External Environment Analysis of Apple - Example

The paper "External Environment Analysis of Apple" is an outstanding example of a business plan. This report critically analyses the strategic directions that have contributed to the success of Apple Inc. and in particular of its iPad through its strategic objectives. Since its establishment in 1977, Apple has strategically focused on providing innovative products and solutions to its customers which enhances their evolving digital lifestyles and work environments (The chartered Institute of Marketing, 2010, p, 11).

• Through innovation, strategic leadership, branding and global distribution, Apple has been able to introduce various products within several industries, including its newly developed iPad that serves the digital market. Apple’s iPad has no single direct rival but competes with Kindle, The Nook and Sony Reader in the e-reader market. It also competes in the music industry and with computers, laptops as well as notebooks.

Apple should implement strategic decisions that help to expand their market shares and utilize the opportunities in the digital content industry for increased sales. This, in turn, helps to maintain the company’s reputation and position in the market as a brand leader and successful innovator. Addressing the challenge of manufacturing quality of some of its products like the iPhone 4, Apple will easily remain a consistent performer in the next three to five years since there state of flux.

This report critically analyses the strategic directions that have contributed to the success of Apple Inc. and in particular of its iPad through its strategic objectives. Since its establishment in 1977 as a joint venture of Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak in California, USA, Apple has strategically focused on providing innovative products and solutions to its customers which enhances their evolving digital lifestyles and work environments (The chartered Institute of Marketing, 2010, p,11).

Through its brand value, innovation, strategic leadership, Apple has managed to be the market leader in the technology world. The company designs manufacture and distribute a variety of products ranging from Macintosh Computers, MP3 players and mobile communication devices, as well as computer software and peripherals.