Assignment on Strategic Management _ Apple Inc (GC0359)
Executive Summary
The aims of this paper are to develop a concept on different theories of sand models to analyze the businesses’ environmental and competitive analysis and to develop a business strategy. In addition, the paper focuses on what the researcher has learned from this assignment and coursework. The paper also outlines how the researcher has contributed to the Group Discussion.
The findings of this paper have come from different sources. The researcher has studied several books journals and websites to gain knowledge and understanding of the different theories and models and their application in a real business environment. Then, the information related to the researcher’s learning and contribution to the Group Discussion has come from the researcher’s brainstorming and discussion with the group members.
Two particular theories- Porter Five Forces Model and McKinsey’s 7’S- have been applied to conduct Apple’s competitive analysis. Then, two models- Ansoff’s Growth Model and Marketing Mix (7’P) have been applied to develop a strategy for Apple Inc. The research has found that although Apple is facing some challenges in a competitive market, it has a huge opportunity to develop new products and an extended market in the international environment. Thus, the study has developed several strategies for Apple to take these opportunities.
The researcher has learned a lot from this course, where the assignment mainly has developed the researcher’s communication skills, leadership and management skills, decision making and problem-solving skills, time management skills, presentation skills, and technological skills.
Finally, through this coursework, the researcher has contributed a lot to the Group Discussion. The researcher has contributed in group information, in group works, in project implementation, in monitoring and reviewing the progress, in completing the activities, and in evaluating the performance of the projects and the lesson learned from the group activities/project.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction (key areas of research and sources)
2.0 Critical discussion of strategic models.
2.1 Strategic Models for the business environment and competitive situation analysis.
2.4 BCG matrix.
2.5 Porter’s value chain to the company.
2.2 Strategic models for business decision making.
3.0 Conclusions and findings related to strategic theories and models and practical implications.
3.1 Conclusion and findings from the study.
3.2 Recommendations for Apple Inc.
4.0 What the researcher has learned from this coursework.
4.1 Theoretical and practical knowledge gained in business.
4.2 Interpersonal skills developed.
4.3 Technology knowledge gathered.
4.4 Report writing knowledge developed.
5.0 Researcher contribution to the Group Discussion.
5.1 Group information.
5.2 Group planning.
5.3 Implementation of the plan.
5.4 Monitoring the progress.
5.5 Completion of the activity.
5.6 Evaluation of the performance.
5.7 Lesson learn from group work.
6.0 Conclusion.
Reference.
1.0 Introduction (key areas of research and sources)
For conducting an effective environmental and competitive business analysis, the decision-makers must identify the challenges that come from political, economic, and technological factors, and from current and prospective competitors. In addition, the organizations should have clear ideas about the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities of the business (Johnson et al., 2012). Several tools and models are used to assess these factors. In this paper, two particular models- Porter Five Force Model and McKenney’s 7’s Model- are applied to assess the environmental and competitive issues of Apple Inc.
Organizations define effective strategic paths to improve business performance using several strategic decision-making models. In this paper, two strategic business decision models-Ansoff’s Growth Model and Marketing Mix (7’S)- are applied to develop strategic paths for Apple Inc. Then, this paper outlines the conclusions and findings that come from strategic models and their practical implications. Next, the paper discusses what the researcher has learned from this module and assignment. Finally, the report has explained how the researcher has contributed to the Group Discussion as part of this assignment.
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2.0 Critical discussion of strategic models
Strategic models applied in this paper are grouped as: a) strategic models for business environment analysis and competitive situation analysis and b) strategic models for business decision making. For conducting business and competitive situation for Apple Inc, Porter Five Force Model, and McKenney’s 7’s Model are applied. For making strategic decisions for Apple Inc, Ansoff’s Growth Model and Marketing Mix (7’S) model are applied.
2.1 Strategic Models for the business environment and competitive situation analysis
2.1.1Porter’s Five Forces Model
Five Forces Model was developed by a Processor of Harvard Business School, named Michael E. Porter, in 1980. This model is applied before making any strategic decision to conduct an effective analysis of business competitions. This model focuses on five particular forces: a) threat of new or potential entrants; b) bargaining power of the consumer, c) bargaining power of supplier; d) rivalry among competitors; and e) threat of substitute products (Kotler et al., 2014).
The key advantage of this model is it analyzes the external business forces and provides better solutions to the company. The limitation of this model is it focuses on only five particular external issues. It does not emphasize internal business factors. Consequently, the company cannot make any effective decisions depending on this model (Kotler et al., 2014)…………………