MAPS Apple Inc - Essay Example

Apple Inc Planning and Strategy Apple lightened the personal computer revolt in the 1970s with the Apple II and led to the reinvention of the personal computer in the 1980s. Apple has a mission that is committed to protecting the environment, health as well as safety of its employees, customers and the global communities in the area of operation. This is recognized by integrating sound safety management practices, environmental and health into all aspects of its business. Apple also offers technologically innovative products with services while enhancing and conserving resources for generations ahead.

It also strives for constant improvement in environmental matters, health as well as safety management systems together with the environmental quality of its products. Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to its customers. Among them are students, creative professionals, educators and general public around the world who get involved with the company through its inventive hardware and software along with Internet offerings. I have chosen to do my market assessment, planning and strategy paper on Apple Inc since this company is a leader in this area.

Their products are readily available in all parts of the world, to people of all walks of life irrespective of age. In carrying out my assessment, I will make use of two resources; The SWOT analysis which is a tool used in strategic planning to recognize and eventually prioritize the organizations strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. SWOT is an acronym that stands for these elements. It involves an in-depth assessment of services in the external and internal environments that can influence the success of the companys strategy with time.

Internally, an analysis of the firm’s environment centers on the resources and competence within the company which strategies can be based on. It identifies core competencies which will sustain the implementation of selected strategies and company limitations which might impede strategic plans. Apples center competencies include marketing, which involves the ability to develop attractive designs, improvement which is enabled by research and development, alliance building that is based on open relationships made by Jobs throughout the external environment, and finally brand management.

The second resource I’ll make use of is the Balanced Scorecard. This is a method used to supervise the implementation and efficiency of strategic plans. It is a way for businesses to track progress on strategic planning goals across a variety of categories that are balanced against each other to make certain suitable focus across all areas. Apple’s most momentous advertising campaigns include the 1984 super bowl commercial, the Think Different of 1990s campaign, and the iPod people of the 2000.

During the Think Different campaign in 1997, Apple’s new slogan was introduced. This was followed by the Switch campaign in 2002. The latest advertising plan by Apple is the Get a Mac campaign. At the moment, Apple centers much of its advertising efforts on specialist events and keynotes at conferences like the MacWorld Expo as well as the Apple Expo. Competition and the speed of technological change are the gravest issues presently faced by Apple Inc. It’s been the tactical move to shift to mobile communication devices and handy entertainment like downloading places.

The company right now is in solid competition conditions from every viewpoint. Fresh competitors, low-priced rivals, as well as possible alternate products, all pressure to reduce the value of Apple products and jeopardize the victory of its strategy. References Alexander Chernev & Philip Kotler. (2008). Strategic Marketing Analysis: The Framework. New York: Brightstar Media Inc