Premium Essay

Apple Incorporated: the Definition of Success

In:

Submitted By cridg
Words 3259
Pages 14
Apple Incorporated: The Definition of Success

Business Policy

October 31, 2011

Table of Contents
Contents
Company Overview 3
Business Model and Scope 3
Primary Strategy 3
Target Market 4
Apple, Inc. Background Investigation 4
Industry and Competitive Analysis 5
External and other pertinent market conditions 6
SWOT Analysis 6
Financial Analysis 7
Action Plan & Recommendations 7
Epilogue 8
Works Cited 9

. Company Overview What is the definition of success? Apple Inc. surpasses this criteria of being a dominate business that's close to perfection. With record high performances, this company proves it is a force to be reckoned with. Along with 300 retail stores worldwide, the company provides a solid product line to keep it thriving. Through their creativity and design, this company continues to prosper while meeting the definition of success head on. One advantage Apple has is its ability to focus on what the customers want. They show this by making unique products that are a "must have" for consumers everywhere. Their product line consists of manufacturing computer software, personal computers, and consumer electronics. Their most well-known products are Macintosh computers, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV. Their most popular software lines include Mac OSX operating system, iTunes, iLife, Aperture, iOS (Apple Inc.)
Business Model and Scope Apple’s business model is to make the best products, be the first to introduce new technologies, and release their products around the globe.

The Apple business model and scope follows three extensive industry categories of software engineering, hardware manufacturing, and retail. With its operating system software, Apple's software engineering program exceeds all others in both its functionality and quality. Apple is always the first to release an

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Mkt 421 Defining Marketing

...an organization’s success if it is properly implemented and utilized. Every company uses marketing to drive their business in a profitable direction and through some example companies below it will be obvious how marketing is vital to an entity’s success. Personal Definition of Marketing The definition of marketing in the words of the writer is the foundation of every company that is used to create, plan, and execute a successful product. This concept is derived from the research of a marketing department to improve or create a product that is appealing to consumers. Marketing from Other Sources While other definitions can be found throughout the business world, the ones chosen here give a good explanation and definition of what marketing truly means and the significant role it plays in the success of an organization. Marketing Definition 1 The business dictionary describes marketing as “the management process through which goods and services move from concept to the customer. It includes the coordination of four elements called the 4 P’s of marketing: (1) identification, selection and development of a product, (2) determination of its price, (3) selection of a distribution channel to reach the customer’s place, and (4) development and implantation of a promotional strategy.” (BusinessDictionary, 2013) To better explain marketing in simpler terms Investopedia describes how a business will use marketing within the organization. Marketing Definition 2 “Many people believe...

Words: 1208 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Case Analysis, Apple, Inc.

...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...

Words: 950 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Apple Computer Case Analysis

...Case Analysis 1 – Apple Computer: Research how Apple managed to reinvent itself over the years Question 1. What were some of Apple’s biggest successes and failures? Describe why. Apple has had plenty of successes and failures. Three of Apple’s biggest successes were the iPod, iTunes, and the iPhone. The iPod MP3 player introduced the world to a new technological advancement in October 2001. The iPod was so popular because it permitted access to thousands of songs and videos at the fingertips. The iPod is still a best seller 10 years later. I think the iPod has been a success because it has given customers relief from common CD problems, such as scratching, skipping, and misplacement. The iPod keeps customers’ musical library at their fingertips, which never scratches, skips, or becomes misplaced. iTunes is Apple’s popular media management software. iTunes has been successful by allowing customers to keep a library full of movies, music, mobile apps, ringtones, audio books, and podcasts. iTunes is the media management software that makes transferring data to the iPod and iPhone simple. I think iTunes has been a success because it has changed the way customers sort and keep track of their various music files, movie files, mobile apps, etc. The iPhone is Apple’s creation that launched the beginning of the smartphone phase. The iPhone does just about anything. It allows customers to download more than 120,000 high class apps, as well as use the built-in iPod. The...

Words: 1228 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Favorite Brand Paper

...Brand Paper Apple is one of the biggest and largest companies around. They specialize in iPod. Mac computers, IPhone, IPad, and also iPods The previous are some of the devices made and marketed by Apple, Incorporated, a company known for offering sleek, easy-to-use, highly sought after products worldwide. The company establishes a long-term connection with consumers of varying ages by offering excellent service in their own retail stores and through telephone support that builds loyalty for the brand. Apple places a high value on product differentiation, gaining the upper hand setting prices and availability in the marketplace. For many years the brand was a far second to Microsoft in terms of sales and operating system use. However, over the last few years, the launching of a large-scale advertisement campaign has given the brand an important place in consumers’ lives and made the brand hip along with environmentally responsible. Last, the company is enjoying the perception of selling user-friendly devices with many learning tools in comparison to Microsoft’s lack of style and ease-of-use. There are many reasons why I am passionate about this brand. For one they give great quality of electronics for a high price but I feel you get what you pay for. Another reason is because they market their product very well. There are multiple definitions regarding the term Marketing, it all depends on the context in which it is used. For instance, according to Perreault, Cannon and McCarthy...

Words: 755 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Apple Case Analysis

...Innovation at Apple | Case Analysis | | Submitted By Aakriti Acharya Animesh KC Sirjana Shrestha Surendra Pandey | Synopsis Apple is the world’s most successful and leading brand. Due to unique vision, philosophy and dedication of Steve jobs and employees, Apple has been able to maintain its competitive position till date. The employees of Apple provide new values to customer through unique design and innovation. Apple has the ability to understand and deliver the customer’s needs in simple and sophisticated way. The major reason behind the success of apple is its strategy where it develops product that are completely differently than competitors i.e. it believes in being innovator rather than imitator. Case Issues The issues in this case can be listed as: * What are the key factors that have contributed to the innovation and creativity at Apple? * Is there any systematic approach to innovation at Apple? * Will Apple be able to keep up with customer’s expectation and continue to be a leading brand without its founder Steve Jobs? * Which is more important? Innovation or Brand image? Case Facts The facts mentioned in the case are listed below: * Apple went through a lot of turbulent phases and had many ups and down in the past but still, it struggled and never gave up. Due to its commitment towards product design and development it has been able to sustain itself as world’s top Brand. * Apple always believed...

Words: 1624 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Apple Inc Organizational Structure

...also depicts levels of management from the top down. The organization that I would like to work for is Apple Inc., In this essay, I will give a brief overview of the company’s history, define it organizational structure and effects it have on the success of the organization, distinguish between leadership and management, describe the culture and the core capabilities which lead to Apple becoming the most powerful company in the nation. Company History Apple Computers Inc., was established by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976 with the release of the Apple computer. In 1977 Apple Computer Inc., became incorporated and successful until 1984 when things took a turn for the worst because of financial hardship and power struggle between leadership which lead to Steve Jobs resignation; however, he remained the Chairman of Apple Computers Inc. In 1997 Jobs and Wayne reunited, and Jobs became the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and quickly made changes to the organizational structure, which reversed its declining sales. In 2000, Jobs became the CEO of Apple Inc., and introduced the IPOD, a digital music player which sold 100 million units, which was the turning point for the company. Mr. Jobs was the brain of Apple, known for creating the Ipod touch, Ipad, Mac Book and an online store called Itunes. Organizational Structure Prior to the return of Steve Jobs, Apple Inc, was almost non-existent due to the lack of leadership and management, declining sales and poor strategic...

Words: 1332 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

The Rise of Apple

...------------------------------------------------- The Rise of Apple Inc. If there is any company that thinks differently and believe that they can change the world and make it better that is “Apple Inc.”. As said by Steve job “People who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the people that really do” (Apple, Inc. 1997). Arguably, apple Inc. is one of the most innovative technology companies to emerge in the last three decades. Apple has revolutionized the technological industry in some cases, created the industry. One of its co-founders, Steve Jobs, had an extraordinary vision and turned it into reality (Mickey 2013). “Steve Jobs saw the future and brought it to life long before most people could even see the horizon” and his “passionate belief in the power of technology to transform the way we live ... brought knowledge and power that is reshaping the face of civilization” (Finkle 2010). Similarly, Mark Zuckerberg said, “thanks for showing that what you build can change the world” (Finkle 2010). Apple Inc. is currently one of the most successful and innovative technology companies ever. Haven’t incorporated in 1977 and went public in 1980, around 1996, the world believed that Apple Computer one of the best brand in the world was on its deathbed. The company had fallen out of the top 5 in U.S. sales (Linzmayer, O. W. 2004). The first quarter of 1996 Apple reports of losses upward of $740 million. The remainder of the year was up and down with losses (Apple Inc. 1997). It was a...

Words: 1893 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Strategic-Human-Resource-Managment

...CONTENTS I. Introduction …………………………………………………......... 03 II. Theory...............………………………………………………....... 03 1. Definition..........................…………………………………..... 03 2. The Aims of SHRM……...………………………………….... 03 3. Managing Employment Relationship...……………………..... 04 4. Recruitment and Selection…………………………………..... 05 III. Case study: Apple Inc..................................................................... 06 1. Apple Inc Information............................................................... 06 2. Apple Inc Human Resource Management................................. 06 3. Apple Inc Managing Employment Relationships...................... 08 4. Apple Inc Recruitment and Selection........................................ 10 IV. Hanoitourist Travel Company: SHRM…………………………... 12 IV. Conclusion……………………………………………………….. 13 IV. References...................................................................................... 14 There are many factors to create the success of companies and strategic human resource management is one of the most important one to make their companies stronger and more developed. First of all, human resource like workforce or employees is defined as the labor pool in employment; however it describes better about the role, skills, competencies and potential of employees. From the definition of Human resource, the term of human resource management is known as the way employees are recruited, organized, developed...

Words: 3046 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Current Market

...Generation’s Market Conditions This analysis focuses on market conditions for the smart phone device, the “Generation,” set to be released by the team’s company, “Centurion Mobile,” this fall. This new device is similar to Apple’s iPhone. As a result, some of this analysis focuses on the competition of Samsung on Apple. This analysis will also provide a description Samsung that will be Centurion Mobile’s main competitor. It will also focus on issues that Apple has had in the marketplace because these issues may pertain to problems that Centurion will face in implementing the Generation (University of Phoenix, 2011). Competition Samsung is a global leader for electronic devices. However, unlike most others the company did not start dealing with electronics, but with groceries and from 1958 started expanding to other industrial sectors such as media, chemicals, and shipbuilding until the 1970s. Samsung began dealing electronics in 1969 when it established the products Samsung is known for like mobile phones, computer devices, and other electronics. In the 1990s, the company began to establish factories in other parts of the world like The United States of America, Germany, Thailand, Mexico, and China. Toward the end of the 20th century Samsung developed smart phones and phones combined with MP3 (Rowley, 1998, p. 108-110). Today the company focuses to the 4G industry in which it has made steady growth. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 may provide the most competition...

Words: 1901 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Comparative Pricing

...Introduction 3 Comparative Pricing 3 Objective 4 Research Methodology 4 Literature Review 4 Case Study: Apple’s Pricing Strategy 5 Executive Summary This paper is an attempt to study the correlation between consumer behavior and consumer decision making cycle with pricing of a product or a service. Studies are made on comparative pricing through existing secondary sources. In order to understand the relative variations in consumer behavior across different variety of consumers primary research has been done. The findings have been interesting and the implications of findings have been found. Literature review has been done to identify the gaps in the existing literature. Learnings from literature review has also been incorporated. Case study of apple and the strategies used by them have been elaborately discussed. This insights from our study can be used for further scope of research in this domain. Introduction Pricing is an integral part of the Marketing Mix (4 P’s). Whereas all the other P’s (Product, Place & Promotion) affect the cost aspect of the mix, pricing is the only one which generates the needed revenue and hence forms one of the most powerful tools in the hands of the marketer. Pricing, therefore, becomes a very competitive factor in order to successfully exploit market opportunities. It is of utmost importance that pricing of goods and services...

Words: 1652 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Business

...------------------------------------------------- Environmental Scanning of APPLE Adalei Padilla* MG485-44* 5/20/2012 ------------------------------------------------- Environmental Scanning of APPLE Adalei Padilla* MG485-44* 5/20/2012 External External Introduction The Apple Company was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976 and incorporated in 1977 introducing the Apple Computer as their first product, ever since they have grown to become one of the largest growing technological organizations worldwide (History of Apple). The financial result for Apple’s 2012 second quarter ended on March 31, 2012 and was reported on April 24th 2012. The company posted quarterly revenue of 39.2 billion and quarterly net profit of 11.6 billion (Apple and the Environment ). Apples’ achievements do not go unnoticed, but we must also credit those individuals who work tirelessly to keep Apple on top. Individuals dedicated to constantly strategizing to ensure the continued success of Apple. Strategies like environmental scanning, that consists of a scan and evaluation of the external environmental to recognize potential threats or opportunities of the organization. The environmental scanning of an organization as large and as successful as Apple must be thoroughly performed and must incorporate the natural physical environment, the societal environment and the task environment. (Thomas L. Wheelen, 2012) Natural Physical Environment: Apple has been trying to diligently go greener to reduce...

Words: 1976 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Ipad Study

...measures, control etc. 12. References Executive Summary Company Background Apple Inc. is an American corporation that designs and manufactures computer hardware, software and other consumer electronics. The company is best known for their Macintosh personal computer line, Mac OS X, extremely loyal user-base, iTunes media application and the iPod personal music player. The company headquarters is in Cupertino, California, CEO and co-founder is Steve Jobs and the company boasts 284 retail locations spanning 10 different countries. Apple was established on April 1st, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne to sell the Apple I personal computer kit. Steve Jobs was said to own 45% of the company, Steve Wozniak with 45% and Wayne with the remaining 10%. While Jobs and Wozniak were young with little to no assets, Ronald Wayne was older with personal assets and was scared to put these at risk. This resulted in Wayne selling his share of the company back to Jobs and Wozniak for a reported 800$. Today Wayne’s share of the company would be worth over 3 billion dollars. Apple has developed a unique reputation in the consumer electronics field. Those who use Apple electronics tend to be enthusiastic about and loyal to the products while those who have no experience with Apple’s products often criticize them as being overpriced. Perhaps the single most important PR decision made by Apple to date was the production and release of their “1984" commercial. This commercial...

Words: 3930 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Mmgp- Market Analysis

...Description: Describe your product’s functions, applications, uses, and what value it offers to consumers. The iPhone is just one of the many technological devices that Apple, Incorporated. offers to its consumers. The iPhone’s primary function is that of any mobile device used to communicate with others. However, with its recent innovations, the iPhone has become so much more than just a cellular phone. It has become a multi-tasking device that consumers can use to manage their lives and businesses. Currently, the newest version of the IPhone is the 6s (or 6s Plus), which boast up to a 5.5-inch high resolution screen. Functionally, the phone features of the iPhone include visual voicemail, standard text messaging and voice dialing. It also offers a robust web browsing capability with the native Safari web browser, but also allows its user the ability to install the Google Chrome browser as well. The iPhone’s email function allows the user to load multiple email accounts, giving the consumer access to their personal and business email. In addition, the iPhone has one of the most robust and solid application programs in the industry. Anything from games, professional business tools, to entertainment applications are available for download on the iPhone. Overall, the iPhone continues to provide its consumer with a high-quality, multi-tasking experience with the ability to manage multiple tasks whether personal or professional. History: Keep this short....

Words: 7377 - Pages: 30

Premium Essay

Managing the Human Resources

...aligned, intrinsically complex and contain multidimensional subcultures. He believes that in identifying how these cultures behave an organisation can gain both a positive and a negative understanding on the effect the culture has on the staff and the work place. In order to provide a reasoned analysis of what is good and what is detrimental to the organisation of Apple this paper will use the principles of Hendry and look at individual aspects of the Apple culture in particular relation to Communication & Trust, leadership, recruitment and performance reviews. Communication & Trust Despite high competition Apple has been successful in developing a culture that is flexible and robust to meet the demands of a turbulent demanding market. The leaders within Apple have developed over the years a culture that is person centred with employees empowered to express themselves and make decisions. Many believe that this has been a key contributor to the success of Apple. It is believed that the flatter the hierarchical structure the better it is to communicate. Therefore it would be assumed that communication within Apple is a shining example of best practice particularly as Steven Jobs has worked hard to remove...

Words: 4108 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Btec Business

...Apple Inc. Task 2: Assignment 2: Part A Definition of motivation and what is it? Motivation is a theoretical construct used to explain behaviour. It represents the reasons for people's actions, desires, and needs. Motivation can also be defined as one's direction to behaviour, or what causes a person to want to repeat a behaviour and vice versa. A motive is what prompts the person to act in a certain way, or at least develop an inclination for specific behaviour. According to Maehr and Meyer, "Motivation is a word that is part of the popular culture as few other psychological concepts are. What usually motivates employees? 1. Individual attention matters: While teamwork is an important element of company success, and grouping your employees together has advantages in building that "team" mentality, nothing beats individual attention when it comes to individual motivation. In large corporations, this is especially true, since employees can feel isolated or unrecognized in a vast sea of workers. Taking a moment to speak to an individual alone and personally can make him or her feel truly appreciated 2. Advancement opportunities: People tend to feel stifled when their job becomes repetitive or stagnant. Going too long in the same position, with no changes or hope for change, will eventually demotivate even the most ambitious employees. 3. Leaders setting the examples: As a leader within your organization, people are going to look to you to set an example for the...

Words: 2613 - Pages: 11