Assignment 1: Strategic Management And Strategic Comp 636403

Assignment 1 Strategic Management And Strategic Competitivenessdue We

Research a public corporation in an industry with which you are familiar. Use the company's website, SEC filings, university databases, and other credible sources to gather information. Write a 4-6 page paper that discusses the following:

• Assess how globalization and technological changes have impacted the company.
• Apply the industrial organization model and resource-based model to analyze how the company can earn above-average returns.
• Evaluate how the company's vision and mission statements influence its overall success.
• Assess the impact of various stakeholders on the company’s success.

The paper should be well-organized, clearly written, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font, with 1-inch margins. Include a cover page and a references page (not part of the 4-6 page count). Use at least two credible academic references, formatted in APA style. The paper should demonstrate understanding of how vision, mission, and stakeholders influence a firm's success and incorporate research from quality sources.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary global economy, technological advancements and globalization have profoundly reshaped the strategic landscape for corporations across industries. This paper examines the impact of these forces on Apple Inc., a leading technology enterprise known for its innovative products such as the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. through analyzing how globalization and technological changes have influenced Apple's competitive positioning, applying strategic models to forecast its capacity for above-average returns, evaluating the influence of corporate vision and mission, and analyzing stakeholder impacts.

Impact of Globalization and Technology on Apple Inc.

Globalization has expanded Apple’s market reach, enabling it to sell products worldwide and source components from diverse global suppliers (Luo & Bhattacharya, 2006). The company benefits from global supply chains that reduce costs and facilitate rapid delivery, yet faces increased competition from regional firms. Technological changes have accelerated product innovation cycles, allowing Apple to continuously upgrade its offerings and maintain differentiation (Yoffie & Kim, 2020). The rise of the internet and mobile connectivity has enabled new distribution channels, such as the App Store, fostering an ecosystem that sustains customer loyalty (D citing). These forces have contributed to Apple’s ability to generate persistent demand and adapt swiftly to changing consumer preferences while navigating trade tensions and regulatory challenges (Chen, 2021).

Applying Strategic Models for Above-Average Returns

The industrial organization (I/O) model emphasizes that industry structure largely determines profits. Apple operates in the highly profitable smartphone and electronics industry, characterized by high barriers to entry, brand loyalty, and differentiated products (Porter, 1980). Its market positioning allows it to extract higher margins despite competitive pressures.

The resource-based view (RBV) focuses on internal capabilities that provide competitive advantage. Apple’s proprietary technology, integrated ecosystem, strong brand reputation, and innovative capacity are key resources that allow it to sustain above-average returns (Barney, 1991). Its R&D investments and design expertise act as valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable resources (Wernerfelt, 1984). These strategic advantages help Apple defend its market share and premium pricing strategies, leading to sustained profitability.

Influence of Vision and Mission Statements

Apple’s vision statement aims to “bring the best user experience to its customers through innovative hardware, software, and services” (Apple Inc., 2022). This forward-looking vision drives the company's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, which are central to its success.

The mission statement reinforces this focus by emphasizing designing "the best products and services that empower individuals and enrich lives" (Apple Inc., 2022). This clarity aligns organizational efforts, fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence. The clear articulation of purpose inspires employees, attracts customers, and guides strategic decisions, ensuring that the company's goals remain aligned with its core values — innovation, quality, and sustainability.

Stakeholder Impact on Company Success

Apple’s stakeholders include customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, government bodies, and communities. Customers drive demand through their preferences for innovative, high-quality products. Effective engagement and brand loyalty translate into sustained revenue streams (Kotler & Keller, 2016).

Suppliers are crucial for ensuring timely, cost-effective access to components. Collaborative supplier relationships are vital for maintaining product quality and managing risks associated with global supply chains (Kumar et al., 2020).

Employees' creativity and productivity are critical; Apple's culture promotes innovation and excellence, directly impacting product success and organizational performance (Schein, 2010).

Shareholders provide capital and expect sustained financial returns, influencing strategic priorities. Regulatory compliance and corporate social responsibility impact the company’s reputation and operational sustainability (Miller & Dinolfo, 2017).

Conclusion

Globalization and technological advances continue to shape Apple’s strategic environment, offering both opportunities and challenges. By leveraging industry structure advantages and internal resources, Apple sustains above-average profitability. Its clear vision and mission foster organizational coherence, while stakeholder relationships underpin ongoing success. As the global landscape evolves, adaptive strategies rooted in robust understanding of these factors will remain essential for maintaining competitive advantage.

References

• Apple Inc. (2022). Apple’s vision and mission statements. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/about/
• Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.
• Chen, L. (2021). Navigating trade tensions and regulatory risks: Apple’s global strategy. International Business Review, 30(4), 101-112.
• Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing management. Pearson.
• Kumar, S., Awasthi, A., & Maheshwari, S. (2020). Managing supply chain risks in technology firms: A case study of Apple Inc. Supply Chain Management Review, 24(3), 45-53.
• Luo, X., & Bhattacharya, C. B. (2006). Corporate social responsibility, customer satisfaction, and market value. Journal of Marketing, 70(4), 1–18.
• Miller, F., & Dinolfo, S. (2017). Corporate reputation: A stakeholder perspective. Corporate Reputation Review, 20(3), 145–157.
• Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive strategy. Free Press.
• Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational culture and leadership. Jossey-Bass.
• Wernerfelt, B. (1984). A resource-based view of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 5(2), 171–180.
• Yoffie, D. B., & Kim, R. (2020). Apple’s innovation strategy. Harvard Business Review, 98(1), 52-59.