...Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis: Apple, Inc. ECO/365 February 23, 2015 Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis: Apple, Inc. Apple, Inc. is a multinational corporation that creates consumer electronics, personal computers, computer software, commercial servers, and they distribute media content. Their leading product is a smartphone called the iPhone, which began selling in the early 2000's. It has made them billions of dollars over time, because their cost to manufacture the phone is less than what they can charge to sell the phone to consumers. This leads to Apple producing larger profits for their shareholders. Besides manufacturing the iPhone, Apple is also responsible for the iPad, iPods, and Mac computers. Apple is known to have expensive products, but their products still have a high consumer demand. The first iPhone was unveiled in the market and sold to consumers on June 29, 2007. The device is unique because it is centered on its touch screen user interface, Wi-Fi, and downloading capabilities. According to Steve Jobs, Apple’s former CEO, “iPhone is a revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone…” (Apple Press Info, 2007). The special capabilities of this phone have since led to seven versions of iPhones being produced and released to market. Factors that can affect the supply and demand and hence the equilibrium price of iPhones are varied. When iPhones first came on the...
Words: 1555 - Pages: 7
...Running Head: CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis ECO/365 May 11, 2015 Competitive Analysis History Stevia is a plant that grows in South America. The Stevia plant has been cultivated for medicinal purposes, and because of its intense sweet flavor, it is often used as a sweetener. The components that comprise to make the Stevia plant sweet are Stevioside and Rebaudioside. The sweetener compound in Stevia is up to 150 times greater than sugar; it is heat-stable, ph-stable and not fermentable. (www.wikipedia.org) Stevioside and Rebaudioside sweeten without raising blood glucose levels; this is encouraging for people that have diabetes. People with diabetes are able to enjoy a soft drink without raising their blood sugar levels. The sweetening agents in Stevia may also be responsible for decreasing blood pressure, and preventing Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, or in other words enlargement of the left ventricle in the heart. Other studies of Stevioside show that its chemical compound is similar to the hormones used to prevent pregnancy. (Gunnars) Stevia has been used in Paraguay and Brazil for hundreds of years to sweeten teas and medicine. The first commercial use of Stevia began in Japan in the early 1970’s. During the 1980’s Stevia was used in natural foods and health food industries for non-caloric sweetener and weight-loss blend, until NutraSweet requested the FDA to perform testing on the herb. It wasn’t...
Words: 2277 - Pages: 10
...Current Market Conditions Stella Heering ECO 365 June 25, 2012 Tarron Khemraj Current Market Conditions Introduction In a civilization that has seen such a radical slump in the budget, people are penetrating for the best likely snips they can find. People crossways the United States are observing for habits to save cash; thus, penetrating for supplies that will deliver them with everything they need at an inferior cost. Businesses all over the United States are aggressive to stay modest and are looking for ways to rearrange their business and still deliver for customers the best likely prices. Businesses such as Wal-Mart do not have to alter their construction to fit the stresses of customers because it previously proposals its patrons brand name items at inferior prices. Wal-Mart’s basic construction has aided make it an influential retail trade, and a place customer’s love. Market Structure Wal-Mart Stores Inc. unlocked its first reduction store in 1962, Sam Walton had no impression his commercial would be the achievement that it is nowadays. The aim for Wal-Mart’s achievement is their aptitude to create a rudimentary construction for their business. Wal-Mart offers a diversity of famous brands and vends them at about 5-10% economy than other shops. This makes Wal-Mart an influential power in the selling business. Wal-Mart Stores is careful an oligopoly market construction. Colander (2010) describes oligopoly as a market disorder in which vendors are so few that the...
Words: 2168 - Pages: 9
...Current Market Conditions Paper ECO 365 University of Phoenix April 6, 2011 Introduction In a society that has seen such a drastic downturn in the economy, people are searching for the best possible bargains they can find. People across the United States are looking for ways to save money; thus, searching for stores that will provide them with everything they need at a lower cost. Companies all over the United States are fighting to stay competitive and are seeking ways to restructure their company and still provide for consumers the best possible prices. Companies such as Wal-Mart do not have to change their structure to fit the demands of consumers because it already offers its customers brand name items at lower prices. Wal-Mart’s basic structure has helped make it a powerful retail business, and a place consumer’s love. Market Structure Wal-Mart Stores Inc. opened its first discount store in 1962, Sam Walton had no idea his business would be the success that it is today. The reason for Wal-Mart’s success is their ability to create a basic structure for their business. Wal-Mart offers a variety of well-known brands and sells them at about 5-10% cheaper than other retailers. This makes Wal-Mart a powerful force in the retail business. Wal-Mart Stores is considered an oligopoly market structure. Colander (2008) defines oligopoly as a market condition in which sellers are so few that the actions of any one of them will materially affect price...
Words: 2148 - Pages: 9
...Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Brian C. Cassidy, Jenna Tanner, Carla D’Amato, and Courtney Goddard ECO 365 April 13, 2015 David Copeland Norcross IV Introduction Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is a favorite and beloved American treat throughout the United States and 33 countries around the globe. Since Ben & Jerry’s are focused on providing a delicious and wide variety of flavors, they have recently decided to expand their products and develop and introduce a new product onto the market. In doing so, a strategic planning group has been gathered to conduct a series of analyzed to organize their strategy in the development of the new products. This will involve a comprehensive market analysis, as well as analyzes of supply and demand and variable costs that are involved in the development and marketing processes. This paper will discuss the history of Ben & Jerry’s and analyzes their product that are required to determine the product’s potential success. Background Ben and Jerry’s, (Ben &Jerry’s Homemade Holdings, Inc.) is an American dairy company. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield founded the company in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont. Ben and Jerry met in 7th grade gym class, in 1963. Both men moved together to Vermont. While living in Vermont the young entrepreneurs decided to attend a correspondence course in ice cream making, at the Pennsylvania University Creamery. With a $12,000 investment, Ben and Jerry opened their very first ice cream parlor...
Words: 1887 - Pages: 8
...Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis ECON365 Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Companies spend extensive amounts of time, money and resources when exploring the creation of a new product or service. It is imperative that companies thoroughly research the market, the demand, and what consumers want. To best determine the potentials of this new product, it is important also to understand the existing and potential competitive market, explore different opportunities or issues that the company could face, and consider the factors that could affect the cost of producing the product. Company History Samsung was founded by Lee Byung Chul in 1938 in Taegu, Korea as an export trade company selling to nearby countries. During the 1980s, Samsung devoted more focus to its electronic division and began introducing products such as DVD technology, computer technology, and many other electronics as well. (Kovach, 2013) In 1983, Samsung Electronics evolved. It was not until 1999 when Samsung would make their mobile phone division the most profitable part of the company by releasing their first internet ready phone. Over ten years later, they released the first version of their flagship Android phone, the Galaxy S. (Kovach, 2013) Product History Since the original model hit the scene in 2010, many new versions have been released in the Galaxy S Series cell phone made by Samsung. (Kovach, 2013) The Galaxy S series is best known for its sleek design, its complex...
Words: 1624 - Pages: 7
...Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis ECO/365 Bill Gates and Paul Allen made a company called Microsoft in 1975. They were computer fanatics that had a idea for personal computers. Microsoft then established itself into a household name. The marketplace for the personal computer became a actuality with the dream and hard work of Microsoft. Our group has been selected to be a part of a strategic planning team at Microsoft. They are the worldwide front-runner in software, services and solutions that support individuals and companies to realize their full potential ("A History of Windows", 2014). Microsoft is thinking about developing a new TV line. The marketing director directed our team to do a competitive market analysis and figure out the TV’s possible success. Our analysis will include an emphasis on Microsoft’s primary challenger (Sony) in the TV market. This report will look at the company as it relates to the current market settings and as it pertains to Microsoft concerning the marketplace structure, knowledge, price elasticity of demand, and participants. Tec-view vs. Sony HD Television Microsoft has developed a new television that will be an all in one component called Tec-view. This product will take the place of your computer and various digital devices while maintaining the expected functions of a television. Microsoft has brought superior upgrading to the line of visual experience. The competitor Sony HD television, is also working...
Words: 1384 - Pages: 6
...Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Rishi Madhav ECO/ 365 June 18, 2014 Professor Renee Barela-Gutierrez Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Here at Apple Inc. we are coming to our years end with the success of the iPhone 5s. With the iPhone 6 in development, it is that time of year where we must look at our new product and determine its potential success. With all newly upgraded software and added features such as a new camera system, it vital that we show our customers just how much more beneficial our product remains as the best. We will look at our competitors and more importantly their products that can potentially compete with the iPhone 6 and how this will affect our prices. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded the company back in 1976, and both have driven Apple Inc. to be the largest computer companies in the world. While both were very smart, they decided to drop out of college and pursue their passion in the technology industry. Wozniak has a passion in computer design and eventually created the Apple I. Steve Jobs however always looked to the future and was able to convince Wozniak to sell the machine and eventually helped to start Apple Computer. Many people did not take the Apple I very seriously, and it was the design of the Apple II that helped launch Apple. Fast forward to 1982, apple because the fastest company to make $1 million in annual sales and by 1985, turmoil struck the company that eventually led to Steve Jobs firing...
Words: 1490 - Pages: 6
...Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Paula Collins, Candesse Ediger, Kristi Shimmin, Chadrick J. White ECO 365 September 2, 2013 Krissa Wrigley Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Determining the most appropriate product to launch into the market is a difficult process. This market analysis will help determine the specific factors to help Pepsi evaluate how well the product is received by consumers in the marketplace. This analysis is based on our competitor Coca-Cola as a comparison to our product. A brief history is discussed with a look at the demand, supply, and equilibrium prices in the market. Other elements discussed are price elasticity and cost structure, and recommendations made on how to maximize our profits and successfully compete with Coca-Cola. History The original Coca-Cola product is introduced and developed in 1886 by John S. Pemberton (Bhasin, 2013). In the next 15 years Coca-Cola is purchased and incorporated into a business by Asa Candler, and they had their first celebrity endorser musician Hilda Clark (Bhasin, 2013). Coca-Cola began to move into other foreign markets by 1906 and branched out to athletes for their endorsement of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola was the first to manufacture a contoured glass bottle for their product, and launch production plants in the Philippines and Europe. Between 1906 and 1938 Coca-Cola had entered into numerous foreign markets including Canada, Cuba, Australia, Norway, and South Africa. By 1950...
Words: 1615 - Pages: 7
...Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Christina Hand, Ray Philips, Emmet Flynn, Cat Guerrera, Christa Rehmeyer, Mike Norton, & Nikolas Morrow August 6, 2012 ECO/365 Franny Chan Factors that affect demand, supply, and equilibrium prices in the market in which the competing organization operates; define the market for your chosen product, including an analysis of its competitors, potential customers, or potential buyers. The cell phone market is a massive market. Some studies conclude that more than half the world has cell phone accounts. One attribute that defines the cell phone market is the idea of consumers giving up their land line use. Many individuals are now giving up their land line use in favor of using only a cell phone. This causes a large influx of customers into the market for cell phones. As technology continues to advance new types of cell phones are developed and marketed to different segments of the population. Now cell phones are available for business purposes and social purposes such as social networking, text messaging, or gaming. Apple Inc., like any other corporation, has supply and demand that is affected by a variety of factors. In fact businesses create products and offer services based on their customers’ demands and the demands of the customers, or the lack thereof, affects the available supply. One of the main issues that drive demand of a product is customer preference. The preference of the customer and the desire of...
Words: 1514 - Pages: 7
...Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Apple, Inc. is a multinational. Their leading product is a smartphone called the iPhone, which began selling in the early 2000's. It has made them billions of dollars over time because their cost to manufacture the phone is less than what they can charge to sell the phone to consumers. Apple is known to have expensive products, but their products still have a high consumer demand. In this paper, we will discuss Apple Inc. competitive market analysis. Company History Apple Computers Inc. was founded back in April, 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. Their main goal was to develop and sell personal computers. Since then, Apple has become more than a company that just sells computers. They have now broadened their line of products to phones, music purchasing software, MP3 players, televisions and even a form of payment. Later in 2007, they changed their name to Apple, Inc. It reflected their shift from a personal computer only to consumer electronics. After Samsung, Apple is the second largest information technology company, according to revenue. In March 2015, they joined the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Their iPhone has revolutionized the cellphone industry. It's operated by Apple's operating system iOS. Since its debut in 2007, the iPhone has had eight generations – starting with the first generation model and its current models, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. With each new model, major changes were made to...
Words: 2038 - Pages: 9
...Letia Mangum-Patterson, Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis: Starbucks ECO/365 Ed Hartman February 24, 2014 Abstract Economics as we know it today was born to a premise of thought. From the idea of how individuals could express their freedoms to sell or produce goods was the founded basis for which the world of economics evolved. “Economics is the science that concerns itself with economies, from how societies produce goods and services, to how they consume them. It has influenced world finance at many important junctions throughout history and is a vital part of our everyday lives.” (Beattie, 2011, para. 1). Introduction Economics as we know it today was born to a premise of thought. From the idea of how individuals could express their freedoms to sell or produce goods was the founded basis for which the world of economics evolved. “Economics is the science that concerns itself with economies, from how societies produce goods and services, to how they consume them. It has influenced world finance at many important junctions throughout history and is a vital part of our everyday lives.” (Beattie, 2011, para. 1). The United States of America sets the bar for what other countries strive to replicate and the reason why many from around the world seek to live in the land of the free market dream. According to Colander, (2010), “the powerful U.S. economy generates a high standard of living and sense of economic wellbeing (compared to most other...
Words: 1875 - Pages: 8
...online-based games on the market for years since its initial release. The game maintains a high level of subscriptions that cost a fixed rate of $15 per month. The game itself once controlled over 50% of the multiple player market shares in 2006 for the western region. Subscriptions have reached more than five million by 2006 and exceeded 10 million subscribers for a 2nd time by the end of 2012. Subscriptions for this game have even exceeded 14 million in year 2009. At a steady rate of $15 per subscriber, profits have steadily risen over the years. Multiple player platform-based games have steadily risen in subscriptions as Internet speeds have improved and more gamers seek personal interaction within his or her gameplay. This is a good market for our company to venture into based on the demand for current gaming. Technology is expected to increase while driving prices down for current computer systems; allowing further access for consumers to this gaming market. Multiple player games can extend to multiple platforms for reaching different consumer bases. These games currently exist for personal computers as well as home consoles that appeal to more casual gamers. The United States online gaming market represents 3.8 million dollars in annual revenues. This market is further expanded when games are crossed over to other regions of the world. These types of games have a high potential for sustained growth. Most factors that affect the demand for this market, revolves around the...
Words: 1438 - Pages: 6
...Competitive Market Analysis: Microsoft Xbox Daniel Silva, Antionette Ybarra, and Raul Salinas ECO/365 July 31, 2013 Instructor: Karl Bitter Competitive Market Analysis: Microsoft Xbox Microsoft capitalized on the need for an operating system for the blossoming personal computer industry. Gates developed the BASIC programming language in the late 1970s, but the DOS operating system created for the IBM personal computer in the early 1980s solidified Microsoft's position. Teaming with IBM on additional projects, Gates and his team also developed a series of languages for new IBM systems: BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, and Pascal. As IBM computers grew faster and more efficient in the late 1980s, Microsoft continued to upgrade the renamed MS-DOS, while also marketing the system to other manufacturers (Batchelor, unkn). After the company's IPO in 1986, it received the funds necessary to increase research and development, which led to the introduction of Microsoft Office, a software bundle created to improve business productivity, including Microsoft Word and Excel. Microsoft Office soon became the market leader, far surpassing its closest competitors. The explosion of the Internet in the 1990s initially caught Microsoft off guard. However, it soon recovered with Internet Explorer, a web portal that gave users a starting point for Internet activities. Internet Explorer became the de facto web homepage. Microsoft also launched other web ventures, including Microsoft Network (MSN) (Batchelor...
Words: 1778 - Pages: 8
...to all industries has been affected by our current state of our economy. However, a surge in “the soaring popularity of high-tech devices in the United States, the battery industry is expected to expand to $33.6 billion by 2012. The industry estimates that more than 15 billion batteries of some type were sold in the U.S. last year” (Scrapmonster, 2011). Larson Inc, will have to project their future economic status over the next few years with this in mind. In addition with the understanding that the economy itself is faced with various challenges such as unemployment, financing (interests rates and accessibility in getting loans) and changes in technology. It is vital to Larson Inc. future for them to understand the direction of the economy and make various changes to stay competitive and profitable. To achieve this goal, Larson Inc, will need to prepare for credit markets and global conditions. In this memo we will present recommendations for Larson Inc, so they can create profitable outcomes over the next few years. Credit Markets: The leaders of the Larson Inc must understand what the current and projected credit markets. The credit market is a broad market that encompasses investment-grade and junk bonds as well as short-term commercial paper. Commercial paper generally is not back by collateral, meaning that companies with higher debt rates will qualify. The current state of the economy reveals that the credit markets are showing life to the small businesses....
Words: 1391 - Pages: 6
