Please Let Me Know Which Company You're Going To Write About
Please Let Me Know First What Company Youre Going To Write About Tha
Please let me know first what company you're going to write about! 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. 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.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Understanding the strategic position and the external environment of a corporation is crucial for evaluating its potential for sustainable competitive advantage. This paper examines Apple Inc., a global technology corporation, analyzing how globalization and technological changes have influenced its operations and strategic decisions. By applying both the industrial organization (IO) model and the resource-based view (RBV), the paper explores how Apple can sustain above-average returns. It also assesses the influence of its mission and vision statements and evaluates stakeholder impacts on its overall success.
Impact of Globalization and Technology on Apple Inc.
Globalization has significantly expanded Apple’s market reach, enabling it to operate in various international markets and benefit from economies of scale. Through globalization, Apple has established retail stores and partnered with carriers worldwide, increasing its brand presence and customer base (Lasserre, 2017). The proliferation of digital technology has facilitated innovation in product development, supply chain management, and customer engagement. For example, advancements in mobile computing and cloud technology have allowed Apple to launch seamless, interconnected devices and services (Kane, 2020). The globalization of supply chains has also enabled Apple to reduce costs and maintain competitive pricing, despite high-quality standards.
Technological change continues to be a driving force behind Apple’s innovation strategy. The development of proprietary hardware, operating systems, and services like iCloud and Apple Pay demonstrates the company's commitment to technological advancement. Moreover, Apple’s investment in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and health technology exemplifies its efforts to stay at the forefront of innovation (O’Reilly & Tushman, 2016). These technological shifts have increased competition but also created opportunities for Apple to differentiate itself and sustain market leadership.
Applying the Industrial Organization Model and Resource-Based View
The industrial organization (IO) model emphasizes the importance of industry structure in determining a firm's profitability. According to this model, Apple’s profitability is influenced by industry factors such as competitive rivalry, threats of new entrants, bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, and the threat of substitute products (Porter, 1980). Apple operates in a highly competitive industry with key rivals such as Samsung, Google, and Huawei. High entry barriers, including brand loyalty, patent protections, and economies of scale, help Apple maintain its market position.
The resource-based view (RBV) focuses on internal capabilities and resources that enable a firm to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Apple's core resources include its brand reputation, proprietary technology, integrated ecosystem, and skilled workforce (Barney, 1991). Its unique design, user-friendly interface, and loyal customer base serve as valuable, rare, and non-imitable resources. By leveraging these resources, Apple can differentiate its products and command premium pricing, which contributes to above-average returns.
Combining insights from both models, Apple’s strategic focus on innovation, branding, and exclusive ecosystems allows it to capitalize on industry opportunities while harnessing internal strengths to outperform competitors. Continuous investment in R&D and intellectual property enhances its resource portfolio, strengthening its competitive position.
Influence of Vision and Mission Statements
Apple’s vision statement, “To make a contribution to the world by making tools for the mind that advance humankind,” emphasizes innovation and meaningful contribution. Its mission statement, “Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China,” reflects its focus on innovative design and global manufacturing. These statements foster a culture of innovation, quality, and global outreach, which are essential to its success.
The vision and mission guide strategic decision-making, product development, and marketing strategies. They reinforce Apple’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and social responsibility, which resonate with consumers and stakeholders. This alignment fosters brand loyalty, attracts talented employees, and motivates suppliers, ultimately contributing to sustained success (Kotler & Keller, 2016).
Stakeholder Impact on Apple’s Success
Stakeholders play a vital role in shaping Apple’s strategic landscape. Customers demand innovative, high-quality products and services, influencing R&D and marketing efforts. Suppliers and manufacturers are critical, as they impact product quality, cost, and delivery timelines. Apple’s relationships with suppliers like Foxconn involve negotiations that affect overall production capacity and operational efficiency.
Employees and shareholders are essential internal stakeholders; innovative and motivated employees drive product development, while shareholders fund strategic initiatives and expect returns. External stakeholders, including governments and regulatory agencies, impact Apple through policies on data privacy, taxation, and trade. Environmental stakeholders influence Apple’s sustainability practices, which are increasingly vital for brand reputation.
By managing stakeholder relationships thoughtfully, Apple benefits from a supportive environment that fosters innovation, operational efficiency, and corporate social responsibility—key factors underpinning its global success.
Conclusion
Apple’s strategic success is deeply intertwined with its ability to adapt to technology and globalization trends. Its internal resources and industry positioning, shaped by the IO and RBV models, provide a foundation for achieving above-average returns. The company’s clear vision and mission statements foster a culture of innovation and excellence, while stakeholder engagement ensures sustained support and success. Moving forward, Apple must continue to innovate and manage its stakeholder relationships effectively to maintain its competitive edge in the dynamic technology industry.
References
- Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.
- Kane, Y. I. (2020). How Apple stays ahead in the competitive tech industry. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/03/how-apple-stays-ahead-in-the-competitive-tech-industry
- Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing Management (15th ed.). Pearson.
- Lasserre, P. (2017). Global Strategic Management. Palgrave Macmillan.
- O’Reilly, C. A., & Tushman, M. L. (2016). Lead and disrupt: How to solve the innovator’s dilemma. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/01/lead-and-disrupt
- Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors. Free Press.