Assignment 1: Strategic Management And Strategic Competitive

Assignment 1 Strategic Management And Strategic Competitivenessworth

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, and any other sources you can find. 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.

Paper For Above instruction

In an increasingly interconnected world, globalization and technological advancements have profoundly influenced corporate strategies and competitive dynamics. This paper examines these impacts on a selected public corporation, applying strategic management frameworks to understand its competitive positioning, and evaluating how vision, mission, and stakeholder relationships contribute to its success.

The selected company for this analysis is Apple Inc., a leading technology firm recognized globally for its innovative products and services. Apple operates within a rapidly evolving industry where globalization has expanded its market reach and supply chain complexity. Technological advancements, particularly in consumer electronics, software development, and digital services, have driven Apple’s growth trajectory and strategic choices.

Globalization has opened vast markets for Apple, allowing it to penetrate regions such as Asia, Europe, and emerging markets, thereby increasing sales volume and market share. However, it also presents challenges, including geopolitical tensions, regulatory hurdles, and cultural differences. Technological innovation has enabled Apple to lead in product design and features, fostering brand loyalty and maintaining its competitive edge. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological change necessitates continual innovation and investment in research and development, impacting the company’s operational strategies and competitiveness.

Applying the industrial organization (I/O) model, Apple’s competitive advantage is partly derived from industry structure—characterized by high product differentiation and substantial barriers to entry. Apple's differentiated products, such as the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, create a strong competitive moat, enabling premium pricing and above-average profitability. The firm's branding and economies of scale further enhance its industry positioning.

Meanwhile, the resource-based view (RBV) emphasizes Apple’s valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable (VRIN) resources. These include its proprietary technology, brand reputation, ecosystem of interconnected devices, and skilled workforce. Apple's innovation capability and brand equity serve as core resources that sustain its competitive advantage and facilitate profitable growth.

The company’s vision statement—“to make the best products on earth, and to leave the world better than we found it”—reflects its commitment to quality, innovation, and social responsibility. Its mission—to bring the best user experience to its customers through innovative hardware, software, and services—guides strategic priorities and product development efforts. These statements influence Apple's corporate culture, stakeholder engagement, and strategic decision-making, ultimately shaping its market success.

Stakeholders play a crucial role in Apple’s success. Shareholders demand consistent financial returns and strategic transparency, influencing corporate governance and investment priorities. Customers' preferences for innovative, user-friendly products drive R&D investments and product design. Employees contribute through their skills, innovation, and commitment to corporate values. Suppliers and partners are vital for maintaining quality and supply chain efficiency, especially given the globalized nature of Apple's operations. Communities and regulators impact the company's social responsibility and compliance strategies.

In conclusion, globalization and technological changes have significantly impacted Apple, enabling it to expand globally while maintaining its innovative edge. The industrial organization model highlights industry structure advantages, whereas the resource-based view underscores the importance of unique internal resources. The company’s vision and mission serve as strategic anchors, guiding stakeholder engagement and fostering sustained success. Understanding these factors provides insight into how Apple competes and sustains its leadership position in the technology industry.

References

  • Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.
  • Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2017). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases: Competitiveness and Globalization. Cengage Learning.
  • Johnson, G., Whittington, R., & Scholes, K. (2017). Exploring Corporate Strategy. Pearson.
  • Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Free Press.
  • Scarborough, N. M., & Cornwall, J. R. (2019). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. Pearson.
  • Sun, S. L., & Anderson, C. (2018). The influence of globalization on corporate strategy. Global Business Review, 19(4), 927-944.
  • Thompson, A. A., Peteraf, M. A., Gamble, J. E., & Strickland III, A. J. (2018). Crafting and Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Wernerfelt, B. (1984). A resource-based view of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 5(2), 171-180.
  • Wheelen, T. L., & Hunger, J. D. (2018). Strategic Management and Business Policy: Toward Global Sustainability. Pearson.
  • Yu, S., & Zhang, M. (2020). Impact of technological innovation on firm competitiveness: Evidence from industry leaders. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 32(2), 135-149.

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