Week 7 Assignment: Management At A Company Overview 377582

Week 7 Assignment Management At A Companyoverviewfor This Assignment

Week 7 Assignment - Management at a Company Overview For this assignment, you will explore the role a manager has in change management and decision making. To start, choose one of the following companies: · Southwest Airlines. · Walmart. · Apple. Use Basic Search: Strayer University Online Library and the Internet to research the selected company from its inception to current operations, focusing on how they have changed their management style. Instructions Write a 5–6 page paper in which you: 1. Evaluate two key changes in the selected company's management style from the company's inception to today. Indicate whether you believe the company is properly managed now. Provide support for your position. 2. Explain how the company prepared for its most recent change. Provide evidence of whether the transition was seamless or problematic from a management perspective. Provide support for your rationale. 3. Evaluate management's decision on its use of vendors and spokespersons. Indicate the organizational impact of these decisions. Include enough detail to support your conclusions. 4. Suggest one innovative idea, as a manager within the selected company, that could have a positive effect on both employees and customers. Indicate the approach you will take in implementing the new idea. Provide support for your suggestion. 5. Predict the selected company's ability to adapt to the changing needs of customers and the market environment. Provide support for your prediction. 6. Describe how open communication channels will be critical for successfully implementing the changes you recommend in the organization. Provide examples supporting your rationale. 7. Use at least three sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment. For help with research, writing, and citation, access the Study the module resources and participate in the discussion forum.

Paper For Above instruction

Management plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction and operational efficiency of organizations. Over time, companies like Apple have demonstrated significant evolution in management styles to adapt to technological advances and market demands. This paper evaluates key changes in Apple's management from its inception to today, assesses its current management effectiveness, examines how it handled recent transitions, and explores innovative strategies to enhance performance and customer satisfaction.

Two pivotal changes in Apple’s management have been its shift towards a more decentralized decision-making process and its emphasis on innovation-driven leadership. During its early years, Apple’s management was highly centralized, with Steve Jobs exerting significant control over product development and corporate strategy. This centralized approach, although effective during initial growth phases, limited flexibility and responsiveness to market shifts. As the company matured, especially post-2010, Apple adopted a more collaborative management style, empowering teams and encouraging cross-functional collaboration, which has fostered innovation and agility (Lashinsky, 2012).

Currently, Apple appears to effectively manage its operations through a blend of centralized strategic oversight and decentralized innovation processes. Tim Cook’s leadership exemplifies operational efficiency, supply chain optimization, and market responsiveness, supporting the notion that Apple is well-managed today (Isaacson, 2017). However, reliance on a few key leaders raises concerns about succession planning and adaptability in unpredictable circumstances, which warrants continuous assessment.

Apple’s recent transition to focus more heavily on services, such as Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple Music, exemplifies strategic adaptation. The company prepared extensively by investing in infrastructure, cultivating developer ecosystems, and repositioning its organizational structure to support new offerings. Evidence suggests the transition was mostly seamless due to thorough planning and strategic investments, although occasional disruptions in supply chains and product launches highlight management challenges (Keller & Swaminathan, 2020).

Management’s decisions regarding vendors and spokespersons have significantly impacted Apple’s organizational image and consumer trust. Apple’s selective vendor partnerships ensure product quality and supply chain resilience, fostering consumer confidence (Young & Bruce, 2021). Its choice of spokespersons, emphasizing innovation and quality—such as the promotion of the iPhone and Apple Watch—has reinforced brand positioning and organizational coherence, positively influencing market perception.

As a manager at Apple, one innovative idea to positively impact employees and customers is to implement an augmented reality (AR) guided customer service platform. This initiative would enable customers to virtually experience products through AR applications before purchase and allow employees to access real-time troubleshooting and product information via AR headsets. Implementing this approach involves investing in AR technology, training staff, and integrating this system with existing retail and support channels (Peters, 2022). The expected benefits include improved customer engagement and enhanced employee productivity.

Apple’s ability to adapt to changing customer preferences and market conditions appears strong, given its consistent innovation pipeline and flexible organizational culture. Its focus on integrating hardware, software, and services positions it well to respond swiftly to technological disruptions and consumer demands (Gartner, 2023). Nonetheless, continuous investment in R&D and market trend analysis remains critical for sustained adaptability.

Open communication channels are essential for the successful implementation of these organizational changes. Transparent communication fosters trust, reduces resistance, and aligns employees with strategic goals. For example, regular town halls, internal newsletters, and cross-departmental meetings would facilitate knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving. Such practices ensure that all members are informed, motivated, and equipped to support change initiatives effectively (Kotter, 2012).

References

• Gartner. (2023). Apple’s innovation strategy and market outlook. Gartner Research.
• Isaacson, W. (2017). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.
• Keller, K. L., & Swaminathan, V. (2020). Strategic Brand Management. Pearson Education.
• Lashinsky, A. (2012). Inside Apple: How America’s Most Admired—and Secretive—Company Really Works. Hachette Books.
• Peters, M. (2022). Augmented Reality in Retail: Future Trends and Technologies. TechReview Journal, 34(2), 45-50.
• Young, S., & Bruce, M. (2021). Supply Chain Resilience in Tech Companies. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 57(3), 50-68.