Environmental Scan

Environmental Scan

Introduction

Environmental Scan basically analyzes and evaluates the internal as well as external data and factors that affect the organization. Environmental scan involves the recognition of organization's environment that has potential influence on organization's environment and therefore, is critical to make successful strategies (www.antiessays.com). The organizations which I have selected for environmental scanning are Apple and Dell.

Discussion

Environmental Scan of Apple Corporation

According to Apple, It is an international company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, and commercial servers. Apples main products include iPad, iPod, iPhones, and Macintosh computer. Apples founder Steve jobs and Steve Wozniak incorporated their company in January 1977 in California and has been in business since then (www.termpaperwarehouse.com).

Internal Environment

Apple's internal environment is fast-paced, dynamic, and creative. It has developed an internal environment which encourages its human resource to become a part of Apple brand and image. According to Apple's website, its employees love working their because of the creativity, productivity, and being a part of innovation and excitement. Apple works a lot in developing a culture in the corporation that can promote values which supports its brand image, which is that the customer can expect having new experiences through Apple's products; which delights the customers with a different view of technology (www.antiessays.com).

Apple's internal environmental scan shows that the company possesses much strength that allows it to be successful. As it keeps low amount of debt, its capital is available for other uses. Apple is highly devoted to the R&D, which enables it to access the latest technology in order to keep it in the position of an industry innovator. It has very strong brand image that promotes reliability and quality, and their marketing strategy involves the use of celebrities in their advertisements for appealing consumers evoked set. Secrecy can also be seen as a strength of their inter environment because due to this there is smaller chance for competitors to copy. Furthermore, Apple is a multi-divisional structure, which is very important for it because it keeps the functions of the firm working at what they do best rather than stretching out the top management (Daniels, 2010).

External Environment

On technology industry, Apple has made its mark by continuously innovating successful products that lead its various markets. Considering its external environment, Apple has focused on two major strategies and tactics: first it has made strategic alliance with IBM, Microsoft, and AT&T. These alliances are beneficial for Apple as they provide further computer growth to the company and also guarantee software that are accessible and recognizable to consumer worldwide. Secondly, they focus on the strategy to concentrate on internal growth, which they have implemented by creating new products for the market they have already developed and by locating new markets as well. The global expansion is important for Apple as large consumer markets are present in foreign countries where the corporation has not started to serve yet. Apple can also take advantage of huge mobile technology market of customers who want handheld devices like ...