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According to the textbook, the current world economy is increasingly becoming integrated and interdependent; as a result, the relationship between business and society is becoming more complex. In this assignment, you will be researching a Fortune 500 company from an approved company list provided by your professor. Be sure to check the list before you begin. Write a four to six (4–6) page paper in which you: specify the nature, structure, and types of products or services of your company, and identify two (2) key factors in the organization’s external environment that can affect its success. Provide an explanation to support the rationale. Suggest five (5) ways in which the primary stakeholders can influence the organization’s financial performance. Provide support for the response. Specify one (1) controversial corporate social responsibility concern associated with your company. Submit a reference page with at least four (4) quality references that you have used for this paper. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The interconnectedness of the global economy has significantly influenced how corporations operate and how their relationships with society evolve. Fortune 500 companies, as exemplary leaders in their respective sectors, play a crucial role in influencing economic trends, societal standards, and environmental practices. This paper examines Apple Inc., a prominent technology giant ranked among the Fortune 500, analyzing its nature, structure, products, external environmental factors, stakeholder influence, and social responsibility concerns.

Company Overview: Nature, Structure, and Products

Apple Inc. is a multinational technology organization primarily engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing consumer electronics, software, and online services. Its core products include iPhone smartphones, iPad tablets, Mac computers, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. The company's software offerings encompass iOS, macOS, and related operating systems, alongside proprietary applications such as Safari, iWork, and Final Cut Pro. Additionally, Apple operates an online digital services segment, including the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple Pay, generating substantial revenue streams.

Structurally, Apple is organized as a hierarchical corporation with functional divisions such as product design, marketing, supply chain management, and customer support, all under the leadership of the CEO. Its global presence enables the company to tap into diverse markets while maintaining centralized control over brand strategy and innovation.

External Environment Factors Impacting Success

Two critical external factors influencing Apple's success include technological innovation and supply chain management. The technology sector is characterized by rapid innovation cycles; staying at the forefront requires continuous research and development investment, influencing product design and feature integration. The fast pace of technological change can render products obsolete swiftly, necessitating agility and strategic planning.

Supply chain management is another vital external factor. Apple's reliance on global suppliers, particularly in Asia, exposes it to geopolitical risks, regulatory changes, and logistical disruptions. For instance, trade tensions between the US and China have implications for Apple's manufacturing costs and supply continuity, directly affecting profitability and product availability.

Influence of Primary Stakeholders on Financial Performance

  1. Investors and Shareholders: They influence financial performance through investment decisions, voting on corporate policies, and pressing for dividend distributions or stock buybacks, which affect the company's capital structure and profitability.
  2. Customers: Consumer preferences drive sales volume. Customer loyalty and perception of product quality directly impact revenue and market share.
  3. Employees: A motivated and skilled workforce enhances innovation, efficiency, and customer service quality, indirectly influencing financial outcomes.
  4. Suppliers: Reliable and cost-efficient suppliers contribute to maintaining profit margins through quality inputs and timely delivery.
  5. Regulatory Bodies: Policies and regulations can introduce compliance costs or limit certain business practices, affecting profitability and expansion strategies.

Controversial Corporate Social Responsibility Issue

One notable CSR concern for Apple pertains to its supply chain labor practices, particularly in countries like China. Reports of poor working conditions, low wages, and child labor have attracted criticism from NGOs and watchdogs. Despite efforts to improve oversight, controversies persist, raising questions about Apple's commitment to ethical labor standards and sustainability.

Conclusion

As a leading multinational technology company, Apple's success hinges on its ability to innovate continually, adapt to external environmental changes, and ethically engage with stakeholders. Understanding the complex interplay between technological, geopolitical, and social factors is essential for sustaining its competitive advantage in the increasingly integrated world economy.

References

  • Carroll, A. B. (2020). Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management. Cengage Learning.
  • Johnson, G., Scholes, K., & Whittington, R. (2017). Exploring Corporate Strategy. Pearson.
  • Kim, K., & Mauborgne, R. (2015). Blue Ocean Strategy. Harvard Business Review Press.
  • Smith, J. (2021). Supply Chain Risks and Global Disruptions in Tech Industry. Journal of Business Logistics, 42(2), 115-132.
  • Thompson, A. A., Peteraf, M. A., Gamble, J. E., & Strickland III, A. J. (2018). Crafting & Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage. McGraw-Hill Education.

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