An organization’s accomplishments are determined by factors within its internal and external environment. A business can increase its success by implementing strategies which influence these factors to its advantage.
A successful organization will not only be aware of these existing factors but also anticipate change and evaluate likely effects, so that it can benefit from changes within the environment in which it operates and apply growth strategies. Understand today, shape tomorrow – would be an accurate summary in this correlation.
Environmental analysis will facilitate understanding what is happening both inside and outside a company or branch while this knowledge is exploited to ensure economic success. In order to execute an environmental analysis, one must systematically understand how organizational environments are structured. An organization’s environment can be divided into three distinct levels: internal environment, operating environment and general environment. This division will help to grasp a company’s situation. Micro-environmental factors are internal conditions the organization can control, external factor are complex to manipulate.
In the following, two of the most common environmental analyses will be carried out and explained, the first being the PESTEL Analysis, and second tool for an external factor analysis is the SWOT analysis. Both will be elaborated in the following chapters.
Table of Contents
I. PRINCIPLES OF A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
CONCEPT OF PESTEL ANALYSIS
CONCEPT OF SWOT ANALYSIS
II. APPLE INC. – WIND OF CHANGE
APPLE INC. GENESIS
FIELDS OF ACTIVITY AND PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
STEVE JOBS ROLE WITHIN THE COMPANY
III. GLOBAL ECONOMICAL DEVELOPMENTS
RECENT CHANGES WITHIN THE WORLD ECONOMY & POLITICS
IMPACT ON APPLE INC.
PESTEL ANALYSIS FOR APPLE INC.
IV. NEW PATH FOR APPLE INC.
SWOT ANALYSIS
APPLE & CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
NEW MARKETS & POTENTIAL FOR APPLE INC.
V. FORECAST & RÉSUMÉ
Research Objectives and Core Topics
This paper examines the global economic development of Apple Inc. by applying strategic management tools to assess the company's market position, internal structure, and external environment in light of its co-founder's resignation.
- Strategic analysis using PESTEL and SWOT frameworks.
- Evaluation of Apple Inc.'s product history and market evolution.
- Impact of the global economic climate and political developments on Apple's business model.
- Assessment of corporate social responsibility and ethical supply chain challenges.
- Strategic recommendations for future market growth and competitive stability.
Excerpt from the Book
CONCEPT OF PESTEL ANALYSIS
PESTEL Factors are exterior forces influencing a company of which the organization does not directly control. PESTEL is an acronym for: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Ecological and Legal.
Political factors influence organizations in numerous ways. On the one hand, they can create advantages and opportunities for business. On the other hand, they can impose obligations and duties on organizations. Some of these include:
Legislation such as the minimum wage or anti-discrimination laws
Voluntary codes & practices
Market regulations
Trade agreements, tariffs or restrictions
Tax levies & tax breaks
Type of government regime - state-directed economies, capitalism & dictatorship
Not following legislative obligations can lead to sanctions such as fines, adverse publicity, imprisonment and forced pullback for a company.
Summary of Chapters
I. PRINCIPLES OF A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS: This chapter introduces the theoretical foundations for evaluating organizational success by analyzing internal and external environments using PESTEL and SWOT models.
II. APPLE INC. – WIND OF CHANGE: This section provides an overview of the company's historical development, its product portfolio, and the significant influence of Steve Jobs on its operational success.
III. GLOBAL ECONOMICAL DEVELOPMENTS: This chapter explores the macroeconomic landscape, analyzing how political and economic instability impacts global business and specifically Apple Inc.
IV. NEW PATH FOR APPLE INC.: This part applies a detailed SWOT analysis to Apple's current situation and evaluates its approach to Corporate Social Responsibility and future market potential.
V. FORECAST & RÉSUMÉ: The concluding chapter offers strategic recommendations to ensure Apple's continued market leadership following the departure of its iconic CEO.
Keywords
Apple Inc., PESTEL Analysis, SWOT Analysis, Strategic Management, Global Economy, Steve Jobs, Innovation, Corporate Social Responsibility, Market Expansion, Consumer Electronics, Technology Market, Economic Downturn, Brand Loyalty, Supply Chain, Business Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on analyzing the business environment and strategic outlook of Apple Inc., specifically investigating how external economic and political factors influence the company's success.
Which central thematic areas are covered?
The paper covers organizational strategic planning, the impact of global macroeconomic trends, product development history, and the implications of the company's management transition.
What is the main research objective?
The goal is to determine Apple's current market position and provide strategic insights into how the company can navigate challenges like the global economic crisis and the resignation of Steve Jobs.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The paper utilizes standard management instruments, specifically the PESTEL analysis for environmental factors and the SWOT analysis for evaluating internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body details the evolution of Apple's product portfolio, the significance of Steve Jobs, current global economic challenges, and an analysis of Apple’s stance on Corporate Social Responsibility.
Which keywords define this paper?
Key terms include Apple Inc., PESTEL, SWOT, strategic management, innovation, market expansion, and economic development.
How does the paper evaluate the resignation of Steve Jobs?
The paper characterizes Jobs as the "great mind" behind the company, noting that his departure marks the end of an era and necessitates a focus on strengthening the brand image and finding new charismatic leadership to maintain stakeholder confidence.
What does the paper suggest regarding Apple's future in new markets?
It suggests that Apple should target emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East, potentially exploring new ventures like music labels, movie studios, or cloud software services to broaden its reach beyond hardware.
- Quote paper
- Judith Zylla-Woellner (Author), 2011, Global economic Development within the Scope of Apple Inc., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/207971
