Apple Inc. managing a global supply chain Case Solution And Analysis, HBR Case Study Solution & Analysis of Harvard Case Studies

Apple Inc. Managing a Global Supply Chain Case Study Analysis

Executive Summary

Apple Ins. is the most renowned name in the field of mobiles and technology. It has covered major niches like mobile phones, televisions, laptops, tablets. Apple Inc. was founded by Steve Jobs on April 1, 1976. This company, known as Apple I, was founded by Jobs and Wozniak and sold roughly 50 units of figuring parts in a local store. The supply chain for Apple's iPhone included 156 vendors, a U.S. research and development centre, manufacturing facilities in China, and retail establishments, some of which bore the Apple logo. While it was improbable that the company would return to its prior level, Jessica, the marketing manager for company BXE, was revaluating the decision to invest in Apple Inc.

Apple has invested a lot of time and effort into setting up internal supply chain controls rather than using external vendors for its hardware, software, and other components. They avoid outsourcing from different parties but to handle it on their own. They tried to work with those suppliers who deem better capital investments and offer low prices per unit costs. This proved much beneficial as the firm established a huge variety of product lines with these efficient suppliers and dominated the market presence with being the biggest private company in market.

As soon as individuals are made aware that the parts are built in China, their technological needs alter quickly. Another significant source of diversions is conflict and ineffective trade relations. Given that the company already faces intense competition in the industry, the growing market competition is a major challenge. Daily product introductions make it extremely difficult for the company to keep up with the market and hold onto its leading position.

Given that the company already faces intense competition in the industry, the growing market competition is a major challenge. Moreover, new products are coming daily and so is a huge challenge for the firm to cope with the market and also maintaining top position in the market. The increasing market demands should be executed perfectly. Conducting customer opinions on what the people look for in their mobiles, laptops etc. The missing features should be filled rapidly.

Introduction

Steve Jobs founded Apple Inc. in April 1, 1976. Jobs and Wozniak started this company by the name of Apple I who used to sell computing parts in a local shop a figure of around 50 units. They utilized the services of their suppliers for investments in those components. After selling around 200 units, it was redesigned and then sold in the market with the name of Apple II. The biggest turnover was when Apple hired marketing manager at Intel who was retired to work with them. The firm became one of the largest privately run organisations and offered their stocks on December 1980.

The firm underwent mainly because of the handling cost issues because machines price was for greater than the Window PCs. Apple introduced the iMac range of updated personal computers with a focus on portable design. Apple declared in May 2001 that it would begin opening retail locations in order to inform customers and boost its competitiveness in the market by increasing market share. The company introduced several Macintosh models, including the Quadra, Centris, and Performa, but it was unable to establish a competitive position in the market. The perception that Apple computers were more opulent than comparable Windows PCs hurt the company as well. Inventory management and the operating system have both been weakened by the corporation.

Apple's iPhone supply chain was universal, connecting a U.S. R&D centre, 156 suppliers, and assembly plants in China, and retail outlets, some of which were Apple-branded stores. Apple tried to establish better control over the supply chain by improved tactics and strategies.

Problem Statement

The market analyst of a renowned company BXE capital based in Toronto Canada, Jessica Grant was perpetrated by the fact that Apple’s stock market was at a stagnant position even falling down after the death of Steve jobs who was the one responsible of rebuilding the firm. The level reached in the year 2012 was around $700 which had fallen to around $524.47 in the year 2014.

The new CEO, Tim Cook reassured media that the firm is about to launch a new line of product for which it is taking this long, but once done will redominate the market. Jessica was reassessing the investment in Apple Inc. decision as it was unlikely that the firm will rise to previous level again..............

Apple Inc. Managing a Global Supply Chain Case Study Analysis