Week 3 Assignment: Strategic Management And Competitive Stra

Week 3 Assignment Strategic Management And Strategic Competitiveness

Week 3 Assignment - Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Choose one public corporation in an industry with which you are familiar. Use any or all of the following resources to conduct research on the corporation: The corporation’s website. Public filings from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Filings & Forms page. Strayer University's online databases. The Nexis Uni database. Other miscellaneous sources. (The corporation's annual report will often provide insights that other resources may not include.) Write a 4-6 page academic research paper in which you include the following: * Note: The title page and source list are in addition to the 4-6 page requirement 1. Assess how globalization and technology changes have impacted the corporation you researched. Support your assessment with specific evidence. 2. Apply the industrial organization model and the resource-based model to determine how your corporation could earn above-average returns. Support your response with specific evidence. 3. Assess how the vision statement and mission statement of the corporation influences its overall success. Support your assessment with specific evidence. 4. Evaluate how each category of stakeholder impacts the overall success of the corporation. Support your response with specific evidence. 5. Use three or more quality sources,

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The influence of globalization and technological advancements has reshaped the strategic landscape of corporations across industries. To explore this dynamic, this paper examines Apple Inc., a global leader in technology. Analyzing how these factors have impacted Apple’s growth and competitiveness provides insights into effective strategic management. Additionally, applying the industrial organization (I/O) model and the resource-based view (RBV) illustrates how Apple sustains above-average returns. The assessment of Apple’s leadership philosophy through its mission and vision statements, along with stakeholder analysis, underpins understanding of its overall success.

Impact of Globalization and Technology on Apple Inc.

Globalization has enabled Apple to expand its reach across diverse markets, fostering a worldwide ecosystem that integrates manufacturing, supply chain management, and sales channels (Friedman, 2005). Apple’s globalized supply chain leverages international suppliers and manufacturing facilities primarily in China, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs (Lashinsky, 2012). The company’s direct retail stores and online platforms further exemplify globalization’s role in expanding market access and consumer engagement (Keller, 2016).

Technological advancements have been integral to Apple’s innovation strategy. Turning to the evolution of mobile computing, Apple revolutionized the smartphone industry with the iPhone’s release, integrating touchscreen technology, app ecosystems, and advanced hardware (Isaacson, 2014). Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and biometric security, such as Face ID, showcase how ongoing technological developments bolster product differentiation (Kumar & Rajan, 2018). Furthermore, the adoption of 5G technology promises to sustain Apple’s competitive edge, allowing seamless service and enhanced device capabilities globally.

In sum, globalization and technology have not only facilitated Apple’s immense market penetration but also driven its innovation pace, enabling the company to remain a technological leader (Porter, 2008). These factors have objectively increased complexity but also potentiate Apple’s strategic agility.

Application of Industry Models to Apple’s Strategy

The industrial organization (I/O) model suggests that industry structure influences profitability, advocating that firms should exploit external environmental opportunities (Barney, 1991). Apple’s industry—consumer electronics and software—has high entry barriers, such as brand loyalty, patent protections, and high capital requirements (Porter, 1980). Apple differentiates itself with innovative designs and a robust ecosystem, positioning it for above-average returns within a highly competitive industry.

Complementing this, the resource-based view (RBV) emphasizes internal capabilities as sources of sustained competitive advantage (Barney, 1991). Apple’s core resources include its brand reputation, proprietary iOS ecosystem, design expertise, and supply chain relationships. These resources create unique value that competitors find difficult to imitate, such as integrated hardware-software development and customer loyalty (Grant, 2019).

By leveraging industry structure advantages and internal strengths, Apple strategically focuses on innovation and ecosystem integration, enabling it to earn above-average returns (Wernerfelt, 1984). Its extensive investments in research and development further reinforce its innovative capacity, underpinning this strategic positioning.

Influence of Mission and Vision Statements

Apple’s mission statement—“to bring the best user experience to customers through innovative hardware, software, and services”—reflects its core focus on innovation and customer-centric design (Apple, 2023). This emphasis shapes strategic decisions, fostering continuous product innovation, aesthetic excellence, and seamless integration across devices.

The vision statement—“to make the world’s best products and leave the world better than we found it”—emphasizes aspirational goals aligned with sustainability and social responsibility (Apple, 2023). This visionary outlook motivates investments in eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, and ethical supply chain practices (Dixon et al., 2020).

Together, these statements foster a culture of innovation, quality, and corporate responsibility, directly influencing Apple’s product development, marketing, and stakeholder engagement strategies. They help attract talent, foster customer loyalty, and support sustainable growth, contributing to overall success in a competitive environment.

Stakeholder Impact on Corporate Success

Stakeholders—including customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders, and the community—each impact Apple’s strategic trajectory. Customers’ demand for innovative, reliable, and eco-friendly products drives Apple to maintain high quality standards and continuously innovate (Graham & Dutta, 2018). Employee engagement and talent retention are critical; Apple invests heavily in workforce training, diversity initiatives, and a positive corporate culture, fueling creativity and productivity (Kozlowski & Bell, 2013).

Suppliers, particularly in the supply chain of components like chips and displays, are essential to maintaining product quality and production timelines. Apple’s supplier relationships, underpinned by strict standards and partnerships, mitigate risks and foster innovation (Lashinsky, 2012). Shareholders influence strategic direction through investment decisions and corporate governance practices, encouraging sustainable profitability and transparency.

The broader community and regulatory bodies also influence Apple’s operations through environmental regulations, data privacy laws, and social responsibility expectations. For instance, Apple’s Environmental Progress Report highlights initiatives in renewable energy and carbon footprint reduction, aligning stakeholder interests with business sustainability (Apple, 2023).

Overall, each stakeholder category influences strategic priorities and operational effectiveness, shaping Apple’s capacity to sustain competitive advantage and profitability.

Conclusion

Globalization and technological progress have profoundly impacted Apple Inc., enabling market expansion and continuous innovation. The application of industry models underscores how external industry structure combined with internal resources fosters above-average returns. Apple’s mission and vision statements serve as guiding principles that reinforce its innovation-driven culture and commitment to sustainability. Stakeholder engagement across varied groups further sustains its market position and operational excellence. These interconnected elements collectively underpin Apple’s strategic success in a highly competitive global environment.

References

• Apple. (2023). Environmental Progress Report. Apple Inc. https://www.apple.com/environment/
• Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.
• Dixon, R., et al. (2020). Corporate Social Responsibility in Technology Firms. Journal of Business Ethics, 161(2), 211-225.
• Friedman, T. L. (2005). The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Graham, S., & Dutta, S. (2018). Customer expectations and innovation at Apple Inc. Harvard Business Review.
• Grant, R. M. (2019). Contemporary Strategy Analysis. Wiley.
• Isaacson, W. (2014). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.
• Keller, K. L. (2016). Branding and Brand Management. Pearson.
• Kozlowski, S. W., & Bell, B. S. (2013). Work groups and teams in organizations. SAGE Publications.
• Kumar, V., & Rajan, M. (2018). Artificial intelligence innovations in consumer electronics. Journal of Innovation Management, 6(2), 75-89.
• Lashinsky, A. (2012). Inside Apple: How America's Most Admired--and Secretive--Corporate Innovator Works. Business Plus.
• Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors. The Free Press.
• Porter, M. E. (2008). The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy. Harvard Business Review.
• Wernerfelt, B. (1984). A Resource-Based View of the Firm. Strategic Management Journal, 5(2), 171–180.