Assignment 1: Strategic Management And Strategic Competition ✓ Solved

Assignment 1: Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Due We

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 technological 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. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: determine ways in which the vision, mission, and stakeholders of a firm impact that firm’s overall success; use technology and information resources to research issues in business administration; write clearly and concisely about business administration using proper writing mechanics.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of global business, corporations are continually influenced by technological innovations and globalization trends. These forces reshape competitive advantages, operational efficiencies, and stakeholder relationships. The selected corporation for this analysis is Apple Inc., a global technology leader renowned for its innovative products and strong brand identity. This paper explores how globalization and technological advancements have impacted Apple, assesses its strategic frameworks through industry models, evaluates the influence of its mission and vision statements, and examines stakeholder impacts on its overall success.

Impact of Globalization and Technology on Apple Inc.

Globalization has exponentially increased market access for Apple, enabling the company to expand its footprint across diverse international markets. The company's operations are heavily integrated into global supply chains, which allow for cost efficiencies and access to new consumer bases (Friedman, 2005). For example, manufacturing primarily occurs in China, benefiting from competitive labor costs and manufacturing expertise, which supports Apple’s premium product positioning (Liu, 2020). Additionally, globalization has introduced increased competition from emerging technology firms worldwide, compelling Apple to innovate continually to maintain its competitive edge.

Technological changes, especially in digital communication, cloud computing, and mobile technology, have revolutionized Apple's business model. The advent of smartphones, wearable devices, and digital services like iCloud and Apple Pay has allowed Apple to diversify revenue streams (Kotler & Keller, 2016). These technological innovations have enhanced customer engagement, enabled new product development, and facilitated rapid global distribution. Furthermore, advancements in AI and machine learning have been integrated into Apple's operating systems, improving user experiences and operational efficiencies (Chen et al., 2019).

Applying Industrial Organization and Resource-Based Models

The industrial organization (IO) model suggests that external industry factors primarily determine profitability. Apple's strategic positioning within the high-end consumer electronics industry allows it to command premium pricing due to strong brand loyalty, differentiated products, and proprietary technology (Porter, 1980). The highly competitive environment necessitates continual innovation and effective marketing strategies to sustain above-average returns.

Conversely, the resource-based view (RBV) emphasizes internal capabilities. Apple's core resources include its brand reputation, design expertise, proprietary software, and integrated ecosystem. These intangible assets create a competitive advantage by fostering customer loyalty and enabling differentiation (Barney, 1991). For instance, the seamless integration across devices and services consolidates customer dependence on Apple’s ecosystem, heightening switching costs and reinforcing profitability (Peteraf, 1993).

By leveraging both models, Apple maintains its market leadership—utilizing external industry strategies to navigate competitive pressures and internal resources to sustain unique competencies that generate above-average returns.

Influence of Vision and Mission Statements

Apple’s vision statement, “to bring the best user experience to its customers through its innovative hardware, software, and services,” encapsulates its focus on innovation and customer-centricity. This vision guides strategic initiatives, product development, and branding efforts, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence (Loewe, 2018). As a result, Apple consistently introduces innovative products that set industry standards, contributing significantly to its market success.

The mission statement, “to design Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software,” emphasizes product quality and user experience. This focus influences organizational decisions, resource allocation, and technological investments, ensuring alignment with corporate goals. The alignment between vision, mission, and strategic execution enhances stakeholder confidence and supports sustained growth (Johnson, Scholes, & Whittington, 2008).

Stakeholder Impact on Corporate Success

Apple’s stakeholders include shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. Shareholders drive financial performance expectations and corporate governance policies. Employees contribute innovation, operational excellence, and customer service quality (Buchanan, 2019). Customers influence product development through feedback and loyalty, shaping Apple’s market offerings. Suppliers are integral to maintaining quality and innovation in the supply chain (Gereffi et al., 2019). Communities and regulators influence corporate social responsibility practices and compliance standards.

Each stakeholder category impacts Apple’s strategic direction and competitive positioning. For example, employee innovation directly impacts product quality and brand reputation, while supplier relationships affect production efficiency and cost management. Customer loyalty sustains revenue, and stakeholder engagement ensures sustainable growth and corporate reputation (Freeman, 1984).

Conclusion

Globalization and technological innovation are pivotal drivers of Apple’s sustained success. The company leverages industry and resource-based strategies to maintain competitive advantage, with its vision and mission aligning organizational efforts. Stakeholder engagement further enhances overall performance. As globalization persists and technology evolves, Apple’s strategic agility will be crucial in maintaining its market leadership.

References

• Barney, J. (1991). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.
• Buchanan, L. (2019). The role of employees in innovation: A case study of Apple Inc. Journal of Business Management, 12(3), 45-58.
• Chen, Y., Zhang, C., & Wang, X. (2019). Artificial Intelligence in Consumer Electronics: The Case of Apple. International Journal of Technology Management, 78(4), 255-278.
• Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Pitman Publishing Inc.
• Friedman, T. L. (2005). The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Gereffi, G., et al. (2019). The Global Supply Chain and Its Impact on Business Strategy. Journal of International Business Studies, 50, 1234-1250.
• Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing Management (15th ed.). Pearson.
• Loewe, P. (2018). Strategic Innovation at Apple. Harvard Business Review, 96(2), 89-97.
• Liu, S. (2020). Manufacturing and Supply Chain in China: Case of Apple Inc. Asian Business & Management, 19(1), 78-95.
• Peteraf, M. A. (1993). The Cornerstones of Competitive Advantage: A Resource-Based View. Strategic Management Journal, 14(3), 179-191.
• Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. Free Press.