SIM336 Strategic Management Learning outcomes: Analysis of a strategic issue, model or situation Synthesis of ideas or solutions relating to strategy issues Skills outcomes: Research skills Critical...

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Strategic Analysis report on Apple Inc
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Executive summary

The growth story of Apple Inc is a classic example of sound strategy planning and
implementation in the market. This report describes the fundamentals of strategic
management with the help of Apple Inc. It includes analysis on major strategic actions taken
by company such as strong technological growth, band differentiation, strong innovative
culture, research and development, charismatic leadership and market expansion. Analysis
shows that company has constantly abide by its mission that is to be different in the market.
This paper analyzes the environmental position of the company, which states that internally
and externally it has made strong position, however the major matter of concern includes
environmental factors. Further, company can also opt for business development strategies
such as expansion and diversification. It has became the most admired company in US by
developing itself from mere designer and manufacturer of computers into the mobile device
manufacturing and other gadgets that have brought about a revolution in the industry.
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Table of Contents

Executive summary .................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4
Strategic Management ............................................................................................................... 4
About the organization ............................................................................................................... 5
Pestle analysis ............................................................................................................................ 6
Swot analysis ............................................................................................................................. 8
Porter five force analysis ........................................................................................................... 9
Threat of new entry ................................................................................................................ 9
Bargaining power of supplier............................................................................................... 10
Bargaining power of buyer .................................................................................................. 10
Substitutes ............................................................................................................................ 10
Existing rivalry..................................................................................................................... 10
Goals and objectives ................................................................................................................ 11
Competitive advantage............................................................................................................. 11
Value chain analysis ................................................................................................................ 11
Primary activities ................................................................................................................. 11
Support activities ................................................................................................................. 12
Major Key strategic advantages of Apple ................................................................................ 12
Culture and strategy ............................................................................................................. 12
Innovation ............................................................................................................................ 12
Leadership ............................................................................................................................ 13
Business level strategy ......................................................................................................... 13
Corporate level strategy ....................................................................................................... 14
Recommendations .................................................................................................................... 14
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 15
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................ 16
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Introduction
With increasing competition in the market, most of the organizations need to plan their
strategic actions act according to the market and remain sustainable. Be is large or small
every firm have to make their strategies according to the scenario. This report aims at
understanding the concept of strategic management and its application in the real world
scenario. It will critically evaluate various aspects of strategic management and analyze
whether these factors are applicable to various organizations or not.
This report will include information about strategic management, its fundamentals. Further,
this report will evaluate various strategic management concepts such as environmental
analysis, swot analysis, porter five force models, corporate strategy, international strategy,
innovation, creativity, strategic process, business strategy etc in relation of Apple Inc. This
report will help readers in understanding the strategic position of the company in the market,
its strategic problems and suggested solution to the issue.
Apple Inc has been chosen for the purpose of this strategic analysis report. Reason for
selecting this organization for the research is its high brand image and attractiveness in the
market.
Strategic Management
In simile dictionary meaning strategy is a plan of action made to achieve the desired
objectives and goals. However, in terms of management expert strategy is a direction that
organization follows for long time to achieve its desired results with the help of optimum
utilization of resources to achieve set goals and meet market and stakeholder expectations
(Teece, 2010). With the help of strong strategy management aims at building organizational
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position and sustain it, it also helps in planning different strategies for different stages and
scenarios. It guide in being prepare for future and face contingencies successfully.
There are various factors associated with strategic management, which helps in analyzing the
major characteristics of the concept. Strategy is a long term phenomena, it helps in
establishing company’s goal and its future, it facilitates in fixing the business scope, for
example, Should Apple Inc should focus only on technology or any other market also etc.
With the help of appropriate strategy company manage to overcome environmental change in
the market by fulfilling customer’s needs in more comprehensive manner (Johnson, et al.,
2008).
Without appropriate strategy, it is very difficult for an organization to beat its competition.
For example, there are so many competitors that Apple Inc have in global market, but
company manage to be at the top with the help of its strong...