An environment analysis for Apple Inc

An environment analysis for Apple Inc Apple consists of significant resources and considerable potential in the business world. Even though it consists of such capabilities there occur various trends in the general environment that causes the threats which pull down the progress and success of the firm. These threats can be marginalised only with the help of appropriate planning and suitable action which concentrates more on the value added core competencies in the business. This may lead the company to produce valuable products and services leads to a mounting opportunity for the shareholders and customers. Economic Environment Booming Global Economy On revising the past years of global economy the world has attained the complete progress from recession in recent years. This uncertainty makes people looming of the money. This makes people to depart from the quality to less expensive products. The Apple known for its brand, quality, Innovative technology and luxury has mislaid due to its supreme pricing position paves the way for its competitors the producers of less expensive products. However the consumers attracted more towards the valuable Apples premium products during the economic upturn than its low pricing competitors. Chinese Economy: Recent growth in Chinese economy catches the attention of several companies to sell their products in china. Due to the growth of the Increasing economy proportionally there is also increase in the labour wages. This may results the buying power which makes people to draw more attention towards the Innovative products such as Apple i phone and i pad. Political Environment Potential world-wide climate regulation One among the serious threat to the potential environment is the global warming. Several steps have been implemented in reducing the global warming. The Copenhagen conference has been suggested norms to the companies for the low co2 emission products which may lead to strictly controlled environment. Thus in order to manufacture the less emission the Apple must transmits its products. Suppliers of the apple should have the provision to produce the low emission products or it has to switch to the other suppliers. This may lead to higher switching costs between the suppliers and bring changes to the margin of the products when the manufacturing costs getting higher. Import taxes and duties China poses superior government policies and low manufacturing costs in order to attract the more investors. These factors made Apple to manufacture its products in the various parts of the China. Even though Apple manufacturing lies in china the good market is positioned only in the countries like United States and the parts of Europe even though it has to offer more import duties. According to the current tax report produced by the Apple it pays around 32% of rate of tax in the year 2010. Socio cultural Environment Increasing desire for Wireless devices Apple plays at the front position of the wireless transition. As there is a remarkable increase in the value of the Internet and the wireless connectivity creates a powerful demand comparatively to the other devices. This is due to its portability and accessibility everywhere makes these rapid speed wireless technologies valuable. The devices such as the portable includes the Smart phones and the tablet computers wireless-connected devices allows its user to perform several operation by the use of internet in the constant and secured manner as wherever they go. As these devices is highly received by the people than the traditional computers such as PC or laptops. This technology has been developed widespread by Apple and its competitive manufacturers such as Google. This technology has been faced al lot of relevance as all these manufacturers focussed on the consumers preference. Among them the Apple differs by its Innovative technology according to the recent technological landscape . Apple spends its extensive investment in the field of research and innovative development for the creation of highly well-liked devices such as the iPhone and i-Pad. . Technological Environment The world has been going behind the analogue music system Apple made a revolution through its innovation of iPod. This made a impulsive progress in the revenue of the Apple. Due its consecutive pioneering researches resulted in the creation of iPhone. Even though the Apple is younger in the mobile phone industry comparing the Giants like Nokia, HTC and Blackberry it poses a radical technology. To withstands its market Apple has been spend 3.1 % of its net sales i.e. almost $ 1,333 million for the Research and Development (apple). The worlds ongoing mobile technology is landed in 3G manufacturing technology. But Apple is been ahead of them by launching its 4G due to the supremacy of the Apples RD. This makes the Apple withstand as a leader in its high innovation and portability. Competitive Environment Analysis Rivalry between Competitors Technological growth has put forth the electronic industry ahead as it leads to lot of manufacturers. Due the entry of electronic industry in everyday life the PCs, mobile phones and laptops has become a commodity product into the peoples life. Most users prefer the business cost than that of the performance of the devices. This may resulted in the various levels of provider strategies. The providers who provides at low price may not be able to satisfy the users with the best features. Whereas the providers such as Hp, Dell, Samsung and Sony Ericson offers the customers a wide range of options for the varying prices. Apple differs from those of the Providers as they provide a High Quality and High Cost products but without the diverse models. For example Apple consists of Single model iPhone varying only in its memory and its cost whereas the Samsung may vary its product options from the variable technology by varying its costs from 4Â £-400Â £. Supplier Power Suppliers are those who pose the entire control in manufacturing of computers as Apples Mac book or the mobile phones. Apple Suppliers also embark on the special responsibility for producing the best inputs which is the most challenging for its competitors. In the computer manufacturing industry Intel and Advanced Micro devices (AMD) are the two suppliers of the processors. Both of the chips have their own unified motherboard. They are incompatible with one another as they cannot be swapped with the other parts of the device. If Apple has to switch their processor it is also essential to modify their motherboards too resulting in high switching costs. This may results in high supplier power as the company has to rely on them. Buyer Power Almost all the industry consists of buyers who have high influence on thier manufacturers. Each buyer has their own choice of the product needs. This leads the company to launch the wide variety of products into the market. Thus power of the buyers has influences on the bargaining in the Quality, Price, and the Service. Apple exclusive products such as IMac and IBook are unique from its competitors in features of higly technological operation system, innovative functionality and brand value attracts the customers by avoiding them to switch to its competitors. Even though it has attracted the customers through its functionality there arose a chance to switch to its competitors if there is no product differentiation. Threat of new entrants Every business has own threat of new entrants. The field of Computer market have the highest possibility of new entrants. The portable pcs market is widespread effortlessly paves the way for the new entrants. Despite the possibilities it also consists of several hindrances from its successful entrants. Apple have been deep rooted in field of computers and mobile products by its substantial recognition, own innovative technology and royalty among the other manufacturers. It has been a high challenging to the entrants in order to make its brand successful and stable in the competitive market. Apple maintains their price of the products based on the economies of scale which is not possible by the new entrants without the huge investment. Even though it has the high possibilities of hindrances to entry it consists of some successful possibilities of entry which can be listed as follows. 1. There is a chance of suppliers to enter the field of manufacturing 2. A well established giants of some other field of computer can also deep routed in this field as they have a well established familiarisation in the market. Threat of substitutes Recent Development of the technology makes the computing products handy. As every features and functionality of the computers has been substitute by the tablet pcs or smart phones. Time has changed where the users rely on the stable pc but now it has been grown substantially the computers are back behind the users and posses wide variety of application than pcs by means of wireless internet technology. This occurs in the case of Apple as due to the entry of the Smart phones the buyers of Mac pc are apparently reduced. Thus these show the change for substitutes of the consumers. Considerably Apple has been analysed all these cases and introduced the iPhone and iPad to satisfy its consumers who are in search of substitutes to a new technology. Value added core competencies Value added core competencies of Apple includes its highly Innovative ideas, featured design, well known brand, and critical creativity as all these united to make the company a most competitive advantage among its competitors. Thus Apple has almost set all these strategies to the company in order to withstand its high position in the competitive market. Risks of the apple have been initiated with its supplier and foreign factories. Apple has its own guidelines for its suppliers in manufacturing its product they dont have the direct control of their suppliers. The suppliers derived their profits based on the high volume low margin. Thus in order to increase the profit the suppliers produces the goods by low quality raw materials. As a result of this the quality of the Apple products has been diminished. Thus in order to rectify these defects Apple have been undergone the mutual understanding of its suppliers to retain its quality Administration Eco- Friendly Apple Apple has always been intense on the environment factors in its manufacturing. Apple has been taken several steps to avoid the usage of harmful chemicals in manufacturing of its product. Shipment of the products plays a vital role in emitting combustion during its transportation. Thus in order to reduce the emission of Co2 Apple considers the portable packaging result in the less transportation and less combustion. Strong cash position Apple has less long term debits and run its business efficiently without the financial intervention by means of its own cash. The financial status of Apple helps its business to run efficiently as it may not depend on any of the creditors in terms of the decision making such as the financial capital purchases, decision on expansion. Human resource management Hiring process Apple recruits its employee by means of Selective hiring. It highly picks up the persons based on their innovative skills and high creative skills rather than by recruiting process. It focuses more on the well experienced professionals and innovative freshers rather by trainees. Employ benefits and appraisals Apple places a leading role in motivating its employees by means of high benefits and appraisals. It possesses a high role in the employee satisfaction. The benefitted employees provide full support and dedication to the company by means of their highly innovative ideas. Technological Development Research and Development Apple believes the research and development is one of the key factors of the success of its organisation. As it believes analysis on various factors determines the current requirement of the product have been pushed towards the new innovative product which paves a way for non competitive industry. It has been estimated that Apple spends around $1.3 million for its research and development. Procurement Relationship with suppliers Apple has maintained the good relationship with its suppliers. As it manufacturing its product based on the low cost and high quality. Despite it sets the high marginal cost for its product whereas in turn it spends its profit for the research and development. It also concurrently updates about its new technology to its suppliers by means of short courses and practical classes. Inbound Logistics Apple maintains a highly automated system for placing goods. The stock has been ordered to its suppliers in JIT process i.e. Just in Time when there is an reduction of the stocks it will be ordered automatically to its suppliers this may helps in avoiding the overstocks. Thus it hoard the cost spend for the stock management system. Operations Design of the product is been implemented by the Apple and hence it outsources its production to several factories in china by implementing its design. This may results in the reduction of risk factors as it is apart from its firm. Thus it modifies its management and Economy scale according to its outsourcing. Outbound Logistics Apple has its production department in china whereas the goods have been transferred to various countries from china rather than bringing to US the head office of the Apple. This may leads to the reduction of shipment cost and the warehousing cost. Marketing and Sales Apple uses the television advertisements as their marketing strategy by comparing its features and functionality of the product towards its competitive products. It also brings its own marketing strategy by means of the customer attraction towards the product. Apple discloses the new launch of the product which in turn acts as an indirect marketing which pulls the customers to know about its launched products. Service Apple genius is a person acts as a tech assistant in considering the consumers problem and rectify them. Apple provides a extended warranty to their customers within 90 days of product shipment also poses an opportunity of replacement within the given time. Limitations Recommendations Conclusions Value chain analysis Recommendation 1. licencing of MAC software to other PC makers 2. Increase entertainment diet so that the acceptance of the apple product more among the customers 3. increase retail presence in developing economies 4. increase customer service capabilities 1. even though apple spending ore rD nw it has design related antenna proble in iphone 4

Animal and Human Nature in Steinbecks Of Mice and Men Essay

Animal and Human Nature in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The relationship between animal nature and human nature in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a major theme throughout the work. Lennie and Candy are connected with animals via their various individual characteristics, such as physical appearance, mental capacity, or emotional maturity. Other characters, such as Curley and Carlson, demonstrate their animal-like natures in their interactions with others. Despite the obvious connection between the human natures and animal natures of the characters in the work, some of the characters attempt to rise above their bestial nature by dreaming and seeking companionship. Lennie is perhaps the most obvious example of an animal-like character. The very first description of Lennie is as "a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws" (Steinbeck 2). This opening description of Lennie immediately connects him with a large animal, and for the rest of the novel, whenever his name is mentioned, the reader instinctively pictures a big, bear-like man. Lennie is also likened to a dog, just a few pages later, when he is compared to a "terrier who doesn't want to bring a ball to its master" (Steinbeck 9). This connection is further emphasized when, at the novelà ­s end, Lennie is shot with the same gun and in the same way as Candy's dog was shot earlier in the novel. Lennie is also connected with animals in his mental capacity and preferences. His "simplemindedness as well as his attraction to animals, especially the rabbits and the puppy, would seem to fix him as animal-like" (Johnson 16). Candy is identified... ...to live together as a family. Candy and Crooks eagerly volunteer to join George and Lennie in their dream in hopes that they can contribute to the welfare of the group and act as one unit, one family. George already shows this kind of selflessness throughout the book in his looking out for Lennie, and, likewise, Lennie's looking out for George. These characters escape their primal, animalistic tendencies to fend for themselves and chose to help each other. Of Mice and Men presents many interesting connections between the animal natures and human natures of its characters. Though most characters display characteristics that could qualify them as bestial, only a few exhibit the drive to rise above this base level of existence and distinguish themselves from their animal nature.    Works Cited: Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Books, 1937.

Traditional Gender Views and the Exceptions

Gender is an factor of an individual’s being that permeates all aspects of his or her life. From the moment a person is born into the world, he or she is classified either as a female or a male. The way society treats and reacts to this person is then treated accordingly to that initial categorization. What is it then that epitomizes the masculinity and the femininity of an individual. How does American society view a feminine individual and how does this differ from how the same society views masculine individuals? Masculinity refers to a human’s personal level or degree of manliness. Chafetz (35-36) describes masculinity as being distributed over seven areas: physical, functional, sexual, emotional, emotional, intellectual, interpersonal, other personal characteristics. A masculine individual is said to be virile, strong, able to provide for his family, sexually aggressive and experienced, unemotional, practical, dominating, free, demanding, and success-oriented. Thus an individual who is more able to take risks and who is better able to exhibit a sense of confidence and independence is considered to be more masculine. Physical attributes such as facial hair, toned muscles, and large body frames are also more characteristic of individuals who are considered to be masculine. Femininity, on the other hand, is directly linked by the 1996 Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language to traits   such as gentleness, kindness, and patience (708). Feminine characteristics are usually associated with nurturing and life-giving characteristics. The woman’s traditional role as a mother and wife are the most emphasized qualities of a feminine individual. Thus a female who is demure, obedient, and able to display physical attributes that are favored in the life-giving process, such as large breasts, wide hips, and full lips, is considered to be more feminine than most. Studies have shown that a man’s traditional view of a female or feminine individual is based heavily on masculine ideology, which focuses centrally on the sexual aspect of a woman’s breasts and bodies. The propagation of these masculine ideologies were even more stressed by the fact that media continues to portray females as beings whose primarily roles are focused on their sexual bodies. (Ward et al, 712) Many can see, however, that the barriers of traditional gender roles are being broken by modern American males and females. More and more females are found in the workplace, becoming the breadwinners for their family. Females are also seen engaging in extreme and traditional sports. Women’s roles in American society were seen to drastically change in the late twentieth century as a result of the new opportunities given to them (Mackey & Immerman, 271) There are also men who have opted to become the stay-at-home parents. It is has become more acceptable for men to show their emotions. And a new breed of men have come to be called metrosexuals, males who indulge in their physical appearance in the same way that was previously only attributed to feminine individuals. The breaking of stereotypes of masculinity and femininity has become rampant in the United States and this may well prove to be the beginning of the end of the reign o traditional views of masculinity and femininity in American society. Even though sex and gender are clear categorical divisions established upon birth, the long-established ramifications of being male or female and the parameters that these traditions set can be overcome. Works Cited Chafetz, Janet S. Masculine/feminine or human?:an overview of the sociology of sex roles. IL: F.E. Peacock Publishers, 1974 â€Å"Femininity† Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language. 1996. Mackey, Wade, C., & Immerman, Ronald S â€Å"The fertility paradox: gender roles, fertility and cultural evolution† Mankind Quarterly 45(2005):271- Ward, Monique L., Merriwether, Ann, & Caruthers, Allison. â€Å"Breasts are for men: media, masculinity ideologies, and men’s beliefs about women’s bodies.† Sex Roles 55(2006): 703-714

Essay on Gold Mining Industry Analysis - 919 Words

Gold Mining Industry Analysis By: Robert 6/6/2010 The Gold Mining Industry has experienced a huge amount of growth since the beginning of the financial crisis. With the price of gold being at $639 in January 2007 before the beginning of the financial crisis and now in June 2010 the price of gold reaching $1220, there is no denying the interest of gold between investors and governments. Investors are seeking ways to protect themselves from inflation and any other type of financial crisis that may be on the horizon. With the uncertainty that the world financial markets are facing over the next three years and the relation that gold has with the worlds currency, the U.S. dollar, it can be safely assumed that the price of gold will†¦show more content†¦There are many competitors in the industry of gold mining, Newmont Mining Corporation happens to be one of the leaders in the field. In 2007, Newmont became the first gold company selected to be part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. This exemplifies the management structure and their ability to demonstrate transformational leadership in a volatile industry. In the midst of the financial crisis Newmont was able to record several company records in 2009: ï‚ · Record revenues of $7.7 billion, up 26% from 2008; ï‚ · Equity gold sales of 5.3 million ounces and equity copper sales of 226 million pounds; ï‚ · Equity gold sales and costs applicable to sales in line with original 2009 outlook; ï‚ · Record net cash from continuing operations of $2.9 billion, up 109% from 2008; ï‚ · Gold operating margin increased 28% from 2008 on a gold price increase of 12%; ï‚ · $22.3 billion in total assets; ï‚ · Acquired the remaining 33.3% interest in Boddington; ï‚ · Raised $1.7 billion of equity and convertible debt to fund the Boddington acquisition; ï‚ · Commercial production was achieved at Boddington Gold, which will be Australias largest gold mine at full production; ï‚ · Included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the third year in a row (Figures recorded from http://www.newmont.com/about/company-glance) These figures demonstrate the high growth potential that some gold miningShow MoreRelatedQuestions And Analysis Around Antipodes Mineral Resources Company1480 Words   |  6 PagesCase study 1: Introduction This discussion and analysis around Antipodes Mineral Resources company (AMR). 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