apple inc 2012 case study analysis

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Apple Inc. in 2012

By: David B. Yoffie, Penelope Rossano

On October 5, 2011, Steve Jobs tragically died of cancer. The recently retired CEO of Apple Inc. was a legend: he had changed Apple from a company near bankruptcy to one of the largest and most…

• Length: 30 page(s)
• Publication Date: May 15, 2012
• Discipline: Strategy
• Product #: 712490-PDF-ENG

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On October 5, 2011, Steve Jobs tragically died of cancer. The recently retired CEO of Apple Inc. was a legend: he had changed Apple from a company near bankruptcy to one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world. Moreover, he had revolutionized several industries in the process, including music, phones, and computer tablets. The 'Apple Inc. in 2012' case explores Steve Jobs' successes and the challenges facing his successor, Tim Cook. Could Cook continue to revitalize the Macintosh? With iPod sales declining for four straight years, would Cook be able to continue the iPhone's dominance of smartphones in the face of growing competition from companies such as Google and Samsung? Would Apple's newest creation, the iPad, continue to dominate the tablet market, or would the new competitors, ranging from Amazon to Samsung, steal, share and drive down profits? And could Apple thrive with Tim Cook rather than Steve Jobs at the helm?

Learning Objectives

To teach industry analysis, competitive positioning, and sustaining competitive advantage.

May 15, 2012 (Revised: Aug 14, 2012)

Discipline:

Geographies:

Industries:

Electronics manufacturing, Retail hardware, Telecom

Harvard Business School

712490-PDF-ENG

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Apple Five Forces Analysis & Recommendations (Porter’s Model)

This Five Forces analysis gives insights into the external factors influencing Apple’s success. Michael E. Porter’s Five Forces analysis framework is a strategic management tool for evaluating the five forces affecting the business organization: customers, suppliers, substitutes, new entrants, and competitors. This Five Forces analysis of Apple Inc. sheds light on what the company does to ensure industry leadership. Despite the negative effects of external factors in the competitive landscape of the computer software and hardware, consumer electronics, and online services markets, Apple’s mission statement and vision statement are fulfilled through relevant business goals and strategies. Based on this Five Forces analysis, the company addresses competitive forces and external factors through effective leaders, such as Tim Cook. This Five Forces analysis indicates external factors that Apple’s strategic efforts must focus on to keep its leadership in the industry.

Based on the Five Forces analysis model, external factors in Apple’s industry environment point to competitive rivalry or intensity of competition, and the bargaining power of buyers or customers as the primary forces for consideration in the company’s strategic planning. Nonetheless, all five forces influence the company’s business situation, together with the effects of other external factors, such as the industry and market trends identified in the PESTLE/PESTEL analysis of Apple Inc .

Summary: Five Forces Analysis of Apple Inc.

Apple’s generic competitive strategy and intensive growth strategies are partly based on competitive forces in the external business environment. These forces limit or reduce the firm’s market share, revenues, profitability, and business development potential. This Five Forces analysis points to the following strengths or intensities of competitive forces in Apple’s industry environment:

• Competitive rivalry or competition: Strong force
• Bargaining power of buyers or customers: Strong force
• Bargaining power of suppliers: Weak force
• Threat of substitutes or substitution: Weak force
• Threat of new entrants or new entry: Moderate force

Recommendations. Considering the results of this Five Forces analysis, Apple must focus its attention on competitive rivalry and the bargaining power of buyers. This external analysis supports the company’s current position of continuous innovation. Innovation and the business competitive advantages shown in the SWOT analysis of Apple address the five forces in the external environment, although much of the company’s effort is for strengthening its position against competitors and for attracting customers to its products. An applicable course of action is to intensify research and development for innovation to develop novel products that complement iPhones, iPads, and other current products. Apple can also improve its support and resources for software or app developers, to strengthen the company’s ecosystem of hardware, software, and online services against the competitive challenges identified in this Five Forces analysis.

Competitive Rivalry or Competition with Apple (Strong Force)

Apple faces the strong force of competitive rivalry or competition. This component of Porter’s Five Forces analysis model determines the intensity of the influence that competitors have on each other. In Apple’s case, this influence is based on the following external factors:

• High aggressiveness of technology firms (strong force)
• Low differentiation of many products (strong force)
• Low switching cost (strong force)

Competitors’ aggressiveness in innovation and marketing imposes a strong force in the information technology industry environment. In the market for consumer electronics, software, and Internet services, Apple competes with Google (Alphabet) , Microsoft , Samsung, and Sony . In the video-streaming market, Netflix , Disney , Amazon , and Facebook (Meta) compete with Apple TV Plus. This Five Forces analysis also considers other technology firms, such as IBM and Intel , which influence Apple’s competitive environment. Moreover, in terms of product differentiation, products in the market are generally similar in fulfilling specific purposes. For example, many popular apps are available for Android and iOS devices, and cloud storage services from different companies are similar and available to users on different platforms. In this Five Forces analysis of Apple, such a condition creates a strong force by making it easy for customers to switch to other sellers or providers. On the other hand, the low switching cost means that it is easy for customers to switch from Apple to other brands, based on price, function, accessibility, network externalities, and related concerns. The combination of these external factors in this part of the Five Forces analysis leads to tough competitive rivalry that is among the most significant considerations in Apple’s strategic management.

Bargaining Power of Customers/Buyers (Strong Force)

The bargaining power of buyers is strong in affecting Apple’s business. This component of Porter’s Five Forces analysis model determines how buyers’ purchase decisions and related preferences and perceptions impact businesses. In Apple’s case, buyers’ strong power is based on the following external factors:

• Small size of individual buyers (weak force)
• High availability of information to buyers (strong force)

It is easy for customers to change brands, thereby making them powerful in compelling Apple to ensure customer satisfaction. On the other hand, each buyer’s purchase is small compared to the company’s total revenues. In this Five Forces analysis of Apple, such a condition makes customers weak at the individual level. However, the availability of detailed comparative information about competing products’ features empowers buyers to shift from one provider to another. This external factor enables buyers to exert a strong force in the industry, although promotional strategies and tactics in Apple’s marketing mix (4P) can communicate tailored information to persuade customers to buy the company’s products. Thus, this part of the Five Forces analysis shows that Apple must include the bargaining power of buyers or customers as one of the most significant strategic variables in the business.

Bargaining Power of Apple’s Suppliers (Weak Force)

Apple Inc. experiences the weak force or bargaining power of suppliers. This component of the Five Forces analysis model indicates the influence of suppliers in imposing their demands on the company and its competitors. In Apple’s case, suppliers have a weak bargaining power based on the following external factors:

• Moderate to high number of suppliers (weak force)
• Moderate to high overall supply (weak force)
• Large size of some equipment and component manufacturers (strong force)
• High ratio of firm concentration to supplier concentration (weak force)

The global size of its supply chain allows Apple Inc. to access many suppliers around the world. In Porter’s Five Forces analysis context, the resulting high number of suppliers is an external factor that presents only a weak to moderate force against the company. Also, the moderate to high overall supply of inputs, such as semiconductors, makes individual suppliers weak in imposing their demands on Apple. However, some large suppliers, such as OEMs and producers of chips, significantly influence the industry. Nonetheless, in this Five Forces analysis case, the high ratio of firm concentration to supplier concentration limits suppliers’ power and influence in the industry. This external factor reflects the presence of a small number of big companies, like Apple and Samsung, in contrast to a larger number of medium-sized and large suppliers. Thus, this part of the Five Forces analysis shows that the bargaining power of suppliers is a minor issue in developing Apple’s operations management strategies for supply chain management, value chain effectiveness, innovation, and industry leadership.

Threat of Substitutes or Substitution (Weak Force)

The competitive threat of substitution is weak in affecting Apple’s computing technology, consumer electronics, and online services business. This component of the Five Forces analysis framework determines the strength of substitute products in attracting customers. In Apple’s case, substitutes exert a weak force based on the following external factors:

• Moderate to high availability of substitutes (moderate force)
• Low performance of substitutes (weak force)
• Low buyer propensity to substitute (weak force)

Some substitutes for Apple products are readily available in the market. For example, instead of using iPhones, people can use digital cameras to take pictures, and landline telephones to make calls. In this Five Forces analysis of Apple, such an external factor exerts a moderate force in the industry environment. However, these substitutes have low performance because they have limited features. Many customers would rather use Apple products based on convenience and advanced functions. This condition weakens the force of substitution in impacting the company’s business in this Five Forces analysis context. Also, buyers have a low propensity to substitute. For instance, customers would rather use smartphones than go through the hassle of buying and maintaining a digital camera, an analog phone, and other devices. This part of the Five Forces analysis shows that Apple does not need to prioritize the threat of substitution in management decisions for business processes, like marketing, market positioning, and product design and development.

Threat of New Entrants or New Entry against Apple (Moderate Force)

Apple Inc. experiences the moderate force or threat of new entrants. This component of Porter’s Five Forces analysis model indicates the possibility and effect of new competitors entering the market. In Apple’s case, new entrants exert a moderate force based on the following external factors:

• High capital requirements (weak force)
• High cost of brand development (weak force)
• High capacity of some potential new entrants (strong force)

Establishing a business to compete with Apple Inc. requires high capitalization. Also, it is extremely costly to develop a strong brand to compete with large companies, like Apple. These external factors make new entrants weak in this Five Forces analysis case of the IT business. However, there are large firms with the financial capacity to enter the market. For example, Google has already done so through its consumer electronics. Samsung also used to be a new entrant. These examples show that there are large companies that have the potential to directly compete with Apple Inc. in multiple markets. Thus, the overall threat of new entry is moderate. This part of the Five Forces analysis shows that Apple must maintain its competitive advantages through innovation and marketing to remain strong against new entrants’ moderate competitive force.

• Apple empowers small businesses to grow and serve their customers .
• Apple Inc. – Form 10-K .
• Apple introduces global developer resource for labs, sessions, and workshops .
• Apple scores record 13 Academy Award nominations .
• Jahan, S. A., & Sazu, M. H. (2023). Role of IoTs and analytics in efficient sustainable manufacturing of consumer electronics. International Journal of Computing Sciences Research, 7 , 1337-1350.
• Sforcina, K. (2023). Digitalizing Sustainability: The Five Forces of Digital Transformation . Taylor & Francis.
• U.S. Department of Commerce – International Trade Administration – Software and Information Technology Industry .
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2012 Case Study: APPLE INC.

A 2012 case study of Apple, Inc., with various angles of analysis, in a world after Steve Jobs. Complete with recommendation of Buy/Sell/Hold.

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Apple Inc. Case Analysis: SWOT, Recommendations & Financial Ratios

Apple Inc. is an American technology company headquartered in California. The document provides an overview of Apple, including its history, products, competitors, financial analysis, key success factors, and SWOT analysis. Recommendations for Apple include focusing on differentiated branding, expanding Apple stores internationally, and emphasizing its integrated product ecosystem in marketing. An action plan should prioritize tasks and monitor progress to efficiently implement strategies. Read less

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• 1. Apple Inc. Case Analysis Presented by: Mariham Helal & Esraa Elseidy
• 2. Case Analysis Content:  Situation Analysis  Financial Analysis  Key Success Factors  SWOT Analysis  Recommendations  Implementation and Expected Outcomes  Evaluation and Control
• 3. Company Overview  Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne on April 1, 1976 to develop and sell personal computers.  It was incorporated as Apple Computer, Inc. on January 3, 1977, and was renamed as Apple Inc. on January 9, 2007 to reflect its shifted focus towards consumer electronics.  Apple Inc. headquarter in California.  Apple Inc. has 9 products , 7 services and 378 retail stores world wide
• 4. NAME HISTORY According to Steve Jobs, Apple was so named because Jobs was coming back from an apple farm, and he was on a fruitarian diet. He thought the name was "fun, spirited and not intimidating"
• 5.  Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation headquartered in California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software and personal computers.  Its best-known hardware products are the Mac line of computers, the iPod media player, the iPhone smartphone, and the iPad tablet computer.  Its consumer software includes the OS X and iOS operating systems, the iTunes media browser and the Safari web browser
• 6. EVALUTION OF APPLE LOGOS
• 7. Situation Analysis: Industry Overview : The Consumer Electronics industry includes electronic appliances that are used everyday, mostly for communication, entertainment, and office purposes.
• 8. Mission Statement "Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings."
• 9. iPod 42% iPhone 23% iPad 10% Others <1% Macintosh Computer s 25% From Where Apple is Making Money
• 10. iMac iPod iPod Nano iPad Mac Book Air iPhone 4s iPhone 5s iPhone 5C
• 11. Apple Inc. Competitors Apple has many competitors in the personal computers industry
• 12. Apple Inc. Competitors In smart phones industry
• 13. Apple Inc. Competitors In iPads industry
• 14. Strategic Group Map APPLE HTC SAMSUNG 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 Price Quality Smartphones SGM
• 15. Strategic Group Map for Software
• 16. Financial Analysis Ratio 2010 2009 2008 Comment Profitability Ratios Gross Profit Margin 39.30% 40.10% 35.20% Gross profit margin increased in 2009 compared to 2008,slightly decreased in 2010. It indicates the margin available to cover operation expenses and generate profits Operating Profit Margin 28.20% 27.30% 22.20% OPM improved throughout the years indicating profitability from operations regardless og interest Net Profit Margin 21.50% 19.20% 16.30% NPM improved throughout the years indicating good profitability and pricing strategies Return on Total Assets ( ROA) 18.60% 17.33% 15.40% ROA improved through the year reflecting good return on investment or the ability of assets to generate return Return on Equity (ROE) 29.30% 26% 29% ROE slightly declined in 2009 compared to 2008, but again it increased in 2010 reflecting the improved return on stockholders investments in the co. Earnings per share 15.15% 9.08% 6.78% EPS improved in 2009 compared to 2010 and improved dramatically in 2010 thus owners are well paid off
• 17. Liquidity Ratios Current Ratio 2.01 2.74 2.46 Decreased liquidity ratio but still good in 2010, it indicates that every 1$ of current liabilities is covered by 2.01$ of current assets Quick Ratio 1.96 2.7 2.42 Decreased quick ratio but still good in 2010, it indicates that every 1$ of current liabilities is covered by 1.96 $ of current assets, without the need to sell inventory Inventory to net working capital 5.01% 2.27% 2.47% Inventory increased drastically in 2010 compared to 2009 & 2008, yet still represents 5.01% from the working capital
• 18. Leverage Ratios Debt-to-Asset ratio 36.40% 33.40% 46.80% Improved debt ratio in 2009 compared to 2008 , and slight increase in 2010. yet the ratio indicates that the co. tends to lower financing its assets through debt Debt-to-Equity ratio 57.30% 50% 88.20% Improved debt to equity ratio in 2009 compared to 2008 , and slight increase in 2010. yet the ratio indicates that the co. tends to increase self or equity finance and decrease external debts Long term debt to Equity ratio 13.90% 13.70% 21% Improved long term debt ratio in 2009 compared to 2008 , and slight increase in 2010. yet the ratio indicates that the co. tends to lower depts financing its long term capital structure
• 19. Activity Ratios Inventory turn Over 62 94 73.6 Inventory turn over increased in 2009 compared tp 2008 then decreased in 2010 to 62 times, this might indicate accumulation of finished goods inventory , or mmay be the company metigates the risk of supply through increasing stock of raw materials Fixed Assts Turn Over ( FATO) 2.08 3.08 12.7 FATO is decreasing through the years of comparison, indicating mis management of fixed assets to generate sales, or that the company maintains too much fixed assets that are not much productive Total Assets Turn Over ( TATO) 0.87 0.9 0.94 TATO decreased slightly throughout the years of comparison, the decrease might indicate inefficiency of total assets o generate sales , but it should be compared to industry average to determine clear analysis
• 20. Issues  1. Product differentiation In today’s age there is a thirst for hot new products, and keeping a high end product on the shelves can be a challenge.  2. Product Diversification Apple has continuously expanded its product depth to extract all of its value. The question is how long can they keep doing this until consumers lose interest?
• 21. Issues  3. Maintaining Customer Loyalty ❏ Apple needs to maintain their high level of customer service to maintain their customer loyalty. This a big differentiating factor for their business.  4. Market Saturation ❏ A saturated market leads to less profits and decreased demand.
• 22. Key Success Factors  1-Technology  Apple is an expert in the computer technology and the electronics industry becoming a global leader in the computer industry and its R&D. ❏ They have expanded computer technology into phones, laptops, tablets, music players, and recently into watches.  2. Manufacturing  Apple has achieved both internal and external economies of scale by becoming the number one firm in their industry which lowered their production costs given extremely high demand
• 23. Key Success Factors  3. Distribution Strong Direct Sales Capabilities ❏ Apple’s brick and mortar stores has provided them with strong direct sales capabilities by dealing directly with the customers themselves ❏ This allows them to personally up sale their products, handle customer complaints, and gauge the overall demand for their goods  4. Marketing A well-known and well-respected brand name ❏ Currently Apple’s brand name is ranked number one in the world according to Interbrand's study of worlds most popular brands. ❏ This title increases their brand awareness and also proves they are at the top of their game in the electronics industry
• 24. Key Success Factors  5. Skills and Capability Design expertise ❏ Apple has prided itself on its design teams efforts in crafting unique designs that grab consumers and command their attention ❏ They are lightweight, colorful, and ever changing with different cases
• 25. SWOT Analysis
• 26. Strengths  ❏ #1 Globally recognized brand  ❏ Research and Development  ❏ Innovation  ❏ Healthy Financial Performance  Loyal Consumers  ❏ Economies of Scale
• 27. Weaknesses  High retail prices:  ❖ Apple has a differentiation strategy and charges higher prices for their unique products, but have to be careful to not charge too much.  ❏ Slowing innovation: If this happens, then Apple may lose a competitive edge.  ❏ Competition from major firms: Competition could intensify.
• 28. Opportunities  ❏ Sales growth in emerging economies  ❏ iWatch and Mac Pro  ❖ Demonstrating continued Apple innovation.
• 29. Threats  ❏ Stiff competition:  ❖ Competition is high and intense in the technology sector.  ❏ Product Imitations:  ❖ These product imitations could serve as a low cost substitute.  ❏ Potential saturation of mobile market:  ❖ If markets become saturated profits decrease for the industry and Apple.
• 30. Recommendations  Options for a leading company  Focus on differentiated lifestyle branding: Apple has successfully developed a differentiated lifestyle brand and must continue to build on this foundation while resisting pressure to move to the middle to directly compete with Dell and HP. 
• 31. Recommendations  Options for competing in international markets  Continue the expansion of Apple stores: The stores represent an important source of revenue for Apple and serve as an interactive advertisement for the Apple brand. Their success has been unmatched by any other industry player.  Emphasize the integrated system in advertisements: Apple's integrated system holds a significant advantage over other industry systems relying on Microsoft Windows, yet some customers have not experienced the seamless interoperability of all Apple products. This marketing angle will result in cross selling of more products to new and existing customers.  Apple should continue to support the educational and creative professional markets
• 32. Recommendations  Generic strategies  Design innovation: Put additional emphasis on design development with internal resource allocation to continue to lead the industry in design.  Research user interface possibilities: As a mode of setting Mac computers apart from other PCs Apple must continue to innovate in user interface focusing on easy-of- use and intuitive menu functions  Consumer electronics diversification: While the PC market has grown increasingly crowded with competitors and customers saturated other areas of consumer electronics continue to grow. Developing complementary products in other categories provides broader sources of revenue by accessing more customers in markets with less intense competition. Apple should consider all work related to its operations in the iPod, iTunes, iSync, and iChat sectors.
• 33. Short Menu  Option One: Franchising of stores  Option Two: Growth Strategy through new products and new market opportunities  Option Three: Vertical Integration Recommendations
• 34. Expected Outcomes of selected strategies
• 35. Strategy Implementation: Organization Structure:
• 37. Implementation  The recommended strategies are implemented as follows:  Build long term organizational strength by implementing a clearly thought out leadership development and selection programmer that will be able to develop the special leadership required for Apple.  Future leaders should be technically brilliant, innovative pioneers with strong team working skills and high levels of ethics.  Build specific products of high quality, but lesser prices, for the huge populations of India and China that are passionate about computers, mobile phones and music.  Continue and intensify the search for innovative, stylish and useful products in its existing area of operations.  Make productive use of strong cash reserves
• 38. Recommended strategy supportive policies:  Human Resources structured training programs  Rewarding plan for innovative ideas  Reward scheme for staff to increase their loyalty  Effective performance Management  Career planning and development
• 39. Action plans:  Producing an action plan can be beneficial not only for individual basis but also for businesses. For example, it allows project managers or any member of a group to monitor their progress and take each task step-by-step, therefore allowing them to handle the project efficiently. The advantage of doing this is, it allows you to execute a structured plan for the end goal you intend to achieve. Furthermore, it provides the team with appropriate foundations, therefore prioritising the amount of time you spend on each task.  This will then prevent any sidetracking that may occur. Lastly it creates a bond within a team, as each member is aware of their individual role, as well as providing necessary information to ensure success of the project 
• 41. Thank you..

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How Apple Is Organized for Innovation

• Joel M. Podolny
• Morten T. Hansen

When Steve Jobs returned to Apple, in 1997, it had a conventional structure for a company of its size and scope. It was divided into business units, each with its own P&L responsibilities. Believing that conventional management had stifled innovation, Jobs laid off the general managers of all the business units (in a single day), put the entire company under one P&L, and combined the disparate functional departments of the business units into one functional organization. Although such a structure is common for small entrepreneurial firms, Apple—remarkably—retains it today, even though the company is nearly 40 times as large in terms of revenue and far more complex than it was in 1997. In this article the authors discuss the innovation benefits and leadership challenges of Apple’s distinctive and ever-evolving organizational model in the belief that it may be useful for other companies competing in rapidly changing environments.

It’s about experts leading experts.

Idea in Brief

The challenge.

Major companies competing in many industries struggle to stay abreast of rapidly changing technologies.

One Major Cause

They are typically organized into business units, each with its own set of functions. Thus the key decision makers—the unit leaders—lack a deep understanding of all the domains that answer to them.

The Apple Model

The company is organized around functions, and expertise aligns with decision rights. Leaders are cross-functionally collaborative and deeply knowledgeable about details.

Apple is well-known for its innovations in hardware, software, and services. Thanks to them, it grew from some 8,000 employees and $7 billion in revenue in 1997, the year Steve Jobs returned, to 137,000 employees and $260 billion in revenue in 2019. Much less well-known are the organizational design and the associated leadership model that have played a crucial role in the company’s innovation success.

• Joel M. Podolny is the dean and vice president of Apple University in Cupertino, California. The former dean of the Yale School of Management, Podolny was a professor at Harvard Business School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
• MH Morten T. Hansen is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a faculty member at Apple University, Apple. He is the author of Great at Work and Collaboration and coauthor of Great by Choice . He was named one of the top management thinkers in the world by the Thinkers50 in 2019. MortentHansen

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Apple inc. in 2012 case study analysis & solution, harvard business case studies solutions - assignment help.

Apple Inc. in 2012 is a Harvard Business (HBR) Case Study on Strategy & Execution , Fern Fort University provides HBR case study assignment help for just $11. Our case solution is based on Case Study Method expertise & our global insights.

Strategy & Execution Case Study | Authors :: David B. Yoffie, Penelope Rossano

Case study description.

On October 5, 2011, Steve Jobs tragically died of cancer. The recently retired CEO of Apple Inc. was a legend: he had changed Apple from a company near bankruptcy to one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world. Moreover, he had revolutionized several industries in the process, including music, phones, and computer tablets. The 'Apple Inc. in 2012' case explores Steve Jobs' successes and the challenges facing his successor, Tim Cook. Could Cook continue to revitalize the Macintosh? With iPod sales declining for four straight years, would Cook be able to continue the iPhone's dominance of smartphones in the face of growing competition from companies such as Google and Samsung? Would Apple's newest creation, the iPad, continue to dominate the tablet market, or would the new competitors, ranging from Amazon to Samsung, steal, share and drive down profits? And could Apple thrive with Tim Cook rather than Steve Jobs at the helm?

Competition, Competitive strategy, Leadership, Marketing, Product development, Strategic planning, Technology

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[10 Steps] Case Study Analysis & Solution

Step 1 - reading up harvard business review fundamentals on the strategy & execution.

Even before you start reading a business case study just make sure that you have brushed up the Harvard Business Review (HBR) fundamentals on the Strategy & Execution. Brushing up HBR fundamentals will provide a strong base for investigative reading. Often readers scan through the business case study without having a clear map in mind. This leads to unstructured learning process resulting in missed details and at worse wrong conclusions. Reading up the HBR fundamentals helps in sketching out business case study analysis and solution roadmap even before you start reading the case study. It also provides starting ideas as fundamentals often provide insight into some of the aspects that may not be covered in the business case study itself.

Step 2 - Reading the Apple Inc. in 2012 HBR Case Study

To write an emphatic case study analysis and provide pragmatic and actionable solutions, you must have a strong grasps of the facts and the central problem of the HBR case study. Begin slowly - underline the details and sketch out the business case study description map. In some cases you will able to find the central problem in the beginning itself while in others it may be in the end in form of questions. Business case study paragraph by paragraph mapping will help you in organizing the information correctly and provide a clear guide to go back to the case study if you need further information. My case study strategy involves -

• Marking out the protagonist and key players in the case study from the very start.
• Drawing a motivation chart of the key players and their priorities from the case study description.
• Refine the central problem the protagonist is facing in the case and how it relates to the HBR fundamentals on the topic.
• Evaluate each detail in the case study in light of the HBR case study analysis core ideas.

Step 3 - Apple Inc. in 2012 Case Study Analysis

Once you are comfortable with the details and objective of the business case study proceed forward to put some details into the analysis template. You can do business case study analysis by following Fern Fort University step by step instructions -

• Company history is provided in the first half of the case. You can use this history to draw a growth path and illustrate vision, mission and strategic objectives of the organization. Often history is provided in the case not only to provide a background to the problem but also provide the scope of the solution that you can write for the case study.
• HBR case studies provide anecdotal instances from managers and employees in the organization to give a feel of real situation on the ground. Use these instances and opinions to mark out the organization's culture, its people priorities & inhibitions.
• Make a time line of the events and issues in the case study. Time line can provide the clue for the next step in organization's journey. Time line also provides an insight into the progressive challenges the company is facing in the case study.

Step 4 - SWOT Analysis of Apple Inc. in 2012

Once you finished the case analysis, time line of the events and other critical details. Focus on the following -

• Zero down on the central problem and two to five related problems in the case study.
• Do the SWOT analysis of the Apple Inc. in 2012 . SWOT analysis is a strategic tool to map out the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats that a firm is facing.
• SWOT analysis and SWOT Matrix will help you to clearly mark out - Strengths Weakness Opportunities & Threats that the organization or manager is facing in the Apple Inc. in 2012
• SWOT analysis will also provide a priority list of problem to be solved.
• You can also do a weighted SWOT analysis of Apple Inc. in 2012 HBR case study.

Step 5 - Porter 5 Forces / Strategic Analysis of Industry Analysis Apple Inc. in 2012

In our live classes we often come across business managers who pinpoint one problem in the case and build a case study analysis and solution around that singular point. Business environments are often complex and require holistic solutions. You should try to understand not only the organization but also the industry which the business operates in. Porter Five Forces is a strategic analysis tool that will help you in understanding the relative powers of the key players in the business case study and what sort of pragmatic and actionable case study solution is viable in the light of given facts.

Step 6 - PESTEL, PEST / STEP Analysis of Apple Inc. in 2012

Another way of understanding the external environment of the firm in Apple Inc. in 2012 is to do a PESTEL - Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental & Legal analysis of the environment the firm operates in. You should make a list of factors that have significant impact on the organization and factors that drive growth in the industry. You can even identify the source of firm's competitive advantage based on PESTEL analysis and Organization's Core Competencies.

Step 7 - Organizing & Prioritizing the Analysis into Apple Inc. in 2012 Case Study Solution

Once you have developed multipronged approach and work out various suggestions based on the strategic tools. The next step is organizing the solution based on the requirement of the case. You can use the following strategy to organize the findings and suggestions.

• Build a corporate level strategy - organizing your findings and recommendations in a way to answer the larger strategic objective of the firm. It include using the analysis to answer the company's vision, mission and key objectives , and how your suggestions will take the company to next level in achieving those goals.
• Business Unit Level Solution - The case study may put you in a position of a marketing manager of a small brand. So instead of providing recommendations for overall company you need to specify the marketing objectives of that particular brand. You have to recommend business unit level recommendations. The scope of the recommendations will be limited to the particular unit but you have to take care of the fact that your recommendations are don't directly contradict the company's overall strategy. For example you can recommend a low cost strategy but the company core competency is design differentiation.
• Case study solutions can also provide recommendation for the business manager or leader described in the business case study.

Step 8 -Implementation Framework

The goal of the business case study is not only to identify problems and recommend solutions but also to provide a framework to implement those case study solutions. Implementation framework differentiates good case study solutions from great case study solutions. If you able to provide a detailed implementation framework then you have successfully achieved the following objectives -

• Detailed understanding of the case,
• Clarity of HBR case study fundamentals,
• Analyzed case details based on those fundamentals and
• Developed an ability to prioritize recommendations based on probability of their successful implementation.

Implementation framework helps in weeding out non actionable recommendations, resulting in awesome Apple Inc. in 2012 case study solution.

Step 9 - Take a Break

Once you finished the case study implementation framework. Take a small break, grab a cup of coffee or whatever you like, go for a walk or just shoot some hoops.

Step 10 - Critically Examine Apple Inc. in 2012 case study solution

After refreshing your mind, read your case study solution critically. When we are writing case study solution we often have details on our screen as well as in our head. This leads to either missing details or poor sentence structures. Once refreshed go through the case solution again - improve sentence structures and grammar, double check the numbers provided in your analysis and question your recommendations. Be very slow with this process as rushing through it leads to missing key details. Once done it is time to hit the attach button.

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Apple Inc In 2012

• Harvard Case Studies

Harvard Business Case Studies Solutions – Assignment Help

In most courses studied at Harvard Business schools, students are provided with a case study. Major HBR cases concerns on a whole industry, a whole organization or some part of organization; profitable or non-profitable organizations. Student’s role is to analyze the case and diagnose the situation, identify the problem and then give appropriate recommendations and steps to be taken.

To make a detailed case analysis, student should follow these steps:

STEP 1: Reading Up Harvard Case Study Method Guide:

Case study method guide is provided to students which determine the aspects of problem needed to be considered while analyzing a case study. It is very important to have a thorough reading and understanding of guidelines provided. However, poor guide reading will lead to misunderstanding of case and failure of analyses. It is recommended to read guidelines before and after reading the case to understand what is asked and how the questions are to be answered. Therefore, in-depth understanding f case guidelines is very important.

Harvard Case Study Solutions

STEP 2: Reading The Apple Inc In 2012 Harvard Case Study:

To have a complete understanding of the case, one should focus on case reading. It is said that case should be read two times. Initially, fast reading without taking notes and underlines should be done. Initial reading is to get a rough idea of what information is provided for the analyses. Then, a very careful reading should be done at second time reading of the case. This time, highlighting the important point and mark the necessary information provided in the case. In addition, the quantitative data in case, and its relations with other quantitative or qualitative variables should be given more importance. Also, manipulating different data and combining with other information available will give a new insight. However, all of the information provided is not reliable and relevant.

When having a fast reading, following points should be noted:

• Nature of organization
• Nature if industry in which organization operates.
• External environment that is effecting organization
• Problems being faced by management
• Identification of communication strategies.
• Any relevant strategy that can be added.
• Control and out-of-control situations.

When reading the case for second time, following points should be considered:

• Decisions needed to be made and the responsible Person to make decision.
• Objectives of the organization and key players in this case.
• The compatibility of objectives. if not, their reconciliations and necessary redefinition.
• Sources and constraints of organization from meeting its objectives.

After reading the case and guidelines thoroughly, reader should go forward and start the analyses of the case.

STEP 3: Doing The Case Analysis Of Apple Inc In 2012:

To make an appropriate case analyses, firstly, reader should mark the important problems that are happening in the organization. There may be multiple problems that can be faced by any organization. Secondly, after identifying problems in the company, identify the most concerned and important problem that needed to be focused.

Firstly, the introduction is written. After having a clear idea of what is defined in the case, we deliver it to the reader. It is better to start the introduction from any historical or social context. The challenging diagnosis for Apple Inc In 2012 and the management of information is needed to be provided. However, introduction should not be longer than 6-7 lines in a paragraph. As the most important objective is to convey the most important message for to the reader.

After introduction, problem statement is defined. In the problem statement, the company’s most important problem and constraints to solve these problems should be define clearly. However, the problem should be concisely define in no more than a paragraph. After defining the problems and constraints, analysis of the case study is begin.

STEP 4: SWOT Analysis of the Apple Inc In 2012 HBR Case Solution:

SWOT analysis helps the business to identify its strengths and weaknesses, as well as understanding of opportunity that can be availed and the threat that the company is facing. SWOT for Apple Inc In 2012 is a powerful tool of analysis as it provide a thought to uncover and exploit the opportunities that can be used to increase and enhance company’s operations. In addition, it also identifies the weaknesses of the organization that will help to be eliminated and manage the threats that would catch the attention of the management.

This strategy helps the company to make any strategy that would differentiate the company from competitors, so that the organization can compete successfully in the industry. The strengths and weaknesses are obtained from internal organization. Whereas, the opportunities and threats are generally related from external environment of organization. Moreover, it is also called Internal-External Analysis.

In the strengths, management should identify the following points exists in the organization:

• Advantages of the organization
• Activities of the company better than competitors.
• Unique resources and low cost resources company have.
• Activities and resources market sees as the company’s strength.
• Unique selling proposition of the company.

WEAKNESSES:

• Improvement that could be done.
• Activities that can be avoided for Apple Inc In 2012.
• Activities that can be determined as your weakness in the market.
• Factors that can reduce the sales.
• Competitor’s activities that can be seen as your weakness.

OPPORTUNITIES:

• Good opportunities that can be spotted.
• Interesting trends of industry.
• Change in technology and market strategies
• Government policy changes that is related to the company’s field
• Changes in social patterns and lifestyles.
• Local events.

Following points can be identified as a threat to company:

• Company’s facing obstacles.
• Activities of competitors.
• Product and services quality standards
• Threat from changing technologies
• Financial/cash flow problems
• Weakness that threaten the business.

Following points should be considered when applying SWOT to the analysis:

• Precise and verifiable phrases should be sued.
• Prioritize the points under each head, so that management can identify which step has to be taken first.
• Apply the analyses at proposed level. Clear yourself first that on what basis you have to apply SWOT matrix.
• Make sure that points identified should carry itself with strategy formulation process.
• Use particular terms (like USP, Core Competencies Analyses etc.) to get a comprehensive picture of analyses.

STEP 5: PESTEL/ PEST Analysis of Apple Inc In 2012 Case Solution:

Pest analyses is a widely used tool to analyze the Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Environmental and legal situations which can provide great and new opportunities to the company as well as these factors can also threat the company, to be dangerous in future.

Pest analysis is very important and informative.  It is used for the purpose of identifying business opportunities and advance threat warning. Moreover, it also helps to the extent to which change is useful for the company and also guide the direction for the change. In addition, it also helps to avoid activities and actions that will be harmful for the company in future, including projects and strategies.

To analyze the business objective and its opportunities and threats, following steps should be followed:

• Brainstorm and assumption the changes that should be made to organization. Answer the necessary questions that are related to specific needs of organization
• Analyze the opportunities that would be happen due to the change.
• Analyze the threats and issues that would be caused due to change.
• Perform cost benefit analyses and take the appropriate action.

Pest analysis

PEST FACTORS:

• Next political elections and changes that will happen in the country due to these elections
• Strong and powerful political person, his point of view on business policies and their effect on the organization.
• Strength of property rights and law rules. And its ratio with corruption and organized crimes. Changes in these situation and its effects.
• Change in Legislation and taxation effects on the company
• Trend of regulations and deregulations. Effects of change in business regulations
• Timescale of legislative change.
• Other political factors likely to change for Apple Inc In 2012.

ECONOMICAL:

• Position and current economy trend i.e. growing, stagnant or declining.
• Exchange rates fluctuations and its relation with company.
• Change in Level of customer’s disposable income and its effect.
• Fluctuation in unemployment rate and its effect on hiring of skilled employees
• Access to credit and loans. And its effects on company
• Effect of globalization on economic environment
• Considerations on other economic factors

SOCIO-CULTURAL:

• Change in population growth rate and age factors, and its impacts on organization.
• Effect on organization due to Change in attitudes and generational shifts.
• Standards of health, education and social mobility levels. Its changes and effects on company.
• Employment patterns, job market trend and attitude towards work according to different age groups.

case study solutions

• Social attitudes and social trends, change in socio culture an dits effects.
• Religious believers and life styles and its effects on organization
• Other socio culture factors and its impacts.

TECHNOLOGICAL:

• Any new technology that company is using
• Any new technology in market that could affect the work, organization or industry
• Access of competitors to the new technologies and its impact on their product development/better services.
• Research areas of government and education institutes in which the company can make any efforts
• Changes in infra-structure and its effects on work flow
• Existing technology that can facilitate the company
• Other technological factors and their impacts on company and industry

These headings and analyses would help the company to consider these factors and make a “big picture” of company’s characteristics. This will help the manager to take the decision and drawing conclusion about the forces that would create a big impact on company and its resources.

STEP 6: Porter’s Five Forces/ Strategic Analysis Of The Apple Inc In 2012 Case Study:

To analyze the structure of a company and its corporate strategy, Porter’s five forces model is used. In this model, five forces have been identified which play an important part in shaping the market and industry. These forces are used to measure competition intensity and profitability of an industry and market.

porter’s five forces model

These forces refers to micro environment and the company ability to serve its customers and make a profit. These five forces includes three forces from horizontal competition and two forces from vertical competition. The five forces are discussed below:

• THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS:
• as the industry have high profits, many new entrants will try to enter into the market. However, the new entrants will eventually cause decrease in overall industry profits. Therefore, it is necessary to block the new entrants in the industry. following factors is describing the level of threat to new entrants:
• Barriers to entry that includes copy rights and patents.
• High capital requirement
• Government restricted policies
• Switching cost
• Access to suppliers and distributions
• Customer loyalty to established brands.
• THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES:
• this describes the threat to company. If the goods and services are not up to the standard, consumers can use substitutes and alternatives that do not need any extra effort and do not make a major difference. For example, using Aquafina in substitution of tap water, Pepsi in alternative of Coca Cola. The potential factors that made customer shift to substitutes are as follows:
• Price performance of substitute
• Switching costs of buyer
• Products substitute available in the market
• Reduction of quality
• Close substitution are available
• DEGREE OF INDUSTRY RIVALRY:
• the lesser money and resources are required to enter into any industry, the higher there will be new competitors and be an effective competitor. It will also weaken the company’s position. Following are the potential factors that will influence the company’s competition:
• Competitive advantage
• Continuous innovation
• Sustainable position in competitive advantage
• Level of advertising
• Competitive strategy
• BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS:
• it deals with the ability of customers to take down the prices. It mainly consists the importance of a customer and the level of cost if a customer will switch from one product to another. The buyer power is high if there are too many alternatives available. And the buyer power is low if there are lesser options of alternatives and switching. Following factors will influence the buying power of customers:
• Bargaining leverage
• Switching cost of a buyer
• Buyer price sensitivity
• Competitive advantage of company’s product
• BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS:
• this refers to the supplier’s ability of increasing and decreasing prices. If there are few alternatives o supplier available, this will threat the company and it would have to purchase its raw material in supplier’s terms. However, if there are many suppliers alternative, suppliers have low bargaining power and company do not have to face high switching cost. The potential factors that effects bargaining power of suppliers are the following:
• Input differentiation
• Impact of cost on differentiation
• Strength of distribution centers
• Input substitute’s availability.

STEP 7: VRIO Analysis of Apple Inc In 2012:

Vrio analysis for Apple Inc In 2012 case study identified the four main attributes which helps the organization to gain a competitive advantages. The author of this theory suggests that firm must be valuable, rare, imperfectly imitable and perfectly non sustainable. Therefore there must be some resources and capabilities in an organization that can facilitate the competitive advantage to company. The four components of VRIO analysis are described below: VALUABLE: the company must have some resources or strategies that can exploit opportunities and defend the company from major threats. If the company holds some value then answer is yes. Resources are also valuable if they provide customer satisfaction and increase customer value. This value may create by increasing differentiation in existing product or decrease its price. Is these conditions are not met, company may lead to competitive disadvantage. Therefore, it is necessary to continually review the Apple Inc In 2012 company’s activities and resources values. RARE: the resources of the Apple Inc In 2012 company that are not used by any other company are known as rare. Rare and valuable resources grant much competitive advantages to the firm. However, when more than one few companies uses the same resources and provide competitive parity are also known as rare resources. Even, the competitive parity is not desired position, but the company should not lose its valuable resources, even they are common. COSTLY TO IMITATE: the resources are costly to imitate, if other organizations cannot imitate it. However, imitation is done in two ways. One is duplicating that is direct imitation and the other one is substituting that is indirect imitation. Any firm who has valuable and rare resources, and these resources are costly to imitate, have achieved their competitive advantage. However, resources should also be perfectly non sustainable. The reasons that resource imitation is costly are historical conditions, casual ambiguity and social complexity. ORGANIZED TO CAPTURE VALUE: resources, itself, cannot provide advantages to organization until it is organized and exploit to do so. A firm (like Apple Inc In 2012)  must organize its management systems, processes, policies and strategies to fully utilize the resource’s potential to be valuable, rare and costly to imitate.

STEP 8: Generating Alternatives For Apple Inc In 2012 Case Solution:

After completing the analyses of the company, its opportunities and threats, it is important to generate a solution of the problem and the alternatives a company can apply in order to solve its problems. To generate the alternative of problem, following things must to be kept in mind:

• Realistic solution should be identified that can be operated in the company, with all its constraints and opportunities.
• as the problem and its solution cannot occur at the same time, it should be described as mutually exclusive
• it is not possible for a company to not to take any action, therefore, the alternative of doing nothing is not viable.
• Student should provide more than one decent solution. Providing two undesirable alternatives to make the other one attractive is not acceptable.

Once the alternatives have been generated, student should evaluate the options and select the appropriate and viable solution for the company.

STEP 9: Selection Of Alternatives For Apple Inc In 2012 Case Solution:

It is very important to select the alternatives and then evaluate the best one as the company have limited choices and constraints. Therefore to select the best alternative, there are many factors that is needed to be kept in mind. The criteria’s on which business decisions are to be selected areas under:

• Improve profitability
• Increase sales, market shares, return on investments
• Customer satisfaction
• Brand image
• Corporate mission, vision and strategy
• Resources and capabilities

Alternatives should be measures that which alternative will perform better than other one and the valid reasons. In addition, alternatives should be related to the problem statements and issues described in the case study.

STEP 10: Evaluation Of Alternatives For Apple Inc In 2012 Case Solution:

If the selected alternative is fulfilling the above criteria, the decision should be taken straightforwardly. Best alternative should be selected must be the best when evaluating it on the decision criteria. Another method used to evaluate the alternatives are the list of pros and cons of each alternative and one who has more pros than cons and can be workable under organizational constraints.

STEP 11: Recommendations For Apple Inc In 2012 Case Study (Solution):

There should be only one recommendation to enhance the company’s operations and its growth or solving its problems. The decision that is being taken should be justified and viable for solving the problems.

Apple Inc In 2012 Case Study Solution Analysis

by HBR Twenty Nine

Apple Inc In 2012 Case Study Solution Analysis. Get Apple Inc In 2012 Case Study Analysis Solution. Contact us directly at buycasesolutions(at)gmail(dot)com if you want to order for Apple Inc In 2012 Case Solution, Case Analysis, Case Study Solution. David... More

Apple Inc In 2012 Case Study Solution Analysis. Get Apple Inc In 2012 Case Study Analysis Solution. Contact us directly at buycasesolutions(at)gmail(dot)com if you want to order for Apple Inc In 2012 Case Solution, Case Analysis, Case Study Solution. David B. Yoffie, Penelope Rossano Less

Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] Apple Inc in 2012 Case Study Solution Analysis Apple Inc in 2012 Case Study Solution & Analysis. Our tutors are available 24/7 to assist in your academic stuff, Our Professional writers are ready to serve you in services you need. Every Case Study Solution & Analysis is prepared from scratch, top quality, plagiarism free. Authors: David B. Yoffie, Penelope Rossano Get Case Study Solution and Analysis of Apple Inc in 2012 in a FAIR PRICE!! Steps for Case Study Solution Analysis: 1. Introduction of Apple Inc in 2012 Case Solution The Apple Inc in 2012 case study is a Harvard Business Review case study, which presents a simulated practical experience to the reader allowing them to learn about real life problems in the business world. The Apple Inc in 2012 case consisted of a central issue to the organization, which had to be identified, analysed and creative solutions had to be drawn to tackle the issue. This paper presents the solved Apple Inc in 2012 case analysis and case solution. The method through which the analysis is done is mentioned, followed by the relevant tools used in finding the solution. The case solution first identifies the central issue to the Apple Inc in 2012 case study, and the relevant stakeholders affected by this issue. This is known as the problem identification stage. After this, the relevant tools and models are used, which help in the case study analysis and case study solution. The tools used in identifying the solution consist of the SWOT Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, PESTEL Analysis, VRIO analysis, Value Chain Analysis, BCG Matrix analysis, Ansoff Matrix analysis, and the Marketing Mix analysis. The solution consists of recommended strategies to overcome this central issue. It is a good idea to also propose alternative case study solutions, because if the main solution is not found feasible, then the alternative solutions could be implemented. Lastly, a good case study solution also includes an implementation plan for the recommendation strategies. This shows how through a step-by-step procedure as to how the central issue can be resolved. 2. Problem Identification of Apple Inc in 2012 Case Solution Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] Note: This article is just a sample and not an actual case solution. If you want original case solution, please place your order on the Email.

Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] Harvard Business Review cases involve a central problem that is being faced by the organization and these problems affect a number of stakeholders. In the problem identification stage, the problem faced by Apple Inc in 2012 is identified through reading of the case. This could be mentioned at the start of the reading, the middle or the end. At times in a case analysis, the problem may be clearly evident in the reading of the HBR case. At other times, finding the issue is the job of the person analysing the case. It is also important to understand what stakeholders are affected by the problem and how. The goals of the stakeholders and are the organization are also identified to ensure that the case study analysis are consistent with these. 3. Analysis of the Apple Inc in 2012 HBR Case Study The objective of the case should be focused on. This is doing the Apple Inc in 2012 Case Solution. This analysis can be proceeded in a step-by-step procedure to ensure that effective solutions are found. In the first step, a growth path of the company can be formulated that lays down its vision, mission and strategic aims. These can usually be developed using the company history is provided in the case. Company history is helpful in a Business Case study as it helps one understand what the scope of the solutions will be for the case study. The next step is of understanding the company; its people, their priorities and the overall culture. This can be done by using company history. It can also be done by looking at anecdotal instances of managers or employees that are usually included in an HBR case study description to give the reader a real feel of the situation. Lastly, a timeline of the issues and events in the case needs to be made. Arranging events in a timeline allows one to predict the next few events that are likely to take place. It also helps one in developing the case study solutions. The timeline also helps in understanding the continuous challenges that are being faced by the organisation. 4. SWOT analysis of Apple Inc in 2012 An important tool that helps in addressing the central issue of the case and coming up with Apple Inc in 2012 HBR case solution is the SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis is a strategic management tool that lists down in the form of a matrix, an organisation's internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats. It helps in the strategic analysis of Apple Inc in 2012 Once this listing has been done, a clearer picture can be developed in regards to how strategies will be formed to address the main problem. For example, strengths will be used as an advantage in solving the issue. Therefore, the SWOT analysis is a helpful tool in coming up with the Apple Inc in 2012 Case Study answers. One does not need to remain restricted to using the traditional SWOT analysis, but the advanced TOWS matrix or weighted average SWOT analysis can also be used. Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] Note: This article is just a sample and not an actual case solution. If you want original case solution, please place your order on the Email.

Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] 5. Porter Five Forces Analysis for Apple Inc in 2012 Another helpful tool in finding the case solutions is of Porter's Five Forces analysis. This is also a strategic tool that is used to analyse the competitive environment of the industry in which Apple Inc in 2012 operates in. Analysis of the industry is important as businesses do not work in isolation in real life, but are affected by the business environment of the industry that they operate in. Harvard Business case studies represent real-life situations, and therefore, an analysis of the industry's competitive environment needs to be carried out to come up with more holistic case study solutions. In Porter's Five Forces analysis, the industry is analysed along 5 dimensions. • These are the threats that the industry faces due to new entrants. • It includes the threat of substitute products. • It includes the bargaining power of buyers in the industry. • It includes the bargaining power of suppliers in an industry. • Lastly, the overall rivalry or competition within the industry is analysed This tool helps one understand the relative powers of the major players in the industry and its overall competitive dynamics. Actionable and practical solutions can then be developed by keeping these factors into perspective. 6. PESTEL Analysis of Apple Inc in 2012 Another helpful tool that should be used in finding the case study solutions is the PESTEL analysis. This also looks at the external business environment of the organisation helps in finding case study Analysis to real-life business issues as in HBR cases. • The PESTEL analysis particularly looks at the macro environmental factors that affect the industry. These are the political, environmental, social, technological, environmental and legal (regulatory) factors affecting the industry. • Factors within each of these 6 should be listed down, and analysis should be made as to how these affect the organisation under question. 7. VRIO Analysis of Apple Inc in 2012 This is an analysis carried out to know about the internal strengths and capabilities of Apple Inc in 2012 . Under the VRIO analysis, the following steps are carried out: • The internal resources of Apple Inc in 2012 are listed down. • Each of these resources are assessed in terms of the value it brings to the organization. • Each resource is assessed in terms of how rare it is. A rare resource is one that is not commonly used by competitors. Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] Note: This article is just a sample and not an actual case solution. If you want original case solution, please place your order on the Email.

Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] • Each resource is assessed whether it could be imitated by competition easily or not. • Lastly, each resource is assessed in terms of whether the organization can use it to an advantage or not. • The analysis done on the 4 dimensions; Value, Rareness, Imitability, and Organization. If a resource is high on all of these 4, then it brings long-term competitive advantage. If a resource is high on Value, Rareness, and Imitability, then it brings an unused competitive advantage. If a resource is high on Value and Rareness, then it only brings temporary competitive advantage. If a resource is only valuable, then it’s a competitive parity. If it’s none, then it can be regarded as a competitive disadvantage. 8. Value Chain Analysis of Apple Inc in 2012 The Value chain analysis of Apple Inc in 2012 helps in identifying the activities of an organization, and how these add value in terms of cost reduction and differentiation. This tool is used in the case study analysis as follows: • The firm’s primary and support activities are listed down. • Identifying the importance of these activities in the cost of the product and the differentiation they produce. • Lastly, differentiation or cost reduction strategies are to be used for each of these activities to increase the overall value provided by these activities. Recognizing value creating activities and enhancing the value that they create allow Apple Inc in 2012 to increase its competitive advantage. 9. BCG Matrix of Apple Inc in 2012 The BCG Matrix is an important tool in deciding whether an organization should invest or divest in its strategic business units. The matrix involves placing the strategic business units of a business in one of four categories; question marks, stars, dogs and cash cows. The placement in these categories depends on the relative market share of the organization and the market growth of these strategic business units. The steps to be followed in this analysis is as follows: • Identify the relative market share of each strategic business unit. • Identify the market growth of each strategic business unit. • Place these strategic business units in one of four categories. Question Marks are those strategic business units with high market share and low market growth rate. Stars are those strategic business units with high market share and high market growth rate. Cash Cows are those strategic business units with high market share and low market growth rate. Dogs are those strategic business units with low market share and low growth rate. • Relevant strategies should be implemented for each strategic business unit depending on its position in the matrix. Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] Note: This article is just a sample and not an actual case solution. If you want original case solution, please place your order on the Email.

Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] The strategies identified from the Apple Inc in 2012 BCG matrix and included in the case pdf. These are either to further develop the product, penetrate the market, develop the market, diversification, investing or divesting. 10. Ansoff Matrix of Apple Inc in 2012 Ansoff Matrix is an important strategic tool to come up with future strategies for Apple Inc in 2012 in the case solution. It helps decide whether an organization should pursue future expansion in new markets and products or should it focus on existing markets and products. • The organization can penetrate into existing markets with its existing products. This is known as market penetration strategy. • The organization can develop new products for the existing market. This is known as product development strategy. • The organization can enter new markets with its existing products. This is known as market development strategy. • The organization can enter into new markets with new products. This is known as a diversification strategy. The choice of strategy depends on the analysis of the previous tools used and the level of risk the organization is willing to take. 11. Marketing Mix of Apple Inc in 2012 Apple Inc in 2012 needs to bring out certain responses from the market that it targets. To do so, it will need to use the marketing mix, which serves as a tool in helping bring out responses from the market. The 4 elements of the marketing mix are Product, Price, Place and Promotions. The following steps are required to carry out a marketing mix analysis and include this in the case study analysis. • Analyse the company’s products and devise strategies to improve the product offering of the company. • Analyse the company’s price points and devise strategies that could be based on competition, value or cost. • Analyse the company’s promotion mix. This includes the advertisement, public relations, personal selling, sales promotion, and direct marketing. Strategies will be devised which makes use of a few or all of these elements. • Analyse the company’s distribution and reach. Strategies can be devised to improve the availability of the company’s products. 12. Apple Inc in 2012 Strategy The strategies devised and included in the Apple Inc in 2012 case memo should have a strategy. A strategy is a strategy that involves firms seeking uncontested market spaces, which makes the competition of the company irrelevant. It involves coming up with new and unique products or ideas through innovation. This gives Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] Note: This article is just a sample and not an actual case solution. If you want original case solution, please place your order on the Email.

Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] the organization a competitive advantage over other firms, unlike a red ocean strategy. 13. Competitors analysis of Apple Inc in 2012 The PESTEL analysis discussed previously looked at the macro environmental factors affecting business, but not the microenvironmental factors. One of the microenvironmental factors are competitors, which are addressed by a competitor analysis. The Competitors analysis of Apple Inc in 2012 looks at the direct and indirect competitors within the industry that it operates in. • This involves a detailed analysis of their actions and how these would affect the future strategies of Apple Inc in 2012 . • It involves looking at the current market share of the company and its competitors. • It should compare the marketing mix elements of competitors, their supply chain, human resources, financial strength etc. • It also should look at the potential opportunities and threats that these competitors pose on the company. 14. Organisation of the Analysis into Apple Inc in 2012 Case Study Solution Once various tools have been used to analyse the case, the findings of this analysis need to be incorporated into practical and actionable solutions. These solutions will also be the Apple Inc in 2012 case answers. These are usually in the form of strategies that the organisation can adopt. The following step-by-step procedure can be used to organise the Harvard Business case solution and recommendations: • The first step of the solution is to come up with a corporate level strategy for the organisation. This part consists of solutions that address issues faced by the organisation on a strategic level. This could include suggestions, changes or recommendations to the company's vision, mission and its strategic objectives. It can include recommendations on how the organisation can work towards achieving these strategic objectives. Furthermore, it needs to be explained how the stated recommendations will help in solving the main issue mentioned in the case and where the company will stand in the future as a result of these. • The second step of the solution is to come up with a business level strategy. The HBR case studies may present issues faced by a part of the organisation. For example, the issues may be stated for marketing and the role of a marketing manager needs to be assumed. So, recommendations and suggestions need to address the strategy of the marketing department in this case. Therefore, the strategic objectives of this business unit (Marketing) will be laid down in the solutions and recommendations will be made as to how to achieve these objectives. Similar would be the case for any other business Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] Note: This article is just a sample and not an actual case solution. If you want original case solution, please place your order on the Email.

Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] unit or department such as human resources, finance, IT etc. The important thing to note here is that the business level strategy needs to be aligned with the overall corporate strategy of the organisation. For example, if one suggests the organisation to focus on differentiation for competitive advantage as a corporate level strategy, then it can't be recommended for the Apple Inc in 2012 Case Study Solution that the business unit should focus on costs. • The third step is not compulsory but depends from case to case. In some HBR case studies, one may be required to analyse an issue at a department. This issue may be analysed for a manager or employee as well. In these cases, recommendations need to be made for these people. The solution may state that objectives that these people need to achieve and how these objectives would be achieved. The case study analysis and solution, and Apple Inc in 2012 case answers should be written down in the Apple Inc in 2012 case memo, clearly identifying which part shows what. The Apple Inc in 2012 case should be in a professional format, presenting points clearly that are well understood by the reader. 15. Alternate solution to the Apple Inc in 2012 HBR case study It is important to have more than one solution to the case study. This is the alternate solution that would be implemented if the original proposed solution is found infeasible or impossible due to a change in circumstances. The alternate solution for Apple Inc in 2012 is presented in the same way as the original solution, where it consists of a corporate level strategy, business level strategy and other recommendations. 16. Implementation of Apple Inc in 2012 Case Solution The case study does not end at just providing recommendations to the issues at hand. One is also required to provide how these recommendations would be implemented. This is shown through a proper implementation framework. A detailed implementation framework helps in distinguishing between an average and an above average case study answer. A good implementation framework shows the proposed plan and how the organisations' resources would be used to achieve the objectives. It also lays down the changes needed to be made as well as the assumptions in the process. • A proper implementation framework shows that one has clearly understood the case study and the main issue within it. • It shows that one has been clarified with the HBR fundamentals on the topic. • It shows that the details provided in the case have been properly analysed. Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] Note: This article is just a sample and not an actual case solution. If you want original case solution, please place your order on the Email.

Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] • It shows that one has developed an ability to prioritise recommendations and how these could be successfully implemented. • The implementation framework also helps by removing out any recommendations that are not practical or actionable as these could not be implemented. Therefore, the implementation framework ensures that the solution to the Apple Inc in 2012 Harvard case is complete and properly answered. 17. Recommendations and Action Plan for Apple Inc in 2012 case analysis For Apple Inc in 2012, based on the SWOT Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, PESTEL Analysis, VRIO analysis, Value Chain Analysis, BCG Matrix analysis, Ansoff Matrix analysis, and the Marketing Mix analysis, the recommendations and action plan are as follows: • Apple Inc in 2012 should focus on making use of its strengths identified from the VRIO analysis to make the most of the opportunities identified from the PESTEL. • Apple Inc in 2012 should enhance the value creating activities within its value chain. • Apple Inc in 2012 should invest in its stars and cash cows, while getting rid of the dogs identified from the BCG Matrix analysis. • To achieve its overall corporate and business level objectives, it should make use of the marketing mix tools to obtain desired results from its target market. Email us for Any Case Solution at: [email protected] Note: This article is just a sample and not an actual case solution. If you want original case solution, please place your order on the Email.

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Apple Inc. Case Study

Central problem, analysis of situation, identify alternative strategies, course of action, reference list.

The case study analysis is based on Apple Inc’s products and its marketing abilities to satisfy loyal consumers. It discusses how Apple has been able to keep producing competitive and innovative products, in keeping with the changing demand and tastes of consumers.

Apple Inc is a leading innovator producing designs with no substitutes in the market. Some of these “product innovations include the iPod, iMac, iPhone, and iPad” (Kotler & Keller, 2012). However, the company has to play hard to remain competitive through the manufacture and the marketing of revolutionary products.

The market for Apple evolutionary products is well segmented and differentiated. By targeting the music lovers (Kotler & Keller, 2012), Apple Inc has been able to market the iPod to people who love to listen to music at any place and time. The most appealing aspect of Apple’s marketing abilities is the ability to reach all people even if they have never had the chance to use its products.

For reason, the company has been able to displace the Walkman with the innovative iPod. Apple has also managed to shift its marketing strategies and involved mass electronic retailers in an attempt to quadruple the number of existing outlets (Kotler & Keller, 2012).

To advertise, the company uses the pull strategy whereby marketing activities are directed towards the final consumers with the aim of inducing them (Kotler & Armstrong, 2010). This strategy has seen the iPod increase its popularity, in effect increasing the market share of Apple’s products and performance. Through personal selling, the company was able to sell millions of pieces of iPhones in 74 days (Kotler & Keller, 2012).

Apple Inc has been targeting the technologically savvy generation that understands modern methods of marketing. The company has been using valued added pricing strategy by reducing the prices of iPhone and including new features like apps, video games, video capabilities, impressive pictures, and fast processor. The launch of the iPad has increased Apple’s market share even more.

The strength of Apple Inc is that it has invested in research and development to design new products using the latest art of technology. The success of iPod has enabled the company to successfully reach the different segments in the market (Marketing Teacher Ltd, 2011). This has increased its market share and paved way for its other products like the iPhone and iPad. The company has also specialized in IT brands for its products.

This has ensured repeat business for loyal customers. On the other hand, one of the weaknesses of Apple Inc is a report that the Apple iPod Nano screen was faulty (Marketing Teacher Ltd, 2011). This forced the company to replace the faulty devices and batteries.

There has been a complaint on the downloadable music files (Kotler & Keller, 2012) as well, and this has put Apple under pressure to increase the price of music (Marketing Teacher Ltd, 2011). Music producers see iTunes as a weakness that is affecting the music industry.

Alternative strategy applicable in ensuring that Apple remains on top of producing innovative products includes increased research and development. This can only be achieved through the allocation of finances to programs to increase innovations.

This would increase its market share by keeping loyal customers. The drawback is that Apple requires financial investment in these programs. Another strategy could be a continuation with value added pricing strategy to increase customers and market share. Its drawback is to invest more financially.

Apple should continue investing more in research and development to design more innovative products that would satisfy its loyal consumers. This would sustain the organization’s goals although it would have an impact on its budget as more finances would be required. It is recommended that the company adopts the alternative strategies discussed.

To achieve this, Apple Inc has to increase its financing, carry out market research to determine consumer satisfaction and how the company is fairing in the market. Apple also needs to undertake an evaluation of the actual and standard progress of its innovative products as a way of checking market and product performance.

Kotler. P., & Armstrong.G. (2010). Principles of Marketing . New York: Pearson.

Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2012). Marketing Management (14 ed.). New Jersey. Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Marketing Teacher Ltd. (2011). SWOT analysis Apple . Web.

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IvyPanda. (2024, February 22). Apple Inc. https://ivypanda.com/essays/case-study-analysis-of-apple-inc-case-study/

"Apple Inc." IvyPanda , 22 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/case-study-analysis-of-apple-inc-case-study/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Apple Inc'. 22 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Apple Inc." February 22, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/case-study-analysis-of-apple-inc-case-study/.

1. IvyPanda . "Apple Inc." February 22, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/case-study-analysis-of-apple-inc-case-study/.

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IvyPanda . "Apple Inc." February 22, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/case-study-analysis-of-apple-inc-case-study/.

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Apple Inc. in 2012

Subjects Covered Competition Market positioning Product positioning Strategic planning Strategy Technology

by David B. Yoffie, Penelope Rossano

Source: Harvard Business School

30 pages. Publication Date: May 15, 2012. Prod. #: 712490-PDF-ENG

Apple Inc. in 2012 Harvard Case Study Solution and HBR and HBS Case Analysis

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Apple Inc. in 2012 Harvard Case Solution & Analysis

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Apple Inc. 2012

Introduction

Apple Inc. (formerly Apple Computer) was founded in 1976 and it was known for its personal computers (PCs).  Apple Inc. was the leader in personal computer business but the company started to face challenges and was near to face bankruptcy. Steve Jobs took charge and gave Apple Inc. a new life by introducing non-PC innovative products like Smartphone, etc.

Q1. What, historically, have been Apple’s competitive advantages?

Innovative products and intense distribution network were competitive advantages of Apple Inc. Apple Inc. was itself the supplier of its products and had stores to sell them and the company had integrated vertically as well. Resource-based view can help us to understand the competitive advantage of Apple Inc. It had both tangible and intangible resources and these recourses were rare, hard to imitate and it was difficult for the competitor to find the substitute of those resources. Apple Inc. had the best and largest distribution network and had patents of its product design (See Exhibit 2 in the appendix). It had been recognized as a powerful brand and had high number of loyal customers . It was investing 9% of its revenue on research and development, which was the highest amount that was allocated in the industry. No other company had the same resources like Apple Inc, had and these resources could not be moved from Apple Inc. to another company at least in the short run. Apple Inc.’s competitors did not have the distribution network and they were dependent on suppliers; therefore, it was found that competitors would not be able to have similar resources in the short run and it would take years to have those resources. Apple Inc.’s resources were heterogeneous as well as immobile and these resources had all the attributes of VRIO. These resources were not only valuable but they were rare. It was very difficult for Apple’s competitor to copy those resources because high capital was required and they were supposed to make large investment in research and development. It was not easy to have large distribution network across the globe and competitors required to have large capital as well as expertise and there was no substitute of its distribution network. Apple Inc. resources of VRIO helped it to gain a competitive advantage (See Exhibit 1).

Q2. How sustainable is Apple’s competitive position in PCs?

Apple Inc. was the pioneer of personal computer and had been the market leader of the PC business. However, with the passage of time, many competitors challenged Apple Inc., which created intense competition for the company (See Exhibit 3 in the appendix). Competitors were providing personal computers at low price but Apple’s Macintosh was known for its high price because customers were ready to pay premium price for Macintosh. But, Apple Inc. continued to make investment in developing new technology and the same strategy was being followed. Apple Inc. was known for its innovative products and features and it had always taken lead in introducing new products; therefore, the company introduced the idea of digital hub.

Apple Inc. had integrated all their products and provided a place to download applications. Further, it approached Intel to increase the performance of its computer and make it more efficient in terms of energy consumption. Apple Inc. was working with Microsoft in order to build Microsoft Office application for Apple Inc. There was a demand of digital experience by customers and digital hub would help Apple Inc. to fulfill the demand of those customers.

Apple Inc.’s position is sustainable because they are making heavy investment in order to improve its existing products and to develop new products.

Q3. How sustainable is Apple’s competitive position in MP3 players?

Apple Inc. was the market leader of MP3 player and had a significant market share; therefore, it was difficult for any competitor to give tough time to Apple Inc. Apple Inc. continued to improve the quality of its iPod and to introduce new features; which helped it to gain 70% market share. Apple Inc. started to continue its vertical integration strategy and introduced iTunes for its customers to buy music and save them and it was the largest music portal.

Although, Apple Inc. was not making money on music but it had helped the company to increase its number of customers because customers wanted to experience all the features of the company’s products. iPod could be synchronized with Mac and windows. There were numerous competitors that were providing music services like Amazon, Napster and Wal-Mart so customers were supposed to use different music players or devices and this led to intense competition (See Exhibit 3). In addition, Apple Inc. had launched iPhone, which could be used to listen to music.

Apple Inc.’s competitive advantage was sustainable because there was no major player that could challenge Apple Inc. It also integrated their product and services that help the company to sustain its competitive advantage................

This is just a sample partial case solution. Please place the order on the website to order your own originally done case solution. Apple Inc. in 2015 The Case Solution

October 5, 2011 Steve Jobs has tragically died of cancer. Recently retired CEO of Apple was a legend, he changed Apple, a company on the verge of bankruptcy of one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world. In addition, he revolutionized several industries in the process, including music, phones, computers and tablets. This case is the success of Steve Jobs and the challenges facing his successor, Tim Cook. Cook can continue to intensify Macintosh? With Dock sales are down for four consecutive years, prepared to be able to continue to rule in iPhone smartphones amid growing competition from companies such as Google and Samsung? It will be a new creation Apple, iPad, continue to dominate the tablet market, or new competitors, from the Amazon to Samsung, to steal, and to reduce the share of the profit? And could not thrive with Apple, Tim Cook, not Steve Jobs at the helm? "Hide by David B. Yoffie, Penelope Rossano Source: Harvard Business School 30 pages. Publication Date: May 15, 2012. Prod. #: 712490-PDF-ENG

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