Discussion—Technology and Strategic/Competitive Position

Apple Inc. is known for its state-of-the-art designs for products such as the iPhone, but most are unaware that Apple has used technology to streamline its supply chain management and operational systems to provide competitive pricing. This use of technology has allowed the company to under price its competitors and yet maintain a 25 percent margin on their products. The use of IT has provided Apple with a strategic and competitive position which most of their competitors find difficult to match or exceed.

Using your company or a real-world example from your research, analyze how information systems affect the firm’s strategic and competitive position.

Using the assigned readings and library resources, explain how information technology:

Impacts competitive rivalry, such as pricing, promotion, and distribution

Enables or dissuades new entrants

Enables customers to achieve greater bargaining power

Enables suppliers to gain more bargaining power

Gives rise to substitute products or services that threaten the existing market

Write your initial response in 300–500 words. Your response should be thorough and address all components of the discussion question in detail, include citations of all sources, where needed, according to the APA Style, and demonstrate accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.