Apple Case Questions
Opening Case Questions
1. What might have happened to Apple if its top executives had not supported
investment in iPods? The iPods have revolutionized the way Americans buy, listen and enjoy their favorite music. In just a few short clicks, consumers across the globe can download that "oldie but goodie" taking them "back down memory lane". However, the investment in the iPods was only just the beginning for Apple. It opened the door to a whole new portfolio of sleek. fun and clever technological advances for men, women and children everywhere. When Apple capitalized on iTun es and the iPods ten years ago, the iPod shuffle, iPod Touch, iPod nano and the iPod Classic were all born. Then came the iPhone and the iPad. Not to mention the extensive line of computers including the MacBook, the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro, the iMac, MacMini and the MacPro. From the co,nception of just one idea, Apple has evolved into a multi-billion dollar company. If Apples top executives had not supported investment in the iPod, the company wou ld not be in the financial position it is in today. In fact, the company could have very well gone under. In the article, "In from the cold: How Apple has blossomed" the author states, "Just a decade after almost fold ing, the consumer-electronics provider is worth over $1 oo billion and now rubs shoulders with the USA s most prestigious organizations" (Unknown Author, 2008, p, 13). By getting in front of the MP3 trend that began back in 2000, Apple took its competitive advantage to a whole new level. Steve Jobs and other company executives saw the tremendous opportunity and took action to invest in it. That bold and smart step fore\(er changed the game of technology and entertainment and secured the company s future . 2. Formulate a strategy for how Apple can use efficiency IT metrics to improve its business. Companies like Apple have to constantly find ways to improve the way they do business. Executives can not simply rest on
1. What might have happened to Apple if its top executives had not supported
investment in iPods? The iPods have revolutionized the way Americans buy, listen and enjoy their favorite music. In just a few short clicks, consumers across the globe can download that "oldie but goodie" taking them "back down memory lane". However, the investment in the iPods was only just the beginning for Apple. It opened the door to a whole new portfolio of sleek. fun and clever technological advances for men, women and children everywhere. When Apple capitalized on iTun es and the iPods ten years ago, the iPod shuffle, iPod Touch, iPod nano and the iPod Classic were all born. Then came the iPhone and the iPad. Not to mention the extensive line of computers including the MacBook, the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro, the iMac, MacMini and the MacPro. From the co,nception of just one idea, Apple has evolved into a multi-billion dollar company. If Apples top executives had not supported investment in the iPod, the company wou ld not be in the financial position it is in today. In fact, the company could have very well gone under. In the article, "In from the cold: How Apple has blossomed" the author states, "Just a decade after almost fold ing, the consumer-electronics provider is worth over $1 oo billion and now rubs shoulders with the USA s most prestigious organizations" (Unknown Author, 2008, p, 13). By getting in front of the MP3 trend that began back in 2000, Apple took its competitive advantage to a whole new level. Steve Jobs and other company executives saw the tremendous opportunity and took action to invest in it. That bold and smart step fore\(er changed the game of technology and entertainment and secured the company s future . 2. Formulate a strategy for how Apple can use efficiency IT metrics to improve its business. Companies like Apple have to constantly find ways to improve the way they do business. Executives can not simply rest on