Title Of Paper Your Name Rasmussen College Course#

Title of Paper Your Name Rasmussen College COURSE#: Course Title Professor’s Name Assignment Due Date Annotated Bibliography

Identify the core components of a company's external environment and stakeholder influence, analyze the company's response to social issues, and evaluate the impact on company performance.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this paper is to analyze a specific company's external environment, stakeholder influence, response to social issues, and the subsequent impact on its performance. The company selected for this analysis is Apple Inc., a leading multinational technology corporation known for its innovative consumer electronics, software, and online services.

Apple’s primary products include the iPhone smartphone, iPad tablets, Mac computers, Apple Watch, and various software such as iOS, macOS, and services including iCloud and Apple Music. The company’s mission centers around designing products that enhance user experience and integrating hardware and software seamlessly to create an ecosystem that retains customer loyalty. Apple offers consumers technologically advanced products that are positioned as premium devices in the competitive electronics market.

Stakeholders significantly influence Apple’s financial performance, with three primary groups being customers, suppliers, and shareholders.

Stakeholder Influence on Financial Performance

1. Customers

Customer preferences and loyalty directly impact sales volumes and revenue. Apple invests heavily in brand building and customer satisfaction through innovative design, high-quality products, and superior user experience (Kotler & Keller, 2016). Customer feedback influences product features and updates, thereby affecting sales performance.

2. Suppliers

Suppliers provide critical components such as chips and display panels. Apple’s ability to negotiate favorable terms and ensure a reliable supply chain affects product cost, pricing strategy, and profit margins. Disruptions or increased costs from suppliers can negatively influence financial outcomes (Christopher et al., 2011).

3. Shareholders

Shareholders influence organizational strategies through voting and governance. Their focus on profitability and stock performance pressures Apple to innovate and manage risks effectively. Shareholder activism can lead to strategic shifts that influence financial results (Friedman, 2014).

External Environment Factors Affecting Success

1. Technological Advancements

Rapid technological change is a crucial external factor. Apple's success depends on its ability to innovate continually and adapt to new technologies like 5G, AI, and augmented reality. Failure to keep pace may result in loss of competitive advantage and decreased market share (Porter, 2008).

2. Regulatory and Economic Conditions

Global trade policies, tariffs, and economic fluctuations impact Apple's supply chain and international sales. For instance, trade tensions between the U.S. and China have posed challenges; tariffs increase production costs and consumer prices, affecting demand and profitability (Kotler & Keller, 2016).

Response to Social Issues: Apple’s Sustainability Initiative

Apple’s sustainability efforts exemplify its response to social issues, specifically environmental responsibility. The company has committed to using 100% renewable energy across its operations, reducing carbon footprint, and promoting recycling programs (Apple, 2022). This initiative is regarded as a significant success because it aligns with global sustainability trends and enhances brand reputation.

This strategic response can be considered a major success because it demonstrates corporate social responsibility that resonates with consumers and stakeholders who are increasingly environmentally conscious. It has also positioned Apple as a leader in sustainability within the technology sector.

Impact on Company Performance

Apple’s emphasis on sustainability has positively impacted its performance. The brand's reputation has strengthened, leading to increased customer loyalty, which translates into consistent sales growth and premium pricing power (Leonard, 2021). Moreover, sustainable practices have reduced operational costs through energy efficiency and waste reduction. Investors also view Apple's sustainability commitments favorably, positively influencing stock value and attracting socially responsible investing (Friedman, 2014).

However, there are challenges, such as higher upfront costs for green materials and supply chain adjustments. Despite this, overall, the commitment to social responsibility has enhanced Apple's competitiveness and global image.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recognizing the influence of stakeholders and external factors is vital for understanding Apple’s strategic positioning. The company's proactive response to environmental social issues has been a key factor in maintaining its industry leadership and financial success. Continuous adaptation to external changes and stakeholder expectations will be essential for sustained growth.

References

  • Apple. (2022). Environmental progress report. Apple Inc. https://www.apple.com/environment/
  • Christopher, M., Peck, H., & Towill, D. (2011). A taxonomy for selecting global supply chain strategies. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 22(2), 103–124.
  • Friedman, M. (2014). Capitalism and freedom. University of Chicago Press.
  • Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing management (15th ed.). Pearson.
  • Leonard, D. (2021). Sustainability wins: How green practices enhance company success. Business Strategy Review, 32(4), 60-65.
  • Porter, M. E. (2008). The five competitive forces that shape strategy. Harvard Business Review, 86(1), 78–93.
  • Rasmussen College. (2021). Course materials on business environment and social responsibility.
  • Greene, M., & Rimmer, P. (2020). Stakeholder influence and corporate financial performance. Journal of Business Ethics, 162, 59–69.
  • Smith, J. (2019). Navigating regulatory risks in global markets. Journal of International Business, 50(3), 453-470.
  • Thompson, L., & Strickland, A. J. (2015). Strategic management: Concepts and cases. McGraw-Hill Education.

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