Apple & Dell Comparison

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the computer hardware manufacturing industry has been dominated by Apple Inc. and Dell Inc. but notes that the two companies are not competing in the same industry. The writer points out that Apple's products have been the Macintosh computer, the iPod and the iPhone while Dell's primary product has been IBM-compatible personal computers. The writer discusses that both companies have achieved market leadership positions in their respective industries and looks at competitive strategies of each of the companies. According to the paper, Apple has achieved its position through innovation while Dell has achieved its position through competing on price.

Outline:
Introduction
Competitive strategies of Apple Inc.
Competitive strategies of Dell Inc.
Comparative evaluation
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Before Microsoft entered the market with Windows, Apple was dominating the computing industry by upgrading the Macintosh computer both in terms of its hardware and software capabilities. However this application development strategy centered on Mac was no longer effective when Microsoft launched its own graphical user interface which became an instant hit with the market. Instead of modifying the Macintosh line to compete with Windows, Apple shifted to the product development strategy. As a result, the company began to diversify into other product lines as a means of maintaining revenue which had been falling as a result of fierce competition from Windows. Previous to Microsoft's entry into the industry, Apple had focused its resources on Macintosh. Now Apple entered the consumer electronics industry. The Apple QuickTake digital camera and the PDA were the two products that the company launched in the consumer electronics industry. The iPod and the iPhone were also other instances of the product development strategy that Apple was following in the 90's. At the same time however, the company continued to develop the Macintosh line and continued to market hardware accessories to the Macintosh computer."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aaker, David A. (2004). Strategic Market Management. McGraw Hill/Irwin.
• Armstrong, Michael. (2005). Strategic Human Resource Management. Prentice Hall.
• Baldwin, Esther, and Martin Curley. (2007). Managing IT Innovation for Business Value: Practical Strategies for IT and Business Managers. Intel Press.
• Besterfield, Dale H., et al. (2002). Total Quality Management. McGraw Hill/Irwin.
• Dess, Gregory G., et al. (2007). Strategic Management: Creating Competitive Advantage. McGraw Hill/Irwin.

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