...EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The word innovation and Apple are synonymous, from its inception in 1976 to date; it has innovated repeatedly and unceasingly with the one simple rule “SIMPLICITY”. Innovation being the key word here, the Apple strategy for the same is extremely consumer centric, they constantly create new products by assessing the needs of the consumer/consumers and in the process deliver new and cool products that possess high quality, craftsmanship and design. This case study discusses the company’s approach to creating and delivering products, which were unique and would be considered as breakthrough products. This case study also analyses the impact of Steve Jobs on the company and his employees. This study highlights excerpts from many Apple employees and it apparent from the statements that they make that “Innovation and Customer Experience” as the basic principles they followed and these were the basis for design and development of products. This way of thinking and operating can be emulated by other companies only if they choose to believe and follow the core ideals/principles they set into motion and at the same constantly adapt and change to the needs of the market. The leadership has to be convinced that the path the company is on, is inline with the values and that these values would lead to productivity, while at the same time inspiring the employees to achieve the single common goal. Another key highlight of this study is the vision of Steve Jobs...
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...Apple Innovation, Technology Gregory Bourque Averett University Management Strategy BSA 444 Mike Jernigan PhD September 20, 2011 Apple Innovation, Technology Since its birth in 1976, Apple has remained a forerunner in innovation and technology with a temptation that enthusiasts can hardly resist. From iMacs to iPads, this 35-year-old company has repeatedly created consumer frenzies with elegant innovative products. As they ramp up the next buzz over the new iPad 3, scheduled to hit the market in early 2012, we look at the last decade to unveil the brilliance that catapulted Apple back to the forefront. By the late 1990’s Apple’s initial pathway to growth was running out of steam. The company’s proprietary approach to designing both hardware and software limited it to being a niche player and hampered its ability to compete. In 2001, Apple began introducing a series of successful new products and services. The iPod, iTunes, and iPhone, propelled the company to the top of the industry. However, the shift was not only a matter of product innovation but thinking differently and saying no to 1000 things. Apple’s real success came from its ability to define a workable business model for downloading digital music. The combination of product innovation and business model innovation put Apple at the center of the market. (The Innovators, V. O., 2004) Before the iPod, there was the Sony Walkman. Do you remember those days? In 2001, there were other MP3 players emerging with...
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...Summary Apple as one of the most famous and successful corporations and brands in the world can attribute its past success to Steve Jobs and their employees. The whole organisation understands the companies (mainly Steve Jobs) vision and philosophy. In Apple, employees think that they can change the world and bring completely new values to the customers by design and innovation. They not only want to deliver these new values in a simple way, but also want to provide the customers with functionalities and features they need and that are competitive. Apple is capable of applying simplicity to the design and innovation of their products and at the same time considering customers' needs. While living this vision and philosophy, Apple does things different as compared to its competitors. Apple is going its own way and sets own industry standards and norms. Apple does not want to be an imitator but rather an innovator, with products and services that mean something special to their customers. The above described vision and philosophy is applied across the whole Apple organisation and all employees understand what Apple wants to stand for. Apple employees are dedicated and take on and fulfill their responsibilities accordingly. The question on hand is; Can Apple keep up its good performance and reputation after Steve Jobs' dead in 2011? 2. Introduction In the following sections, I will highlight some issues and threads that Apple will be facing with its innovation capabilities...
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...website:http://www.grin.com/en/e-book/167838/apple-s-approach-towards-innovation-and-creativity title: apples approach toward innovation and creativity author: Christoph Müller Rexter Sengah year: 2010 pages :14 ISBN (eBook) 978-3-640-84770-9 ISBN (Book) 978-3-640-84391-6 Excerpt Jobs who was ousted in 1985 was able to turn around the ailing company when he came back in 1997. Today, Apple is not only considered the most innovative company in the world, but also the most admired (BusinessWeek, 2009), (Fortune, 2009). But what is Steve Job’s secret formula of success? What has made Apple so successful? According to Research & Markets, as cited by Gene Quinn (2010),“Apple has managed to sustain its innovation efforts with calculated, consistent increases in R&D spending and rapid-fire launches of new products and upgrades. What lies behind Apple’s success is not luck - the company has very deliberately focused its efforts on generating better ideas faster.” It is quite clear that innovation and creativity are the major drivers of Apple’s prosperity. But being innovative and creative is easier said than done. There are many aspects which need to be taken into account. What is key here is that the times where employees were seen as cogs in a machine have gone. Many studies have shown that there is a significant correlation between the management of people and organisational success. Per se, all people are endowed with the ability...
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...Invention vs. Innovation Invention and innovation are often treated as synonyms in conversation, which is simply not the case. Though they are similar in meaning, there are nuances that are lost if the wrong word is used. Dictionary.com defines invention as “a new, useful process, machine, improvement, etc., that did not exist previously and that is recognized as the product of some unique intuition or genius, as distinguished from ordinary mechanical skill or craftsmanship.” Innovation, on the other hand, is an improvement upon or makes an important contribution to a device or process already in existence. That is the important difference between the two—invention creates a whole new object or process while innovation makes that object or process better. Some companies call themselves leaders in innovation because they own many patents. A patent is “the exclusive right granted by a government to an inventor to manufacture, use, or sell an invention for a certain number of years,” according to Dictionary.com. Although they do research to determine whether it is legal for the applicant to hold the patent, the US Patent Office does not test any invention to determine if it is actually useful. Thousands of patents are on file for useless devices or processes that have helped precisely no-one and made no impact on any industry. If a patent is useless, it may be an invention, but it most certainly is not an innovation. One example of outstanding innovation often given is the MacBook...
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...Case Study: iPod to IPad: innovation and entrepreneurship at Apple Q1)What are the market segments indentified by Apple and their relevance over the years? Apple identified four key segments within the market: -Business, -Creative Professionals, -Education , -High end cosumers In 2000, 75% of the sales were to the traditional business and professional markets. The first ipod was launched in 2001 later followed by a 10 GB version. In 2003, the ITunes Music Store opened. Access to music and downloads became easier. By 2009, the situation had reversed with 60% of sales in the consumer markets of education, students and the broader consumer market. The search for consumer product in 2001 was the cause of this dramatic turn around. Prior to the launch of Ipod, Apple wanted to enter the market for consumer digital devices. They found the market for Digital MP3 players was relatively under developed with no big players involved and significant design flaws in the products on offer. Apple chose music on the move since the market potential was huge and no one had got the right recipe. Price was no barrier to Apple. By tradition the company tended to follow a premium price entry model. They understood that the Key success factors in the market were design, size, capacity, battery life, software and download facility. Apple were looking for creative professionals to satisfy the above criteria and seized the opportunity to hire Fadell who had ideas for a brand new MP3...
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...Steven Jobs – launched the Apple iPod in 2001 and the iPhone in 2007, he made a significant shift in the company’s strategy from the relatively safe market of innovative, premium-priced computers into the highly competitive markets of consumer electronics. This case explores this profitable but risky strategy. Note that this case explores in 2008 before Nokia had major problems with smartphones – see Case 9.2 and Case 15.1 for this later situation. Early beginnings To understand any company’s strategy, it is helpful to begin by looking back at its roots. Founded in 1976, Apple built its early reputation on innovative personal computers that were par-ticularly easy for customers to use and as a result were priced higher than those of competitors. The inspiration for this strategy came from a visit by the founders of the company – Steven Jobs and Steven Wozniack – to the Palo Alto research laboratories of the Xerox company in 1979. They observed that Xerox had developed an early version of a computer interface screen with the drop-down menus that are widely used today on all personal computers. Most computers in the late 1970s still used complicated technical interfaces for even simple tasks like typing – still called ‘word-processing’ at the time. Jobs and Wozniack took the concept back to Apple and developed their own computer – the Apple Macintosh (Mac) – that used this consumer-friendly interface. The Macintosh was launched in 1984. However, Apple did not sell to, or share...
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...Innovation at apple referencing http://www.innovation-management.org/incremental-innovation.html http://www.metapress.com.v-ezproxy.brunel.ac.uk:2048/content/t8830t2741u85060/?genre=article&issn=0024-2586&volume=48&issue=8&spage=5 http://ubiquity.acm.org.v-ezproxy.brunel.ac.uk:2048/article.cfm?id=358977 http://www.businessinsider.com/how-apple-samsung-and-google-take-different-approaches-to-innovation-2012-11 http://www.nature.com.v-ezproxy.brunel.ac.uk:2048/nature/journal/v479/n7371/full/479042a.html http://appleinsider.com/articles/12/10/31/apple-sinking-more-money-into-rd-as-spending-rose-1b-in-2012 http://bhc3.com/2010/02/02/apple-ipad-and-the-radical-innovation-of-meaning/ http://www.openinnovation.eu/06-12-2011/what-steve-jobs-did-not-do-for-open-innovation/ http://www.asianbc.dk/Findings/Fast-and-frequent/Radical-or-incremental-innovation.aspx http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10278-009-9242-4?LI=true# http://ubiquity.acm.org.v-ezproxy.brunel.ac.uk:2048/article.cfm?id=358977 http://www.computeractive.co.uk/ca/computeractive-blog/2219721/why-apple-needs-the-ipad-mini-to-succeed Apple Case Study: Apple Case (2011) Innovation at Apple Case Study, Case Code: BSTR396, ICMR, Available at:- http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Business%20Strategy/BSTR396.htm Books: 1 R&D Management 1. Volume 38, Issue 3, pages 278–289, June 2008 Article first published online: 13 FEB 2008 Pia Hurmelinna-Laukkanen1...
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...By 2013 Apple had succeeded in becoming a successful company known for its innovation and quality which lead to the brand becoming hugely profitable ‘Apple was the most valuable brand in the world with a total worth of $104.3 billion’ (page 2). However, despite this success in the mature developed world the markets were becoming much more competitive with competition from smart phone rivals such as Samsung. This increase in market saturation was coupled with Apples falling IPhone sales which decreased from 90% growth in 2007 to 43% growth in 2012, a decrease of 47%.This left Apple in a dilemma and meant they had to choose between two possible alternatives; ‘market share and profit margins’ (page 10). Apple were keen to target a new segment of consumer in the emerging markets that were growing rapidly, with India growing 229% annually and China being predicted to ship over 400 million smartphones. However, they had a very small presence in these markets occupying a 2.3% share of the market, a dwindling amount when compared their rival Samsung who engrossed the market with a share of 91% (case page 9). Establishing a strategic plan that allowed Apple to target entering these markets presented Apple with a serious obstacle, due to the noticeable different in smartphone trends. Unlike the markets that the company had already penetrated, a premium pricing strategy would not endeavour market share. The smartphone trends in these markets exhibited a demand for products that were low...
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...Isi Kandungan 1) Pengenalan 2) Latar Belakang Usahawan 2.1) Tolenrasi Terhadap Kegagalan 2.2) Menuju Ke Arah Kejayaan 2.3) Imaginasi 2.4) Berorientasikan Peluang 2.5) Komitmen 2.6) Keyakinan 2.7) Bertanggungjawab 2.8) Keupayaan Untuk Mempengaruhi Orang lain 2.9) Passion 2.10)Ketabahan 2.11)Pencari Maklumat 3) Pandangan Usahawan Terhadap Peluang Yang Disediakan Oleh Kerajaan Pada Hari Ini 4) Cadangan Usahawan Untuk Meningkatkan Penglibatan Belia Dalam Keusahawanan 5) Kesimpulan 6) Lampiran 7) Rujukan 1)Pengenalan Keusahawanan adalah kerjaya sangat cabaran pada abad ke-21. Dalam usaha untuk menjadi seorang usahawan yang berjaya, seseorang perlu mempunyai sikap yang betul, personaliti dan ciri-ciri. Terdapat mitos-mitos yang sentiasa merebak di kalangan orang-orang yang mengatakan bahawa usahawan yang dilahirkan, manakala tidak dibuat. Akan tetapi dalam realiti, usahawan boleh dibuat dan dibentuk selagi ciri-ciri yang betul diterapkan dalam orang itu, Oleh itu, dengan melakukan penyelidikan mengenai tugasan, kami tidak sabar-sabar untuk mencari dan mengetahui lebih teperinci mengenai apa ciri-ciri seseorang itu perlu untuk menjadi seorang usahawan yang berjaya. Pada zaman moden ini,ahli usahawan semakin meningkat. Ini adalah kerana sebahagian daripada mereka yang berminat dalam bidang keusahawanan dan sebahagian dari mereka adalah digalakkan oleh faktor alam sekitar seperti mereka yang perlukan...
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...Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world; its generic competitive strategy is a major determinant of competitive advantage and success over its rivals. Apple’s unique strategy for growth helps the firm’s ability to maintain its strong position in the global market. Apple knows a tremendous success relatively with its high selling prices because of their continuous innovation, high-end technology and their emphasis on excellence and appealing products design. Apple’s success proves their high effectiveness in using generic strategy. Apple’s generic strategy is broad differentiation; this strategy focuses on differentiating the company and its products from its rivals. By adopting this strategy, Apple stands out in the market, sets itself apart from competitors and maintains the leadership position and high-end value business. In addition, the company must ensure that it keeps expanding its market reach. Apple does not focus on any specific market segment. The firm competes in all market segments with other players in the industry. Apple products target all different segments, and reaches broad market because its products are designed for everyone. To effectively apply this strategy, Apple has to continuously innovate its products through research and development, because competitors eventually catch up with new products, so the broad differentiation generic strategy compels Apple to always innovate to keep itself always ahead of competitors. In my opinion...
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...has several products that have innovated over time like the surface tablet, Microsoft Sync for vehicles and Microsoft office. Organizations like Apple Inc. and Amazon were ahead of Microsoft with the iPad and Kindle, leaving Microsoft to release the surface tablet. The surface tablet is a tiny touch screen tablet with an attachable keyboard, this tablet is more universal because of the Microsoft Office setting that is already installed unlike the iPad which makes business meeting easier and the detachable keyboard makes for easy pictures at a soccer game. The surface tablet does the same as a home computer and still works as an on the go tablet. Another innovation is the Microsoft Sync in which Microsoft joined with Ford to create a software that allows drivers to never take their eyes off the road. The Microsoft Sync depending on the package will allow the driver to answer calls, reply to text, play apps such as Pandora and receive turn by turn directions by simply talking to the software. Microsoft’s biggest innovation is Microsoft Office, almost every organization, college student and local business owner uses Microsoft Office to accomplish goals. Microsoft has made writing papers and creating power point presentations easy and fun. There are several innovation methods, a common method that Microsoft uses is incremental innovation. Innovating under this method allows the organizations to find ways to improve products that already exist. The iPad and kindle were already developed...
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...The role of innovation in business Introduction Innovation is defined in Schumpeter's Theory of Economic Development (1912) in the field of economics. In Schumpeter’s view, innovation is the process that introduces new combinations of production factors into the production system to get potential profits (Shelton, 2009). Schumpeter argued that innovation is composed of five aspects: the introduction of new products, generation of new technologies, exploration of new markets, acquirement of new materials, implementation new organizational forms (Shelton, 2009). As the famous statement of Ralph Waldo Emerson goes, “If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mousetrap than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door”. The innovation in business has become more and more important nowadays. Continuous innovation is a significant factor for the success of a company. However, is it true that as long as the company can achieve sustainable innovation, it can become successful? This might not be totally right. This essay analyses the role of innovation in business and critically analyzes how innovative strategies can provide businesses with a competitive advantage in their market sectors through the case of Apple Inc and Coca-cola. Discussion Firstly, it comes to prove the correctness of the statement supported by a situation of real case in business. Schumpeter believed that new...
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...Singapore Management University Maters of Science Innovation | Core Module MGMT 661 By Associate Prof. Adel F. Dimian My Definition, Understanding and Response of the Lecture Topic & Discussions. Innovation Strategy Development Part 1&2 When the need of wanting to be different arises, the need to innovate takes a strong hold in one’s mind to bring about new changes that are often challenged in many different styles, manner, methods and modes. To my understanding different types of innovations requires and employs different innovative strategy or strategies. Which in turn determines the growth phase of the organization and its strategic approach and desired outcome of the innovation. Developing an Innovation Strategy Frame Work The Innovative ideas and strategy plans and developments can only take valuable shape and growth with the right leadership and driving force. Therefore with the discussions developed and generated, I have come to an understanding that successful innovation strategy is determined by the true leadership of an innovative leader with an innovative mindset who wants to achieve success for his organization, employees and himself. Instead of being comfortable and clustering around a few achieved strategies, a successful innovative leader begins by setting high targets and aspirations for the organization. Followed by recruiting qualified candidates and instilling tremendous positive energy, spirit and enthusiasm in the work environment. Although...
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...guidance for Microsoft regarding what potential strategies the company could use in order to regain its position as the leader of technological innovation in the software industry. At the moment, Microsoft is using the strategy of being adaptive, instead of being the first to market. They choose to wait and see whether an innovation is being successfully introduced by another company, because this strategy has the advantage of lower development costs, lower risk, and a better sense of what the consumers want. However, since they invest an enormous amount in Research & Development they should be able to foresee what the market wants. Hence they could apply the ‘first mover’ strategy. Because of this, most people do not see Microsoft as an innovative company.” It is a common knowledge that Microsoft's recent success is built around its dominant operating system Windows.” So Microsoft actually is an innovating company, however not in the eyes of people. This can be explained by the fact that Microsoft is innovating in already existing markets, rather than in new, unexploited risky markets. For example, Apple created a new market by introducing the iPhone, whereas Microsoft reacts to the market created by Apple. This does not mean that Microsoft is not innovative, it only says that they use a different strategy than Apple. RADICAL INNOVATION The strategy that consumers see as being innovative, is the first mover strategy. Therefore it might be a good idea for Microsoft to apply...
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