Apple Inc., Strategic Management Case Analysis
GB520 Strategic Human Resource Management: Unit 1
March 13, 2012

Apple Inc., Strategic Management Case Analysis
What is Strategic Management and why is it critical to the success of an organization meeting its goals and mission?
Strategic management is the application of the basic planning process at the highest levels of the company. Top management sets goals for the performance of the company carefully formulating, implementing and evaluating plans and strategies. It involves specifying the organization’s mission, vision and objectives, developing policies and plans, often in terms of projects and programs, which are designed to achieve these objectives, and then allocating resources
For example Apple created a new market for their Macintosh computers by pushing them into the education market and creating their mark among students and teachers. The sale of Macintosh computers remained a pivotal business for Apple. In 2008 Mac sales accounted for 43% of Apple’s revenue (Yoffie & Slind, 2008).
Strengths and Weaknesses
Apple underwent extreme changes during the first decade of the 21st century from its migration to new microchip architecture to its expansion to a whole new business line (Yoffie & Slind, 2008). Apple’s current strategies as defined by Steve Jobs are product differentiation with a focus on a broad market. This can be seen by Apple’s many products including the iPod, the iPhone, iPad and all their Mac books that are priced and designed to fit every person’s needs and wants. Apple created new products and services, such as their iTunes when legally downloading music was needed, to changing market conditions. They also respond rapidly to changing market conditions and strive to be the leading force. By doing this they set a benchmark for their competitors and place their products in consumer’s mindset first. Apple’s greatest strength is that is managed to create legions of fiercely brand loyal customers. These consumers who