Apple Value Chain Analysis

Value Chain Analysis Before making a strategic decision, it is important for Apple to understand how its activities or products create values for customers. One way to do this is to conduct a value chain analysis (VCA). VCA â€Å"refers to the idea that a company is a chain of activities for transforming inputs into outputs that customers value. The process of transforming inputs into outputs compromises a number of primary and support activities† (Hill and Jones, 2001, p. 133). Each value is considered to be a source of competitive advantage. In the analysis, the company is being examined exclusively.SUPPORT ACTIVITIES Infrastructure Apple has an unprecedented cash position; in fact, the most cash held by any technological company (Schubarth C. , 2011). It has 97. 6 billion US dollar in cash (Schonfeld E. , 2012) and this allows the company to internally finance any development and expansion without cost of capital. Furthermore, Apple is working on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions that is used in production and transportation by redesigning its packaging relying on renewable energy (O’Reilly J. , 2009). Apple has a multi-functional structure that is flat to allow more flexibility (Apple Inc. 2012). As well as casual dress codes to allow effectiveness and to promote quick decision making and innovation. Human Resource Management Apple is following a lean management style and the philosophy of â€Å"having less is more†. Also Case Study will describe why Apple Inc. is a very successful company.That is Apply intentionally understaffing in order to be more productive and innovative (Sullivan, J. , 2011). Apple, also, has a selective hiring process to attract talented employees. Moreover, Apple offer a generous employee benefit program; as a result, pulling and retaining the industry leading those talented employees to promote the company (Masi B. 2009, p. 13). Technological Development Apple spend enormous amount of money on its Research and Development in order to push innovation further; thus stay ahead of competition. According to figures published in Apple’s 2012 annual report, R&D expenditure hits 3. 4 billion US dollars which is nearly 40% increase than 2011 (Brodjanac D. , 2012). Apple as well protects its invention and innovation worldwide by filling patent. Procurement Since Apple is a member of the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC), it works to guarantee fair treatment f or its workers.In addition, Apple developed an ecosystem of suppliers to benefits from its strong relationships by keeping them close (Masi B. , 2009, p. 13). By doing that, it enables Apple to obtain its products and services within limited timeframe (Apple Inc. , 2012). Apple, occasionally, evaluates its relationships and enhances its suppliers’ ecosystem if needed. Moreover, Apple introduced a Supplier Diversity Program which is mainly for supporting any potential suppliers. This facilitates the visibility of these suppliers and develops the future relationships (Apple Inc. , 2012)PRIMARY ACTIVITIES Inbound Logistics Apple has a partnership with OEM in order to reduce development time, production, material and manufacturing costs. However, Apple supervises the entire process to control its quality (Francisco T. , 2011). Operations Apple outsourced to various Chinese manufacturers in order to employ its economy of scale; as a result eliminate the burden of production manage ment. Apple, also, cooperate with other companies including HP and Samsung (Sherman E. , 2012). Furthermore, Apple designs its products in-house to eliminate production cost (Masi B. 2009, p. 14). Outbound Logistics Apple’s products are being delivered directly to its retail stores around the world to minimize inventory cost. To trim down shipping costs, Apple’s designing team developed packagings that are slim and light yet productive (Apple, 2012). Marketing and Sales Television commercial, online ads and print advertisements campaigns have been successful in promoting the Apple’s products and services. Apple has a branding strategy that is emotions’ focused, humorous and simplicity.The ads theme is about lifestyle; innovation, imagination and aspiration (Masi B. , 2009, p. 14). In addition, Apple has a secretive strategy concerning new products or services in order to create suspension and publicity. It, also, sells its products to schools and universi ties; thus creating an exposure for the product or the service (Inside CRM, 2009). Services Having a great customer experience is fundamental priority for any businesses. Apple is a great example of customer focused; it believes that customer loyalty is a great strength to the company.Apple Genius Bar is one of its main services where customers get the best face to face support (Apple, 2012). Moreover, customers are always welcome for free consultation concerning any issues. Apple, in addition, offer one year warranty and customers then have the choice to purchase an extension warranty (Masi B. , 2009, p. 13). ALL http://www. scribd. com/doc/24134877/Strategic-Analysis-of-Apple-Inc-Brian-Masi Procurement http://www. apple. com/procurement/ Technological http://www. decryptedtech. om/news/apple-increasing-their-investments-in-research-and-development. html HR http://www. ere. net/2011/09/12/talent-management-lessons-from-apple-a-case-study-of-the-worlds-most-valuable-firm-part-1-of-3 / Infra. http://www. bizjournals. com/sanjose/news/2011/07/21/apples-cash-pile-up-16-to-762b. html http://techcrunch. com/2012/01/24/apple-97-6-billion-cash/ http://www. inboundlogistics. com/cms/article/how-green-is-apple/ Marketing & sales http://www. insidecrm. com/articles/crm-blog/11-effective-strategies-apple-uses-to-create-loyal-customers-53510/ Operation

The Portrayal of Brazil in the U.S. News Media Thesis

The Portrayal of Brazil in the U.S. News Media - Thesis Example This is the major reason for choosing this subject matter as a research topic. Related to the image of Brazil portrayed by the US news media, several literatures have been published having strong influences on the public opinion. For instance, as stated by Paulo Sotero in one of his literatures, â€Å"historically, the United States has been disproportionately more relevant for Brazil than Brazil has been for the United States† (Sotero, 2007, pp. 3). This statement evidently depicts the relationship between the two economies with due consideration to the influence of the news media. In another news publication by BBC, it was quoted that Brazil is the biggest democratic country and economic giant and is South America’s most significant country (BBC, 2010). A literature published by Dr. Lucas (2002) reveals that The United Sates of America and Brazil are known to be the two most prosperous and stable nations in the region of America. These two nations share common nationa l interests relating to prosperity and security. The two countries often emerge to be moving in parallel direction or are odds with one other despite sharing superior bilateral relations (Lucas, 2002). As depicted by Robert M Levine and John J Crocitti in the Brazil Reader: History, Culture, and Politics, according to the information collected by Mr. Turner Catledge of the New York Times states that the country (Brazil) was not a fascist country. There was a false presentation of Brazil as a fascist country in the US. The US news media presented certain information about Brazil that generated a view about Brazil in a different way. There was news that in Brazil there was no liberty of speech and freedom of press. The newspapers presented strong and denunciatory articles based upon politics of Brazil (Levine & Crocitti, 1999). The US and Brazil shared better relationship before the World War II and there were lots of news about the Brazilian political and economical issues in the US media that portrayed different views of Brazil in the US economy. For instance, there were controversies relating to the Brazilian Government’s formation of relationship with the other nations in order to gain benefits especially with the Asian nations. During the Cold War period, the bilateral relations between the US and Brazil was under the immense pressure due to the articles that were published in the US media, which apparently notes the influence of news media in portraying the image of an economy (Arnson & Sotero, 2010). The new President of Brazil, Mr. Fernando Henrique Cardoso in the year 1995 had been in the media for the policies of this government in order to develop the Brazilian economy. The President not only established relationships with various nations but also engaged economical and political links with the neighboring countries within South America (Arnson & Sotero, 2010). The news about the new President of Brazil had high influence in the other nations o f South America. The publication about the political leaders of South America was a controversial subject in the US media. There were several reports and publications that were published by the different renowned US media agencies. The validity of certain reports was not known and was subject to critics (Arnson & Sotero, 2010). Inclusively, Mr. Rubens Antonio Barbosa, Brazil’s Ambassador to the US, during the year of 2000 in acknowledgment to Congress, stated about the desires and

On the Issue of Debt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

On the Issue of Debt - Essay Example This brief analysis will consider what this student believes to be the most pressing and important issue surround the seemingly ever-increasing levels of debt that both federal and state budgets are currently facing. Furthermore, as a function of this increase in overall debt, the negative externalities that such a change portends are vast and systemic. Whereas in previous times the degree and extent to which governments dealt with the issue of debt has always been a high concern for law-makers and citizens, the level and extent to which the current situation weights upon both the government decision makers and the electorate is unprecedented. As a result, the very nature of governance the degree to which this process encompasses nearly every aspect of society and the economy has only exponentially grown (Eichler 1216). For those that are concerned with the overall sovereignty and freedom of the society, this has naturally become a primal concern due to the fact that many nations are able to leverage the United States due to the level of its debt that they hold in the form of bonds and other financial mechanisms. Furthermore, as a function of these factors that have thus far been enumerated upon, this brief work will seek to elaborate upon some key mechanisms through which the problem itself can be lessened over time. The Simpson-Bowles committee put forward what many outside of the realm of politics would deem a fair approach to an infinitely complex issue. The mixed approach that this committee put forward hinged upon the need to make budget cuts, re-work the tax plan, secure Social Security, and reduce the size of the annual budget deficit. The reason that the plan was not latched on to by either political party is due to the fact that it required both an increase in tax revenue and a decrease in spending/budget cuts in order to make the goals that it defined (Croxson 103). These two mechanisms specifically are precisely what must be targeted for the federal (as well as state) budget deficits that currently exist to be minimized. As it is painfully clear, seeking to reduce and/or cancel budget deficits and debt in a relatively short period of time is beyond the realm of possibility. As a result of this, each political party and or leader wants to ignore the issue due to the fact that no political capital can ultimately be gained by seeking to fix an issue that they themselves nor their party will ever receive credit for; however, the larger issue is the fact that the debt crisis threatens the very sovereignty and vitality of the nation, its economy and society (Barth 98). The issue itself is not only a concern for future generations, although this is perhaps one of the greatest concerns that helps to define the size and scope of the problem. Rather, the issue weighs heavily on the way in which the government, both state, federal, and local, seek to provide key services to the communities which they serve. Rather than building more park s, maintaining infrastructure, and providing a litany of other adequate services, the government is forced to expend a large percentage of its annual budget (which itself is already over and above current tax receipts) to service the debt that currently exists. What this portends is a situation in which the government is borrowing money in order to pay the interest on the money that it is already borrowed. It does not take a degree in advanced economics to instantly realize that such a stance is untenable and cannot be long continued without the structure and legitimacy of the entire economic system falling into a state of collapse. As such, the current status quo with regards to debt level and spending is both untenable and unwise. One need look no further than examples of Greece and other nations to rapidly realize what maintaining a dangerously high percentage of debt to national GDP portends. Similarly, whereas the solution mechanism may be a shared sacrifice over a period of ma ny years, the

CLUB IT Part Two Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CLUB IT Part Two - Essay Example Ruby’s existing website is currently being updated. Ruby’s already has one desktop work station equipped with at 320 GB hard drive and the latest version of Microsoft business software. The club is already equipped with high speed internet access. At the same time, in order to make use of these resources, Ruby’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) must incorporate the acquisition of new hardware, software and human resources. The required upgrades will include: Hardware: One new desktop, with similar specifications as the existing work station. Three new hand-held point-of-sale devices, one wireless internet router, and four additional power points in customer dining areas. Human Resources: Ruby’s will hire one new employee full-time with basic skills in programming and network management. Maintaining the website and in-store network will be this employees primary function, but he or she should also have basic customer services skills and be able to assist and fill in for wait staff and hostesses during IT â€Å"down time.† These resources will allow Ruby’s to expand its online sales as well as to adapt to future IT changes, thus allowing Rub’s to take full advantage of our customer base. First, Ruby’s will expand its online ordering system to include not only advance ticket sales, but also an expanded line of merchandise as well as exclusive online sales of featured artists’ mp3’s and compact discs. Finally, in addition to Ruby’s new schedule of live hip hop, R &B and Latin music and community events, Ruby’s plans to host weekly Tuesday and Thursday â€Å"quiet† happy hours designed to appeal to millennial and net users; students and creative workers who work from home. Customers will be able to access free wireless and numerous power-points throughout Ruby’s customer seating area. Supply Chain and Customers: In addition to failing to take advantage of existing resources and customer base,

Primate Infanticide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Primate Infanticide - Essay Example Primate infanticide mainly takes place when male primates take control of groups comprising of their female colleagues, installs one of them as an alpha who then orders the killing of all the young male primates who have not yet weaned. Those in favor of the pathological behavior ideology share the opinion that primate infanticide comes about because of population pressure (Borries et al, 1999). Their perception is based on the fact that primate infanticide is not a normal make up, but is likely to take place whenever there is an excessive population of primates within a given locality. To corroborate their perception, such scholars argue that primate infanticide habitually takes place when a specific set of primates reside within a region with insufficient resources, such as food. The highlighted information notwithstanding, conclusive evidence has recently pointed out that primate infanticide is basically a male reproductive strategy. This is because females who lose their male offspring early are prospective to resume sexual activity earlier compared to those who keep their offspring (Borries et al, 1999). Consequently, they are set to bear their next infants sooner than the females with surviving infants. Additionally, further research has pointed out the fact that in most instances males who have borne children with the females have not been related to the killed infant. It is similarly important to note that further research has pointed out to the fact that the infanticidal males are normally new immigrants who were either sexually immature or did not copulate with the female group member earlier. Similarly, the male members have gone ahead to remain as members of the group for a substantial duration. The information discussed above on the sexual selection hypothesis may have been conclusive in the past, for there was no

Article and the author analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Article and the author analysis - Essay Example The author is dexterous in exploring situations where family life is experienced. The depiction of love by the author is not overt in all situations. This means that a reader should analyze the stories comprehensively in order to comprehend the significance of life. Despite the use of other themes in the works The Wrath-Bearing Tree", and â€Å"Referred Pain by Lynne Sharon Schwartz, the theme of invisible family love stands out. In order to comprehend the theme of invisible family life, it is crucial to explore both books. In the Referred Pain, the author explores the life of Richard Koslowski who was a musician and a computer expert. The author uses the triviality of a broken tooth to develop the story whereby the protagonist is obsessed with the quest of finding a replacement that was perfect (Schwartz 75). The protagonist seeks the expertise of numerous dentists in order to fulfill his obsession. It is apparent that the obsession is spurred by the determination of the protagonis t to rid himself of a mysterious pain. The protagonist later realizes that it is not the tooth that if fractured but rather his life. The suffering of the protagonist due to his experiences of his family and this affect his current relationships (Kates 211). It is evident that the theme of invisible family life is consistent in the other stories including hostages to fortune where a couple bickers constantly over imaginary children. In order to comprehend the theme of invisible love in the book, it is crucial to explore the examples provided by the author in the book. In the book The Wrath-Bearing Tree, there are some consistencies with the aforementioned book. This is evident in the information that the protagonist’s father was awaiting a critical surgery, which dictates whether he will live. The narrator and her sister are regular visitors since their father was hospitalized. These visits expose them to different characters including a dementia patient. The events make the narrator to reflect on her family. This enables the narrator to make realization of what issues affect their family relationships (Kates 213). For instance, she develops a longing to share her feelings of love with her father, but this is suppressed by the reservation in the family. During the surgery, the narrator becomes aware that some feelings will never be expressed fully. It is evident in the story that the author highlights the theme of family love. In both books, the author appears to be inclined in highlighting family love. It is evident that the events in the stories are guided by the quest of individuals to establish, manifest or experience family life. For instance, the book The Wrath-Bearing Tree, the family experiences a tragedy in that the father faces the possibility of death. The author explores the significance of love in instances when a family faces crisis (May 38). The author explores situations where families realize they have not been vocal enough about their feelings. This is consistent with the theme of invisible love where the emotion is not manifested in ways, which are visible. For instance, the narrator wishes that she could tell her father he loved her. This realization came at a time when the family was facing the possibility of losing their beloved father. It is evident that the narrator loved her father. However, she expressed this love in other ways but was never vocal about it. This is evident

Charulatha Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Charulatha - Essay Example In the film, the heroine is portrayed as an intelligent woman who writes poetry. Her aesthetic sense of life is captured beautifully throughout the movie; but unfortunately, she becomes relegated to the life of a caged bird in her palatial house. In the opening sequence of the movie, we see Charulatha moves from one window to other to watch the activities of outside world, using opera glasses. The scene clearly shows how curious and keen she is to know the world beyond the walls of her house. This clearly marks a definite deviation from the concepts of upper-class women in the 19th century and the emergence of a modern woman. The utter lack of sensibility of the elite class towards their women is manifest throughout each thread of the masterly theme that weaves the plot of the story. Colonial India in the 19th century was trapped in a vicious hub enforced by religious superstitions and social obscurantism. A few Hindu priests, who had mean objectives, exercised an overwhelming influence on the minds of people. Idolatry and polytheism helped to reinforce their position. The British, who established their political control in India by the middle of the 18th century, were a bit reluctant to interfere in the religious and social affairs of the country due to political reasons as they feared antagonism. They estimated that a divided society would pose less threat to their domination. Still, the British influence on Indian society was tremendous. The trend, especially within the elite class, inclined towards an ardent drive for conforming to British norms.