Week 2 Assignment 1 Submission If You Are Using The Blackboa

Week 2 Assignment 1 Submissionif You Are Using The Blackboard Mobile L

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 (4-6) 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 quality 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 global economy, corporations are constantly influenced by globalization and technological advances, which significantly alter their strategic landscapes and competitive advantages. This paper examines the impact of these forces on Apple Inc., a leading technology company in the consumer electronics and software industry. By employing the industrial organization (IO) model and the resource-based view (RBV), it evaluates how Apple can sustain above-average returns. Further, it analyzes the influence of its mission and vision statements and the role of various stakeholders in shaping its overall success.

Impact of Globalization and Technology on Apple Inc.

Globalization has profoundly affected Apple, expanding its market reach and fostering a competitive environment characterized by rapid innovation and global supply chains. The company's operations benefit from global sourcing, which reduces production costs and accelerates product development cycles. The extensive globalization of the technology sector has led Apple to contend with international competitors such as Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi, necessitating continuous innovation to maintain market leadership.

Technological changes have also been pivotal in shaping Apple's strategic initiatives. Innovations in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and cloud computing have created new opportunities for product development and enhanced user experiences. For example, the integration of AI into Siri and machine learning algorithms in its devices exemplifies how technological evolution allows Apple to differentiate its products. Moreover, advancements in manufacturing technology have enabled Apple to improve product quality while controlling costs.

Application of Industry Models for Strategic Advantage

The industrial organization (IO) model emphasizes the importance of industry structure in determining profitability. Apple operates in a highly competitive yet oligopolistic market with high barriers to entry, substantial brand loyalty, and significant economies of scale. The company's dominance is reinforced by patent protections and proprietary technology, which serve as entry barriers for new competitors (Porter, 2008). Maintaining a focus on innovation and leveraging brand strength aligns with the IO model's focus on external industry factors.

The resource-based model (RBV) complements this by emphasizing internal resources and capabilities as sources of competitive advantage. Apple's core competencies include its design expertise, brand reputation, integrated ecosystem, and supply chain efficiency (Barney, 1991). These intangible resources enable Apple to differentiate its offerings and sustain above-average returns. The company's ability to continuously innovate while maintaining strong customer loyalty exemplifies how internal capabilities contribute to strategic success.

Influence of Mission and Vision Statements on Strategic Success

Apple’s mission statement—“To bring the best user experience to customers through innovative hardware, software, and services”—reflects its commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. This mission influences strategic decisions, such as investment in research and development and focus on product quality. Its vision, “To make a contribution to the world by making tools for the mind that advance humankind,” underscores its aspiration to be a leader in technological innovation and societal impact. These statements foster a culture of continuous improvement and guide strategic priorities that reinforce brand loyalty and market positioning.

The Role of Stakeholders in Apple's Success

Stakeholders—customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders, and regulators—each significantly influence Apple's strategic outcomes. Customers’ preferences drive product innovation and brand loyalty. Employees’ skills and motivation are vital for innovation and operational efficiency. Suppliers and manufacturing partners impact quality, cost, and delivery timeliness. Shareholders’ expectations influence strategic investments and dividends. Regulatory bodies shape product compliance and data security policies. Apple's ability to balance and align these stakeholder interests is critical to its sustained success.

Conclusion

Globalization and technological innovation have been instrumental in shaping Apple’s strategic landscape, offering both opportunities and challenges. By leveraging its internal resources through the RBV and understanding industry externalities via the IO model, Apple maintains its competitive advantage. Its mission and vision statements serve as guiding principles that focus its strategic endeavors on innovation and customer value. The active engagement and satisfaction of its diverse stakeholders further enable Apple to sustain profitability and market dominance, illustrating the synergy between strategic management and stakeholder engagement in today’s dynamic global economy.

References

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  • Porter, M. E. (2008). Competitive strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors. Free Press.
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  • Turner, J. (2014). How globalization affects corporate strategy. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org
  • Choi, S. L., et al. (2018). The impact of technological innovation on firm performance: Evidence from the electronics industry. Technovation, 75-76, 90-101.
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