Professional Documents
Culture Documents
APPLE INCORPORATION
SUBMITTED BY:
SUBMITTED TO:
MRS. JOCELYN AMON
MAY 2023
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………..……………………….. 1
II. DISCUSSION……………………………………………………………..…………………………… 3
III. CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………………..….. 7
b. Recommendation………………………….………………………………………………10
IV. REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………………. 13
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
APPLE Inc.
I. INTRODUCTION
Rivalry in the technological industry continuously occurs as one technology
substitutes another for a particular market. Starting with the small innovations
before that had an impact on businesses and caused them to transform into what it
is today. As the world advances to modernization, Apple Incorporation is one of the
companies that can keep up with the tough competition in the industry for the long
run. Apple Inc. is a global technology leader known for its innovative products,
premium pricing strategy, and iconic brand. To provide a starting point, Apple Inc. is
a multinational technology company based in Cupertino, California. The company
designs develop, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online
services. Apple is well-known for its innovative products, sleek designs, and easy-to-
use interfaces. The company has a reputation for propelling the technology industry
forward, and its products are in high demand all over the world. Apple's financial
success is also significant, with the company consistently ranking among the world's
most valuable companies.
For the record of history, Apple Computer, Inc. was founded on April 1, 1976,
by college dropouts Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne to develop
and sell Wozniak's Apple I personal computer. It was incorporated by Jobs and
Wozniak as Apple Computer, Inc. in 1977. The company's second computer, the
Apple II, became a best seller and one of the first mass-produced microcomputers.
Apple went public in 1980 with instant financial success. The company developed
computers featuring innovative graphical user interfaces, including the 1984 original
Macintosh, announced that year in a critically acclaimed advertisement called 1984.
By 1985, the high cost of its products, and power struggles between executives,
caused problems. Wozniak stepped back from Apple and pursued other ventures,
while Jobs resigned and founded NeXT, taking some Apple employees with him.
As the market for personal computers expanded and evolved throughout the
1990s, Apple lost considerable market share to the lower-priced duopoly of the
Microsoft Windows operating system on Intel-powered PC clones (also known as
1
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
"Wintel"). In 1997, weeks away from bankruptcy, the company bought NeXT to
resolve Apple's unsuccessful operating system strategy and entice Jobs back to the
company. Over the next decade, Jobs guided Apple back to profitability through
several tactics including introducing the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad to critical
acclaim, launching the "Think Different" campaign and other memorable advertising
campaigns, opening the Apple Store retail chain, and acquiring numerous companies
to broaden the company's product portfolio. When Jobs resigned in 2011 for health
reasons and died two months later, he was succeeded as CEO by Tim Cook.
Apple became the first publicly traded U.S. company to be valued at over $1
trillion in August 2018, then at $2 trillion in August 2020, and at $3 trillion in January
2022. As of April 2023, it was valued at around $2.6 trillion. The company receives
criticism regarding the labor practices of its contractors, its environmental practices,
and its business ethics, including anti-competitive practices and materials sourcing.
Nevertheless, the company has a large following and enjoys a high level of brand
loyalty. It has also been consistently ranked as one of the world's most valuable
brands.
For instance, in the recent past, Apple has been widely known for its digital
entertainment devices which are widely used worldwide. It has introduced a wide
range of entertainment devices, which have recorded a high level of performance.
Apple's hardware products include the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and
Apple TV, while its software offerings include the iOS and macOS operating systems,
iTunes, and the App Store. Additionally, the company offers online services such as
iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Arcade. The company also has adequate
financial resources, which have supported ongoing research activities and allowed
the organization to maintain a high level of innovation. Apple Inc. has developed a
good reputation for producing high-quality products as a result of these priorities,
attracting many customers. The market has recently changed drastically. More
competitors are entering the industry, which has resulted in risky price wars. To
address this issue, Apple Inc has decided to expand its market to boost sales.
Apple Inc., like other businesses, has a mission and vision statement that
outlines how the organization plans to achieve its short and long-term goals. Apple’s
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
mission states “To bring the best user experience through innovative hardware,
software, and services.” They highlight the company’s commitment to offering the
best products and services to meet each of its customer’s unique needs, while
Apple’s vision states “To make the best products on earth and to leave the world
better than we found it.” The entity’s vision statement guides the company’s
decision-making processes, strategic management, and operations. It ensures each
decision takes the company closer to realizing its mission and goals.
II. DISCUSSION
This section discusses the strategic management philosophies and cost-
management techniques used by Apple Inc. To achieve its objectives, the company
has implemented strategic management philosophies, a Just-In-Time philosophy,
and methods for cost reduction that have assisted the company in maintaining a
strong market position.
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
Utilizing JIT, Apple has successfully implemented the JIT inventory system to
precisely balance scheduled material so it arrives when needed at the right moment
(usually during large product releases). Apple's inventory has been cut to the
absolute minimum. The JIT inventory strategy has both benefits and drawbacks. JIT
has the advantage of allowing the company to invest in research and development
instead of purchasing inventory to meet anticipated consumer demand. The
availability of space is another benefit, which may contribute to a higher return on
investment. Better market control since the corporation can produce more goods in
response to demand while producing less of the things that aren't selling well.
On the other hand, the Just-in-Time (JIT) philosophy can play a significant role
in helping Apple Inc. gain a competitive advantage in several ways. JIT helps
minimize inventory levels, reduce waste, and optimize production processes. This, in
turn, can lead to lower production costs for Apple, which can be passed on to
customers in the form of lower prices. By reducing costs, Apple can offer more
competitive pricing than its rivals, which can help it gain a larger market share. At the
same time, JIT emphasizes the importance of producing goods of high quality to
meet customer needs. By focusing on quality, Apple can differentiate its products
from those of competitors and build a strong brand reputation. This can result in
higher customer loyalty and increased market share.
In summary, the JIT philosophy can help Apple gain a competitive advantage
by reducing costs, improving quality, enabling faster response to market changes,
and building strong relationships with suppliers.
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
Cost-Volume-Profit
Cost - Volume - Profit analysis is an approach that evaluates the effect of
shifted levels of costs and volume on operational results. The accounting tool that
the company uses to make decisions about product selection, strategy, marketing,
and manufacturing facility is the CVP, which is the key aspect in terms of the
decision-making process. The company can use the contribution margin to
determine how much a change in sales affects the company's earnings.
Given that Apple Inc. produces a variety of items, not all of them are offered
at the same price or have the same costs connected with them. As a result, the
break-even threshold is determined by the mix of items offered. Furthermore, when
the product mix changes, so does the break-even point. When demand changes and
buyers buy more low-margin items, the break-even point rises. If customers buy
more high-margin items, the break-even point decreases. Simply said, the break-
even threshold varies depending on the sales mix. The break-even point is the
moment at which the income generated by an organization equals the costs incurred
by the organization. At the break-even threshold, the firm's contribution margin
might potentially be equal to its costs.
Perhaps, Apple Inc. benefits greatly from the use of CVP analysis and activity-
based cost management strategies. One of the primary advantages that Apple gains
from employing these methods is an increase in cost accuracy. CVP, or cost-volume-
profit analysis, assists the organization in determining how changes in costs and
volume affect operating expenditures and net profits. CVP operates by contrasting
different connections, such as the cost of running and producing items, the volume
of goods sold, and profits made from the sale of those commodities. This provides
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
Apple with Inc. a clear picture of the profitability of their products or services by
categorizing expenses as fixed vs variable.
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
III. CONCLUSION
Apple Inc. has been successful in implementing strategic management
philosophies and cost management techniques that have assisted the company in
meeting its goals. The company's adoption of the Just-In-Time philosophy has
allowed it to reduce inventory and storage and maintenance costs, while its focus on
product design optimization has improved efficiency and reduced waste.
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
materials from a variety of sources and works with a variety of segment suppliers.
They only have a few
organizations that supply them with components, and they are spread across the
globe.
Meanwhile, Apple, unlike its competitors, has a low share turnover when
shareholders sell their stock because prices tend to be about bearings and
competitors, it is possible to save as little inventory as possible. Because unexpected
measurements from competitors or other developments can cause significant
changes and suddenly reduce the value of goods in inventory, mobile phone
manufacturers cannot store large quantities of goods in inventory. Apple sources its
products and components from the United States, China, India, Europe, and other
Asian countries.
In line with this, the company may prioritize the following; first is the supply
chain optimization by working closely with suppliers, implementing advanced
logistics systems, and incorporating sustainability measures. Then, it values its
employees and invests in their development through training and opportunities for
advancement. Lastly, it prioritizes its customer support and services, like actively
listening to their feedback and refining support processes to provide exceptional
experiences. Apple's dedication to continuous improvement in these areas reflects
the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and an
unparalleled user experience.
For instance, by diversifying the supplier base, Apple can reduce the risk of
supply chain disruptions by working with multiple suppliers and manufacturers for
each component or product. This will ensure that if one supplier is unable to deliver,
the company can still source the required components from another supplier.
Moreover, the company can build long-term partnerships with its suppliers and
manufacturers, based on trust, collaboration, and shared values. This will help to
create a more stable and resilient supply chain and reduce the risk of disruptions.
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
Overall, these solutions can help Apple to improve the resilience and
reliability of its supply chain and reduce the risk of disruptions due to natural
disasters, political instability, or other factors.
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
this, Apple could look for ways to improve its R&D processes, such as; strengthening
team member collaboration and communication, integrating repetitive tasks, and
reducing bureaucracy. This could aid in improving efficiency and lowering costs.
Rather than concentrating on large, costly R&D projects, focus on smaller,
incremental improvements to its existing products. Apple may consider this as this
could aid in
lowering R&D costs while still providing meaningful product enhancements and
staying current with market trends. Furthermore, evaluating its R&D projects and
prioritizing those that have the highest potential for success and profitability. This
would help the company to focus resources on projects that are most likely to
deliver a return on investment.
B. RECOMMENDATIONS
According to the preceding discussion, Apple Inc has demonstrated
commendable performance in the computer industry. The company has also
managed to maintain continuous innovation. This has aided it in differentiating its
products. However, the high level of competition in the industry has exposed the
company to significant risk. The issues identified have also posed a threat to its
financial stability. As a result, the company must consider devising the necessary
measures to eliminate these threats.
To start with, diversifying the supplier base is a strategic approach that can
help Apple reduce risks, ensure a stable supply chain, and potentially lower costs.
Here are some proposed recommendations by the researchers to effectively
diversify Apple's supplier base.
10
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
The first step is to seek out suppliers who share Apple's values and are
committed to sustainability and social responsibility. By thoroughly evaluating
potential new suppliers, and assessing their ability to meet quality standards,
delivery deadlines, and budgetary constraints. Moreover, robust Risk mitigation
strategies must be developed to address the potential challenges of diversifying the
supplier
For instance, by diversifying its supplier base, Apple can enhance supply chain
resilience, mitigate risks, foster competition among suppliers, and potentially
achieve cost savings. However, it is important to strike a balance between
diversification and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers who provide
critical components or offer unique value propositions.
11
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
In addition, Kaizen costing can be applied to identify areas where costs can be
reduced. For example, it can involve reviewing the research and development
process
Overall, applying Life cycle costing and Kaizen costing can help Apple to
reduce its research and development costs by continuously improving the process
and eliminating waste, while still maintaining the quality and innovation that Apple is
known for. Stated below is the possible application of the said techniques to reduce
the cost of Apple Inc. in a valuable manner. The Plan-Do-Check-ACT.
12
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
To summarize, while Apple's high R&D costs may appear significant, they are
critical to the company's strategy for growth, innovation, and maintaining a
competitive edge. Apple can drive technological advancements, improve user
experiences, strengthen its ecosystem, and contribute to sustainability by investing
significantly in R&D. These efforts ultimately benefit both the company and its
customers, ensuring Apple's continued success in the ever-changing technology
landscape. Apple must continuously invest in R&D to develop cutting-edge products
and services in order to stay ahead of the competition and maintain its market
position. Also, the company may push the boundaries of technology and bring
13
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
REFERENCES
Chaudhuri, S. & Chakraborty, A. (2008). Just-in-time Global Economy: A Case of
Apple.
Retrieved from https://www.thecasecentre.org/products/view?id=81984
Jason, G. (2022). Just in Time Inventory System - Explained. Retrieved
fromhttps://thebusinessprofessor.com/en_US/mgmt-operations/just-in-time-
jit inventory-system
Lopatto, E. (2020). Tim Cook’s trick for making iPhones is now at risk from the
pandemic. Retrieved From https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/13/21177024/apple
just-in-time manufacturing-china-coronavirus-supply-chain
IvyPanda. (2022, July 31). Apple Strategic Management: Planning and Management
Process — Apple Company Essay. Retrieved from
https://ivypanda.com/essays/strategic-management-apple-company/
Stryjak, J. (2022). Apple adds to the growing industry sustainability drive. Retrieved
from https://www.counterpointresearch.com/apple-adds-to-growing-industry-
sustainability-drive/
Baltrusaitis, J. (2022). Apple spent almost $100 billion innovating its products over
the last 5 years. Retrieved from https://finbold.com/apple-spent-almost-100-
billion-innovating-its-products-over-the-last-5-years/
Dzulfaisal, H. (2022). Strategic Management of Apple Inc. Retrieved from
https://www.grin.com/document/1222692 "Apple Inc. Operations
Management: 10 Decisions, Productivity" by Panmore Institute (2019) – This
case study discusses Apple's operations management, including its focus on
quality and efficiency. https://panmore.com/apple-inc-operations-
management-10-decisions-areas-productivity
14
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Pablo Borbon Campus
Niu, B., Zhang, J., & Zhang, Y. (2016). Apple's Supply Chain Management. In 2016
International Conference on Information Management, Innovation
Management, and Industrial Engineering (pp.90-94). IEEE.
https://www.academia.edu/25113531/Apple_Inc_Strategic_Management_Imp
lementation
15
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City, Philippines +63 43 980-0385 loc. 1124
www.batstate-u.edu.ph cabeihm.pb@g.batstate-u.edu.ph