Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/management/1582313-strategic-planning-organisation-direction-and-stategic-presentation
https://studentshare.org/management/1582313-strategic-planning-organisation-direction-and-stategic-presentation.
Strategic Planning-Organization Direction Introduction Apple Inc., the former Apple Computer, Inc. is the largest consumer electronics in the world. One of its best products known in all over the world includes iPod, iPhone, iPad, and iTunes. Since its inception over 30 years ago, the company has immensely revolutionalized the computer industry. This can only be attributed to the company’s strategic plan, aims, objectives, culture and future success plans (Linzmayer, Ronald 1999, pg. 6-8).
Company’s Strategic aims and objectives Its traditional marketing strategy and objective of ‘thinking viciously’ that aims at continued innovation has enabled the company to achieve a amazing performance in designing , sales and attaining customer royalty, the most critical element in marketing. The strategic change of its products is in line with latest developments and requirements in the industry. Its marketing model is inclusive. It includes, (a) promotion, through advertising, personal selling, and excellent public relations (b) Pricing, it involves giving discounts, bundling and thirdly (c) the product itself, this include the product design, uniqueness, packaging, brand name, warranty, customer support and its strategic location for order processing, transportation channels and distribution (Helft, Vance 2010 pg.20).Company’s Stakeholders Stakeholders hold the key to the company’s reputation, success and even failure.
Apple Inc. is one of the companies with multiple stakeholders namely; the shareholder: preferred and common individuals/companies, lenders, Apple employees, manufactures and their employees, software developers, customers, suppliers and the music industry. As any stakeholder they expect good management of the company, accountability and transparency and consequently high returns in the form of dividends from the company’s vast growing cash reserves, competition from emerging firms (Markoff, 2007 pg.10-12.).
However, there are adverse effects in doing so as can be seen in the current succession plans as this will shift focus on continuous innovation, low quality products, poor service and the eventual loss of customer royalty, and this is risky under the prevailing stiff competition. Expected high returns will eventually lead to quality rather than quantity; sales will be low and the brand name will consequently loose value (Markoff, 2007 pg.12-14.). Company’s Product positioning and culture mapProduct positioning High‘Inclusivity’ Low Low High Portability Map: Apple International Product Marketing Positioning As part of its strategic plan, Apple does not only understand the purpose of its products but it also puts customers’ needs into consideration.
Product Design and Innovation map HighInnovation Low Low High Design Map: Apple Product Design and InnovationThe unique product design with continuous improvement in product features ensures customer loyalty Management and Staff Welfare map HighWorkingEnvironment Low Low High Talent/SkillMap: Apple Management and Staff WelfareWith its noble policy of prudent management and staff welfare, the company continues to gain competitive edge in ICT sector and will continue to do even better in the future.
LocationWith its Headquarters in California, Silicon valley, US, the company comprises of six buildings, covering a total area of 79,000 meters square. Distribution logistics to various destinations and local offices worldwide are simplified due to its location. Recently, the company has taken a notch higher in technology by developing a sterling new iPhone 4S, iOS 5 and iCloud devices. The iPhone 4S is an intelligent super fast performance device that lets you do things by just asking. It is not a surprise that this new developments a rise due to the companies location, culture and dedication.
As can be seen from the map, the company’s culture is to recruit, maintain and foster high performing individuals with purpose of attaining individual excellence. It draws talented individuals, and nurture them through a fellowship program developed in its campus, recognizes and awards them (Colvin, 2009 pg.16). Conclusion In line with its culture of staff welfare in relation to continued innovations, the company plans to build a state of the art campus on 175 acres space. The Campus stationed at Silicon Valley, will posses a unique architectural design (designed by Norma Foster), and clean environs.
The campus will accommodate over 13,000 employees; surrounded by an extensive and beautiful magnificent landscape with inbuilt R & D facilities, auditorium, a fitness center and clean electricity generated by natural gas and other environment friendly and sound means (Musgrove, 2006 pg.9). This will ultimately motivate employees and drive the company to amazing success. Moreover, with individuals like Steve Jobs leading from the front will be made easier.Bibliography Linzmayer, Ronald W. (1999).
Apple Confidential, the Real Story of appl Computer, Inc. No Starch Press. Helft M, Vance A, (May 26, 2010). "Apple Passes Microsoft as No. 1 in Tech". The New York Times. Markoff, John (January 9, 2007). "New Mobile Phone Signals Apples Ambition".The New York Time. http://www.nytimes.comColvin, Geoff (March 16, 2009). "The Worlds Most Admired Companies 2009". Fortune 159Musgrove, Mike (June 16, 2006). Sweatshop Conditions at IPod Factory Reported. The Washington Post.
Read More