Scanning the Environment

Abstract

Environmental scanning is important to managers because it is the continuous monitoring that will help them to detect the driving force that allows a business to grow. This paper will discuss the SWOT analysis of Apple, Inc. Strategic implementations will also be given to give an idea of how a competitive can use Apple's strength and weakness in the marketplace.

Scanning the environment

Introduction

Competitive advantages are what define a company. The discussion is based on Apple, Inc. This paper will discuss the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Introduction of a SWOT Analysis

A SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities, threats) analysis is a marketing plan that guides a company to succeed in business. SWOT keeps a company on task. It also gives the company a competitive advantage. Without a competitive advantage, a company success is uncertain. The company can see areas that need improvement as well as areas that are successful.

Apple, Inc

Strengths

• Well Branded- Apple products are considered one of the most reliable technology brands

globally.

•Customer Loyalty- Customers remain true to the Apple brand.

•Products are user friendly- Apple products are easy to use and the company has many self help options for customer who are not technologically savvy.

•Advanced products- Apple has managed to gain more stock market shares than both Dell and

Hewlett Packard (Knapp, 2011).

•Well established products- The iPod, iPad, iPhone, and the MAC book are examples of the

advanced technology that aid to the success of the company.

•Sleek design- desktop computer is one piece of equipment (no tower) and the iPhone

light and easy to handle.

Weaknesses

•High Prices- Apple products are very expensive

•Not-shareholder friendly- Does not allow options for granting and will not pay dividends

even though there is lots of free-flowing cash.

•Apps are only sold to apple users and the users can only download apps provided by Apple.

•CEO Steve Jobs- He is a key player in the success of Apple. When he did not disclose serious

health conditions with shareholders, they were