Assignment 1: Strategic Management And Competitive Strategy

Assignment 1: Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Due Week 2 and worth 300 points

Choose one (1) public corporation in an industry with which you are familiar. Research the company on its own Website, the public filings on the Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR database, in the University's online databases, and any other sources you can find. The annual report will often provide insights that can help address some of these questions. Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you: Assess how globalization and technology changes have impacted the corporation you researched. Apply the industrial organization model and the resource-based model to determine how your corporation could earn above-average returns. Assess how the vision statement and mission statement of the corporation influence its overall success. Evaluate how each category of stakeholder impacts the overall success of this corporation. Use at least two (2) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary global economy, multinational corporations have become pivotal players influenced heavily by the rapid changes wrought by globalization and technological advancements. Understanding how these forces impact a firm is crucial for strategic management and competitive advantage. This paper examines the impact of globalization and technology on Apple Inc., a leading technology corporation, and applies strategic models to evaluate its potential for above-average returns, along with an analysis of its vision, mission, and stakeholder influence.

Impact of Globalization and Technology on Apple Inc.

Globalization has played a significant role in enabling Apple to expand its reach across international markets, sourcing components from multiple countries, and manufacturing in varied locations such as China. The integration of global supply chains has reduced costs and increased efficiency but also exposed Apple to geopolitical risks and currency fluctuations. Technological advances have further propelled Apple’s growth through innovations in hardware and software, enabling the company to maintain a competitive edge with products like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBooks. Advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and mobile connectivity have also facilitated the development of new services such as Apple Pay and iCloud, aligning with current digital trends.

Applying Strategic Models: Industrial Organization and Resource-Based View

The industrial organization (I/O) model emphasizes the importance of external industry structures in determining profitability. Apple's market dominance in the premium smartphone segment and strong brand loyalty position it favorably within highly competitive markets characterized by high entry barriers, product differentiation, and aggressive marketing strategies. These factors support above-average returns in the short term. Meanwhile, the resource-based view (RBV) focuses on internal resources such as innovation capabilities, brand reputation, and proprietary technology. Apple’s significant investment in research and development, its ecosystem of interconnected products, and user data represent valuable, rare, and non-substitutable resources that can sustain competitive advantage and high profitability over time.

The Role of Vision and Mission Statements

Apple’s vision statement, “To make the best products and to leave the world better than we found it,” emphasizes innovation, quality, and social responsibility. This aspirational vision guides its strategic decisions and motivates stakeholders. The mission statement, “To bring the best user experience to its customers through innovative hardware, software, and services,” underscores a commitment to customer-centric innovation, which has been fundamental to its success. These statements reinforce Apple's brand image, foster employee engagement, and attract consumers, thereby directly impacting its financial and strategic performance.

Stakeholder Influence on Corporate Success

Stakeholders such as shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, and communities, play critical roles in shaping Apple’s strategic direction and success. Shareholders influence corporate governance and demand sustained profitability. Employees drive innovation and operational efficiency. Customers’ preferences and loyalty determine market share and revenue streams. Suppliers’ reliability affects product quality and production costs. Communities and regulators influence corporate social responsibility and compliance strategies. Apple's focus on stakeholder engagement through sustainable practices, transparent communication, and ethical sourcing bolsters its reputation and long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, globalization and technological advancements have profoundly impacted Apple’s operations, enabling it to sustain high profitability through strategic positioning and resource mastery. Its vision and mission statements reinforce a focus on innovation and quality, aligning stakeholder efforts with corporate goals. As a result, Apple continues to leverage its external industry environment and internal resources to achieve competitive advantages and above-average returns, exemplifying effective strategic management in a dynamic global landscape.

References

• Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.
• Grant, R. M. (2019). Contemporary Strategy Analysis (10th ed.). Wiley.
• Hill, C. W., & Jones, G. R. (2019). Strategic Management: An Integrated Approach (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. Free Press.
• Schendel, D., & Helsen, K. (2001). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. McGraw-Hill Education.
• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. (2023). Apple Inc. 10-K Annual Report. https://www.sec.gov/edgar
• Barney, J., & Hesterly, W. (2019). Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases. Pearson.
• Henry, A. (2018). Understanding Strategic Management. Oxford University Press.
• Kim, W. C., & Mauborgne, R. (2004). Blue Ocean Strategy. Harvard Business Review, 82(10), 76–84.
• Porter, M. E. (2008). The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy. Harvard Business Review, 86(1), 78-93.