Global operations
In Unit I you selected a firm with global operations and discussed the key points from its global strategy and your perceptions of the firm.
For this assignment you will follow the strategic management process by performing an environmental scan (analysis) of the firm selected in Unit I. Address the following prompts within your assignment:
- Perform an external environmental analysis of the firm:
- Macro-level PESTEL analysis
- Industry environment: Porter’s five forces
- Competitive environment
- Strategic group analysis
- Perform an internal analysis of the firm using the resource-based view:
- What are the firm’s resources, capabilities, and competencies?
- Does the firm possess valuable, rare, costly to imitate resources, and is it organized to capture value from those resources: VRIO analysis?
- What role do leaders play in driving innovation?
- Analyze the firm\\\’s current business-level and corporate-level strategies:
- Business-level strategy: product market positioning
- International strategy: geographic scope and mode of entry
- How are these strategies being implemented? Examine how the firm incorporates sustainability into its planning.
- How does innovation drive strategy and contribute to competitive advantage?
- Analyze the firm’s performance:
- Use both financial and market-based measures.
- How does the firm compare to its competitors as well as the industry average?
- What trends are evident over the past 3 to 5 years?
- Consider the perspectives of multiple stakeholders” internal and external.
- How does the firm possess a competitive advantage? How can it be sustained?
Be sure to include an introduction and a conclusion. Your assignment should be at least four pages. Use at least six sources to support your assignment; the course text must be used as a source for this assignment. Use APA Style to format this assignment and all references and citations.
Please see below for firm I selected APPLE
Corporate Profile: Apple Inc.
Apple Inc. is an international technology firm based in Cupertino, California that deals mainly with computers, software, and telecommunication products. Created in 1976, Apple developed and sold products such as the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and software and online services. The company has full-fledged operations in over one hundred countries and has a wide geographic coverage through its numerous retail stores, online platforms, and supply chain channels (Budiono & Ellitan, 2024).
Key Points of Apple’s Global Strategy
Analysis of the business environment indicates that Apple Inc.\\\’s strategy involves supply chain optimization and product differentiation as key drivers of competitive advantage in the global market (Budiono & Ellitan, 2024). The company runs an optimal international supply chain network, with manufacturing and assembly chiefly done in China through outsourcing from original device manufacturers such as Foxconn and Pegatron to enhance cost-effectiveness and flexibility. Further, Apple utilizes brand and differentiation strategies and charges a premium price for its products, emphasizing innovation, ecosystem integration, and brand loyalty. It continues to deliver consistently good and smooth user experience not only with its hardware but also with the software and the associated services, so Apple sustains its place in the top-end market segment and garners a loyal following from all over the globe.
Impact of Technology on Global Corporate Strategy Models
Technology has impacted corporate worldwide initiatives in various ways, such as enabling data analysis, automation, and marketing automation (Nwabekee et al., 2024). Several advancements have enhanced supply chain management. These include cloud computing, AI, and Blockchain, while market reach has been enhanced by e-commerce and digital platforms. Organizations depend on live business intelligence and automation to enhance productivity, cut expenditures, and deliver customized services.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Apple Inc. has a competitive advantage through its strong brand image, customer loyalty, and superior financial performance, which enables investment in innovation and integration into the ecosystems (Siahaan, 2023). High profit margins help maintain research and development, strengthening its position in the market. However, the company faces geopolitical and supply chain risks from most of its manufacturing activities in China. Furthermore, although implementing a premium pricing plan helps create an aura of exclusivity around its brand, it restricts market penetration in emerging markets where consumers are price-sensitive and will opt for cheaper products.
Public Perception and Reflections
Apple has a sound brand image, with many customers\\\’ reviews emphasizing innovation, user interface, and design (Budiono & Ellitan, 2024). However, criticisms include high product costs, planned product obsolescence, and labor issues with its suppliers. Hence, it is not unusual to see tech forums and social media actively engaging with its software ecosystem, privacy policies, or the shortcomings of its products. News reports focus on legal issues, environmental issues, and rivalry. I believe Apple\\\’s quality is impressive, but its pricing and proprietary ecosystem can be restrictive.
References
Budiono, K., & Ellitan, L. (2024). The Efficiency and Performance of Apple’s Supply Chain Management. ULIL ALBAB: Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin, 3(5), 46-67.
Nwabekee, U. S., Abdul-Azeez, O. Y., Agu, E. E., & Ignatius, T. (2024). Digital transformation in marketing strategies: The role of data analytics and CRM tools. International Journal of Frontline Research in Science and Technology, 3(2), 055-072.
Siahaan, M. (2023). Analysis and Evaluation of the Business Innovation Strategy: A Case Study of Apple Inc. Enigma in Economics, 1(2), 42-48.
Answer preview to global operations
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