... 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 mobile...
Words: 3121 - Pages: 13
...Apple Inc. Apple Inc. formerly Apple Computer, Inc., is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Cupertino, California that creates and retails consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. Apple’s mission and vision summarizes its committed efforts in bringing the best user experience to its customers through its advanced hardware, software, peripherals, and services along with a unique ability to design and develop its own operating system, hardware, application, software, and services, in order to provide its customers new products and solutions with superior case-of-use, seamless integration, an innovative design (“Apple Inc. Form 10-K Annual Report”, 1, 2012). Company’s mission and vision statements against the performance of the organization Apple’s mission and vision statements and objectives are neither interchangeable nor autonomous. Without objectives, the mission and vision statements are impractical. Without the mission and vision statement the objectives have no relevance. Both statements are too broad to be measurable, and the objectives are too definite to provide the big picture. When properly coordinated they strike a balance that helps to shape the business operations and service strategy. Apple Inc.'s mission statement is as follows - Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through innovative hardware, software and...
Words: 2990 - Pages: 12
...CORPORATE ANNUAL REPORT: A BUSINESS APPLICATION 2cd edition Complete the following before you submit your assignment. This step is required to validate your compliance with sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act. 1. Remove the front cover of the workbook and identify: * Name: Oskar Diaz de Leon _. * Term: Spring1 2010 . * Company: Apple Computer Inc (AAPL) _ . * Instructor: Natasha Bell-Scott _ . 2. Print out your completed electronic template. 3. Attach the following: * This front cover (completed) * Electronic solution template * Company annual report Chapter 1 - Introduction * Chapter 1: Select a Company and Gather Documents—Question 1Fill in the page numbers on the annual report where the following are located. | Required information for this workbook project. | Page No. | Required information for this workbook project. | Page No. | Financial Highlights (Not absolutely necessary, but very common in annual reports.) | 36 | Statement of Cash Flows | 59 | Chairman’s Message (President’s, CEO’s or other top official’s message or letter to the shareholders) | 36 | Notes to Financial Statements | 60 | Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) | 36 | Report of Independent Accountants...
Words: 1572 - Pages: 7
...Business Analysis Business Analysis In this paper, an overall business analysis of Apple Inc. will discuss the company’s financial statements, the company’s financial health and how it compare to other companies in the industry and globalization and how it has affected the company’s business strategies. Lastly, a benchmarking analysis will be conducted in the following comparison with other companies in the same industry. Apple Inc. has the talents of Steven Jobs along with other top idealists. Having such talent clearly gives Apple the advantage over other competitors in this industry. The collaborative efforts of the leaders give Apple Inc. a clear strategic advantage. Apple main goal is to stay on top of its competition. In order to accomplish this goal, the employees have to spend long hours determining what the consumer’s want and how to design their products based on that outcome. A good example would be the development of the iPhone. The iPhone was derived from a display of information of the iPod. This included a bigger touch screen that helped in the development of the smart phone. This vision didn’t stop there; Jobs began to think in the future toward concepts of applications for the smart phone. Once it was realized that the iPhone was a personal computer, three years later Apple Inc. introduce the iPhone and its application system. According to (Bajarin, 2011) Apple raises the bar with every new generation of the iPhone. Apple’s new version of the iPad has stood...
Words: 1687 - Pages: 7
...Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Apple Inc. in 2010 An Analysis of Business Strategy American Military University BUS620 16 February 2014 Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Abstract 2 Apple Incorporated is an industry leader and this piece will serve to address questions pertaining to Apple’s competition in the Personal Computer (PC), MP3, and smart phone market and how its strategy has evolved along with the evolution of the products. Threats and challenges that Apple faces as is moves forward are also identified. Finally a brief assessment of Apple Incorporated after the exit of Steve Jobs as its Chief Executive Officer and his effectiveness as a strategic manager. Keywords: Personal Computer Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Apple Inc. in 2010 An Analysis of Business Strategy 3 Apple is extremely competitive in the personal computer (PC) market and has carved out a very specific niche for its brand through an evolution of product development and marketing strategies. The market for personal computing evolved as quickly as technology could be developed and Apple’s approach was to offer the consumer a “plug and play” option, meaning everything needed for desktop publishing and education (from hardware and software to peripherals) were integrated in the Macintosh system and could readily and easily be utilized (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Apple offers a level of exclusivity for its consumers. The cost of an Apple machine is expensive, but the quality is...
Words: 1218 - Pages: 5
...Information Systems Case: Apple Inc. 1 Executive Summary It is said that luck follows determination and courage in business. Apple Inc. is one of global giants that has proved this correct – it has completely taken a U-turn in the IT business. Renowned around the world for innovation and quality finishing of its products, Apple Inc.’s humble start as a computer manufacturer has not deterred it from ruling the world of technology and entertainment in a market where giant names like IBM and Microsoft also thrive. The financial position of Apple has become very strong over the past three years. Growing 15% from 2007 to 2008 and 20% from 2008 to 2009, Apple Inc. has maintained a steady and rapid pace that few other companies as innovative as Apple can match (Annual Report, 2009, p.19). The launch of the iTunes music store, that later expanded into a comprehensive online store for videos, books and audios, was a different business model altogether that reaped success within the first week of its launch. However, the subsequent events that occurred in the market and the various risks that are associated with Apple Inc.’s strategy for iTunes are some of the reasons that warrant a revision of the operational strategy, partially, if not altogether. The issue of digital rights management (DRM) and software piracy propped up and Apple has ever since paid out to artists and record companies more than it has pocketed itself. There are several lessons that Apple can learn from the...
Words: 3460 - Pages: 14
...BUS 508:Contemporary Business Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies Dr. Hammad Elbedour Monique A. Newell 1/20/2014 [Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] Apple Corporation is a computer company that sells consumer electronics and computer hardware/software. It was started by three men; Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in Cupertino,CA. They wanted to make and sell personal computers. Later, Ronald Wayne sold his Share to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Back then, it was a very risky investment and too much of a risk for Ronald Wayne. Now, Apple is one of the biggest computer companies in the world. Today they are said to be worth around $705 Billion (Finger, 2013). It has very loyal customers that trust and buy only Apple products. This is because it is a company/product well known for its quality electronics. Despite its rather high prices, people will wait in line and pre-order Apples’ “Next big thing”. This company is well respected and well known. It must adhere to ethical business practices by being a socially responsible business. This paper will examine Apples’ current position as a socially responsible business. We will start by determining if Apple meets the standards it has made for itself as well as legal standards. Then we will...
Words: 1271 - Pages: 6
...3 Summary of the key debates 4 Methodology 5 CSR at Apple Inc. 5.1 Apple's profile 5.2 Reasons to engage in CSR 5.3 CSR policies at Apple Inc. 5.4 Type of CSR approach taken by Apple Inc. 5.5 Key dilemmas within CSR challenges 5.5.1. Labour and human rights 5.5.2. Workers’ health and safety 5.6 CSR tactics at Apple Inc. 6 Conclusion 7 References Word Count: 2837 1 Executive Summary Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been highly regarded by most corporations. However, the exact reason why corporations implement CSR initiatives is often very vague and confusing to others. This paper will explore in depth how international corporations are motivated to incorporate CSR into the business strategies and how they deal with it. Based on academic references, the report firstly outlined the CSR background as well as some theory and key debates about CSR. Then, the methodology was summarized. After that, the case study of Apple Inc. was used to demonstrate the reasons for implementing CSR initiatives in depth. Following that, the types of dilemmas the company faced, the CSR approach and tactics it used were analyzed. Finally, a conclusion was drawn at the end of the paper. 2 CSR Background 2.1 Definition of CSR In accordance with European Commission (2001), the modern corporate social responsibility (CSR) is “a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders...
Words: 3848 - Pages: 16
...Paper ( Apple Inc. Cupertino, CA) INTRODUCTION Founded on April 1st, 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne started an electronic product company, which later became known as one of the most successful and innovative businesses, Apple Inc. Today, it has integrated itself into the lives of many, worldwide. Apple Inc. is best known for their famous “i-products”, customer service, and easily accessible tech support and locations. Although Apple has succeeded thus far, Apple Inc.’s profits are plummeting as competitors are rising, leading to failure in the future with the continuation of this trend. LOSS IN FINANCIAL GROWTH Apple Inc. has become the top technology company in the world with around $145 billion in cash (Worstall) and growing revenues each year. However, Apple Inc. has not shown growth in their net profit margin at the end of 2013. Apple’s net profit margin has decreased by 5% in just 2013 alone, (Hoovers, Financial Report) even with releases of new iPhones and computers. Even though this is a fairly recent event, it forecasts what could be happening to Apple. With major companies such as Samsung and Microsoft showing a 3.21% and a 5.05% increase in profit margin, respectively. (Hoovers, Financial Report) Apple is slowly losing its dominance in the market. With this current trend, we believe Apple will no longer be as successful as they currently are 15-20 years down the line. COMPETITORS CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Apple Inc. had a vision...
Words: 1031 - Pages: 5
...Assignment 2: Challenges in the Global Business Environment Courtney N Carpenter Business and Society Professor Pamela Payne-Powell Strayer University August 30, 2015 Challenges in the Global Business Environment This paper summarizes Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct and responsibility information. This paper describes Apple position on empowering workers, labor and human rights, health and safety, the environment and accountability related to Supplier Code of Conduct. Apple believes in making complex things simple and designs new products that enrich people’s lives. The company is one of the biggest supply chains in the world. Apple products such as iPhones, iPads, and Mac Books contribute to more than a million people lives in the world and employ the company and their hundreds of manufacturing partners. Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct is one of the toughest in the electronics industry and the company’s made it even stronger through 633 audits at multiple levels of supply chains and trained more than 1.5 million suppliers on their rights (Apple Inc, 2015). Apple believes that each supplier or worker has the right to safe and ethical working conditions, so the company is audit deep into their supply chain and maintain their suppliers’ accountability to the strictest industry standards. Apple is committed to providing educational opportunities for workers by providing them educational resources in their supply chain. The company provides training to workers on their...
Words: 1088 - Pages: 5
...Many people assume if they sell their products at prices much cheaper than competitors, customers will choose to buy their products. Is this statement true? Do such strategy adopted by Apple Inc? Not at all. Apple Inc believes in different strategies. Cheap can sometimes represent a less quality product. Most of the products Apple Inc were priced at generally twice as expensive than competitor's product price. What about Apple Inc products more expensive can attract customers to buy it. The answer to this question is because Apple Inc created the product and customers not only love it but feel terrible to have it. They will feel very jealous if of them first use Apple Inc...
Words: 1717 - Pages: 7
...Running head: ETHICS BEHIND APPLE AND FOXCONN RELATIONSHIP 1 Ethics Behind Apple and Foxconn Relationship Maryana Didovych The College of Westchester ETHICS BEHIND APPLE AND FOXCONN RELATIONSHIP 2 Abstract This paper examines Apple, Inc.’s relationship with one of its biggest suppliers, Foxconn Technology Group. Recent growth in suicide incidents at Foxconn factories again caught media’s attention. Whether Apple’s decision to stay in business with Foxconn despite these incidents is ethical or not is examined using Traditional 5-Question approach. Contradictory evidence is also examined. Based on the result of 5-Question approach and reviewed evidence it can be concluded that Apple’s decision may indeed be unethical. Recently published evidence suggests Apple and Foxconn are addressing several issues, but close monitoring of the improvement process is required to ensure success. ETHICS BEHIND APPLE AND FOXCONN RELATIONSHIP 3 Ethics Behind Apple and Foxconn Relationship One of the biggest suppliers and manufacturers of Apple Inc’s (Apple) products recently has been involved in scandals concerning working conditions of its factory workers. This company is called Foxconn Technology Group (Foxconn). It operates in more than 40 research and development centers as well as manufacturing facilities in Asia, Russia, Europe and the Americas. According to Pratap, Radhakrishnan and Dutta (2012), Foxconn is “the world’s biggest contract electronics manufacturer, taking...
Words: 3108 - Pages: 13
...achieve goal and objectives of the Apple 4 1. Evaluation according to the methods of growth. 4 2. Evaluating the strategies according to market- product strategies. 6 3. Evaluation the strategies according to the diversification 8 4. Evaluation the strategies according to the potential risks. 9 5. Evaluation according to the benefits and costs of the strategies. 11 II. Selection the strategy 12 1. The advantage and disadvantages of the strategies. 12 2. Suitability, feasibility and acceptability to stakeholders of the strategies 14 3. Ranking and scoring the strategy. 16 III. Compare the roles and responsibilities for strategy 20 IV. Identify and evaluate resource requirements to implement a new strategy for Apple Inc. 24 V. Propose targets and timescales for achievement in Apple Inc. to monitor a given strategy 28 Conclusion 36 Reference 36 Executive Summary Business Strategy is a subject to develop the learner’s ability to evaluate and select strategies appropriate to business organizations. This will involve an analysis of the impacts of the external operating environment and the need to plan organization strategies to ensure effective business performance. (Business Strategy course book, BPP professional education, 2004). The report is to address the following areas: This is a continuation of your previously prepared report for Assignment 1-Strategic plan. It reviews the previously prepared report on Apple Inc., the directors are now interested...
Words: 5496 - Pages: 22
...responsibility (CSR)entails doing business with honesty and equality - and it may perhaps even enhance the bottom line.It is unmanageable for administrators to evade corporate social responsibility. However while no administrator can send away from CSR, the wider and more unrelentinginquiry is: "What does it mean?" Explanations of CSR varies from general ones that center on hugeenvironmentally friendly and social dilemmas, such as health and pollution, poverty, Aids mainly in emergingmarkets, to more particular ones that center on doing business with honesty and clarity. The general denominator is that corporate actionmust be inspired in part by a alarm for the well-being of several non-owners, and by an essentialdedication to simplevalues such as honesty, equality and reverence for persons (Donaldson, T., 2005). “Corporate social responsibility, once a do-gooding sideshow, is now seen as mainstream. But as yet too few companies are doing it well”.(Franklin, D., 2008). This paper will analyze Apple’s corporate social responsibility policy (CSR) and the recommendations to improve their CSR. Apple Inc. Apple Inc. was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Originally just specializing in personal computers; Apple has no become one of the most dominate figures in popular culture. Through their sales of the iPod, iPhone, and iTunes music store Apple has been able to take control of the technology market (Apple, 2004). Like the rest of the technology business, it is demanding and competitive...
Words: 1217 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 5388 - Pages: 22
