... Understanding Apple Company’s value chain This main purpose for this article is to analyze Apple Company’s value chain. From this article, some professional knowledge about value chain in operation management can be learned. And the analyze will be deeply discussed in operation structure. In the textbook, operation structure is defined as the configurations of resources in the value chain including elements of suppliers, factories, distributors, sales offices, design and so on. (Collier and Evans, OM) The following articles will analyze specifically how these elements are operated in Apple Company from the view of Value chain style and value chain model. We can not deny that Apple Company is familiar with everybody in the modern society. In 1976, Apple Company was set up by selling computers. They expanded their business to other industries especially in music player and phone during the development of the company in last 11 years. (Apple company) Nowadays, Apple is the dominant marketing leaders in each field they joined in. The most significant factor of these excellent performances is the attitude to the value chain management. The obvious proof for this conclusion is the last sentence of the article as follow: Apple plans to double spending on its supply chain, to $7.1 billion, continuing its focus on streamlining and controlling manufacturing. The high focus level of the value chain generates the Apple’s amazing...
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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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...defines capitalism as “an economic and political system in which a country’s trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state”. Due to high competition, firms have desperately been trying to reduce costs of production in order to maximise profits. Published in “Competitive Advantage” in 1985, Porter’s value chain is a great example to show how much importance firms gave to the supply side of the market in this period. Porter described the value chain as “a set of products and services linked together in a sequence of value adding economic activities”. In other words, it analyses the stages in which a product is created from raw material until it’s finished, each stage adding value to the product. Gereffi’s ‘Global Commodity chains’ uses the old strategy chains and links them with their political and geographical context, adding a spatial and territorial dimension to the demand and supply in a market.________________________________________ In 1998 in their article “Breaking the Chains? A sector Matrix for Motoring”, Julie Froud, Colin Haslam, Sukhdev Johal and Karel Williams tackled the settled chain concepts by showing its limits regarding complex industries such as motoring or healthcare. They then came out with an alternative approach which focused on “the two webs of demand and supply relations” (Froud, 1998). The sector matrix looks at the firm not as a business operating in an industry but more widely looks at it in a sector perspective...
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...Capturing Value in Global Networks: Apple’s iPad and iPhone Kenneth L. Kraemer, Greg Linden, and Jason Dedrick1 University of California, Irvine, University of California, Berkeley and Syracuse University July 2011 1 Acknowledgement: This research has been supported by grants from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the U.S. National Science Foundation (CISE/IIS). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sloan Foundation or the National Science Foundation. Abstract This article analyzes the distribution of value from innovation in the global supply chains of the Apple iPad and iPhone. We find that Apple continues to capture the largest share of value from these innovations. While these products, including most of their components, are manufactured in China, the primary benefits go to the U.S. economy as Apple continues to keep most of its product design, software development, product management, marketing and other high-wage functions in the U.S. China’s role is much smaller than most casual observers would think. A key finding for managers is that they need to beware of relying too heavily on single customers. With its control over the supply chain, Apple has the power to make and break the fortunes of many of its suppliers. A key finding for policymakers is that there is little value in electronics assembly. Bringing high-volume electronics...
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...Apple Inc. specialises in development, design and marketing of computers, portable-digital music players and other didgital devices including iPad’s and mobile devices (IPhone). Apple Inc. are also involved in selling multiple supporting software, digital content, third party applications, networking software and services. Apple Inc. predominantly operate from their U.S headquarters in Cupertino, California and involves 72,800 employees (Forbes, 2013). Revenue for APPL in 2013 has risen from $155.97bn in 2012 to $170.87bn in 2013 (Market watch, 2013) which is a 9.6% increase. The objective of the Porter’s 5 forces model is to identify and elucidate the current levels of competition existing with a market, by examining what the 5 forces involve. ‘The model therefore provides a detailed and nuanced picture of the industry and to make an in-depth analysis with an idea of what factors one can try to influence in order to create optimal conditions for one’s business and the industry” (P.K. Faarup, P113, 2010). Threat of new entrants High levels of competition currently being practiced in the PC and mobile industry make it difficult for potential competitors to enter the market. Unlike many companies Apple inc. has secured brand loyalty from customers by focusing on product innovation and, research and development. Another way apple has secured its brand loyalty is by creating an emotional connection with consumers by embracing the internet and social media to voice what the...
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...Section 3: Value Chain Page 5 Section 4: Relationships Page 6 Section 5: Conclusion Page 7 Section 6: References Page 7 Introduction The purpose of this report is to discuss the functions and features of Apple’s innovative MP3 player. I will be relating to the Schumpeterian model, as to how the iPod led to rapid mainstream adoption, whilst similar products failed. I will also consider the opportunities which promoted this device and the challenges that the Apple iPod currently face, highlighting the effects on the traditional music industry value chain, compared to the current value chain. In addition, I will discuss how the iPod developed working relationships which has assisted in Apple’s e-business success. I will then finish by concluding my findings. Technology Adoption The Schumpeterian model looks at the relationship between technological innovation and business activity. According to Perez (2002) there are five typical stages of each wave, which I will briefly describe. Irruption The Apple iPod was launched in 2001, a sleek and stylish MP3 player with an easy user interface, compressing digital audio files the iPod holds up to 1,000 songs and fits neatly in your pocket. The iPod also came in two storage sizes set at two different prices, which created affordability for a wider range of customers. The success of Mac computers provided Apple with a good fan base. Frenzy In 2002, Apple introduced...
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...profits from innovation in global value chains?: a study of the iPod and notebook PCs Jason Dedrick, Kenneth L. Kraemer and Greg Linden This article analyzes the distribution of financial value from innovation in the global supply chains of iPods and notebook computers. We find that Apple has captured a great deal of value from the innovation embodied in the iPod, while notebook makers capture a more modest share of the value from PC innovation. In order to understand these differences, we employ concepts from theories of innovation and industrial organization, finding significant roles for industry evolution, complementary assets, appropriability, system integration, and bargaining power. Downloaded from icc.oxfordjournals.org at University of Dhaka on June 19, 2011 1. Introduction The power of innovation to reward pioneers with exceptional profits is well known. Yet, as recognized in various strains of the business strategy literature, the value generated from the innovation is generally shared by the innovator with some combination of component suppliers, intellectual property owners, providers of complementary products and services, competitors, and consumers. This is all the more true as firms focus on a set of core activities and rely on a network of allies and suppliers to help them create and produce innovative products. In such innovation networks, a key question for managers and students of firm strategy is who captures the most value from innovation, and why? This...
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...Strategic Management Apple & Nokia Case Analysis 1. Table of Contents 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF APPLE AND NOKIA CASE 2 2.0 QUESTION 1 3 2.1 Competitive analysis of Apple and Nokia – who is stronger? 3 2.1.1 Competitive Analysis 3 2.1.1.1 SWOT Analysis 5 1.1.1 Strengths of Apple 6 2.1.1.2 Value Chain Analysis 9 2.1.1.3 Resourced Base View Tool 11 3.0 QUESTION 2 14 3.1 PESTEL analysis tool 15 3.2 Porter’s Five Forces 17 3.3 The Implications for Strategic Development are; 21 4.0 QUESTION 3 21 4.1 Critical Analysis Lessons from Apple’s risky but profitable strategy 21 5.0 REFERENCE: 23 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF APPLE AND NOKIA CASE Apple chalked some initial success with its invention of the Macintosh (Mac) computer but with the introduction of the Windows 1.0 from its rival company (Microsoft), it was faced with a threat in the industry. Their earlier strategic decision of not cooperating with rivals in the industry was seen as a weakness which Microsoft capitalized on to make their software available to other computer manufacturers for a license fee. Apple, diversifying into a new market (mobile telephone industry) with the introduction of user friendly products sought industry cooperation when it came to the launch of subsequent products including the iPod and iPhone. This strategic decision was inspired by its past...
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...Analysis of Apple Inc. business Strategic Unit (iPad unit) Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2 1. Strategic position of Apple Inc .................................................................................................................. 2 1.1 Competitive strategic position ............................................................................................................ 2 1.2 Strategic group mapping ......................................................................................................................... 4 2. External drivers of change affecting Apple’s Strategic Business Unit ....................................................... 5 2.1 PEST Analysis ....................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1.1 Political and legal drivers ............................................................................................................. 5 2.1.2 Economic factors .......................................................................................................................... 5 2.1.3 Socio-cultural factors ................................................................................................................... 6 2.1.4 Technology .............................................................................
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...designing of the hardware, through manufacturing of the product till the software design and implementation. This complete control helps Apple achieve the hardware- software integration which delivers an unique user experience. The rest of the market lacks such integration. And also its products are designed with minimalism and ergonomics in mind right from inception, this ensures that the users are delivered with products that are very simple to use and look also look aesthetically pleasing. With its mark in the music industry, computer industry, phones market, books market, cloud storage market, virtual wallet market and also its recent foray into the wearables market, Apple a diversified market presence. Apple’s unique UXD has an incredibly smooth learning curve that even children could get used to its softwares in a relatively lesser time. Apple has its own halo, which amasses brand loyalists in the every industry it is in. This indirectly helps the company in other businesses the company might set foot in the future. Apple follows the bricks and clicks model, it has an online store and also retail outlets across the globe, this gives it a solid market presence. 1.2 Weakness : The products from Apple are designed with an artistic mind and being premium priced, comes out as an luxury product that cannot be a orded by the masses. Apple products incur high design and production costs than products of other competitors. Apple’s OS, be it it’s mobile platform or desktop platform...
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...Apple’s Supply Chain Management – An Overview Many supply chain professionals consider Apple’s supply chain to be the best in the world. But is that simply because Apple is among the most recognised brands in the world? For an objective analysis, a deeper look into the management and supply chain must be investigated thoroughly. However, in order to study Apple’s supply chain management, parameters on what a supply chain is must be set. Traditionally “Supply chain management (SCM) is the management of a network of interconnected businesses involved in the provision of product and service packages required by the end customers in a supply chain.” Supply chain management spans all movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption. SCM works on three different levels, the strategic level, the tactical level and the operational level. All three are imperative for a company to function properly Apple is the best in the world at innovative product development. Because the company develops hardware, software, and associated digital services—rather than just focusing on one dimension—it can provide an unmatched user experience. This allows Apple to capture high margins from its products and services. But by many definitions alone, product development is not supply chain management; procurement, manufacturing, and logistics are. That said, Apple has a fascinating supply chain that is very different from...
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...Good figure. Though the stock prices of Apple had dipped after the fmous resignation of Steve Jobs from the position of CEO followed by appointment of Tim Cooks in the same position; financial analysts now say that Apple is all set to conquer expectations in the 2nd quarter. After Tim Cook joined the board he drove major financial ventures like increasing Apple’s buyback intentions to a figure of 90 billion dollars from 60 billion dollars which in turn drove up dividend by 8%. The robust financial performance of Apple seems to be a direct result of Apple’s broader price range on I phones and increased portfolio. Obviously portfolio diversification has fueled sales and nearly 50% of activations that happened in the last year came from new sales. Apple’s gross profitability ratios are pegged at 44.11 and it is quite higher than the average of 43.5 (Morningstar 2012). The retail outlets owned by Apple helps allocation of selling and distribution expenses in an efficient manner and this way the discount fee which is paid to wholesellers is avoided. The industry average ratio of net profit is 26.97 while Apple’s figures show that its nets profit is 26.97 (Morning star, 2012). Apple’s market share is 29% in smartphone segment and 60% in tablet segment. The low price to earnings ratio of Apple (14.5) confirms that is a lesser risky investment (Garner, 2012). The current ratio of Apple is 1.6 which demonstrates that short term assets of Apple can be quickly dissolved to form hard cash...
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...procurement……………………………………………………..8 Disadvantages of Apple’s Procurement…………………………………………………..9 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………10 Introduction: When Apple design guru Jony Ive wanted a new feature for the next MacBook: a small dot of green light above the screen, shining through the computer’s aluminum casing to indicate when its camera was on, the problem? It’s physically impossible to shine light through metal. Apple discovered it could use a customized laser to poke holes in the aluminum small enough to be nearly invisible to the human eye but big enough to let light through. Applying that solution at massive volume was a different matter. Apple needed lasers, and lots of them. Most of Apple’s customers have probably never given that green light a second thought, but its creation speaks to a massive competitive advantage for Apple: Operations. This is the world of manufacturing, procurement, and logistics in which the new chief executive officer, Tim Cook, excelled, earning him the trust of Steve Jobs. What Apple learned is that for a very profitable business, you need to have 3 things perfected: 1. Low Overhead –outsource labor to a country with very cheap labor and favorable taxes 2. Low Cost of Goods Sold – Make friends with suppliers, get very cheap raw materials 3. Effective Supply Chain – Ensure that the customers get the...
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...Jeremy White Kaplan University Dr. Sjuib May 17, 2012 Executive Summary: Apple Inc, is an American multinational organization which deals in manufacturing, designing and marketing computers, computer software and different consumer electronics. The company has been listed in NASDAQ exchange under ‘AAPL’ ticker symbol. The company is headed by Mr. Bill Campbell. The present CEO of Apple Inc. is Mr. Steve Jobs, who has a strong focus on innovation. The company works strongly on innovation and technology, so as to have a competitive edge in the market, with a strong focus on innovation, the company is able to makes differentiated products which makes Apple Inc. one of the most successful company. Company overview: ‘Apple Inc, is one of the biggest manufacturer of personal PC’s , mobile communication devices and portable music and video players. The Company’s products and services include the Mac line of desktop and portable computers, iPhone, the iPod line of portable digital music and video players, Apple TV, Xserve, a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications, the Mac OS X operating system, third-party digital content and applications through the iTunes Store, and a variety of accessory, service and support offerings. The Company sells its products worldwide through its online stores, its retail stores, its direct sales force, and third-party wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers. In addition, the Company sells a variety of third-party Mac...
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...that the benefits of globalization, such as lower consumer prices, are outweighed by job losses, lower earnings for U.S. workers, and a potential loss of technology to foreign rivals. To shed light on the jobs issue, we analyze the iPod, which is manufactured offshore using mostly foreign-made components. In terms of headcount, we estimate that, in 2006, the iPod supported nearly twice as many jobs offshore as in the United States. Yet the total wages paid in the United States amounted to more than twice as much as those paid overseas. Driving this result is the fact that Apple keeps most of its research and development (R&D) and corporate support functions in the United States, providing thousands of high-paid professional and engineering jobs that can be attributed to the success of the iPod. This case provides evidence that innovation by a U.S. company at the head of a global value chain can benefit both the company and U.S. workers. 1 This article represents solely the views of the authors and not the views of the U.S. International Trade Commission or any of its individual Commissioners. This paper should be cited as the work of the authors only, and not as an official Commission document. All of the authors are associated with the Personal Computing Industry Center (PCIC) of the University of California, Irvine. PCIC is one of the Sloan Foundation Industry Studies Centers. This research has been supported by grants from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The...
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