...Individual Assignment Critical Analysis of Apple Computers University of Maryland University College December 1, 2015 This paper was prepared for AMBA 640, Section 9040, taught by Professor Stewart. Executive Summary Apple, Inc. is one of the world’s most valuable and respected brands. People stand in line for hours and sometimes days, just to get their hands on the newest Apple device. How did Apple take over the technology business? What can we learn from their continued success? According to Forbes, Apple is worth over $741.8 billion (Forbes.com). Apple dominates the computer hardware and Smartphone industries by designing, manufacturing and marketing high quality products. Apple keeps up with the fast paced changes in technology, constantly offering updates and releasing new devices. The purpose of this analysis is to determine best practice and lessons learned to apply to enterprise information systems management. Through a thorough investigation of the organization, I was able to determine that Apple, Inc attributes a great deal of its success to its heavy reliance upon their customer relationship management (CRM) system. Apple puts its customers at its forefront and designs its practices and products around their wants and needs. Apple also depends on its enterprise resource planning tool, SAP. SAP is interfaced throughout multiple parts of the organization including order confirmations, shipment confirmations and inventory management, allowing Apple to function like a well...
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...Apple Analysis Executive Summary In week 8 of AMBA 640, we will be analyzing the Apple case located in chapter one of Management Information Systems: Business Driven MIS Inc from an information systems management perspective. Our analysis will look at some of the common tools used to analyze competitive intelligence such as Porter’s Five Forces Model, the three generic strategies for choosing a business focus and the value chain analysis. We will also discuss why and how data, information, business intelligence and knowledge are important to Apple. This analysis will also include how Apple identified areas where it achieved a competitive advantage using management information systems and why competitive advantages are temporary. Introduction Apple was launched April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak and is considered to be one of the most innovative technologies companies in the world. The company is responsible for products and services such as the Macintosh desktop and laptop computers, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iTouch, iPad, Apple TV, and iCloud. Apple also develops its own software to run on its computers, its philosophy “has always been to create products that consumers find easy to use and marry innovative technology to work productivity and personal entertainment” (Mallin & Finkle, p.49, 2011). This accomplished company faces constant challenges from a competitive market to a technology lifecycle that is continuously being shortened and thus must...
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...Apple Analysis Executive Summary In week 8 of AMBA 640, we will be analyzing the Apple case located in chapter one of Management Information Systems: Business Driven MIS Inc from an information systems management perspective. Our analysis will look at some of the common tools used to analyze competitive intelligence such as Porter’s Five Forces Model, the three generic strategies for choosing a business focus and the value chain analysis. We will also discuss why and how data, information, business intelligence and knowledge are important to Apple. This analysis will also include how Apple identified areas where it achieved a competitive advantage using management information systems and why competitive advantages are temporary. Introduction Apple was launched April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak and is considered to be one of the most innovative technologies companies in the world. The company is responsible for products and services such as the Macintosh desktop and laptop computers, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iTouch, iPad, Apple TV, and iCloud. Apple also develops its own software to run on its computers, its philosophy “has always been to create products that consumers find easy to use and marry innovative technology to work productivity and personal entertainment” (Mallin & Finkle, p.49, 2011). This accomplished company faces constant challenges from a competitive market to a technology lifecycle that is continuously being shortened and thus must...
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...Executive Summary In week 8 of AMBA 640, we will be analyzing the Apple case located in chapter one of Management Information Systems: Business Driven MIS Inc from an information systems management perspective. Our analysis will look at some of the common tools used to analyze competitive intelligence such as Porter’s Five Forces Model, the three generic strategies for choosing a business focus and the value chain analysis. We will also discuss why and how data, information, business intelligence and knowledge are important to Apple. This analysis will also include how Apple identified areas where it achieved a competitive advantage using management information systems and why competitive advantages are temporary. Introduction Apple was launched April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak and is considered to be one of the most innovative technologies companies in the world. The company is responsible for products and services such as the Macintosh desktop and laptop computers, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iTouch, iPad, Apple TV, and iCloud. Apple also develops its own software to run on its computers, its philosophy “has always been to create products that consumers find easy to use and marry innovative technology to work productivity and personal entertainment” (Mallin & Finkle, p.49, 2011). This accomplished company faces constant challenges from a competitive market to a technology lifecycle that is continuously being shortened and thus must make...
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...What is Information Technology and Information System? Information technology is a study or use of a system of a computer including hardware, software, database, network, and other required component. Information system is an organized combination of people, software, hardware, communication networks and data resources that collect, transform and distribute information to support decision making in an organization. The are several types of information system that help people in organization that are Transaction Processing System (TPS) , Knowledge Management System(KMS), Learning Management System(LMS), Database Management System(DBMS), Office Information System(OIS), and Management Information System(MIS). There are five companies that get benefits of Information Technology and Information System in becoming international companies that are the telecommunication electronics Apple,inc, Xiaomi Inc, OPPO Electronics Corp, HTC Corporation, Samsung. These five electronics company has gone worldwide. The companies produce variety of product. The top five of the products is IPhone6 for Apple, Note 4 for Samsung, Redmi note for Xiaomi, Find7 for Oppo and HTC Desire eye for HTC. Besides the top model phone the companies also produce electronics appliances. Swot analysis Swot analysis is a study that undertaken to know the potential of an organization from the internal that is strengths and weakness and from the outer such as opportunities and threats. 1)Apple Inc. Strengths i. ii. iii...
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...------------------------------------------------- ‘‘A comparative analysis on the marketing strategies of Samsung for Android and of Apple for iOS in UK market and their customer response’’ Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 1.2 Research aims 2 1.3 Research objectives 3 2. Literature review 3 2.1 Introduction 3 2.2 Mobile phone operating system 3 2.3 Global introduction of smartphone 3 2.4 Various operating systems 4 2.5 Overview of the android’s framework 4 2.6 Overview of iOS and it marketing strategy 4 2.7 Comparative analysis of the two 5 3. Research methodology 6 3.1 Methodology 6 3.1 Type of investigation 6 3.2 Data collection method 6 3.3 Sampling method 7 3.4 Accessibility issues 7 3.5 Ethical issues 7 3.6 Timetable 8 4 Anticipated findings 9 5. Conclusions 9 References 10 1 Introduction Various companies use different types of marketing techniques over the few decades. To get competitive advantage over the competitors, developed variations of marketing techniques are quieting helpful to the companies. This is referred as market innovation (Verlog, 2007). Companies have to face with different factors in this modern world of business. New legislations developed marketing tools and corporate social responsibilities are among the newer one. Business has to deal with two basic demands which are to earn profit and to maintain a sustain profit ( Verlog, 2007). Though there are many developed application software were used in past by several cell...
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...Case Analysis- IPhone Becomes ITrack Weiwen Yang MBA 520: Managing with Technology Instructor: John Stager City University of Seattle Apr 28th , 2015 Introduction Where there is a will there is a way that with the development of science and technology in the 21st century, there are many unbelievable achievements and inventions. Smart-phone is one of the most useful and significant inventions which gains its popularity for people to use. People not only use smart-phone to make phone calls and text messages, but also use their smart-phones to surf the Internet, send or receive E-mails, listen to music, play games, take pictures, etc. The functions of today’s smart-phone are unbelievable and amazing that almost everyone use smart-phones because of the convenience. People can also use smart-phone as basic camera, video and music player which invisibly saved people’s money. In addition, the true value of smart-phones is more than these. There are two most popular operating system using in smart-phones which are Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Based on these two major operating system, customers could download and run thousands of applications on their smart-phones. Apple, for example, added software to its products as extra value to make profit from customers. “Users spent $10 billion last year in the App Store, with $1 billion coming in December alone.” (Brustein, J, 2014). Customers are willing to pay the applications on App Store; however, they have...
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...of Apple products between Chinese students (12000 words). Executive summary This research focuses on determining the factors which influence the buying behaviour of the customers Chinese students for Apple products. The research was conducted among around 1000 contacts out of which 130 students responded. The research used survey method to collect information from the large audience. The analysis of the information was conducted using SPSS while the survey questions were developed with the help of the literature review which was conducted by review different academic journals. The review of the literature pointed out that there are a number of factors which affect the buying behaviours of customers and that Apple had knowledge about all these factors due to which it was so popular among the Chinese customers. It has been pointed out from the analysis of the information that there are different factors which influence the purchase intention of the Chinese customer such as the quality, brand, design, technology and the functionality. All these are the main focus for Apple products due to which they are so popular among the Chinese customers. It has however been pointed out that price is a significant deterrent and has an adverse impact on the customer buying behaviour. Apple products are significantly expensive in comparison to the competitor products due to which consumers are unable to afford it. The research also suggested those Chinese customers who were using Apple products...
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...“Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” Assignment 2; “Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” Anthony Green Professor Milan Havel BUS499 July 24, 2011 “Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” * Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer. * Describe the dimensions along which company success can be measured. * Describe the critical external and internal environmental factors that have strategic implications for Apple's future. * Describe how Apple's strategy stands up against industry rivalry. * Describe the recommendations you would make to enhance the effectiveness of the company's strategy or to change its strategic approach for better results. “Case 14: Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business while introducing iPhone and Apple TV” Describe the key strategic challenges facing Apple Computer Apple's is currently a very innovative company. It has gone through many ups and downs over the past 30 + years. From a successful company that brought in millions thanks to 2 guys a garage and a dream, to Steven Jobs, one of the founders, walking away from the company and in the process causing competitors to acquire ideas due to legal mistakes. Apple computer has faced many challenges throughout its 24 year history. Steven Jobs left...
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...Abstract Apple is a successful company that is one of the industry leaders in communication and entertainment technology. Despite their success, evaluation and planning must be done to maintain their status. SWOT analysis is the method that is used in this paper to determine the current status of the company and future modifications that can be made to ensure its continued success. Scanning the Environment Introduction We live in a technologically advanced society. Today, we buy a computer and tomorrow it is out of date. Apple is a manufacturing company that creates innovative consumer electronics and software products. Apple has developed a name brand in phones, MP3 players, tablets and computers that is highly reputable globally. The late Steve Jobs was the founder of this company that he developed in 1976. In this paper I will do an extensive SWOT Analysis to determine the state of the company and what improvements or changes can be made. Introduction of a SWOT Analysis SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This analysis is used to assist an organization in identifying internal and external issues that have positive and negative effects on the operation and overall success of the business. Managers that strategically plan the direction of their companies use analysis such as SWOT to make decisions. In order for this method to be successful, the analysis must be descriptive, not just a list of...
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...Business Analysis of Apple Inc. Victoria Randle MGT 521 May 11, 2011 JAMES BURRESCIA Business Analysis of Apple Inc. Apple was created in 1977 in California. They design, manufacture, and market personal computers, mobile communication and media devices, and portable digital music players, and sell a range of related software, services, peripherals, networking applications, and third-party digital content and applications. Beginning with apple computers it was predominantly a manufacturer of personal computers, including the Apple II, Macintosh and Power Mac lines. The amount of technology that this company has produced over the years allows them to maintain an up to date status. (Apollolibrary.com) Apple In addition sells a range of third-party Macintosh, iPhone, iPad and iPod compatible products including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and other accessories and supplies through its online and retail stores. Today, Apple is the largest technology firm in the world, with annual revenues of more than $60 billion. SWOT When deciding whether or not to invest into mutual funds of Apple Inc. You have to figure out the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities this company has to offer and the threats you could face if you decide to invest. Strengths This company has been extremely successful over the years. Shortening the name of the Macintosh computers to Mac’s and the IPod music player has increased its quarter profits; this Business...
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...Organizational Planning Business Analysis Part I Apple Inc. The Company Apple Inc. was established in California on April 1, 1976. It was later incorporated in the year 1977. Born in America, this multinational company designs and sells consumer electronics. Apple is the world’s third biggest mobile phone producer. The company has most admired hardware products are the Macintosh computers, the iPhone, the iPod and the iPad. Other consumer products designed by Apple include computer software like OSX and iOS operating systems and personal computers. Apple Inc. was listed as the most admired organization in the world (2008-2012) and in the United States (2008). Even though Apple’s popularity is growing in leaps, the company has been in the news for its familiar criticism for its contractors' industry practices, and for its environmental and trade practices. Apple has more than 368 retail stores in 13 countries. It is the leading public trading corporation in the world with an estimated value of US $626 billion as of September 2012. It is the largest technology corporation in the world by income and profit. The company has more than 60,450 permanent full-time recruits and over 2,990 temporary full-time employees globally and its global yearly profits exceed $110 billion. SWOT Analysis As a mutual fund Manager, my role is to decide if investing in the company is a good option. The SWOT analysis is performed to help me get a better understanding of the company and assist in decision-making...
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...employees. This paper illustrates Apple Inc.’s SWOTT analysis and how the company develops its vision, mission, and guiding principles based on this analysis. This paper also reviews how Apple’s strategic plans and objectives define quality as a core principle. Finally, an assessment of some tools Apple uses to measure customer satisfaction and how these measurements can enhance quality. Apple Inc. Apple designs, develops and markets personal computers, media devices, and portable digital music players. Founded in 1979 by Steve Wozniak and Steven Jobs, Apple has become a world leader in the personal electronic entertainment industry. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online stores. The company reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and application stores, and has recently introduced its magical iPad that is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices. The organization built this empire by sustaining the Four Basic Values establish from its conception. Honesty; Ensures Apple demonstrate honesty and high ethical standards in all business dealings. Respect; Treat customers, suppliers, employees, and others with respect and courtesy. Confidentiality; Protect the confidentiality of Apple’s information and the information of our customers, suppliers, and employees. Compliance; Ensure that business decisions comply with all applicable laws and regulations. These simple values have transformed Apple from a two...
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...Apple: Top of Their Class Executive Summary: This paper will examine the ever-popular company, Apple Inc. It will take a look at a case that examines their products and productivity. Apple uses many business activities that help them be at the top of their field. They concentrate so much on customer satisfaction and created their own competitive advantage. The numbers alone will blow anyone out of the water. And the way they do it, which is why they are at the top. Introduction: Apple Computer Inc. is one of the biggest and most lucrative companies in the world. They bring out every part of the word innovation. Apple is always looking at satisfying their customers and continues to dominate in the technology world. It is crazy to think that Apple was on the verge of bankruptcy not too long ago. Now, according to consumer reports, they are on top in regards to reliability and consumer satisfaction. Alan Marsden has said that Apple has cemented its place among the world’s leading companies. (2011, p.45) “Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife , iWorks and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad, which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.” (2011, 45) Competitive Advantage: At the end of Chapter 1 in Business...
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...VALUE CHAIN – CRITIQUE/FIRM LEVEL ANALYSIS INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT – UNIVERSITY OF BALLARAT CHINTHAKA ARIYAPALA – ID 30100162 Brief Content Topic Page 1. INTRODUCTION...………………………………………………………………………….. 3 2. VALUE CHAIN FRAMEWORK-CRITIQUE…………………………………………………….. 3 3. MAIN ASPECT OF VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS…………………………………………………. 3 4. PRIMARY ACTIVITIES…………………………………………………………………………………. 4 5. SUPPORT ACTIVITIES………………………………………………………………….…………. 5 6. LIMITATION OF VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS………………………………………………………. 7 7. COMPETENCIES……………………………………………………………………………… 8 8. INTERNAL ANALYSIS THROUGH SWOT ANALYSIS……………………………………… 8 9. VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS……………………………………………………………………….. 9 10. CONCLUTION…………………………………………………………………………………….……. 11 11. REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………….…………. 13 Introduction The value chain approach was introduced by Michael Porter in the 1980s in his book “Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance” (Porter, 1985). The concept of value added, in the form of the value chain, can be utilized to develop an organization’s sustainable competitive advantage in the business arena of the 21st C. All organizations consist of activities that link together to develop the value of the business, and together these activities form the organization’s value chain. Such activities may include purchasing activities, manufacturing the products, distribution and marketing of the company’s products and activities (Lynch...
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