Week 3 Assignment: Strategic Management And Strategic Compet

Week 3 Assignment Strategic Management And Strategic Competitiveness

Choose a public corporation in an industry with which you are familiar. Conduct research using resources such as the corporation’s website, SEC filings, university databases, reputable news sources, or the company’s annual reports. Use your textbook as a key resource. Write a 4-6 page academic paper including the following components:

• Impact of globalization and technology: Assess how globalization and technological changes have affected the corporation, supporting your analysis with specific evidence.
• Strategic models: Apply the industrial organization and resource-based views to identify how your corporation might earn above-average returns, supported by specific evidence.
• Vision and mission statements: Evaluate how these statements influence the corporation’s overall success, providing supporting evidence.
• Stakeholder impact: Analyze how different stakeholder categories impact the corporation’s success, with supporting evidence.

Use at least three credible sources, including your textbook, and cite each source at least once within your paper. Ensure your writing is clear, well-organized, and adheres to Strayer Writing Standards, with proper grammar, mechanics, and spelling.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the contemporary business environment, globalization and technological advancements have significantly transformed industries and individual corporations. This paper explores how these forces have impacted Apple Inc., a leading technology company renowned for its innovative products and global presence. Analyzing Apple through the lenses of strategic models, vision and mission statements, and stakeholder dynamics provides insights into its sustained success and competitive advantage.

Impact of Globalization and Technology on Apple Inc.

Globalization has been instrumental in propelling Apple’s international reach, allowing it to penetrate markets worldwide and source components from multiple countries. The company’s global supply chain facilitates access to diverse resources, fostering innovation and reducing costs (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson, 2020). Conversely, technological evolution has been central to Apple’s growth, continually pushing the boundaries of product design, such as the development of the iPhone, iPad, and evolving software platforms (Cusumano, 2010). The rise of digital ecosystems and connectivity has enabled Apple to deliver seamless user experiences, boosting customer loyalty and opening new revenue streams.

Furthermore, technological advancements have necessitated substantial R&D investment and adaptive strategies to stay ahead in the fast-paced tech industry. For instance, Apple's focus on privacy technology and ecosystem integration exemplifies leveraging tech trends for competitive advantage (Lazonick & Mazzucato, 2013). The globalization of markets has also intensified competition and regulatory challenges, compelling Apple to navigate diverse legal and cultural landscapes (Dunning & Lundan, 2020).

Applying Strategic Models to Apple Inc.

The industrial organization (I/O) model suggests that external industry factors dictate profitability, emphasizing the importance of market structure. Apple benefits from operating in the highly profitable smartphone industry characterized by moderate entry barriers, brand loyalty, and differentiation (Porter, 1980). By positioning itself as a premium brand, Apple sustains high margins and above-average returns.

Complementing this, the resource-based view (RBV) focuses on internal capabilities as sources of competitive advantage. Apple’s proprietary technology, design capabilities, brand equity, and ecosystem integrations are valuable, rare, and difficult to imitate, providing sustained differentiation (Barney, 1991). The company’s innovation in hardware-software integration exemplifies how internal resources foster competitive advantage and potential above-average performance.

Influence of Vision and Mission Statements on Apple’s Success

Apple’s mission “to bring the best user experience to customers through innovative hardware, software, and services” aligns with its strategic emphasis on innovation and customer-centricity. Its vision “to make the best products on earth, and to leave the world better than we found it” reinforces commitment to excellence and corporate social responsibility. These statements guide decision-making, product development, and corporate culture, directly impacting Apple’s ability to sustain competitive advantage (Lashley & Parker, 2019).

For example, the focus on innovation informs continuous R&D investments, while commitments to environmental sustainability enhance brand reputation and stakeholder trust. The clarity and purpose embedded in these statements inspire employees, attract customers, and differentiate Apple from competitors, contributing to long-term success (Kaplan & Norton, 2004).

Stakeholder Impact on Apple Inc.’s Performance

Apple’s stakeholders include customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders, governments, and communities. Customers’ loyalty fosters revenue stability and premium pricing power. Employees drive innovation and operational excellence, while suppliers enable timely product assembly and technological input. Shareholders’ expectations for profitability motivate strategic investments.

Government regulations and policies influence Apple’s operational flexibility, especially regarding privacy laws and international trade, impacting market expansion and compliance costs (Freeman et al., 2010). Communities and environmental groups affect Apple’s reputation through social responsibility initiatives. Sustained engagement with stakeholders ensures alignment of company strategies with stakeholder interests, enhancing reputation, operational stability, and profitability (Mitchell, Agle, & Wood, 1997).

Overall, effective stakeholder management is pivotal to Apple’s resilience and strategic positioning. The company’s proactive engagement, transparent communication, and corporate responsibility efforts foster mutually beneficial relationships, underpinning its enduring success (Maak, Pless, & Habisch, 2006).

Conclusion

Globalization and technological advancements have been fundamental drivers of Apple Inc.’s growth and competitiveness. By leveraging industry dynamics and internal resources within strategic models, Apple sustains above-average returns. Its vision and mission statements foster innovation and stakeholder trust, essential for long-term success. The diverse stakeholder landscape further influences corporate strategies, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement in maintaining competitive advantage in a globalized economy.

References

• Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.
• Cusumano, M. A. (2010). The changing software industry: Implications for software firms. MIS Quarterly, 34(4), 557-569.
• Dunning, J. H., & Lundan, S. M. (2020). Multinational Enterprises and the Global Economy. Edward Elgar Publishing.
• Freeman, R. E., Harrison, J. S., Wicks, A. C., Parmar, B. L., & De Colle, S. (2010). Stakeholder Theory: The State of the Art. Cambridge University Press.
• Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2020). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases (13th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (2004). Using the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system. Harvard Business Review, 82(7), 72-85.
• Lashley, M., & Parker, L. (2019). Strategic management in practice. Journal of Business Strategy, 40(3), 45-55.
• Lazonick, W., & Mazzucato, M. (2013). The risk-reward nexus in the innovation economy: Who is the builder of economic value? Industrial and Corporate Change, 22(4), 1093-1128.
• Maak, T., Pless, N. M., & Habisch, A. (2006). Stakeholder engagement: A corporate sustainability perspective. In R. A. M. A. Bansal (Ed.), Research in Corporate Social Responsibility (pp. 185-209). Emerald Group Publishing.
• Porter, M. E. (1980). Strategies for competitive advantage. Harvard Business Review, 58(2), 23-34.