Mgt/521 Swot Analysis

origin Analysis smash 1 orchard apple tree Inc. XXXXXX MGT/521 XXXXXX Business Analysis Part 1 orchard apple tree Inc. If an investor involve to decide whether to put money into a social club, a c arful psychoanalysis of that channel is be the first ill-treat in making a conclusion. It is primary(prenominal) to understand several factors that excite to a friendships stability the troupes belongings in the foodstuff, its future views, and its financial wellness, just to name a few. This business analysis go forth look at orchard apple tree Inc. to assess whether it would be a guild worth investing in.First a raise analysis depart be conducted and will identify what aspects of the analysis are closely important in making the decision to invest. Secondly, the companys sexual and external stakeholders will be identified and examined, in order to collide with if the stakeholders needfully are being met and how. By analyzing these 2 important overviews of apple In c. it will reveal whether the company is a sound home for investment. trick up Analysis When decision making to invest in a company or not, a shrewd businessperson will begin with planning.Planning is a constant process that is important because ever-changing markets require constant adjustments of goals and the processes to represent them. recognize in planning is including a careful analysis of a companys strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This type of analysis is known as a SWOT analysis (Nickels, McHugh & McHugh, 2010). A SWOT analysis of orchard apple tree Inc. reveals close to important facts astir(predicate) its popularity and opportunities in the market. Strengths orchard apple tree Inc. s most important calamus in the market is its ability to leverage its strong chump ikon.orchard apple trees product designs are well recognized doneout all markets. This allows vernal products to rapidly gain a share of the market upon release. Released to the US in April of 2010, the iPad enjoyed unit gross revenue of 7. 5 million, with a net of $5 one million million in sales of iPads and related products (Datamonitor orchard apple tree Inc. , 2011). This showcases how quickly the tech market reacts to sunrise(prenominal) releases by the company. This strong brand image has been developed by iconic advertisements that gravel long set apple apart in the personal computer market.This began with the companys 1984 Superbowl ad, which positioned IBM as the Orwellian openhanded Br some other of the computer industry and Mac users as those breaking informal from that oppression (Kenney, 2007). This individual vs. corporation image has continued into their more juvenile advertisements. Benoit and Delbert (2010) analyzed a series of ads that began airing in May 2006. The aim a Mac c international ampereaign used actors Justin Long and John Hodgman to personate a Mac and a PC, showcasing Apple computers strengths over the market-dominating PC (Benoit & Delbert, 2010).By portrait their computers as easy-to-use, fun-loving and friendly, Apple further solidified its brand image in the market by being different from its competitors, allowing its new products to quickly stupefy the market. Weaknesses Weaknesses of Apple Inc. are important in the decision to invest in the company because they point to internal issues that need to be shored up. One study weakness is Apples involvement in several seeming(a) infringement lawsuits. Nokia and Motorola Mobility have both filed suits with Apple claiming patent infringement (Datamonitor Apple Inc. 2011). Cisco has similarly been involved in an ongoing suit about the trademark name of the iPhone and which company actually owns the name (Chumney & Cowart, 2010). The lawsuits create a weakness for Apple in a few ways. First in that respect is the negative image associated with being sued. This will barely detract from the companys long-held image of being an individual fightin g against the oppressive PC regime if the company is seen engaging in its own questionable sub judice practices. Second, lawsuits of this nature require time and money that could be better spend elsewhere.An unfavorable verdict in any of these suits would affect the companys financial health and operations (Datamonitor Apple Inc. , 2010). Opportunities As it is shown that Apples popular image is its biggest strength, Apple has the opportunity to make this image multi-faceted by focusing on its commitment to safe environmental practices. Schultz and Helleloid (2010) relate a 2007 incident in which Greenpeace released a report criticizing Apple for is environmental practices and rank it behind some of its major competitors wish well Hewlett-Packard and Dell Computers.Rather than respond positively to Greenpeaces challenge to improve its practices, Apple merely released a parameter that they were already environmentally aware and were meeting their own company standards. This wre ak out poorly for Apple in the media, resulting in a order challenge to Apple by Greenpeace at the Macworld expo in San Francisco in January 2007 (Schultz & Helleloid, 2010). Apple has the opportunity to showcase its environmental practices to enforce its brand image as a conscientious individual.Although the company publishes its environmental practices on its website, it could complicate the exposure of this information in one of its savvy marketing campaigns (Apple And The Environment, 2011). Threats Although Apples brand image has put it at the forefront of smartphone and tablet design, it is facing the threat of losing its market share to Google humanoid- infrastructured products. With Google accomplishment of Android Inc. in 2005, the market for smartphones has seen increasing competition for the iPhone from manufactures like HTC and Samsung (Datamonitor Apple Inc. 010). This Apple vs. Android competition is also playing out in the tablet market. Castelluccio (2011) writes that in spring 2010, the iPad owned 90% of the market moreover the Canaccord group estimates Apples share of the tablet market will be 56% this year quickly crowded out by its competitors (p. 58). This maturement threat to the tablet and smartphone markets that Apple had previously cornered will be a key battle as Apple whole caboodle to contain this threat.Because Apple has made its name through its strong good deal image, and because that image has led them to pioneer new products in the smartphone and tablet markets, Apples brand is one of the most relevant factors in deciding to invest in the company. Apples steady popularity as the fun, easy-to-use alternative for electronics equipment indicates its long-term strength as an investment. The other important factor is Apples opportunity to shore up this image by promoting its environmental practices.Because of the Greenpeace debacle in 2007, Apple has the chance to strengthen its important branding by introducing new market ing that will paint it as the responsible choice for environmentally concerned consumers. This too would add to the companys longevity as an investment. Stakeholder Analysis In order to determine if stakeholder take are being met, the stakeholders must first be identified. Internal stakeholders embarrass employees, marketers, internal sell stores, and executives. External stakeholders of Apple are customers, investors, media, third party retailers, local and national communities, and the environment.Apple is meeting the needs of their internal stakeholders, but has some shortcomings in meeting the needs of external stakeholders. Apples major internal stakeholders needs are being met Apple has high employee contentment rates, and their retail branches are well known for successful promotion of the companys ever-important brand. Employees of Apple are satisfied with the companys counselling style with nearly 97 percent of employees approving of the general counseling of founde r and CEO Steve Jobs just before he announced his resignation.In fact, during his advance Jobs was known for being adept at attracting employees who share his vision and fell sense of loyalty to Apple and is mission (Steve Jobs, Beloved By Apple Employees? , para. 9, 2011). By attracting those who shared Jobs ideals, Jobs was able to create a cohesive employee base who could work together in r individuallying company goals. The other major internal stakeholders, Apples internal retail stores, are also doing well. Apples primary marketing strategy has been to focus on their retail stores and the inclusive familiarity of Mac users represented on that point.The strategy of well-placed, beautifully designed retail stores draws in both Mac pros and newbies. Not only does Apple get one-seventh of its revenue from its retail branch, but the first-time buyers that are drawn in account for nearly half of Mac sales in the stores (Snell, 2004). Apple has decided to focus its energies and m eet the needs of its retail branches and it has resulted in increased sales and presence in the electronics market. The strength of the retail stores and the loyalty of the companys employees show that Apple pays close economic aid to internal stakeholder needs.External stakeholders, though, are not all faring so well. Apples major external stakeholders are customers, investors, the community and the environment. Of them, only investors and the community have needs as well-met as the companys internal stakeholders. Apple has been a solid bet for its investors, even during the upstart upset of Jobs stepping pop up as CEO. Ranked as BusinessWeeks number one trump out performing company in 2006, Apple has long been a growing company and a safe bet for its investors (The Ranking, 2006). However, with the recent password of Jobs departure, there has een some question of the companys stability (Morris, 2011). The company did a good job of quelling any speculation by straight off nami ng a successor, new CEO Time Cook, and assuring its investors with the news that Cook has been running things for some time now, as Jobs battles personal health concerns (Robertson & Metz, 2011). This quick action assures that investors trustfulness in the company is well founded, and confidence is an important need for investors. As with any large company the community has a stake in Apple in the needs for appealing assistance from those who contribute to society.Apple has met the communitys needs by lend matching donations to employees charitable giving, up to $10,000 per employees for qualified organizations (Apple to Match $10K in Charitable Contributions Per Employee, 2011), Giving matching contributions like this allows Apples employees to incite the community through their chosen organizations, diversifying Apples support, and adding to customer joy via Apples goodwill. Apples customers and the environment are two facets of Apples stakeholder needs that both need shoring up.Friedman (2011) relates the business relationship of customer issues with Apples design choices, but the company has rarely responded to that input. Poor customer relations have tarnished Apples astral brand at times, Lee, Burrows, and Woyke (2007) demonstrate that the companys fast evolution contributes to this issue as Apple expanded from computers into personal music players, laptops, phones and other hardware, it did not match that with growth in its technical services divisions. Because Apples major strength lies in its brand and image, it is important that the company have customer relations that support that image.Apple could better meet the needs of its customers by having better trained technical support and sales staff, to meet the growing demand for service. As mentioned earlier, one of Apples biggest opportunities is in meeting the needs of the environment and being environmentally aware. A recent report released by five environmental groups claims that one of App les main suppliers is polluting the environment. The Chinese manufacturer of iPhone and iPad touchscreens is accused of poisoning some workers, too. (Apple to hold forth suppliers so-called pollution with NGO, 2011).This type of press shows that Apple still needs to make improvements in its environmental efforts, or it will spill over to affect the companys goodwill in other areas, like community and customer relations. Apple could counteract this by seriously auditing each one of its suppliers for environmental standards and use its powerful marketing tools to showcase its new green initiatives. Conclusion Having examined Apple, it is clear the company has a strong brand image and place in the market. Is biggest opportunity lies in enhancing this image through improved environmental initiatives.Though there are some issues with the growing Android market and trademark lawsuits, Apple remains a strong prospect for its investors even during times of transition. Apples growth and cl ear self-image play large parts in making it a safe decision for its current and future investors. References Apple and the Environment. (2011). Retrieved from http//www. apple. com/environment/ Apple to discuss suppliers alleged pollution with NGO. (2011, September 1). Business Daily Update. Retrieved from http//go. galegroup. com. ezproxy. apollolibrary. com/ps/i. do? ampid=GALE%7CA265861417&v=2. 1&u=uphoenix&it=r&p=GPS&sw=w Benoit, W. L. , & Delbert, J. (2010). Get A Mac Mac versus PC TV Spots. In , relevant Rhetoric A New Journal of Rhetorical Studies (pp. 1-12). Relevant Rhetoric A New Journal of Rhetorical Studies. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Castelluccio, M. (2011). The Tablet thought An Update. Strategic Finance, 93(2), 57-58. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Datamonitor Apple Inc. (2011). Apple Computer, Inc. SWOT Analysis, 1-10. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Friedman, L. (2011). The Customer Is Sometimes Right.Macworld, 28(4), 100. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Kenney, M. (2007). The appl e way 12 management lessons from the worlds most innovative company. Journal of utilise Management and Entrepreneurship, 12(1), 113-113-115. Retrieved from http//search. proquest. com/docview/203919095? accountid=35812 Lee, L. , Burrows, P. , Woyke, E. (2007). A Bruise or Two On Apples Reputation. BusinessWeek, (4055), 081-083. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Nickels, W. G. , McHugh, J. M. , & McHugh, S. M. (2010). mind business (9th ed. ). New York, NY McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Schultz, P. L. ,