In this assignment, you are to use the same corporation you selected and focused on for Assignment 1.
Using the corporation you chose from Assignment 1, examine the industry in which the entity operates. Use any or all of the following resources to conduct research on the company:
Company website
Public filings from the Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR database (http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml)
Strayer University’s online databases
Other miscellaneous sources. Note: the company’s annual report will often provide insights that other resources may not include.
Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you:
Give your opinion on the corporation’s greatest strengths and most significant weaknesses. Choose either a strategy OR tactic the corporation should select to take maximum advantage of its strengths, and the strategy OR tactic the corporation should select to fix its most significant weakness. Justify your choices.
Determine the company’s tangible and intangible resources, core capabilities, and core competencies.
Choose the two (2) segments of the general environment that would rank highest in their influence on the corporation you chose. Assess how these segments affect the corporation you chose and the industry in which it operates.
Choose two (2) forces of competition that you estimate are the most significant for the corporation you chose. Evaluate how well the company has addressed these) forces in the recent past, going back no further than five (5) fiscal years.
With the same two (2) forces in mind, predict what the company might do to improve its ability to address these forces in the near future.
Identify what you consider to be the greatest external threat to this corporation. Discuss how the corporation should address this threat. Justify your explanation.
Identify what you consider to be the greatest opportunity presented to the corporation, and discuss how the corporation should take advantage of this opportunity. Justify your explanation
Use at least three (3) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources .
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
This course requires use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different than other Strayer University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for details.
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
- Identify how the six segments of the general environment affect an industry and its firms.
- Identify the five forces of competition.
- Analyze the external environment for opportunities and threats that impact the firm.
- Analyze the internal environment of a company for strengths and weaknesses that impact the firm’s competitiveness.
- Use technology and information resources to research issues in business administration.
- Write clearly and concisely about business administration using proper writing mechanics.
Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.
Points: 125
Assignment 2: External and Internal Environments
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets Minimum Expectations
60-69% D
Fair
70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. Choose the two (2) segments of the general environment that would rank highest in their influence on the corporation you chose. Assess how these segments affect the corporation you chose and the industry in which it operates.
Weight: 10%
Did not submit or incompletely chose the two (2) segments of the general environment that would rank highest in their influence on the corporation you chose. Did not submit or incompletely assessed how these segments affect the corporation you chose and the industry in which it operates.
Insufficiently chose the two (2) segments of the general environment that would rank highest in their influence on the corporation you chose. Insufficiently assessed how these segments affect the corporation you chose and the industry in which it operates.
Partially chose the two (2) segments of the general environment that would rank highest in their influence on the corporation you chose. Partially assessed how these segments affect the corporation you chose and the industry in which it operates.
Satisfactorily chose the two (2) segments of the general environment that would rank highest in their influence on the corporation you chose. Satisfactorily assessed how these segments affect the corporation you chose and the industry in which it operates.
Thoroughly chose the two (2) segments of the general environment that would rank highest in their influence on the corporation you chose. Thoroughly assessed how these segments affect the corporation you chose and the industry in which it operates.
2. Considering the five (5) forces of competition, choose the two (2) that you estimate are the most significant for the corporation you chose. Evaluate how well the company has addressed these two (2) forces in the recent past.
Weight: 15%
Did not submit or incompletely chose the two (2) that you estimate are the most significant for the corporation you chose. Did not submit or incompletely evaluated how well the company has addressed these two (2) forces in the recent past.
Insufficiently chose the two (2) that you estimate are the most significant for the corporation you chose. Insufficiently evaluated how well the company has addressed these two (2) forces in the recent past.
Partially chose the two (2) that you estimate are the most significant for the corporation you chose. Partially evaluated how well the company has addressed these two (2) forces in the recent past.
Satisfactorily chose the two (2) that you estimate are the most significant for the corporation you chose. Satisfactorily evaluated how well the company has addressed these two (2) forces in the recent past.
Thoroughly chose the two (2) that you estimate are the most significant for the corporation you chose. Thoroughly evaluated how well the company has addressed these two (2) forces in the recent past.
3. With the same two forces in mind, predict what the company might do to improve its ability to address these forces in the near future
Weight: 15%
Did not submit or incompletely predicted what the company might do to improve its ability to address these forces in the near future.
Insufficiently predicted what the company might do to improve its ability to address these forces in the near future.
Partially predicted what the company might do to improve its ability to address these forces in the near future.
Satisfactorily predicted what the company might do to improve its ability to address these forces in the near future.
Thoroughly predicted what the company might do to improve its ability to address these forces in the near future.
4. Assess the external threats affecting this corporation and the opportunities available to the corporation. Give your opinions on how the corporation should deal with the most serious threat and the greatest opportunity. Justify your answer.
Weight: 15%
Did not submit or incompletely assessed the external threats affecting this corporation and the opportunities available to the corporation. Did not submit or incompletely gave your opinions on how the corporation should deal with the most serious threat and the greatest opportunity. Did not justify your answer.
Insufficiently assessed the external threats affecting this corporation and the opportunities available to the corporation. Insufficiently gave your opinions on how the corporation should deal with the most serious threat and the greatest opportunity. Insufficiently justified your answer.
Partially assessed the external threats affecting this corporation and the opportunities available to the corporation. Partially gave your opinions on how the corporation should deal with the most serious threat and the greatest opportunity. Partially justified your answer.
Satisfactorily assessed the external threats affecting this corporation and the opportunities available to the corporation. Satisfactorily gave your opinions on how the corporation should deal with the most serious threat and the greatest opportunity. Satisfactorily justified your answer.
Thoroughly assessed the external threats affecting this corporation and the opportunities available to the corporation. Thoroughly gave your opinions on how the corporation should deal with the most serious threat and the greatest opportunity. Thoroughly justified your answer.
5. Give your opinion on the corporation’s greatest strengths and most significant weaknesses. Choose the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to take maximum advantage of its strengths, and the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to fix its most significant weakness. Justify your choices.
Weight: 15%
Did not submit or incompletely gave your opinion on the corporation’s greatest strengths and most significant weaknesses. Did not submit or incompletely chose the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to take maximum advantage of its strengths, and the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to fix its most significant weakness. Did not submit or incompletely justified your choices.
Insufficiently gave your opinion on the corporation’s greatest strengths and most significant weaknesses. Insufficiently chose the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to take maximum advantage of its strengths, and the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to fix its most significant weakness. Insufficiently justified your choices.
Partially gave your opinion on the corporation’s greatest strengths and most significant weaknesses. Partially chose the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to take maximum advantage of its strengths, and the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to fix its most significant weakness. Partially justified your choices.
Satisfactorily gave your opinion on the corporation’s greatest strengths and most significant weaknesses. Satisfactorily chose the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to take maximum advantage of its strengths, and the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to fix its most significant weakness. Satisfactorily justified your choices.
Thoroughly gave your opinion on the corporation’s greatest strengths and most significant weaknesses. Thoroughly chose the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to take maximum advantage of its strengths, and the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to fix its most significant weakness. Thoroughly justified your choices.
6. Determine the company’s resources, capabilities, and core competencies.
Weight: 15%
Did not submit or incompletely determined the company’s resources, capabilities, and core competencies.
Insufficiently determined the company’s resources, capabilities, and core competencies.
Partially determined the company’s resources, capabilities, and core competencies.
Satisfactorily determined the company’s resources, capabilities, and core competencies.
Thoroughly determined the company’s resources, capabilities, and core competencies.
7. 3 references
Weight: 5%
No references provided
Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor quality choices.
Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor quality choices.
Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.
Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.
8. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements
Weight: 10%
More than 8 errors present
7-8 errors present
5-6 errors present
3-4 errors present
0-2 errors present
Assignment 1 APPLE INC.
Jebbeh Sawyer
Strayer University
BUS499 Business Administration Capstone
Dr. Keller
January 15, 2019
Apple Inc. is a multinational organization based in America that has specialized in designing, developing and manufacturing electronic equipment including smartphones, software and computers. The organization was established in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Stephen Wozniak and Gerald Wayne. Some of its hardware products that are well-known across global platforms include Mac line computers, iPad, iPod and iPhone. The company’s stocks are listed in the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations NASDAQ and the New York Exchange. The company has developed approximately 850,000 App software with two online shops including the Apple App Store and the iTunes Music Store among other operating systems for their customers. The past recent years have witnessed the company getting extreme attention from individuals across the world with scholars and analysts focusing on the numerous ways technology and globalization have impacted the organization. In this paper, a central focus is given to globalization and its impacts on Apple products, technology and most importantly the industrial organization model used in the organization.
Globalization
Globalization involves the integration of global economies through technology, movement of people, financial flows and the available means of trade. The development of globalization has increased Apple’s profit margin. Apple has gained prominence in the global platform through the use of exceptionally advanced strategies that utilize foreign outsourcing exporting and importing of products. Research indicates that by July 2013, Apple had developed approximately 417 retail stores across 13 countries resulting in global sales amounting to $16billion in merchandise. The multi-national organization has ever since realized the importance of globalization.
Apple is widely recognized for its capabilities to seize prospects in the global platform. For instance, Apple together with China Mobile joined efforts to distribute iPhone across the globe. China Mobile is the world’s biggest mobile carrier and it signed the contract with Apple to distribute the gadgets and had been working together for the past decade. Freeland, (2013) notes that collaborating with China Mobile was a major global strategy that has ever since resulted in increased profit margins in the world market.Additionally, approximately 12,270 iPod overseas employees are located in China. According to sources, this is because Apple disposed of a substantial amount of disciplined and cheap labor to China
Even though in 2015 Apple took the lion’s share with the largest global smartphone projects, recent developments by companies such as Samsung have created stiff global competition. In computer manufacturing, Apple Inc. receives competition from Dell technologies. The competition dates several years ago when Dell attempted to corner Apple’s share in the music player market through the invention of Dell DJ. The invention was the earliest iPod competitor.
Technology
For any given product to gain prominence and be accepted as of quality, technological advancements have to be effectively utilized. It is only through quality production that an organization can increase its foreign direct investments. In this case, Apple has enhanced its investment prospects in several countries, most notably in China as it maintains quality works in assembling inputs used for the final production. The global corporate strategy involved has given special attention to outsourcing while at the same time maintaining high product integrity. Specific companies in China have also been given the mandate to produce items such as iPod as per the specifications provided by the Apple Company.
When Apple announced that it had embraced cloud computing, the news was met with excitement as Apple users could now enjoy cloud storage and backup. As long as the gadgets are connected to the internet, customers with Apple devices such as IPads and iPhones can wirelessly link them in the cloud. Recent developments in the cloud industry have seen Apple customers purchase music from the iTunes and be able to listen to them on any device linked to their iCloud. Recently, Apple announced that it primarily relies on Google’s cloud hence catching up with Microsoft and Amazon that have heavily invested in cloud infrastructure. The impacts of cloud computing have so far been positive with users enjoying free storage of up to 5GB. Additionally, it has increased its competitive edge.
Industrial-based Model
The Industrial Organization Model assumes an external perspective in explaining how forces outside an organization can influence a company’s strategic actions based on external environment, competition, resources and the decision makers in the organization. Apple’s external environment is characterized by high competition from major technology companies. Apple Inc. faces direct competition from companies including Google, Samsung Electronics and Amazon. The companies expend substantial investments in research and development and marketing, therefore, increasing the competitive force in the industry.
Resource-Based Model
The model assumes internal perspectives that explain how an organizations capabilities and internal resources impact the organization’s abilities to achieve above average revenues. The organizational culture at Apple is key in its success. The organizational culture provides for specific attention to creative innovation. Its culture encompasses aspects including top-notch excellence, creativity, secrecy, moderate combativeness and innovation (Meyer, 2018). By employing these values, the company is set from its competitors by challenging standards and conventions. For instance, through secrecy, Steve Jobs intends to minimize theft of information and maintain high levels of the intellectual property. Employees in the organization are highly encouraged to keep information within the organization. The culture is enhanced through rules and policies and employment expectations as dictated by the contract.
Vision
Apple’s vision statement stresses fundamental values such as innovation and product excellence. A part of its vision statement says, “To own and control the primary technologies behind the products that we make” (Rowland, 2018)The vision, therefore, designates a strategic vertical integration that influences the organization’s supply chain and the suppliers. The vision statement influences the company’s success as it specifies its business values that help in achieving strategic objectives in the organization.
Mission
Part of Apple’s mission statement articulates that, “Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software” (Rowland, 2018). The mission statement plays a vital role in the organization’s success as it mentions some of the gadgets that the company has successfully developed, hence marketing its products.
Stakeholders
Employees are a vital component of Apple as they are highly valued and paid. The organization focuses on getting the best employees and nurturing them to become world-class performers. Stakeholders influence the organization especially when it comes to corporate social responsibility. They directly influence the perceptions of customers and their sales revenues. For example, Apple addresses the environmental concerns of the stakeholders through various policies including sustainable material sourcing. Through a holistic approach, Apple prioritizing customers by providing them with efficient products that match the prices. Investors being the major determinants and stakeholders in Amazon, are offered an opportunity to maximize their returns on investments. Lastly, Apple has a special supplier code of conduct that protects the interests of supplier and distributors.
References
Freeland, C. (2011). How the iPod Explains Globalization. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/01/world/asia/01iht-letter01.html?_r=0
Meyer, P. (2018). Apple Inc.’s Organizational Culture & Its Characteristics (An Analysis) – Panmore Institute. Retrieved from http://panmore.com/apple-inc-organizational-culture-features-implications
Rowland, C. (2018). Apple Inc.’s Mission Statement and Vision Statement (An Analysis) – Panmore Institute. Retrieved from http://panmore.com/apple-mission-statement-vision-…
Please follow the example of this templates
Week 6 Assignment 2
Student Full Name
Strayer University
BUS499 Business Administration Capstone
Dr. Keller
Date
Everything in Blue should be deleted
Due Week 6 and worth 125 points
Using the corporation you chose from Assignment 1, examine its industry. Research the company on its own Website, the public filings on the Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR database (http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml), in the University’s online databases, and any other sources you can find. The annual report will often provide insights that can help address some of these questions.
NOTE: Be sure to read Chapters 1-3 in the course textbook and complete the LEARN E-Activities for Weeks 1-3 as they set the foundation to this assignment. Be sure to cite your sources! Link to Instructor Insights: https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/956951/uiconf_id/38285871/entry_id/0_yroy0nx7/embed/dynamic
Link to Writing Workshop for this Assignment: https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/956951/uiconf_id/38285871/entry_id/0_hkq5j9mu/embed/dynamic
Begin your paper on Page 2 by writing a four page paper (does not include Title or Reference pages) in which you:
Week 6 Assignment 2
Write your introduction here: It should be one (1) good paragraph (not more than 1 paragraph) to introduce the reader to your topic and it should explain in detail what your paper will be discussing. Much of your introduction may be taken from the assignment itself (in your own words). Read the scenario to get a feel for what the paper is about and explain what your paper will be discussing – so be sure to review the Assignment instructions AND Rubric for understanding. Finally, please ask me any questions about this assignment.
General Environment
Choose the two (2) segments of the general environment that would rank highest in their influence on the corporation you chose. Assess how these segments affect the corporation you chose and the industry in which it operates (for background, be sure to research and explain the industry in which it operates. You could also define the general environment (cite your sources) and could explain the segments you chose using the textbook/Learn).
Read Chapter 2 in the course text book. Review the Week 2 Learn video/Lecture for supporting content. (cite your sources)
Five Forces of Competition
Considering the five (5) forces (model) of competition, briefly explain why these are important to a firm.
Item 1
Choose one (1) of the five (5) forces (model) of competition that you estimate is the most significant for the corporation you chose (it would help to define your choice from the textbook). Read Chapter 2 in the course text book and review the Week 1 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. A side note, the five (5) forces of competition is the same as “Porters 5 Forces of Competition. (cite your sources)
Item 2
Choose another one (1) of the five (5) forces (model) of competition that you estimate is the most significant for the corporation you chose (it would help to define your choice from the textbook). Read Chapter 2 in the course text book and review the Week 1 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. A side note, the five (5) forces of competition is the same as “Porters 5 Forces of Competition. (cite your sources)
Evaluation
Evaluate how well the company has addressed these two (2) forces in the recent past. This will require some research.
Future Improvements
With the same two (2) forces in mind, predict what the company might do to improve its ability to address these forces in the near future.
Read Chapter 1 in the course text book as each chapter it provides a solid background and clues on this model that apply to this section. Review the Week 1 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. (cite your sources)
External Threats and Opportunities
Assess the external threats affecting this corporation and the opportunities available to the corporation. Read Chapter 2 in the course text book as it provides a solid background and clues for this section. Review the Week 2 Learn video/Lecture for supporting content. (cite your sources)
Threats and Opportunities Strategies
Give your opinions on how the corporation should deal with the most serious threat and the greatest opportunity. Consider that Threats and Opportunities are External in origin (hint: external environments). Justify your answer. Read Chapter 2 in the course text book as it provides a solid background and clues for this section. Review the Week 2 Learn video/Lecture for supporting content. (cite your sources)
Strengths and Weaknesses
Give your opinion on the corporation’s greatest strengths and most significant weaknesses. Consider that Strengths and Weaknesses are Internal in origin (hint: Internal environments). Read Chapter 2 and 3 in the course text book as it provides a solid background and clues for this section. Review the Week 2 and Week 3 Learn video/Lecture for supporting content. (cite your sources)
Strategy
Choose the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to take maximum advantage of its strengths, and the strategy or tactic the corporation should select to fix its most significant weakness. Justify your choices. Read Chapter 2 and 3 in the course text book as it provides a solid background and clues for this section. Review the Week 2 and Week 3 Learn video/Lecture for supporting content. (cite your sources)
Resources, Capabilities, and Core Competencies
Determine the company’s resources, capabilities, and core competencies. Discuss why they are important for your chosen firm. Read Chapter 3 in the course text book as it provides a solid background and clues on mission that apply to this section. Review the Week 2 Learn video/Lecture for supporting content. (cite your sources)
Value Chain
Analyze the company’s value chain to determine where they can create value using the resources, capabilities, and core competencies discussed above. Begin by defining the value chain as described in the course textbook. Read Chapter 3 in the course text book as it provides a solid background and clues on mission that apply to this section. Review the Week 3 Learn video Lecture for supporting content. (cite your sources)
Sources
Use at least three (3) quality references, one of which should be the course text book.
Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic resources.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
List your reference here. The reference page must include all of the references you used, listed in. All references listed here must be used (cited) in your paper. After deleting the blue fonts in this template, make sure your original writing is turned to a black font.
Note: You will be graded on the quality of your answers, the logic/organization of the report, your language skills, and your writing skills.
You will be graded on the quality of your answers, the logic/organization of the report, your language skills, and your writing skills.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
- Identify how the six segments of the general environment affect an industry and its firms.
- Identify the five forces of competition.
- Analyze the external environment for opportunities and threats that impact the firm.
- Analyze the internal environment of a company for strengths and weaknesses that impact the firm’s competitiveness.
- Use technology and information resources to research issues in business administration.
- Write clearly and concisely about business administration using proper writing mechanics.
NOTE: Strayer uses SafeAssign – an automated plagiarism checker. It is advised that you do your own writing and use external resources (other websites) to support what you have written in your own words.
