A. Business In:
Apple Inc. is engaged in designing, manufacturing and marketing mobile communication and media devices, personal computers and portable digital music players. It also sells a range of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications as well as services and support offerings.
Specifically, the company operates in the Technology sector and serves computer hardware, computer software, consumer electronics and digital distribution through the Personal Computers industry.
Technology: Apple sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, and direct sales force, as well as through third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers and resellers. The Company sells to consumers both mid and small- sized businesses, education, enterprise and government customers.
Apple Inc. manages its business primarily on geographic basis. • Reportable operational business segments include: Americas, Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific and Retail. o Americas Segment: include both North and South America. o Europe Segment: includes European countries as well as Middle East and Africa. o Asia-Pacific Segment: includes Australia and Asian countries; other than Japan. o Retail Segment: operates Apple’s retail stores worldwide.
• As of September 24, 1011, Apple Inc. had 357 retail stores, including 245 stores in the United States and 112 stores Internationally.
Apple Incorporated NAICS Codes:2
334111- Electronic Computer Manufacturing
334119- Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
511210- Software Publishers
Financials: See Appendix A: Historical Financial Data
B. Goal Clarification & Strategies and Tactics Used to Fulfill Goals:
Values and/ or Guiding Principles important to Apple’s innovation strategy:
1. Be Your Own Toughest Critic • As the