External and Internal Environmental Analysis
Richard Moody
STR/581
April 1, 2013
Ryan Derrickson
Introduction Apple, Inc. started as a computer company launched back in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. The goal behind Apple Inc. was to create a computer that could be used by diverse global communities. Apple has always been very savvy in their approach on releasing the advanced technology that their company provides. Along with their innovative company computer products, Apple Inc. has expanded into other avenues. In addition, to the computers Apple Inc. has found themselves in the market of designing and manufacturing mobile and
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Competition in the market is something Apple is going to continue to expect. Competition is constantly growing especially since new competitors are always coming into the market. Companies like Microsoft and IBM are Apple’s direct competition in the computer market. This has in some way affected Apple’s profit margin, when computer companies such as Asus can sell a laptop at a third of the price of an iMac laptop. But despite the increase in competition Apple, has created a cult like atmosphere with their brand. Having worked in various studios, there are engineers around the world who are die hard Apple computer lovers.
Important Internal Strengths and Weaknesses Internal environmental analysis is defined as factors within the organization that influences their activities particularly the behavior of the employees. The internal will help Apple to continue to grow and succeed. Steve Job’s is and was one the best innovative thinkers of the 20th century. He created and developed a strategic plan that allowed continued success long after he was gone. Jobs started with the first home based computer then he was the driving force behind products such as the iPod, iTunes and the Macintosh operating system. He helped set a standard of excellence for Apple Inc. to continue building upon. Being innovative has been Apple’s claim to fame. Taking risk and giving consumers products that are not only cool but meets a person’s needs created instant success for
Apple Inc. is a software and electronics manufacture that was established in 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. The first computers the company manufactured were aimed at computer hobbyists, while they worked on making their computer simpler for the non-computer users. They later succeeded in creating the Apple II model which would become one of the most popular computers in the through
First, let’s start with the Apple Inc. mission and the company history and an introduction of what apple is and what they do and provide to the market. Apple designs high quality personal computers, music players and mobile communication devices for business, education and entertainment (Apple, 2012). Apple, through easy to use, professional software such as iOS, OSX and iTunes leads the world in digital music distribution and mobile computing with its iPod, iPhone and iPad devices (Apple, 2012). Apple will continue to create electronic devices and software that is so cutting edge that it is redefining mobile computing, media distribution, and communication.
In the past, Apple struggled in the PC industry because of several factors. First, Apple’s slow speed and a lack of competitive software limited sales, and their software was incompatible with other computers. They also failed to adapt to the market’s need for a lower cost PC, thereby losing the bulk purchases made by businesses investing in new technology. This also had first-time computer users adapting to non-Apple technology, thus instigating a switching cost to buy Apple in the future. In recent years, Apple has adjusted their business strategy, improved their software, and created new technology that has customers willing to pay a premium. To remain successful, Apple must continue doing this. Evidence of success is depicted in Apple’s market value over time (Exhibit 1),
It is defined as all the forces or conditions that are available within an environment that affects an organization and business. It is also known as controllable factors because business can control them. The internal environment deals with the management of resources like human resources, physical resources, technology, monetary resources and others that constitute the organization in order to implement or execute a strategy. Internal environment also includes culture and other intangible aspects like teamwork, coordination, efficiency level of employees, employee’s salaries and monitoring costs. The strategy for competition should also be in sync with the internal resources especially the internal environment.
Apple Inc. is a corporation that designs and manufactures computer hardware, software and other consumer electronic products. The company is known for the Macintosh personal computers, iTunes media applications and the iPod personal music players. Apple was founded in April 1976 by Steven Wozniak and Steve Jobs, both college dropouts. In 1976, Wozniak and Jobs created the Apple I computer which did not have a keyboard or power supply for a computer hobbyist club. Later that summer Wozniak started his development of the Apple II, which
Established in 1976, Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II and the Macintosh. Today, Apple designs, manufactures and markets personal computers, portable digital music players and mobile communication devices as well as related software, services, peripherals and network solutions. Apple sells its products worldwide through its online stores, retail stores, direct sales forces and third party distributors to its core customers—consumers,
Apple Inc. was founded in 1977. To date, this company has continually offered a wide range of products to meet the growing demands of customers all over the world. Apple not only produces and sells computer software and cellphones; they also distribute consumer electronic products around the globe. Increasing the value of shareholder and coming up with new inventive products is a constant process for Apple, and Apple continues to do so with their popularity around the world with about 301 store locations in 10 different countries. Aside from all of
Today in this modern competitive business world, technology is moving very fast. New trends and new players are emerging with very fast pace in technology sector. And this is one of the key challenges Apple would face in coming future to find the way to remain top and sustainable company. Lack of innovation in Apple’s products, making it hard for Apple to have competitive advantage over its rivals. If Apple wants to be market leader and has competitive advantages over its rivals, Apple needs new products, not new designs for old products (Jay Yarow, 2013). Android and Microsoft Eco systems are the biggest challenges in coming future for Apple and may soon give Apple a run of its money.
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology business headquartered in Cupertino, California, established by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne on April 1, 1976, to sketch, fabricate, and sell consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world 's second-largest information technology company after Samsung electronics, the world 's largest technology company by total assets. On November 25, 2014, Apple became the first U.S. Company to be treasured at over 700 billion dollars, besides being the largest publicly traded corporation in the world by market capitalization. Apple is a very successful producer of computer software and hardware, however it has demonstrated internal and external areas that need enhancement along with other areas that prove to be profitable.
Big 5 Sporting Goods (Big 5) has operated within the sporting goods industry, predominantly in the western United States, for over 50 years (Hoovers, 2013). To understand the organizational structure and strategic path chosen by Big 5, it is critical to analyze various factors found within its external and internal environments. Big 5’s external environment includes remote, industry, and operating factors whereas the internal environment includes human capital resources and organizational structure factors. Ultimately these external and internal environmental factors provide opportunities and threats that help to develop and alter generic and grand strategies to meet Big
Apple operates with fierce competition in the consumer electronics segment which comes in many different forms. There are a large number of competitors in the different market niches who offer many similar products. Furthermore, many of these competitors' products are priced much less than an Apple branded products. Just as soon as Apple releases a new product, major companies begin imitating it immediately. In the personal computer industry, market pressure is continuously being exerted from such companies such as IBM, Dell, HP, and Toshiba (Wildstrom, 2009). Furthermore, with its flagship product the IPhone, Apple competes with companies like HTC, Palm, Blackberry, and Motorola (Wortham, 2011). Apple has had significant success despite the competitive environment because Apple commands a brand loyalty and dedication to innovation that few companies have ever achieved.
The internal environment also can influence or impact a corporation’s long term objectives and strategies. The internal environment notes elements inside the organization that impact the approach and success the operation by effectively motivating employees through the mission statement, leadership style, and culture (Kokemuller, 2015). In order for a firm to evaluate the internal environment, I feel they should consider the strengths and weakness associated with the SWOT analysis as this will give them an idea on areas the company needs to right size or components it should capitalize on (Pearce & Robinson, 2011,
Social Factors - The California Pizza Kitchen sells pizzas, pastas, salads, etc. and the ambience of the restaurants is quite informal and homely. Its primary key to its success has been that they were the first pizza restaurant that offered fresh and non-traditional ingredients for its pizzas. On a whole, the American consumer base is traditionally not very nutritional conscience when it comes to dining out. Regionally, the consumer preferences are suiting the business model of the company in most areas; however changes in the consumer
Apple Inc. is a gigantic company which focuses mainly on technological products, and it is headquarters is located in California. The company is base out of California and it was established in 1976. The “founder of Apple is Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.” “Apple design develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.” Some common product of Apple includes “the iPhone smartphone, the iPad tablet computer, the Mac personal computer, the iPod portable media player, the Apple Watch smartwatch, and the Apple TV digital media player.” Apple 's also make and sells products such as “the Mac OS and iOS operating systems, the iTunes media player, the Safari web browser, and the iLife and iWork creativity and productivity suites.” “Its online services include the iTunes Store, the iOS App Store and Mac App Store, and iCloud.” “Apple Macintosh” computer after its introduction in 1984, “was the first primary company which sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI).” “Apple” created a name for itself for their innovations. In 1997, Steve Jobs returned to Apple because of loss of sales, and he introduced colorful iMac, and because of this Apple was successful again. “In 2001, Apple released the first generation of iPods and included media jukebox software called iTunes.” “Apple also launched an online media store as part of iTunes, which started off by selling music for .99 cents per song.” Over time, “the iTunes Store
Apple Inc. is a multinational corporation that specializes in the production of consumer and business computers, electronics, and software. The company was established on April 1, 1976 by three individuals named Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. It was then incorporated on January 3, 1977 and was initially known as Apple Computer, Inc. for 30 years thereafter, until it was changed to Apple Inc. on January 9, 2007, so as to include a more diverse line of products to the market than just computers, as the former name suggested.