...Steve Jobs, Biography Book Report When I found out we had to do a book report on a biography many names flashed through my mind. Many influential names like Oprah, Bill Gates, Abraham Lincoln, popped in my head. Although all those people were and still are amazing, there was one name the stood out the most. That name was Steve Jobs. I Looked everywhere for a Steve Jobs biography, and it wasn’t long before I found one. Steve Jobs is a biography written by Walter Isaacson. The novel was published October 2011 contains was 656 pages. I chose this novel because I’m inspired by Steve Jobs and what he accomplished. I wanted tom learn more about his personal life and how he came up with all the innovative ideas. This novel is based on more than forty interviews with Jobs and more than a hundred family members, friends, competitors, and colleagues. Like most biographies, it starts out by explaining his early life and where he came from, it then moves on to what started the spark, then finishes off with what he accomplished. The novel starts off by introducing us to his early life. Steven Paul Jobs was born February 24 1955. He was born into a family that was not capable of taking care of him so they gave him for adoption. Even though Steve didn’t get to grow up with his birth parents he was sure lucky he grew up where he did because that’s what introduced him to computers. Since Steve’s adoptive father was a mechanic Steve hot exposes to electronics and engineering at an early...
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...Does Apple need “a great man”? After the death of Steve Jobs, management experts are wondering whether Apple will survive without Steve Jobs or not? This issue is also considered in the “InsideApple: Can It Thrive Without Steve?” article, published on the Forbes’ webpage where commentaries on the book of Adam Lashinsky “InsideApple” are provided. This article describes the aspects of the book regarding successful implementation of the “radical management system” by Apples’ incomparable leadership guru Steve Jobs. The article states that the author of the book, Lashinsky, based on the theory of organizations development, predicts an early death of Apple explaining that the company has entered the “path to senescence and death”. In turn, the author of the article, Steve Denning, specifies that “Apple’s future, therefore, depends on understanding the management principles Steve Jobs used to make it successful, while also recognizing his shortcomings. Those principles are eminently replicable business practices that, once understood, any firm can implement. It does not require “a great man”. Is it real that “any firm can implement” and does not require “a great man”? Does not Apple need Steve Jobs? When the “great guru” was fired in 1985, the situation in the company was not good enough; however, everything has changed since his return in 1997 and implementation of the strategy, which is still quite successful. Thus, CNBC reports that “Apple shares are up more than 20 percent year...
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...Inside apple is a book where the author lets us discover the whole new strategic world of Apple directed first by Steve Jobs. It introduces the original way Apple manages its company. We learned that the business strategy model Apple is using is completely different from what we learned in school. We’ve always learned that a company has to have free flow information contrary to Apple that faces a large secretly managerial structure. By the time you finish reading the book, you will have a completely different idea of what you thought about apple, and you will probably be afraid of working for that firm. The author shares with us many interviews he has done to Apple employees and they help you discover how they feel working there. Overall, this book will please anyone interested in International Business, and personally, it pleased me. I had no preference to any chapter, as they all conform the history of the company and how it woks, but I did pay more attention to Chapter 4 “Stay Start-Up Hungry” because it explains how Steve Jobs reentered his own company and did all the necessary changes to make it the best company in the market. After analyzing the chapter, I figured out Steve Jobs changed the company’s culture and make employees work at what they were best and nothing else. Apple created an atmosphere where employees where supposed to think big and mediocrity was not allowed in that place. In this chapter Lashinsky reminds us that in Apple, you can rapidly know who is...
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...designs, sells and advances computers, consumer electronics and software. The famous hardware of Apple is Mac series of computers, the iPod music players, Smartphone and iPad tablet PCs. The famous software are iOS & OS X operating systems, the media browsers of iTunes, the safari web browser and iWork and iLife production and originality suits (Yohe, 2011). The company was founded in the year 1976 by Steve Jobs. It was incorporated as Apple computers Inc. However, later on the word computer was eradicated from its title, since the launch of iPhone Smartphone mobile. Apple has achieved the second position in information technology industry after Samsung Electronics with respect to income. Moreover, the company is the third largest mobile making organization after Nokia and Samsung. The company has been considered as the most regarded firm by Fortune magazines and all over the world. All the credit for these achievements goes to the organizational commitment and management approach at Apple Inc. the management at Apple Inc is most organized with focus on employees and job commitment (Data retrieved from: http://danielsethics.mgt.unm.edu). The organization has well organized systems because of which the organization has achieved the position where it is today. In this paper we will study the organizational behavior at apple Inc with respect to its achievement. Furthermore, the paper also discusses the critical aspects of the organizational culture that affect the...
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...Steve Jobs From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Steve Jobs | Jobs holding a white iPhone 4 at Worldwide Developers Conference 2010 | Born | Steven Paul Jobs February 24, 1955 (1955-02-24) (age 56)[1] San Francisco, California, U.S.[1] | Residence | Palo Alto, California, U.S.[2] | Nationality | American | Alma mater | Reed College (dropped out in 1972) | Occupation | Chairman, Apple Inc. | Salary | US$1[3][4][5][6] | Net worth | $8.3 billion (2011)[7] | Board member of | The Walt Disney Company,[8] Apple, Inc. | Religion | Buddhism[9] | Spouse | Laurene Powell (1991–present) | Children | 4 | Relatives | Mona Simpson | Signature | | Website | Steve Jobs | Steven Paul "Steve" Jobs (born February 24, 1955) is an American business magnate and inventor. He is co-founder,[10] chairman, and former chief executive officer of Apple Inc.[11][12] Jobs also previously served as chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios; he became a member of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company in 2006, following the acquisition of Pixar by Disney. He was credited in the 1995 film Toy Story as an executive producer.[13] In the late 1970s, Jobs, with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Mike Markkula,[10] and others, designed, developed, and marketed one of the first commercially successful lines of personal computers, the Apple II series. In the early 1980s, Jobs was among the first to see the commercial potential of Xerox...
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...The Business Enterprise 508 Lisa Falls December 11, 2011 Microsoft Corporation and Apple Computers, Inc. Annual Report Comparison as we all know that both of these companies have become public figures names. Both companies have many divisions, and both manage extensive assets and liabilities. In searching various internet articles both reported large amounts of income, and the matter of accounting checks and balances becomes more complicated than many smaller companies. Apple, Inc. is Microsoft’s biggest competitor in designing and developing computer software. Apple was started in April of 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. In January of 1977, Apple was incorporated but without Wayne. On September 7, 1984, Apple had its first initial public stock offering. It was also during this year that the Macintosh computer was introduced. 1985 brought some turmoil with the new CEO John Sculley and Steve Jobs, and Jobs was removed from his position with Apple. After many tumultuous years and mismanagement, Apple brought back Jobs as a consultant in 1996. In July 1997, after the CEO was let go, Jobs resumed his position as CEO. In May 2001, Apple opened its first retail store and later that year introduced the IPOD, which became a huge success for Apple, along with the release of the iMac computer. By 2006, Apple was using Intel chips solely for its computers. On January 9, 2007, Apple released the iPhone and Apple TV, which made Apple’s stock soar...
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...Controller (CFO), Steve Smith is holds that it should be reported as an expense for the current period, basing his argument on the conservative principle of accounting which had been in place in the company. However, the Vice President and the CEO disagree with him and insists that the expense be reported as part of manufacturing overhead cost until the goods are sold, then can it be recorded as an expense. If it is not treated expensed for the current period, then it will be capitalized and thus will appear only in the balance sheet and not in the income statement. This will indicate a high net income. For financial reporting purposes, the practical problem of how to handle advertising expenditures is both one of measurement and of uncertainty about whether the actual future benefits exits. Until this happens, then can the company know whether to expense it or not. However, if the advertising creates an immediate benefit then it should be expense which is the norm for tax and financial reporting purposes which is the bone of contention in this issue. I think leaders of this company are faced with a situation where their corporate governance principles and their ethical values are put to test especially as it seems that the going is tough and their jobs might be at risk. The extensive advertising of their slow moving inventory is testimony to this fact. As such they are looking for avenues to cook the books for their self-interest. The decision of the CEO to report this as an inventoriable...
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...Abstract This report is based on defining leadership and its theories. Steve Jobs and Jeff Bozes leadership approach and style is analysed and which leadership skills are acted upon by these leaders and how they fit in the skill approach model. Furthermore, it would be analysed whether the leadership approach practiced by Steve Jobs and Jeff Bozes could have been successful in a slow moving industry such as construction or banking industry. In the end, the reflection of the most appropriate theories that I would prefer to use when opening a company like Amazon or Apple with 5 experienced people. In addition, critically evaluation of the relevant theories is also analysed. Leadership and Theories Leadership is a process in which one individual influences others towards the achievement of group or organizational goals. Leadership is a social influence and it cannot exist without a leader and followers. Leadership results in the behaviour of the followers that is meaningful and goal-directed in an organized setting. Despite the efforts of a standard definition of leadership, Fred Luthans, mentions in his book Organizational Behaviour (2005), ‘’it [leadership] does remain pretty much of a ‘black box’ or unexplained concept.’’ Leadership also means awakening passion among its followers, to have an ability to transform dreams in to reality. Leadership is an on-going process that persuades people to do right things for better future where one person encourages, inspires and motivates...
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...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 extremely high and Apple cultivates a relationship between the consumer and their machine. Apple has taken great pains to develop a superior operating system and, comparatively, 53% of Windows XP users report being “very satisfied” with the Windows based operating system, while 81% report being “very satisfied” with the Snow Leopard operating system on Apple computers (Pearce & Robinson, 2013)....
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...Part I: the management style of Steve Jobs……………………………………………………….2 Part II: Steve Jobs' presentation style……………………………………………………………..6 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………...8 References……………………………………………………………………………………...…8 Abstract Steven Jobs and “Apple” are excellent examples to demonstrate the correlation between leadership and management. There are lots of different studies on how Steve Jobs, the “Apple’s” chief executive officer (CEO), is leading the company to success. However, the main purpose of our work is not to analyze each of them, but to see what explanation of the company’s success can be found in certain articles, literature reviews and what can be learnt from Jobs’ way of presenting a product. Results of some findings have proved that the management style of the “Apple” CEO makes the company successful. Then, as soon as the mentioned CEO starts to speak, his presentation informs, entertains and inspires, capturing the audience. The simple techniques he uses can be borrowed by anyone for any kind of presentation. The value of this report is in depicting the management and leadership related issues when Steve Jobs is taken as a role model. Introduction “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower” * Steve Jobs By now “Apple” is one of the most well known brands in the world. The rising of the company has started in 1997 when Steven Jobs becomes its leader. To start, the first half of this report attempts to observe what management...
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...financial record and one should invest in their stock. Business Analysis III Apple incorporates many tactics and business strategies to gain market shares and stay competitive. They also utilize their human resource management to attract and retain the best possible employees. Apple’s success is determined based on their employees. Apple ensures that their employees have the best benefits and have job satisfaction. Business strategies “Committed to bringing the best user experience to its customers” (Apple SEC Annual Report, 2011, p. 1) It leverages its unique ability to design and develop its own branded operating system, hardware, application software, and services. The new products and services have ease-of-use, seamless integration, and innovative design. The company believes strongly in the investment of its research and development which will enhance the products and technologies. iTunes store hosts a robust platform for the discovery and delivery of third-party content and applications (apps). Customers can download third-party apps and books through the App store or iBook store on either a Mac or Windows-based computer. Apple also supports the development of third-party software and products, which complement Apple’s products and software. iTunes has also decreased the prices to many ringtones, songs and apps, which is attracting...
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...5/28/2014 Apple Ife Matrix Analysis - Research Papers - Alexpadron MOZHISH1 UPGRADE Get Access to over 1,709,571 More Essays. Upgrade Your Account Now. RESEARCH DOCUMENTS BOOK NOTES AP NOTES Home » Miscellaneous Apple Ife Matrix Analysis By alexpadron | March 2008 Add to Library (0) Download Print Report this Essay Page 1 of 1 Apple IFE Matrix Analysis It was pretty surprising to me to find that all the different groups came up with fairly similar ratings in their IFE matrix for Apple Inc. My group, management, had the second highest rating at a 2.78 and I felt that we were fairly critical of the different strengths and weaknesses for the company. The groups that pertained to a more financial aspect like finance and accounting seemed to have lower scores, which were not as far above the average for utilization of resources internally. This seems interesting because many companies use resources outside their company to assist them in correcting financial problems. Also, there were a few strengths and weaknesses that every group mentioned in their matrix and they were: Steve Jobs leaving and then returning(W), large increase in inventory(W), products are globalized(S). It was interesting to see that Steve Jobs leaving and then returning was on everyone groups list because with out him these last few years Apple Inc. would probably not be where it is at today. The only downside to this is that there seems to be this great dependency on one person in...
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...Miramax films. This type of functional conflict can be seen as being the text book definition by the minimal case facts and inferring that Eisner was trying to gain the acquisition of Miramax to add to the total Disney portfolio. As the conflict, as stated in the case, was public, it would have drawn attention of the investors and shareholders. Disney and Gold, could be thought of as form functional conflict as well. These two individuals clearly represent the old guard, and their way gaining company performance may have differed from Eisner’s overall vision. ”That is striking given their shared history. Messrs. Gold and Disney played a major role in giving Mr. Eisner his job in 1984 and supported him through a variety of crises through the 1990s. They began pressuring Mr. Eisner earlier this year as Disney's share price sank to eight-year lows, diminishing the value of Mr. Disney's 17.5 million shares in the company. But even then, the two sides were in regular contact as they tried to work out their differences.(1) This conflict arose with a clear definition of goal differences. Although Disney and Gold supported Eisner, and his autocratic management style, they clearly changed their support structure when Disney was faced with the personal income loss. 1 / 2 Answered: Stages of Conflict: I did not address Steve Jobs in number one above and have combined my thoughts into questions 1 and 2. Steve Jobs took offense to a comment made by Eisner, which clearly is dysfunctional...
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...of the case including information on who the main actors are, what the internal and external environment for this company is and what the key challenges are. You should also try to go beyond the case and make links to the themes in the book on corporate entrepreneurship. Again, presentations should also involve the audience with discussion points and other interactive elements. In addition to the presentation, teams hand in a written report on the case. Teams are graded on the basis of the presentation, the written document and their ability to answer questions and to raise discussion in class. Apple Organizational Structures Apple's New Organizational Structure Could Help It Move Faster This cartoon has been floating around the Internet for a few years. It's supposed to be a humorous take on how all the biggest tech companies are organized. It might have to be updated to account for changes at Apple. When Steve Jobs was in charge, everything flowed through him. Now that he's dead, the company is taking on a more collaborative approach, according to various reports. The latest, from Adam Satarino at Bloomberg, says Jony Ive is encouraging Apple's software and hardware teams to collaborate, something that never happened under Jobs. Ive was given control over Apple's software look and feel in November. Previously, he was only in charge of the look of the hardware. This new collaborative approach is causing Apple to be more deliberate than in the past, says Satarino...
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...fundraising the discussion inevitably turns to the ROI of funding strategies currently in place and ways to improve. I think many nonprofits have explored various types of funding sources and to some extent have a diversified fund development plan in place. Where many fundraisers go wrong is in identifying which of these strategies has become too time consuming and less productive to their organization. To help dissect this problem I utilized the principles of an economist born over 150 years ago- enter Mr. Vilfredo Pareto. In the business world most are familiar with the term the “80/20 Principle” or Pareto’s Law. Quick history lesson; Pareto was a controversial economist (who isn’t these days) that lived from 1848 to 1923 and he wrote a book where he included a law about income distribution. The mathematical formula he used to demonstrate a grossly uneven but predictable distribution of wealth in society where- 80% of the wealth and income was produced and possessed by 20% of the population. Pareto’s Law can be summarized as follows: 80% of the outputs results from 20% of the inputs. Now let’s make this relevant to the fundraising world: •80% of the funding comes from 20% percent of our donors •80% of our total volunteer hours comes from 20% of our volunteers •80% of our corporate sponsorships come from 20% of our industry/business relationships •80% of our results comes from 20% of our time and effort The list can be...
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