Evironmental Scan Paper
All businesses regardless of their particular industry will be faced with the challenges of dealing with different environments. A couple of companies that will be discussed throughout this paper are Apple, Inc. (Apple) and Dell, Inc. (Dell). Both are successful technological companies. Operating in the technology field they pay a great deal of attention to technological factors and trends in the industry. Their internal and external environments can be scanned and evaluated using the PESTEL tool and Porter’s value chain. Using the PESTEL tool will help them identify opportunities and threats that they might encounter. Using the Porter value chain will help them identify and separate strengths and weaknesses each has.
According to Apple they are a worldwide company that produces consumer electronics, computer software, and commercial servers. Apple’s main product lines include the iPad, iPhones, iPod music player, and the Macintosh computer. In April 1976 Apple’s founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak produced the first Apple Computer with their introduction of the Apple I. They incorporated their company in January 1977 in California and have been in business for over 30 years. Apple has had an up and down track record over that time period but also several proven successful products and brands. They also have demonstrated continual innovation despite some down turns and rough times. The death of Steve Jobs in 2011 presents another down time and set back and presents Apple with a great challenge to continue its innovation and proven success under Jobs’ leadership.
Dell is a worldwide information technology company that was founded by Michael Dell who is one of the University of Maryland’s most famous and successful alumni. Dell is based in Red Rock, Texas. This part of Texas is near Austin and is an area that is considered one of the biggest high tech sectors in the United States. Dell develops, manufactures, sells, and provides support for its desktop and laptop
According to Apple they are a worldwide company that produces consumer electronics, computer software, and commercial servers. Apple’s main product lines include the iPad, iPhones, iPod music player, and the Macintosh computer. In April 1976 Apple’s founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak produced the first Apple Computer with their introduction of the Apple I. They incorporated their company in January 1977 in California and have been in business for over 30 years. Apple has had an up and down track record over that time period but also several proven successful products and brands. They also have demonstrated continual innovation despite some down turns and rough times. The death of Steve Jobs in 2011 presents another down time and set back and presents Apple with a great challenge to continue its innovation and proven success under Jobs’ leadership.
Dell is a worldwide information technology company that was founded by Michael Dell who is one of the University of Maryland’s most famous and successful alumni. Dell is based in Red Rock, Texas. This part of Texas is near Austin and is an area that is considered one of the biggest high tech sectors in the United States. Dell develops, manufactures, sells, and provides support for its desktop and laptop
References: http://www.apple.com/ http://www.dell.com/ http://www.slideshare.net/divya-mishra/midterm-part-ii Claburn, T. (2007). Steve Jobs Affirms Apple’s Commitment To Being Green, Retrieved from http://www.informationweek.com/news/199203350 Cuizon, G. (2009). SWOT Analysis of Dell Computers: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis. Retrieved from http://gwendolyncuizon.suite101.com/swot-analysis-of-dell-computers-a92597