Apple, Inc. Outline & Bibliography

Apple, Inc. Outline

Introduction

In this section, the author has given a brief overview of the company. Apple has focused most of the resources to support large commercial and formal organizations segment to sustain its growth by delivering superior services over competitors.

Business Strategy

Business strategies followed by Apple includes superior ease-of-use, seamless integration, and innovative product lines.

Operating Segments

Apple, Inc. currently holds retail operations in eleven different countries, which it divides into five separate operating segments; the Americas, Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific and retail sales.

Apple's Product Diversification

In this section, the author has evaluated the diversification in the Apple's product line. Following are the products that were analyzed in the report:

iMac, Mac mini, Mac Pro and Xserve

MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro

iPad

iPhone

Peripherals and Other Hardware

iTunes and Other Music Related Products and Services

Software, Services and Other Sales

Financial Analysis

Financial analysis was conducted by examination of following financial measures: Financial Position, Profitability Ratios, Return on capital employed (ROCE¸ Gross profit margin, Stock turnover, Debtors Ratio, Gearing Ratio and Earnings per share ratio

Marketing Analysis

Marketing analysis of the company was conducted by examination of following marketing factors: Market Structure, Market segmentation, and Marketing Mix (4Ps).

HRM Analysis

In this section, it was examined that Apple's philosophy is based on the premise that successful organizations manage its human capital as a strategic asset through aligning the workforce with organizational strategies.

Value chain Analysis

In this part, the author has examined the supply chain of the organization. Apple Inc is one of those IT companies that have best supply chain practices in the world.

SWOT Analysis

Apple's strength, weakness, opportunities and threats were evaluated in this section. In this analysis, the author has examined Political, Socio-Cultural, Economic, Technological, and Legal factors affecting the performance of the company. The Porter's Five Forces Model was also used to provide a broad view of attractiveness in computer manufacturing market through a different perspective.

BCG Matrix

Through BCG matrix, the author has identified Apple's strategic business units.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The report was concluded by highlighting the current position of the company in the computer manufacturing industry.

Annotated Bibliography

Biddle, R. (2004). Wal-Mart:Bully or Benefactor? Megachain an Economic Godsend in Many Areas Daily News, 23-105.

This work examines the performance of Wal-Mart, focusing on Wal-Mart growth strategy. They are constantly seeking to increase their business by expanding into new products and markets. Wal-Mart also shows a forward vertical integration.

From this reference I have collected comprehensive and significant information of Wal-Mart and use it in the discussion analysis that will give the report authenticity. Furthermore, I have utilized the information from the article to provide awnsers to the research questions.

Boulton, N. (2009). Corporate Governance: Apple, Nike and the Climate, Doherty Publications Pp. 41-75

In this study, it was claimed that the main stakeholders include employees, suppliers, creditors, customers and the environment. It originates from communitarian philosophy and has developed into an influential philosophical and political argument. It aims at inclusion and broader accountability and contends that no group that has contributed to corporate success should go unrecognised.

This article has helped me in explaining the phenomenon of corporate ...