Assignment

Read Case #3 "Apple" in the textbook (pages: 268-278)and prepare written answers to questions, also use peer-reviewed resources in your case study.

Textbook used: Gamble, J.E., Thompson, A.A; and Peteraf, M.A. (2014). Essentials of Strategic Management: The Quest for Competitive Advantage, 5th edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2017. ISBN 9781259546983.

Assignment Questions:

1. What are the defining characteristics of Apple's industry?
1b. What is the industry like?

2. What is competition like in this industry?
2b. What competitive forces seem to have the greatest effect on industry attractiveness?
2c. What are the competitive weapons that rivals are using to try to outmaneuver one another in the marketplace?

3. How is the market for this company's goods/services changing?
3b. What are the underlying drivers of change and how might those driving forces change the industry?

4. What key factors determine the success of competitors in Apple's industry?

5. What is Apple's strategy to compete in their industry?
5b. Has the company's competitive strategy yielded a sustainable competitive advantage?
5c. If so, has that advantage translated into superior financial and market performance?
5d. Do some analysis beyond a simple SWOT chart. Consider the financial ratios for their industry and other metrics.

6. What competencies and capabilities does Apple have that its chief rivals don't have?
6b. What new market opportunities does this company possess?
6c. From your analysis, is the company positioned correctly in the market?
6d. What threats do you see to the company's future growth?

7. What specific recommendations would you make to senior leadership of Apple to improve the company's competitive position in the industry and its financial and market performance? Please use data analysis to support your answers.

Use APA style6th Edition formatting and citing.

Word requirement is 800 words or more. Include enough words to answer the case questions thoroughly.

For citing of resources: You will need to include in-text references with only either the author's last name or a short title of the work and the page number in parentheses after the material from that work. The in-text references are included in the word count. The resource page is not included in the word count.

Required resources: Other than the textbook, you must include at least 4 peer-reviewed resources that add credibility to your case study.

Case Study Rubric for Grading Value

1. Problem Statement - Defining the issue(s) and Establish the Facts.
2. Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem-How it arose, how it got to this point.
3. Generating alternative solutions - analyzing and evaluating alternatives.
4. Identify the choice - which solution best solves the problem and why (Rationale).
5. Developing an action/implementation plan - what will it look like to implement the solution, and what steps should be taken?
6. APA usage, proper grammar & spelling.