Apple Inc.: Strategic Plan - Assignment Example

Moreover, Apple is currently facing strong challenges from the market, especially from companies such as Microsoft, Samsung, Dell, Nokia etc. This paper is written as a strategic plan for Apple Company. Organizational Analysis Strengths The key strength of Apple Inc. is its ability to innovate new products. Bordia, et al. (n. d.) mentioned that “The ability to define and develop new products and services and deliver them to market is the fundamental source of value creation in companies and an important enabler of competitive advantage” (Bordia, et al, n.d, p.1).

At the beginning of 2000, Apple introduced a series of products such as iPhone, iMac, iPAd, iPod, iTune, iCloud etc. These “i” series products brought huge success to Apple Company. It should be noted that Apple Company was struggling to survive in 80’s and 90’s because of the huge competition from arch rival Microsoft. However, the return of Steve Jobs after a 12 year break brought dividends to the company. It should be noted that Apple is one company which promises less and delivers more.

Majority of the “i” series products surprised the consumers all over the world with superior performances. The ability to read market pulses accurately is another important strength of Apple Company. For example the introduction of iPads in 2000, brought enormous success to Apple Inc. It should not be forgotten that Microsoft was the first company which introduced tablets in the market. However, Microsoft failed to make an impression in the market because of the untimely introduction of its tablet PC’s in the 90’s.

In the 90’s, technology has not developed as it does now and the consumers was not much serious about the necessities of tablets at that time. However, the scenario has changed drastically during the beginning of 2000 and Apple was able to read these changing trends in the market very well. The third major strength of Apple Company is its strong brand development abilities. In 2007, Apple has changed its name from Apple Computers to Apple Inc. “Under the leadership of Jobs, Apple transformed from a computer company to a consumer electronics company with the launch of innovative products such as the iPod and iPhone” (MarketLine Case Study Apple Inc.

The Steve Jobs Effect, 2012, p.2). The name change has been done by Apple to make Apple brand stronger in the consumer electronics industry. Moreover, Apple has changed its logo from multicolour to a single colour as part of the branding enhancement strategies. Apple has realised that the word computers in its name was sending wrong signals about its products in the consumer electronics market. So, they changed their name and logo to increase the acceptance of apple products in the consumer markets.

The ability to create innovative ads is another major strength of Apple Company. Apple has implemented a series of advertising campaigns using television and internet to ridicule its arch rival Microsoft in the beginning of 2000. For example, in the controversial "Hello, I'm a Mac "And I'm a PC" advertisement, Apple caused enough damages to Microsoft and its reputation. The fifth major strength of Apple Company is its ability to diversify business based on the fluctuations in the market. America and European countries are currently facing lot of financial problems because of the ongoing recession.

On the other hand, Asian