...Apple Inc. in 2008 Problem Statement Innovation and unique user experience can basically outline the value proposition by Apple Inc. that brought the corporation to success. Apart from these, it is still necessary for Apple to develop a suitable strategic profile from time to time to cope with changing market environment. However, the rather unchanged strategies throughout decades and unsustainable competitive advantages could have been the hindrances from further success, as seen from low return on equity in early 2000s as well as low market share in the personal computer industry, which stayed below 3% from year 2000. Facing intense competitions, Apple should create sustainable competitive edge in order to maintain its leader position in multiple markets. Analysis With global recognition, the success of Apple Inc. can be attributed to its multi-faceted comparative advantages. From the marketing perspective, Apple Inc. has done successful product differentiation. Most of its products, including Macintosh, iPod and iPhone, have proprietary designs that are recognised as sleek, unique and fashionable. It also provides own high-quality bundled software to power the hardware so as to provide a complete user experience and desktop solution to customers. These represent the simple positioning strategy of Apple: staying in the premium market as being superior and distinctive. Second, its high spending in research and development (R&D) fuelled multiple “revolutionary” innovations...
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...life cycle follows a common structure, with 5 standard stages; introduction, growth, maturity, saturation and decline. Although realistically, most product don't follow such a prescriptive style. To know what stage in the PLC a products' in, a marketer should analyse the; sales, profits, customers, competitors and costs. Apples highly succesful and innovative iPod took the world by storm for many years, although new advances in technology and media devices are changing the stage in the PLC that iPod may be experiancing after years of succecess. The PLC allows marketers to determine revenue earned and helps contribute to strategic marketing planning by helping a company identify when a product may need support, reinvigorating, or redesign, and is a helpful tool in regard to forcasting and managing cashflow. However the PLC paradigm can over-emphasise new product release due to products reaching maturity, but the reality is more profitability can be created through mature products as they already have an established market, and do not need such investment levels for promotion or advertising as a new product would. Since the release of the iconic iPod by Apple in 2001, sales of the...
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...G-L Free Essays M-Q Free Essays R-Z Essay Topics Plagiarism Donate a Paper View Cart / Checkout Apple, Inc Rate This Paper: 1 2 3 4 5 Submit :: 3 Works Cited Length: 1524 words (4.4 double-spaced pages) Rating: Red (FREE) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Introduction and Background Apple, Inc is a well known name in the computer technology world; Apple, Inc leads the computer industry in innovation thanks to the award winning desktop and notebook computer known as OS X operating system (Yoffie &ump; Slind, 2008). This paper will focus on Apple Inc., strategic management and why is it critical to the success of the organization in meeting its goals and mission. It is therefore important to define strategic management, according to Certo, Peter &ump; Ottensmeyer, (2005), strategic management is a continuous process that directs an organization to be appropriately suited to its internal and external environment. Strategic management benefits organizations by providing personnel, capital, helps to set standards and most importantly activates people. For an organization to have a successful strategic management plan, the mangers must learn to think strategically and have the ability to evaluate their environment and develop new ideas. Steve Jobs one of the founding fathers of Apple Inc used strategic planning to his advantage by making Apple’s mission a simple one- bringing easy to use computers to...
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...APPLE INC. [pic] APPLE COMPUTERS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This research paper is fully depends upon the true information on the Apple Inc. This paper is specially made for the Apple Computers. The purpose of the paper is to provide the strategic analysis plan for the Apple Inc for the next three years i.e. 2011-2013. The strategic Management Model for Apple Inc gives the useful output from the analysis of all the factors that contributes. This project is based upon to find out the best suitable strategy for the Apple computers so that it can follow that strategy in next three years to carry out the desired goals for the organization. As per requirement of project, the external and internal analysis is carried out. Here we come up with TOWS analysis. From TOWS analysis, there is the 3 suggested strategies for the organization. From those three strategies, we have to pick the one which is best and justified it. OVERVIEW OF APPLE INC Mr. Steve Jobs and Mr. Steve Wozniak founded Apple Inc in 1976 after a long struggle. Before Apple was founded, IBM was already in the market and Apple came into existence when IBM launched its 4004 chip which makes the bulky parts of previous computers into the small chip size. (Aoki, 2009) Apple Inc is wholly owned subsidiary of Apple Inc. Apple Inc deals in designing, manufacturing the personal computers, mobiles, digital music devices, software related to items, services, peripherals and other networking services...
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...Information Systems Case: Apple Inc. 1 Executive Summary It is said that luck follows determination and courage in business. Apple Inc. is one of global giants that has proved this correct – it has completely taken a U-turn in the IT business. Renowned around the world for innovation and quality finishing of its products, Apple Inc.’s humble start as a computer manufacturer has not deterred it from ruling the world of technology and entertainment in a market where giant names like IBM and Microsoft also thrive. The financial position of Apple has become very strong over the past three years. Growing 15% from 2007 to 2008 and 20% from 2008 to 2009, Apple Inc. has maintained a steady and rapid pace that few other companies as innovative as Apple can match (Annual Report, 2009, p.19). The launch of the iTunes music store, that later expanded into a comprehensive online store for videos, books and audios, was a different business model altogether that reaped success within the first week of its launch. However, the subsequent events that occurred in the market and the various risks that are associated with Apple Inc.’s strategy for iTunes are some of the reasons that warrant a revision of the operational strategy, partially, if not altogether. The issue of digital rights management (DRM) and software piracy propped up and Apple has ever since paid out to artists and record companies more than it has pocketed itself. There are several lessons that Apple can learn from the...
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...Analysis on Apple EXPECTATIONS & EVALUATIONS The objective of this paper is to thoroughly analyze Apple’s financial history and status for the last five years (2003 – 2007). Other important topics will be discussed which include: the company’s background, its assets, bonds, stocks, etc. To support the analysis, different relevant ratios will be calculated for Apple Inc in order to estimate the company’s current status, and also to compare Apple Inc. to the computer industry and one of its major competitors – Dell. The financial analysis of Apple is based on evaluating company and industry data from various sources. A trend analysis was performed using data for the last five years, and presented in Excel charts and tables. Finally, I computed various ratios for Apple, and compared them to industry norms, and to Dell’s. Numerous graphs were created using MS Excel to support the analysis. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY History Apple Computer was formed in April 1976 by 25-year-old Steve Wozniak and 21-yearold Steve Jobs—both college dropouts. After selling a van for some extra start-up cash, the two set up shop in the Jobs’ family garage at 2066 Crist Drive in Los Altos, California, to start building computers. In 1977, Jobs and Markkula hired Michael Scott as the company’s first president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).8 In April of that same year, Apple decided it would be beneficial to their marketing strategies if they updated their image before putting the Apple II on...
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...Running head: APPLE INC. CASE Apple Inc. Case Andrea Daniel Bethel University Strategy Planning MOD 440 Patti Vinson September 18, 2012 Apple Inc. Case In 1976, Steven Wozniak and Steve Jobs introduced the first Apple computer which cost under $700. Although Apple is known for its high quality electronics, management is concerned if the company can continue its success while the market is more competitive and with the unstable economy. Apple has several strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats which allows one to see keys issues or problems areas. Also, this would allow Apple to plan better moving forward. The three major competitors of Apple are Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Acer; however Apple also competes with Microsoft in software industry. Dell is the largest computer manufacturer with extremely low cost production strategy. Hewlett Packard is a big brand name and leading provider of technology such as televisions and other media devices. Acer became one of the fastest growing manufacturers of PCs. The financial strengths and performance of the company from 2005 to 2008 were quite interesting. The company is still highly liquid but this liquidity trend is in climbing and declining trend as current ratio 2.67 in 2005 declined to 1.81 in 2006 and increased to 1.95 in 2008. This trend was mainly due to increase in collection period of the sale and increase in number of day’s sale in ending inventory. There is an increasing...
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...Case Study on IB of Apple Inc. Introduction Apple Inc. is one of the world’s most successful multinational corporations engaged in researching, designing and producing electronic technology devices and solutions. The sensational success and tremendous profit of Apple Inc. are created through globalizing its businesses. According to Corteau and Milan (2011), globalization usually involves a series of interrelated activities such as internationalization of finance and trades. The company has realized significant globalization through extension in the global market. In the first half year of 2013, Apple’s revenue amounted to $98.115 billion. Only less than 35% of this revenue was generated in the US market. The global market was the source of over 65% of Apple’s revenue. This article intends to explain Apple’s globalization through analyzing one of Apple’s key creations: iPod. Special attention is given to the jobs and profits around the world generated by iPod, disparity in income and employment, and employee composition. Analysis of impacts of globalization on Apple Inc. since Jobs’ return Apple Inc. has undergone the golden time for business development and globalization from 2007 to 2011 under the leadership of Steve Jobs. The company was then on the verge of bankruptcy in 2007 when Steve Jobs returned to Apple. In order to save the company from bankruptcy, Steve Jobs took a series of restructuring and rebooting measures with a focus on innovation and internationalization...
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...of CSR 2.2 Evolution of CSR 2.3 Emergence of CSR 3 Literature Review 3.1 Carroll's CSR Pyramid 3.2 Purpose of the firm and how that shapes views on CSR 3.3 Arguments for and against CSR 3.3.1 Arguments Against 3.3.2 Arguments For 3.3.3 Summary of the key debates 4 Methodology 5 CSR at Apple Inc. 5.1 Apple's profile 5.2 Reasons to engage in CSR 5.3 CSR policies at Apple Inc. 5.4 Type of CSR approach taken by Apple Inc. 5.5 Key dilemmas within CSR challenges 5.5.1. Labour and human rights 5.5.2. Workers’ health and safety 5.6 CSR tactics at Apple Inc. 6 Conclusion 7 References Word Count: 2837 1 Executive Summary Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been highly regarded by most corporations. However, the exact reason why corporations implement CSR initiatives is often very vague and confusing to others. This paper will explore in depth how international corporations are motivated to incorporate CSR into the business strategies and how they deal with it. Based on academic references, the report firstly outlined the CSR background as well as some theory and key debates about CSR. Then, the methodology was summarized. After that, the case study of Apple Inc. was used to demonstrate the reasons for implementing CSR initiatives in depth. Following that, the types of dilemmas the company faced, the CSR approach and tactics it used were analyzed. Finally, a conclusion was drawn at the end of the paper. 2 CSR Background 2.1 Definition of CSR In...
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...Marketing Strategy of Apple Inc and its Effectiveness ukessays.com /essays/marketing/marketing-strategy-of-apple-inc-and-its-effectiveness-marketingessay.php Carrying out this research on a strong brand image like Apple Inc. contributes to further and wider understandings about marketing strategies, even for other organizations, such as: To study the needs, wants and expectations of the various customers from different market segments. To find out reactions of customers to products of the company. To evaluate company's sales promotion measures for suitable adjustment and improvements. To study current marketing problems and opportunities for suitable follow up. To suggest introduction of new products, modification of existing products. To study marketing competition, channel of distribution and pricing for suitable changes if necessary. To find methods for making the product popular and raising its goodwill and marketing reputation. Furthermore, from a student’s viewpoint, it helps to improve research, analytical and presentation skills, rather than just studying from the assigned text books and preparing for CAT and ACCA exams for the past three years. Research Question How effective was the marketing mix strategies used by Apple Inc. to maximise their overall performance and gaining market share comparing the financial performance for year 2009 and year 2010? 2.0) Company Background Apple Inc. is a California corporation founded in 1977, selling a range of personal computers...
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...9-710-467 REV: SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 DAVID B. YOFFIE RENEE KIM Apple Inc. in 2010 On April 4, 2010, Apple Inc. launched its eagerly anticipated iPad amid great hype. The multimedia computer tablet was the third major innovation that Apple had released over the last decade. CEO Steve Jobs had argued that the iPad was another revolutionary product that could emulate the smashing success of the iPod and the iPhone. Expectations ran high. Even The Economist displayed the release of the iPad on its magazine cover with Jobs illustrated as a biblical figure, noting that, “The enthusiasm of the Apple faithful may be overdone, but Mr. Jobs’s record suggests that when he blesses a market, it takes off.”1 The company started off as “Apple Computer,” best known for its Macintosh personal computers (PCs) in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Despite a strong brand, rapid growth, and high profits in the late 1980s, Apple almost went bankrupt in 1996. Then Jobs went to work, transforming “Apple Computer” into “Apple Inc.” with innovative non-PC products starting in the early 2000’s. In fact, by 2010, the company viewed itself as a “mobile device company.”2 In the 2009 fiscal year, sales related to the iPhone and the iPod represented nearly 60% of Apple’s total sales of $43 billion.3 Even in the midst of a severe economic recession, revenues and net income both soared (see Exhibits 1a through 1c). Meanwhile, Apple’s stock was making history of its own. The share price had risen more than 15fold since...
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...Business Analysis: Apple Inc. Part I Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company's best-known hardware products include the Macintosh computers, iPod, iPhone and iPad. As of August 2010, the company operates 301 retail stores in ten countries, and an online store. In September of 2010, Apple had 46,600 full time employees and 2,800 temporary full time employees worldwide and had worldwide annual sales of $65.23 billion. Fortune magazine named Apple the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world in 2008, 2009, and 2010 (Yarow, J., & Frommer, D., 2011). Apple has established a unique reputation in the consumer electronics industry. This includes a customer base that is devoted to the company and its brand. When Apple went public, it made more capital than any IPO since the Ford Motor Is this essay helpful? Company in 1956 and created more millionaires than any company in history. Between 2003 and 2006, the price of Apple's stock increased from $6 per share to over $80. In May 2010, Apple's share price passed the $100 mark and with that their market cap exceeded Microsoft for the first time since 1989 (Business Insider Inc., 2011). Apple was one of several highly successful companies founded in the 1970s. Apple was not considered a traditional company by any means. CEO, Steve Jobs often walked around the office barefoot even after Apple was a Fortune...
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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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...typically a short summary of the contents of the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] | Apple, Inc. is an know name in computer technology, Apple leads the computer and technology industry in innovation thanks to the award winning desktop and notebook computer known as OX X operating system (Yoffie & Slind 2008). Apple management style has been documented and used to study how to be a successful business. Steve Job was a pioneer in the way he took the company leadership to become a top company. Apple success is no secret even if secrecy is part of their strategic strategy. They invest in their employee and this help them not only a strong company but a company that people tops in the technology field are flocking to work with. For Apple to be a successful organization it has to have a successful strategic management plan, the managers must learn to think strategically and have the ability to evaluate their environment and develop new ideas. Steve Jobs one of the founding fathers of Apple Inc. used strategic planning to his advantage by making Apple mission simple one-bringing easy to use computers to the market place and revolutionizing the industry with simple easy computers and devices for consumers to use. Apple strategic management is the process by which an organization drafts, implements and evaluates cross-functional decisions that enable the organization to achieve its long-term...
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...Marketing Opportunities for Apple Name: Institutional Affiliation: Date: Table of Contents Introduction 3 History of apple 3 Market Presence and Revenue Standings 4 Market research 4 Secondary market research 5 Apple brand review 5 Market segmentation 5 Research analysis of consumer needs and wants 7 Summary on the client's wants and needs 9 Research analysis on apple products Preferences 9 Summary 10 Conclusion and recommendations 10 Reference: 11 Introduction History of apple Apple lnc was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. The main idea of establishing the Apple lnc at the time was to sell Apple 1, which is a personal computer kit. Steve Jobs during the establishment was one of the majority shareholders with approximately 45% of the total shares, Steve Wozniak also had share as Steve Jobs of 45%. Wayne owned the remaining 10% ownership (bott.org, 2014). During the formation of the Apple, Inc. Company, both Jobs and Wozniak were young entrepreneurs with no asset to their names. They were therefore not afraid of taking any risk. On the other hand, Wayne was a little bit older and had his own personal assets. Due to his fear of undergoing a huge risk, he sold his company ownership stake to Steve and Wozniak for 800$. The valuation of Wayne’s ownership compared to today’s company’s market value, it would be exceeding 3...
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