Apple Company Analysis - Admission/Application Essay Example

Apple Company Industry Overview - Apple is a company categorized under consumer electronics industry. Presently, it is considered as one of the largest American multinational company that manufactures personal computers such as Mac , consumer electronic like Ipod, Iphone and Ipad and even computer software. Challenges faced internationally/domestically – On the international scene, Apple gained attention on labor force issues since news reports revealed the inhuman conditions in some Apple factories in China .In an article published in the Wall Street Journal, it was reported that one of the factories that supply Apple in Shenzhen China pay a very low rate “the most basic assembly-line jobs pay about 60 cents an hour -- the legal minimum -- although workers can earn higher wages for overtime” ( WSJ.com ). Company’s mission statement – Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings ( soopertutorials.com) Provide a brief history of the company and how has it changed since its inception. (e.g. what did the company originally manufacture or what service did it originally provide?) The company was established in April 1, 1976 and later incorporated in January 3,1977. Its previous name was Apple Computer, Inc which was later changed to Apple Inc in January 9, 2007. At the first, the company was responsible for manufacturing consumer products but it later ventured into consumer electronic products as well. Include the date the company was created - April 1, 1976 State where the company’s main headquarters are located 1 Cupertino California inside Silicon Valley Include the name of the president /CEO - Steve Jobs , he is both CEO and Co-founder of Apple Inc. State if the company is a for profit or nonprofit company -It is a profit company. Discuss the type of business ownership (e.g. sole proprietorship) - Multinational Corporation State whether the company is a franchise -The company is not a franchise. State whether the company has an international division. Yes, the company has an international division since it has retail operations in United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Italy, Australia, China, Germany, Switzerland, France and Spain. (http://www.apple.com/retail/storelist/) Does the company outsource any of its functions? Yes, such as the manufacturing in Shenzhen China. It also closed a support service in Bangalore, India. State if the company exports or imports products/services Yes, Apple Inc does export or import products and services worldwide. Has the company been involved in any mergers and/or acquisitions? The Company has been involved in numerous acquisitions since it believes that this would boost the efficiency of existing projects. Its first acquisition was in 1988 then followed by small stake in Akamai Technologies. The biggest acquisition was in 1996 when it bought NexT for US$400 million(Apple Press Release ) In 2002, it acquired Emagic and Logic Pro. Until today, Apple is after companies that can be integrated into their products. Include the initial public offering date ( date the company went public) Apple’s IPO was made on December 22, 1982 at $22 per share ( FAQ, Investor Relations ,Apple.com) Include the company’s profit and debt from last year. The Net Income of Apple Inc last year was $ 8,235 million in 2009. Total Liabilities was $15,861 million ( moneycentral.msn.com) Discuss the company’s marketing strategy and target market Actually, Apple’s marketing strategy heavily relies on branding since customers are very much aware of the company’s reputation. Loyalty to the brand has achieved cult like following and innovation has made competitors lagging behind. Also, Apple is really a marketing oriented company which is deftly supported and done by CEO Steve Jobs himself. Discuss how the company addresses social responsibility. You may address the company’s responsibility to its employees, stockholders, customers, the environment, or the local community? According to Apple, one way of showing social responsibility is by ensuring its customers that its suppliers are ethical in the conduct of their business. Apple.com states that “ We insist that our suppliers provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity and respect, and use environmentally responsible manufacturing processes”. As a result, it has produced the Apple Code of Conduct. As for the environment, it is very conscious of its carbon footprint. It is trying to reduce carbon footprint by initiating solutions such as smaller packaging of its products that would lessen the waste it produces. Conclusion: Based on your research, discuss how you believe the company is doing in today’s economy and what you project for their future. What recommendations would you make to this company? ` This would be quiet hard considering the complicated nature of the organization, however, I believe that it should continue what it’s currently doing: innovating and re-inventing its products. Presently, Apple is successful since it has a strong customer base and very aggressive in its marketing campaign. It must not rest on its laurels since competitors are also coming up with substitute products that have a lower price which many consumers would find attractive. Apple Computer, Inc. Agrees to Acquire NeXT Software Inc.. (1996, December 20). Internet Archive: Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://web.archive.org/ web/20020 Apple Inc - Company Financial Statements - MSN Money. (n.d.). Personal Finance and Investing - MSN Money. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/invsub/results/statemnt.aspx?symbol=AAPL&lstStatement=Balance&stmtView=Ann Apple Investor Relations Investor FAQ. (n.d.). CCBN is now a part of Thomson Financial. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml? c=107357 &p=irol-faq#split1 Apple Retail Store - Store List. (n.d.). Apple. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://www.apple.com/retail/store Apple - The Story Behind Apples Environmental Footprint.( n.d)  Apple. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://www.apple.com/environment Apple - Supplier Responsibility. (n.d.). Apple. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://www.apple.com/supplier Dean, J. (2007, August 11). The Forbidden City of Terry Gou - WSJ.com. Business News & Financial News - The Wall Street Journal - WSJ.com. Retrieved November 28, 2010, from http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118677584137994489.html?mod=blog Mission Statement of Apple Computers. (2009, January 25). Sooper Tutorials | Free Tutorials & Articles. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://www.soopertutorials.com/business/strategic-management/1952-apple-mission-statement.html United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Form 8-K. Apple Incorporated. Read More