Apple, Inc. Case StudyBUSI 400-003September 24, 2008
Dominant Economic Characteristics
Large Market Size
Steady Growth Rate
Number of rivals is constant/low
Scope of competitive rivalry is intense
Low differentiation of products
Product innovation is key in competition
No surplus of supply as it relates to demand
Pace of technological change is high
Competition Analysis
Collective Strength of Five Forces on Profitability:
Rivalry among competitors – Strong
Threat of potential entry – Weak
Power of substitutes – Moderate
Power of suppliers – Strong
Power of buyers – Moderate
Driving Forces
Product innovation
Marketing innovation
Changing societal concerns
Attitudes and lifestyles
Increasing globalization
Diffusion of technical know-how across more companies and countries Noah’s bubble chart for Competitive Position of Major Companies
Key Success Factors
Overall Attractiveness &Competitive Environment
Industry attractiveness high demand for mp3 and digital music
High profit margins
Industry unattractiveness cost of keeping up to date with technology
Competition is fierce
Current Strategy
Broad differentiation strategy
Unique attributes & designs
Not easily copied
Buyer loyalty
Complementary strategies
Offensive
1st to market
Product innovation
Alliances
Nike+iPod
Intel
Financial Position
Major growth
Financial Performance S.W.O.T. Analysis
Strengths
Brand Recognition
Pointed Marketing
R&D
Control of Hardware AND Software
Weaknesses
Cost of constant R&D
Cost of switching
Opportunities
iPod vehicle connectivity
Retail store growth
Threats
Microsoft “Sync” in Ford cars
Dell and HP low-budget computers
Value Chain
Weighted Competitive Strength Assessment
Bubble chart from matt????
Strategic Issues Analysis iPod market maturing
Rising star in the
References: Apple Inc.. (2008). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved September 24, 2008, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/30632/Apple-Inc BNet, (1992, February, 14). [Weblog] Apple Computer Inc.. BNet Business Network. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3311/is_n8_v27/ai_12139381 Burrow, P. (2006, April, 6). Apple Computer iPods, sure. But don 't go dissing Macs. Business Week, 50, Retrieved September 18, 2008, from http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_14/b3978407.htm Carrido J., Hakimeh S., Hayes K., & Lau F. (2006, May 31). Apple Computer Inc.: Case Analysis. Retrieved September 11, 2008, from www.kylehayes.info/share/TOM411/AppleComputerInc.doc Frakes, D. (2006, August 4). Comparing Prices: Mac Pro versus PC. Macworld, Retrieved September 18, 2008, from http://www.macworld.com/article/52381/2006/08/macproprice.html Yahoo Finance, (2008, September 23). Apple Inc. (AAPL). Retrieved September 24, 2008, from Yahoo Finance Web site: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/co?s=aapl Standard & Poor 's, Apple Inc.. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from Standard & Poor 's NetAdvantage Web site: http://www.netadvantage.standardandpoors.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/NASApp/NetAdvant age/index.do