Strategy Implementation: Apple Analysis

COVER PAGE

Word Counts: 3,318

Table of Contents

List of Figures        

I. Executive Summary        

II. Company background information        

III. Strategy Identification and Evaluation        

3.1. Porter’s model        

3.2. Rationality of broad differentiation strategy        

3.3. Suitability of broad differentiation strategy        

IV. Strategy implementation evaluation        

V. Key issues and recommendations        

VI. Conclusions        

References        

List of Figures

Figure 1 Porter's generic strategies model        

Figure 2 A model for strategy implementation        

I. Executive Summary

In the quest for sustainable product development, strategic management has been considered one of the most important determinants leading to a success of an enterprise. It is recommendable that managers sketch a strategic plan so as to insure a strong competitive position in the marketplace (Nedelea & Păun, 2009). However, such a well-approached plan is not enough. The implementation of strategies adopted seems to be most difficult aspect that decides whether the firm is successfully seize environmental opportunities by leveraging its own strengths or not (Hubbard et al., 2015). Aware of this, leaders of Apple have identified and implemented appropriate strategies to differentiate its products from other large rivals and make the brand one of the most well-known in the world. Lead by Steve Jobs within its first decades, Apple has transformed from a company selling personal computers to the largest information technology firm distributing consumer electronics. This paper aims at decoding the importance of strategic implementation by analyzing the case of Apple in the global business context. In order to do this, we are going to identify and evaluate the most recent strategies deployed by the company in positioning its products. In this part, the rationality and suitability of the strategies are brought into discussion to see if they are compatible with internal and external capabilities. Next, the implementation of such tactics shall be addressed properly by the use of Hubbard’s framework. In particular, Apple has harmonized elements in its strategic implementation to exploit strengths and reduce its weaknesses.  Finally, the interrelationships of three stages of strategic management are evaluated in the business context with some recommendations namely strengthening position in potential but tradition-driven markets, wise expansion of Apple Stores and ensuring product quality outsourced by the third party. It is undeniable that despite huge innovations over the history, the position seems to be not sustainable enough with various substitutes originated from giant rivals such as Samsung, Microsoft or IBM. However, it is the proper implementation of Apple in differentiation strategy that enables the firm to stand out among others.