Internal & External Factors - Apple Inc.
Internal and External Factors
MGT230
December 9, 2012
Prof. Maggie Ellison-Lohkemper
Internal and External Factors Introduction………………..
Innovation
Innovation is an internal factor of business that has served as the cornerstone for Apple’s success as a technology giant. “Arguably one of the most innovative technology companies to emerge in the last three decades,” Apple has masterfully applied the four functions of management to their business strategy (Finkle and Mallin, 2011, p. 63). The first function, planning, focuses on the company’s strategy to set out and achieve their organizational goals. The technology industry is perpetually evolving to be successful Apple has to stay ahead of the curve using strategic planning to ensure that their innovative products dominate the market. Apple “stands for innovation in personal computing and digital media distribution” (Finkle and Mallin, 2011, p. 63). The second function of management is organizing and Apple’s organizational infrastructure is strong and profitable. They employ the best software designers in California and allow China to take the competitive advantage in production. The third function of management, leading, has also played a big role in the development of Apple as a corporation. One of their most successful, intuitive, and respected leaders was Steve Jobs. Jobs redefined “Apple’s image to a ‘hip’ alternative to other brands – computers that offered a cutting-edge, tightly integrated user experience” (Finkle and Mallin, 2011, p. 65). The fourth function of management, controlling, is about modifying your product or service based on the feedback of your consumer. Jobs worked to make Apple’s products more compatible for Microsoft users. When consumers complained that Apple’s tablet prices were too high, Apple released an iPad Mini with much of the same base functionality but at a much lower price tag. Apple is a leader in innovation. “Apple does not ask people what they wanted; it tells them
MGT230
December 9, 2012
Prof. Maggie Ellison-Lohkemper
Internal and External Factors Introduction………………..
Innovation
Innovation is an internal factor of business that has served as the cornerstone for Apple’s success as a technology giant. “Arguably one of the most innovative technology companies to emerge in the last three decades,” Apple has masterfully applied the four functions of management to their business strategy (Finkle and Mallin, 2011, p. 63). The first function, planning, focuses on the company’s strategy to set out and achieve their organizational goals. The technology industry is perpetually evolving to be successful Apple has to stay ahead of the curve using strategic planning to ensure that their innovative products dominate the market. Apple “stands for innovation in personal computing and digital media distribution” (Finkle and Mallin, 2011, p. 63). The second function of management is organizing and Apple’s organizational infrastructure is strong and profitable. They employ the best software designers in California and allow China to take the competitive advantage in production. The third function of management, leading, has also played a big role in the development of Apple as a corporation. One of their most successful, intuitive, and respected leaders was Steve Jobs. Jobs redefined “Apple’s image to a ‘hip’ alternative to other brands – computers that offered a cutting-edge, tightly integrated user experience” (Finkle and Mallin, 2011, p. 65). The fourth function of management, controlling, is about modifying your product or service based on the feedback of your consumer. Jobs worked to make Apple’s products more compatible for Microsoft users. When consumers complained that Apple’s tablet prices were too high, Apple released an iPad Mini with much of the same base functionality but at a much lower price tag. Apple is a leader in innovation. “Apple does not ask people what they wanted; it tells them
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