...Case Analysis – Strategic Management – Apple, Inc. Introduction The purpose of this paper is to explain the definition of Strategic Management and why it is critical to the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission. The analysis will The paper will include a brief analysis of the situation and pending decision problem, as presented in the case and in relevance to the answer. In addition, the major issues will be surrounding the organization or individuals involved with the organization. Included will be alternate courses of action to address the issues identified. Next, will be the decision or recommendation for action, with the appropriate supporting arguments if any. Statement of the Problem(s): Thousands of people were laid off at Apple, Inc. It does not look like Apple, Inc. spent much time working on its management and marketing strategies from the beginning. It was not until better marketers such as Jobs and Sculley came into the picture, before the company started to expand to better markets with acquisitions and joint ventures. The problem was not changing their strategy sooner. The jobs are what contribute to a company’s effectiveness (Mello, 2011, p. 115) and if they kept their employees it might have contributed to earlier success. It is human capital that helps companies to strive. For Apple, Inc. to lay off employees to help their financial statement for stakeholders may have been part of the cause of the problem (Yoffie...
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...everyone else by performing different activities that will be hard to duplicate from the competition (Dess, et al., 2005). Sustaining a competitive advantage became hard for Apple Inc. as noticed in the Harvard Business School Premier Case. Therefore, this paper is an analysis of Apple, Inc. based on a 7-year old case written by David Yoffie and Michael Slind published by Harvard Business School (Yoffie, et al., 2008). The following paper examines in detail the strategies utilized by the company as outlined in the strategic management steps. Several recommendations are also proposed to handle the issues surrounding the organization. Summation Apple Inc. was created by two college dropouts, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and later joined by A.C. Markkula, Jr; they created the company with one circuit board (Apple I) and turned into 200 sales within two months time (Yoffie, et al., 2008). The company developed a premium-price differentiation strategy; in which two years later, Apple II was introduced to the world. Apple II tripled company sales to more than 100,000 in less than two years compared to Apple I (Yoffie, et al., 2008). This paper analyzes and reviews the strategies utilized by Apple Inc. based on my comprehension of strategic management; and propose recommendations for several problems that Apple faced to become a successful billion dollar company. Situation and Pending Decision Analyzing the case presented a huge problem for Steve Jobs and his management team,...
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...Name: Unit Number: Case Name: Apple Inc. Case Study Analysis Introduction This analysis is based on Apple Inc. case study in which the strategic management is analyzed. In the process of analyzing this concept, the article also indentifies the issues and problems as they are presented together with the identification of the major issues surrounding the organization and individuals that are involved with the Apple Inc. Alternative course of action is addressed together with the recommendation that is based on the analysis. Understanding strategic management Through strategic management, a series of moves are developed and executed with an aim of enhancing the organization to be successful in the current situation and also in the future. As the Apple Inc aggressive history is analyzed, a slew of examples are unveiled with an illustration of the irreproducible ability in the effort to have an adoption as well as own market creation. Apple’s strategic management The success of Apple Inc. has been based on its ability to integrate into its model of business operation a management that is strategic. Through strategic management diligent involvement, Apple Inc. has been able to ensure that it is not maneuvered; a strategy that has enabled the company for the past 3 decades to emerge as successful in the competition. However, believing that Apple Inc. has not gone through some setbacks would be illogical. In fact, this is one...
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...everyone else by performing different activities that will be hard to duplicate from the competition (Dess, et al., 2005). Sustaining a competitive advantage became hard for Apple Inc. as noticed in the Harvard Business School Premier Case. Therefore, this paper is an analysis of Apple, Inc. based on a 7-year old case written by David Yoffie and Michael Slind published by Harvard Business School (Yoffie, et al., 2008). The following paper examines in detail the strategies utilized by the company as outlined in the strategic management steps. Several recommendations are also proposed to handle the issues surrounding the organization. Summation Apple Inc. was created by two college dropouts, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and later joined by A.C. Markkula, Jr; they created the company with one circuit board (Apple I) and turned into 200 sales within two months time (Yoffie, et al., 2008). The company developed a premium-price differentiation strategy; in which two years later, Apple II was introduced to the world. Apple II tripled company sales to more than 100,000 in less than two years compared to Apple I (Yoffie, et al., 2008). This paper analyzes and reviews the strategies utilized by Apple Inc. based on my comprehension of strategic management; and propose recommendations for several problems that Apple faced to become a successful billion dollar company. Situation and Pending Decision Analyzing the case presented a huge problem for Steve Jobs and his management team, was...
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... Dr. Yan Ling ASSIGNMENT 2 FIRM ANALYSIS REPORT: APPLE INC. ------------------------------------------------- GROUP # 4 Sonny Nguyen || Brittany Krammes Larisa Zenokhova || Bryan Berduo Table of Contents Page # SECTION I – INTRODUCTION3 SECTION II – BUSINESS LEVEL STRATEGY3 SECTION III – VRIO FRAMEWORK OF RESOURCES & CAPABILITIES4 SECTION IV – VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS6 SECTION V- INTERNAL WEAKNESSES7 SECTION VI –STRATEGIC ACTION RECOMMENDATION 7 A. REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8 B. EXHIBITS………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….11 SECTION I – INTRODUCTION For this analysis, we chose Apple Inc. because of its impact on the smartphone industry in the United States. First, the report will identify the business level strategy that the company has pursued and key factors that attribute to its success. Next, the report will use the VRIO framework to analyze Apple Inc.’s tangible and intangible resources, and capabilities. Then, a value chain analysis is provided to evaluate how Apple Inc. creates value for their customers, followed by a brief explanation of three internal weaknesses. Finally, based on what our group knows about the mobile industry in the United States and Apple Inc., we recommended strategic actions the company should take in order to maintain its position in the industry. SECTION II-BUSINESS LEVEL STRATEGY Apple Inc.’s existing business-level strategy within the U.S. branded...
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...Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business While Introducing iPhone and Apple TV Donna Prevatte Instructor: Jacinta Acquay BUS499 Sr. Seminar in Business Administration 31 January 2012 Apple Computer, Inc. changed online music tremendously in 2003 by developing the first legal online music service known as Apple’s iTunes Online Music Store. They were first online music service to have agreements with all five major record labels. Although initially available only for Macintosh users, iTunes sold more than 1 million songs by the end of its first week in operation (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson, 2011). Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. Apple Computer, Inc. is currently a very innovative company. It has gone through many ups and downs over the past thirty years. From a successful company that brought in millions thanks to two 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. Eventually, Apple came back, thanks to Jobs rejoining and also because of the introduction of iTunes. But securing their information from this highly competitive industry is just one of their challenges. Apple saw a way to capitalize on the emerging trend of cheap music downloads by creating a legal online music distribution network. iTunes would be the key to exploiting the market (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson...
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...APPLE INC IN CONSUMER ELECTRONICS (WORLD) December 2011 SCOPE OF THE REPORT Scope This profile of Apple Inc focuses on its operations in consumer electronics as well as its product distribution lines, and examines future opportunities and challenges for the company globally. Disclaimer Much of the information in this briefing is of a statistical nature and, while every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, Euromonitor International cannot be held responsible for omissions or errors. Figures in tables and analyses are calculated from unrounded data and may not sum. Analyses found in the briefings may not totally reflect the companies’ opinions, reader discretion is advised. Apple Inc Consumer electronics Retailing Portable computers Electronics and appliance specialist retailers Portable media players Internet retailing This profile of Apple Inc examines the company’s operations in consumer electronics and retailing, with a focus on forward looking analysis of its prospects in computers and portable consumer electronics. A brief overview of Apple Inc’s content retailing and operational specifics is provided to supplement the core analysis. Smartphones © Euromonitor International CONSUMER ELECTRONICS: APPLE INC PASSPORT 2 STRATEGIC EVALUATION COMPETITIVE POSITIONING MARKET ASSESSMENT CATEGORY OPPORTUNITIES BRAND STRATEGY OPERATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS STRATEGIC EVALUATION Key company facts Apple Inc...
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...Apple Computer Inc. John V Pugh Strayer University Bus 499 January 29, 2012 Professor Erica Atkins Abstract This paper describes the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. This paper will also describe the dimensions along which company success can be measured. We will also describe the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple’s future. This paper will further explain how Apple’s strategy stands up against industry rivalry. In closing we will provide recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the company’s strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results. Key Strategic Challenges facing Apple Computer Apple Computer, INC. We will describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. We will start with services which contribute minimally to Apple’s revenue but provide enormous influence. Content pricing power- Jobs told Mossberg that digital content can be sold when it’s priced for volume. The success of iTune’s .99 per song pricing demonstrates this but doing so also destroyed the music industry’s business model. Without album pricing, musician royalties and major labels CD revenue have dried up. Regression to the mean- As companies grow, their courage and capacity to “Think Different” abates. While this may sound like heresy relative to Apple history and strong, the uniquely demanding strength and influence of Steve Jobs is integral...
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...STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE 2012 Table of Contents 1.0. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 2 2.0. Company Profile ..................................................................................................................................... 3 3.0. Apple Distinctive Competencies ............................................................................................................ 4 3.1. The R-C Model.................................................................................................................................... 4 3.2. Building Blocks of Competitive Advantage ........................................................................................ 6 4.0. Nature of Competition in the PC industry ............................................................................................. 7 4.1. PC Industry Life Cycle ......................................................................................................................... 7 4.2. Porters 5 Forces ................................................................................................................................. 8 5.0. Apple Sustainable Competitive Advantage.......................................................................................... 10 5.1. Value Chain .................................................................................
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...AMAZON.COM: GLOBAL STRATEGIC ANALYSIS IN INTERNET AND ONLINE INDUSTRY: THE FUTURE OF ONLINE SHOPPING COMPETITION SYSTEMS. 5/6/2015 Group Global Strategic Analysis Project for MGMT 471 Role of the Global Corporation Executive Summary Amazon.com, Inc. is an American electronic commerce company with headquarters in Seattle, Washington. It is the largest Internet-based retailer in the United States.[12] Amazon.com started as an online bookstore, but soon diversified, selling DVDs, Blue-rays, CDs, video downloads/streaming, MP3 downloads/streaming, software, video games, electronics, apparel, furniture, food, toys and jewelry. The company also produces consumer electronics—notably, Amazon Kindle e-book readers, Fire tablets, Fire TV and Fire Phone — and is a major provider of cloud computing services. Amazon also sells certain low-end products like USB cables under its in-house brand Amazon Basics. Amazon has separate retail websites for United States, United Kingdom & Ireland, France, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Australia, Brazil, Japan, China, India and Mexico. Amazon also offers international shipping to certain other countries for some of its products.[13] In 2011, it had professed an intention to launch its websites in Poland[14] and Sweden.[15] Names of All Group Members Awes Alrefae 8993 Yaman Naqawa 8282 Ahmad Alazmi 11608 Mohammed Alghoul Amazon.com: Global Strategic Analysis in internet and online industry: The Future of online shopping...
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...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...
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...Title: Apple Computer, Inc. Author: William N. Cobbs Professor/Instructor: Dr. D. Button Course: BUS 499 June 15, 2012 1).Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. Ans). The key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer are the efforts which will be centered at trying to keep its competition at bay while trying to exceed its already light year of sales in its first week exceeding one million dollars after the release of the “Apple’s Tunes Online Music Store”. However, Apple could not quit there…with competition as fierce as it is from other startup companies illegal and legal, Apple decided to shoot at capitalizing the market by yet another “before its time” invention, the personal computer. Still yet the public was not satisfied; the cry now was for a system that was compatible. With this in mind Apple took on a new plight putting up a new challenge and revamping to their opinion- what was first, a change in its managerial structure. With this advent Apple absorbed the intake of another company with the same interest with the hopes of soundly breaking the competitive edge. When any company upset its infrastructure the challenge then is to hope for a smooth transition with ever increasing sales. Innovative personnel should always be looked upon to bring ideas that would contribute to increased profit margins, more locations that would also be a benefactor and of course arguably the most important factor of any consumable good…satisfied customers...
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...to last course) COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is the capstone course for the Bachelor of Business Administration program. It examines the processes by which organizations formulate strategy, implement policy, and evaluate outcomes in the highly competitive and dynamic global environment. The ethical implications of strategic choices are a central concern of this course. Analytic, integrative, and decision-making skills will be exercised through the use of case analysis and decision making. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Required Resources Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2011). Strategic management: Competitiveness and globalization, concepts and cases: 2011 custom edition (9th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Supplemental Resources Angwin, D., Paroutis, S., & Mitson, S. (2009). Connecting up strategy: Are senior strategy directors a missing link? California Management Review, 51(3), 74-94. Derfus, P. J., Maggitti, P. G., Grimm, C. M., & Smith, K. G. (2008). The red queen effect: Competitive actions and firm performance. Academy of Management Journal, 51(1), 61-80. Franken, A., Ewards, C., & Lambert, R. (2009). Executing strategic change: Understanding the critical management elements that lead to success. California Management Review, 51(3), 49-73. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Identify the vision, mission, and stakeholders of a firm. Identify how the six segments of the general environment affect an industry and...
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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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...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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