STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents

Individual Assignment One1

Introduction1

The Company1

Mission and Vision2

Vision Statement2

Guiding principles2

Environment Guiding Principles4

Market Growth5

SWOT5

Strengths6

Weaknesses6

Opportunities6

Threats7

PEST Analysis7

Political Influences7

Economical Influences8

Social influences8

Technological influences8

Promotion Strategy of Apple9

Pricing Strategy9

Conclusion9

Individual Assignment Two12

Introduction12

Electronic Commerce12

Decision to Engage in Ecommerce13

Ecommerce is marked by Rapid changes and Fierce Competition14

Ecommerce in international Scenario15

E-Commerce, a New Paradigm15

E-commerce is the future16

SWOT analysis of e-commerce17

Strength17

Weaknesses18

Opportunities18

Threat18

Porter's Five Forces model and E-commerce19

Threat of new Entrants19

Threat of Substitute19

Bargaining Power of Suppliers19

Bargaining Power of Buyers20

Rivalry among Firms20

Porter's Generic Competitive Strategy20

Conclusion21

References For Assignment One22

References For Assignment Two25

Individual Assignment One

Introduction

Apple has maintained its growth and is now the fourth in the list of fastest growing companies in U.S.A over the past five years (FORTUNE 500, 2012). This paper discusses the superior performance of Apple Inc. as it clearly outperformed its rivals due to its strategic approaches to market. Apple has maintained its growth even in the financial turmoil worldwide. This paper discusses the Apple Inc. in its parent market that is, U.S.A. Its strategy will be discussed in conjunction with its environmental audit to find out the success formula for the company.

Criteria of Superior Performance of the Company

“Apple has maintained its growth and is now the fourth in the list of fastest growing companies in U.S.A over the past five years” (FORTUNE 500, 2012). Apple Inc. is involved in development, design and marketing of personal computers, portable digital music players and media devices (Card, 2010). The company is selling worldwide; however, its major operations are based in U.S.A. primarily. Its Head Quarter is in Cupertino, California and provides employment to 63,300 people. The company operates in ten countries including UK, U.S.A., Canada, Germany, Italy, France, China, and Australia.

In the Q2 of FY12 the profit of the company rose by 93% and reached a level of $11.6 billion while the revenue jumped to $29.2 billion which is a 59% increase as compared to last year Q2 (McLaughlin, 2012). It is worthwhile noting that the global recessionary period affected America as well during the period 2008-2010. Companies like Apple basing its operations primarily in the country were affected very badly. However, Apple managed not only to survive but also grow at remarkable rates (Hormby, 2010). This is an open reason why we are studying this company as an example of superior performance.

Apple is placed on number four spot in the Fortune 500 list of fastest growing companies in America in the previous five years. Apple is truly an example of successful company with its strategy and well execution of its plan. The overall rank of Apple in the Fortune 500 is 17 and its annual growth rate in terms of EPS in the time period 2006-2011 is 64.9%.

Mission and Vision

Apple is committed to protecting its environment, health and safety of its employees, customers and global communities where it operates. Apple believes in integrating sound environmental health and safety management practices into all aspects of our business. Apple further believes in creating innovative products and services in such a way as to enhance resources for future ...