The story of Apple Inc. started in 1976 and has been characterized by a long line of successes, especially in recent times. However, the news that Apple’s Managing Director Steve Jobs has had to resign caused Apple stocks to drop by 5% (down from $400), which shows how great an impact cofounder Steve Jobs had on the company and its destiny. Nonetheless, Apple continues to be the world’s most valuable company. 1
Apple Inc. is an American multinational company which provides personal computers, software and especially consumer electronics. Today, the company has 49,400 employees worldwide and managed to increase annual sales to $65.23 billion in 2010.2
Apple’s winning mixture of extraordinary products, great style and design, grand strategy, innovative marketing, and inviting communications is basis of this paper’s analysis. Apple owes its overwhelming success in the last years to the iPhone, iPod and iTunes product combination.3
Apple’s success is inextricably linked to Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs has been the great mind behind the company and one of the cofounders who turned Apple in one of the most innovative and successful companies.
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1 http://www.macnews.de/newsticker/steve-jobs-rucktritt-apples-aktienkurs-bricht-ein-239783
2 http://phx.corporateir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9Njc1MzN8Q2hpbGRJRD0tMXxUeXBlPTM=&t=1
3 www.apple.com
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. APPLE INC. - WIND OF CHANGE
- FIELDS OF ACTIVITY & PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
- THE IPHONE AND ITS COMPETITORS - SAMSUNG & NOKIA
- RECENT CHANGES WITHIN THE WORLD ECONOMY & POLITICS....
- IMPACT ON APPLE INC..........\n
- II. GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS ..
- PESTEL ANALYSIS FOR APPLE INC.
- III. FORECAST & SUMMARY.....
- IV. APPENDIX
- NEW PATHS FOR APPLE INC. - SWOT ANALYSIS.......
- V. REFERENCES...............
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the success and challenges of Apple Inc., analyzing its key areas of activity, product portfolio, and market position within the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The paper further explores the impact of recent global economic and political changes on Apple's trajectory, as well as the company's future prospects under new leadership.
- Apple's history and rise to success
- The importance of Steve Jobs in shaping Apple's vision and strategy
- Apple's core product offerings and their market position
- The impact of global economic and political developments on Apple's business
- Apple's future prospects and its potential for continued success
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1: Apple Inc. - Wind of Change: This chapter provides a historical overview of Apple Inc., outlining its remarkable success story since its inception in 1976. The chapter emphasizes the profound impact of Steve Jobs on the company's growth and direction, highlighting his role as a visionary leader and the significance of his resignation as CEO. The chapter also delves into Apple's diversified product portfolio, ranging from personal computers and software to consumer electronics, showcasing its core areas of activity and market dominance in specific sectors.
Chapter 2: Fields of Activity & Product Portfolio: This chapter examines Apple's diverse product offerings, highlighting its strengths and market presence. The chapter showcases Apple's success across various sectors, emphasizing the significant role of its flagship products like the iPhone, iPod, and iPad, and their impact on the company's revenue and brand reputation. Additionally, the chapter analyzes Apple's strategic approach to marketing and branding, exploring how these elements contribute to its continued success.
Chapter 3: The iPhone and Its Competitors - Samsung & Nokia: This chapter focuses on the competitive landscape within the smartphone market, examining Apple's primary rivals – Samsung and Nokia. The chapter analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each competitor, highlighting their market share, product offerings, and strategic approaches. It also evaluates the challenges and opportunities that Apple faces in this highly competitive arena.
Chapter 4: Recent Changes Within the World Economy & Politics....: This chapter explores the impact of global economic and political developments on Apple Inc.'s operations and strategic decision-making. The chapter examines factors such as fluctuations in exchange rates, evolving trade policies, and geopolitical tensions, analyzing how these external influences affect the company's supply chain, production, and market access.
Chapter 5: Impact on Apple Inc..........: This chapter explores the direct consequences of the global economic and political changes analyzed in the previous chapter on Apple Inc. The chapter examines how these changes affect Apple's financial performance, brand image, and strategic direction. It also analyzes the company's resilience and its ability to adapt to rapidly evolving market conditions.
Chapter 6: Global Economic Developments ..: This chapter provides a detailed analysis of the global economic landscape, examining key trends, risks, and opportunities impacting Apple's business environment. The chapter focuses on macroeconomic factors such as economic growth, inflation, and interest rates, exploring their implications for Apple's financial performance and future prospects.
Chapter 7: PESTEL Analysis for Apple Inc.: This chapter conducts a comprehensive PESTEL analysis of Apple Inc., exploring the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors impacting the company's operations. This framework allows for a deeper understanding of the complex and dynamic external environment within which Apple operates, highlighting both potential risks and opportunities.
Chapter 8: New Paths for Apple Inc. - SWOT Analysis.......: This chapter presents a SWOT analysis of Apple Inc., examining its internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats. This analysis provides a structured framework for identifying key areas where Apple can leverage its strengths to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate potential risks. It also highlights the importance of addressing internal weaknesses to effectively compete in a dynamic market.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Apple Inc., Steve Jobs, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Samsung, Nokia, PESTEL analysis, SWOT analysis, Global economic developments, Technological advancements, Competitive landscape, Market share, Brand reputation, Strategic decision-making, Future prospects.
- Quote paper
- Judith Zylla-Woellner (Author), 2011, Business Analysis of Apple Inc, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/207969