Bus 499 Capstone Assignment 1: Strategic Management And Stra

Bus 499 Capstoneassignment 1 Strategic Management And Strategic Compe

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) 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. 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.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary business environment, understanding the strategic management processes of a corporation is crucial for assessing its competitive position and long-term sustainability. This paper examines Apple Inc., a leading technology company, analyzing how globalization and technological advances have influenced its operations, applying strategic models to evaluate its potential for above-average returns, and exploring how its vision, mission, and stakeholders contribute to its overall success.

Impact of Globalization and Technology on Apple Inc.

Globalization has profoundly transformed Apple’s business landscape by expanding its market reach globally. Apple's products, such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, are now used worldwide, facilitating a diversified revenue stream that reduces dependency on any single geographic market. The global supply chain has been instrumental in enabling Apple to scale manufacturing efficiently and cost-effectively, leveraging countries like China for assembly while maintaining high-quality standards. However, globalization also presents challenges, including geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, which can disrupt supply chains and impact profitability.

Technological advancements have been equally transformative for Apple. The evolution from basic personal computers to sophisticated mobile devices and wearable technology positions Apple as a technological innovator. The integration of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and 5G technology enhances product capabilities and user experiences, fostering brand loyalty. Additionally, digital platforms like the App Store and iCloud services have created new revenue streams and competitive advantages. These innovations support Apple's continuous growth and adaptation in a rapidly changing tech environment.

Applying Strategic Models for Above-Reward Returns

The industrial organization (IO) model emphasizes the importance of industry structure and competitive dynamics. Apple operates within the highly competitive technology sector, where barriers to entry are high due to significant capital requirements, brand loyalty, and technological expertise. Apple’s dominant market position and economies of scale afford it a competitive edge, allowing it to sustain above-average profits. Its control over scarce resources such as patents and proprietary technology further reinforces its competitive advantage.

The resource-based view (RBV) focuses on internal resources and capabilities as sources of competitive advantage. Apple’s core competencies include its innovative design capabilities, strong brand equity, and the ecosystem of interconnected products and services. Its extensive research and development efforts and customer loyalty are valuable and hard to imitate, enabling Apple to differentiate itself from competitors. By leveraging unique resources, Apple can sustain above-average returns, especially through continuous innovation and strategic alliances.

Influence of Vision and Mission Statements

Apple’s vision statement—“to bring the best user experience to its customers through innovative hardware, software, and services”—guides its strategic direction by emphasizing innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. This focus on innovation fuels its product development and marketing strategies, allowing Apple to maintain its competitive edge. The company's mission, “to design the best personal computers and mobile devices that revolutionize the way people work, learn, and communicate,” reflects its commitment to technological excellence and user-centric design, which has driven its brand loyalty and market leadership.

These statements influence decision-making processes, guiding resource allocation, research priorities, and marketing strategies. They create a shared purpose that motivates employees and aligns organizational efforts toward strategic goals.

Impact of Stakeholders

Apple’s stakeholders—customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders, and communities—each play a vital role in its success. Customers’ loyalty and satisfaction are fundamental for sustained revenue; Apple’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge products reinforces this relationship. Employees contribute innovative ideas and operational excellence, vital for maintaining competitive advantage. Suppliers provide the necessary components and materials; their collaboration and reliability directly impact product quality and production costs.

Shareholders expect profitable returns and transparency, motivating Apple to pursue sustainable growth strategies. Communities and regulatory bodies influence corporate social responsibility initiatives, including environmental sustainability, which enhances Apple’s brand reputation and compliance with legal standards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Apple Inc. exemplifies how globalization and technological innovation influence strategic positioning and competitive advantage. Applying industrial organization and resource-based models demonstrates the company’s ability to generate above-average returns through industry dynamics and internal capabilities. Its vision and mission statements align with strategic priorities that drive innovation, customer satisfaction, and stakeholder engagement, all of which are essential for sustained success in a dynamic global marketplace.

References

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• Johnson, G., Scholes, K., & Whittington, R. (2017). Exploring Corporate Strategy (11th ed.). Pearson.
• Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors. Free Press.
• Grant, R. M. (2019). Contemporary Strategy Analysis (10th ed.). Wiley.
• Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (1996). Using the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system. Harvard Business Review, 74(1), 75-85.
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• Barney, J. B., & Hesterly, W. S. (2019). Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases (6th ed.). Pearson.
• Wheelen, T. L., & Hunger, J. D. (2018). Strategic Management and Business Policy. Pearson.