by assigning this project to us and for her able guidance and useful suggestions, which helped us in completing the project in time. Whatever we have learnt from her and this project report has put indelible impression on our minds and it is our conviction that this learning experience will always be a source of help in our practical life and professional career. Finally, yet importantly, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our beloved parents, for cooperation, help, kindness...
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...Apple Computer, Inc. is headquartered in Cupertino, California is a leader in the PC field for home, business and education markets. Their products include the Macintosh line of desktop and notebook computers, the Mac operating system, the iPod digital music player. The manufacturing facilities are located in Sacramento, California and Cork, Ireland. Apple produces their own keyboards and “Mouse” input devices. Apple’s operating segments include the Americas, Europe, and Japan. They sell their products through online stores, direct sales force, third-party wholesalers and resellers, and its own retail stores. As of September 2003, Apple and its subsidiaries worldwide had 11,000 employees and over 2,500 temporary employees. Apple Computers has experienced both good and bad times since it began its garage operation in 1976. Although it has been a leader in computer technology in the past, it has struggled lately with keeping pace in the rapidly developing computer industry. In this extremely competitive industry, the developing technology and evolving computer applications have contributed to this type of business environment. Over the last two decades, the popularity of personal computers has made the computer market attractive to consumers worldwide. As mentioned before, Apple developed as a major player in the computer industry in its early years. Apple grew to a publicly traded company by 1980. Apple continued to experience early success in the industry being the first computer...
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...4 2. External environment of Apple 4 2.1. Macro-environment Analyse PESTEL 4 2.1.1. Political 4 Contents Page Abstract 3 1. Introduction 4 2. External environment of Apple 4 2.1. Macro-environment Analyse PESTEL 4 2.1.1. Political 4 2.1.2. Economic 5 2.1.3. Social 5 2.1.4. Technological 5 2.1.5. Environmental 6 2.1.6. Legal 6 2.2. Industries and sectors - Analyse Five Forces framework 6 2.2.1. The bargaining power of suppliers 7 2.2.2. The bargaining power of customers 7 2.2.3. Risk of entry by potential competitors 8 2.2.4. Substitutes 8 2.2.5. Rivalry 9 3. Internal environment of Apple 9 3.1. Brand positioning 9 3.2. Life cycle of Apple Inc. Core Product 10 3.3. Finance 10 3.4. Human Resource Process 11 CEO 11 4. Current Strategy 12 4.1. Business-level strategy 12 4.1.1. Differentiation strategy 12 4.1.2. Strategy to manage rivalry 14 4.2. Global Strategy 15 4.2.1. Apple’s foreign operations 15 4.2.2. Global retail stores 16 4.2.3. Brand loyal and value promotion 16 4.2.4. Acquisition strategy 16 4.2.5. Methods used by Apple in order to enter new markets 17 5. Conclusion 18 6. References 19 7. Bibliography 21 8. Appendix 22 9. Group log 25 9.1. First meeting 25 9.2. Second meeting 25 9.3. Third meeting 25 9.4. Fourth meeting 26 9.5. Fifth meeting 26 9.6. Sixth meeting 26 10. Reflection 28 Nguyen Thi Diu 28 Hany Jawad 28 He Miao 28 Hani Elyas 29 Yousaf Khan 29 Abstract Apple made several hugely successful...
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