Abstract This paper describes Apple Computer's journey from the first Apple system computers to today's iMacs and iPods. The paper discusses Apple's ups and downs, including the career of Steve Jobs, the successes of some Apple products and the failures of others.
Table of Contents:
The Beginning
Apple II
Apple III, Lisa and Macintosh
Jobs Loses his Job
Apple Loses out to Microsoft
The Return of Steve Jobs
Success in Digital Music Products
From the Paper "Apple Computer was in the forefront of the personal computer revolution in the 1970s and 1980s. In the period, Apple introduced the first integrated personal computer named Apple I, and other successful modes such as Apple II and Mac that set the standards of user-friendliness in PCs. Since that time, the company has seen a number of ups and downs. It has made several wrong turns, lost a significant share of the PC market, and gone into red for long periods of its operation. Apple, has, however been down but never out. It has bounced back from the brink several times by introducing innovative products such as the stylish iMac computer, the iTunes music store, and the market-leading iPod line of portable music players. Today, Apple Computer has the unique distinction of being the only surviving company from the early days of PCs. In this paper I shall trace the fascinating history of Apple Computers starting with the beginning, the introduction of Apple II, Lisa and Macintosh, Job's departure from Apple, Apple's slump, the return of Jobs and Apple's revival, and finally Apple's success in the digital music market."
Tags: Mac, Apple, personal, computer, pc, imac, steve, jobs
Abstract This paper analyzes the Robert Frost poem "After Apple-Picking", which describes the sleep and dream after a day of apple picking. It investigates Frost's uses of tone and symbolism to emphasize the correlation between sleep and death. The paper also notes the author's use of the apple for its biblical symbol of the fall of man.
From the Paper ""After Apple- Picking" by Robert Frost is a poem that tells and illustrates the sleep and dream that the narrator had dreamed in the poem after he completed his activity for the day, which is apple-picking. The poem, aside from the narrative of the voice of the story, illustrates effectively the difference between sleep as a physical activity of human beings, that is, sleep is discussed here literally, but sleep here is also a figurative element of the story. Looking more closely, sleep, for the narrator, is synonymous with impending death, and this is exactly what the narrator felt and dreamt about in the poem. "After Apple- Picking" has a theme, primary plot, and use of tone and symbolism to emphasize the point that Frost illustrates in the poem, which is to give us, the readers, an idea of how sleep is identified with death, and how life becomes precious to the narrator as he experienced his dream, and felt his impending death."
Tags: death, life, apple, picking, sleep, dream, symbolism, tone
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses three randomly selected articles regarding Apple's larger marketing strategy. These articles all show how Apple has used its entry into one area he music download industry and has built on it and expanded with it into other areas. The paper further discusses how Apple is clearly becoming a primary mover in the marketplace both in computing and in other fields.
From the Paper "Apple, Inc. is a corporation with varied holdings. As such, it always seems to be marketing new or updated products, keeping its company name in the public eye as frequently as possible. Some of the claims that the company makes in these articles are clearly based on marketing, rather than on fact; however, the company is a solid one, producing products that have for the most part performed well in the past. "Apple/Intel Announcement Reveals New Products, New Challenges." This analysis of a press release discussed the introduction of Apple's introduction of the iMac desktop computer and the MacBook Pro notebook computer at the Macworld Expo in January 2006. These products were the first of products based on Intel technology that Apple plans to release. Apple plans to release the remainder of these products before the end of the year."
Abstract The author of this paper examines Apple's iPhone. The writer first describes in some detail working features of the telephone and outlines some of the more, in his view, advanced technologies incorporated into the phone. He then goes on to detail some of Apple's potential competitors in the "smart phone" market place and examines the technologies utilized by them and how this could affect Iphone sales. In conclusion, the author outlines a number of strategies he feels Apple should implement if they wish to hold on to their market lead.
From the Paper "Currently, the Apple Company is trying to implement SDK - software development kit, which will be based on the Cocoa platform. The usage of Cocoa in the creation and development of the iPhone will be done by the implementation of numerous frameworks, such as "Core Foundation, Foundation, Core Graphics, Core Audio, and CFNetwork."
Another feature they should consider in order to develop the product and make it more appealing to new market segments revolves around their incorporating of the Java platform. This would allow numerous developers to create personalized applications for their telephones. But the current platform discourages Java programmers from purchasing the item, since they cannot use their personal skills and knowledge personalize the iPhone."
Abstract This paper discusses Apple Computer through the business device of a SWOT Analysis. The paper examines the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in relationship to one another. It adds a dimension of legal (tort) liabilities given the litigious nature of the information and technology industry. The paper takes the position that Apple Computer has more upside than down.
From the Paper "Apple Computer SWOT Analysis Company Overview Apple has traditionally designed, manufactured, and marketed personal computers and other personal computing products to a fairly niche market comprised of education services, creative services, some business applications, and cachet conscious consumers. However, over the last several years Apple has revolutionized the personal music industry in a way that Sony did 30 years ago with its Walkman by combining the utility of its MP3 music player, the iPod, with the ease and marketability of its own music distribution network, iTunes. Apple is organized in geographic segments that include the Americas, Europe, Japan and the rest of the Asia Pacific region. Apple's headquarters is in Cupertino, California generated sales of $8,279 million in 2004, an increase of $2069 million from 2003. Strengths Commercial Creative Notebooks. Apple's commercial notebooks meant for professional applications primarily associated with graphics oriented industries have been traditionally strong and remain so."
Abstract Steve Jobs is considered to be one of the icons of the 20th century. This is a strong accolade, considering he was not born until 1955, nor in any way noteworthy before the late 1970s. The singular power of his vision after that time, however, earns him a place on the list. His experience guiding the Apple Corporation is a testament to how a vision can become reality (even though it is not necessarily a story about how to make money).
Abstract This paper discusses a character from the book "The Smell of Apples" by Mark Behr. The main character of the novel, Marnus Erasmus, is focused upon to show how Behr develops him in South African culture. By showing his tendencies for political correctness, he must invariably succumb to racism that his family exudes.
Abstract The paper reports on the company and the product "Apple Bottoms Jeans", a line of women's jeans designed by a rapper named Nelly and sold through a distribution company. The paper examines how Nelly designs the clothing and his cousin operates the company. The paper further examines how the company does its own marketing, and the product is sold through an association with the music world, as well as other endorsements and methods of marketing.
From the Paper "Apple Bottom Jeans is a company that has had considerable success in a relatively short period of time. It is also a company with an unusual genesis, having been created by a hip-hop artist who designed a pair of jeans for women and has since marketed those jeans in a very effective manner."
Abstract The paper explains that the purpose of this report is to give a sense of the way the Apple Computer company has had an impact on technology, on business and on society in terms of products developed, changes in ways of communicating and doing business and effects on the habits of the consumer. The paper notes the different products produced, how these have been marketed and how they have affected society.
From the Paper "The company began as a designer and manufacturer of home computers under the names Apple and Macintosh and that remains an important product segment. The company has since increased its reach with the introduction of the MP3 player iPod, used for downloading music from the Internet for personal portable listening."
Abstract In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started a company called Apple to produce and sell the computer they had designed in their spare time. This paper examines how Apple's products have defined the personal computer industry for its entire history. Most current computer products can be traced directly back to Apple and those that cannot still bear the marks of Apple's influence. It looks at how the first successful PC was the Apple II, which brought computing in to homes and schools and how the Macintosh made graphical user interfaces affordable and accessible to users outside of research laboratories.
From the Paper "For home users, Jobs positioned the iMac as a "digital hub", which would be the center for all a user's multimedia content. Apple introduced a digital music player, the iPod and a compatible music download service, the iTunes Music Store. A few months later, Apple released versions of both products that worked with Windows PCs; the iPod and iTunes quickly dominated their markets. While competing products have caught up in terms of features and price, Apple is holding on to its lead in this market."
Abstract The paper provides a summary of Apple's recent and present business strategies and analyzes how Apple has changed its tactics in order to correspond to new and evolving strategies. The paper looks at Apple's ICT and e-commerce strategies and pinpoints the source of Apple's competitive advantage. The paper concludes that by building out an e-commerce and ICT infrastructure, Apple is well-positioned from a technical viewpoint to take advantage of global consumers' increasing demand for downloaded media.
Outline:
Summary
Introduction
Overall Business Strategy
Operational
ICT and e-Commerce Strategies Employed
How Apple's IT Strategies Have Assured Competitive Advantage
Conclusion
From the Paper "Apple's success can be demonstrated in its improved market share, improved financial condition, and stellar growth over the past 10 years since Steve Jobs returned and took the helm. An important indicator of Apple's changes is that Jobs dropped "Computer" from the company's name with the introduction of the iPhone this year.
"Apple's control over the entire customer experience, including hardware, software and e-commerce aspects, was viewed as a detriment during the time that Apple competed head-on against the WinTel near-monopoly. Now, with the merging of video, audio and other media with the computer, and the opportunities for ubiquitous access with iPods, phones and other accoutrements, Apple's tight control over hardware and software is a competitive advantage."
Abstract The paper evaluates the type of organization, strategic direction, planning, market assessment, marketing strategy, organizational structure and culture, operating locations and business operations of the Apple company. The paper shows how each of these elements are significantly changing as Apple's business model relies increasingly on the digital music side of their business, specifically the rapid introduction of new iPod and iTunes product lines. The paper includes tables in the appendix that provide five year analyses of the company's income states, balance sheets, key financial ratios and segment-based financial analysis. The paper concludes that the Apple product ecosystem is very effective in generating highly profitable sales in both established markets as well as in new channels.
Outline:
Introduction
Organizational Structure
Organizational Culture
Locations of the Organization
Apple's Strategy
Planning
Market Assessment
Apple's Marketing Strategy
Apple's Business Operations Systems
Summary
From the Paper "Apple's primary business is the development, manufacturing and selling of personal computers, accessories, peripherals, networking and personal MP3 players including the best-selling iPod and complimentary music download service, iTunes. The introduction of their digital music players, the iPod Series, and have both revolutionized the entire personal MP3 player industry while also successfully monetizing the concept of a downloadable entertainment with iTunes. Apple's iTunes Service has sold over 1 billion songs as of 2006, and now includes music videos, movies, ABC TV television programs, and audio books. The company's ability to successfully foster innovation as part of its culture is well-noted and has been the subject of research by both academicians and practitioners (Reppel, Szmigin, Gruber, 2006)."
Abstract The paper shows that Apple Computer has had a roller coaster existence since its founding in 1977. Its PC market lead shot down in the early 1980's by IBM, Apple has had an on-again-off-again profile ever since. The paper discusses the many predictions to Apple's end for over a decade. However, although, Apple has never been able to regain its lead foothold on the market, some feel it is far from folding. The paper looks at Apple's financial situation, its intentions for its many profitless stores and its future marketing strategies.
From the Paper "In July 2002, Apple reported a slide in quarterly earnings and revenue. This was a blow to the recovery it began a year ago. Earnings "fell to $32 million or 9 cents per share in its fiscal third quarter from $61 million or 17 cents per diluted share a year earlier and $40 million or 11 cents per share in the March quarter" (Apple pg). Apple's sales were $1.43 billion after $1.48 billion from the previous year, and $1.5 billion in the March quarter, "which Apple originally had expected to improve on by $100 million""
Abstract This paper analyzes the viability of Apple iPods in India. It begins by discussing Apple's characteristics, its strengths and weaknesses and its opportunities and threats. The paper then addresses the Indian market, in terms of demand and specific conditions and characteristics. The paper concludes by evaluating the viability of Apple's iPod investment in the Indian market.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Description of the Apple Company
The iPod
Market and Industry Analysis
Plan Development
SWOT for Apple Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
The Marketing Position
Potential Customers - Targeted Market
The 4 Ps - Price, Product, Promotion, Place/Distribution
Financial Projections
From the Paper "Even though India may seem to offer great investment opportunities, the cost raises a real problem that no possible investor can overlook at present. As long as the tax system regarding imports doesn't change, many investors might disregard the possibility of investing in India only because of the cost."
"From a different point of view, all the obstacles could turn into advantages if Apple decided to manufacture the iPods in India and sell them on a different market. The Indian State does not demand any tax pay for the goods produced in the country and taking into consideration the specialized and less expensive work field we mentioned at the beginning of the paper, this seems the most viable solution for a possible collaboration between Apple and India."
Abstract This paper analyzes business declines in general and how a company might go about recovering from such a decline. It then focuses on the Apple Computer Company and describes the strategy the company utilized to recover after it experienced a significant decline. The paper describes the monumental profitability that Apple has realized in the wake of the release of iPod and iPhone.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review On Companies Coming Back From Decline
Case study
History of Apple Computer
Charismatic leader of Apple Computer
Steve Jobs
Analysis
How Steve Jobs influences Apple Computer (founding-leaving-return)
Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper "One of the unintended consequences may be the demise of many music stores that once sold CDs and the demise in the sell of CDs themselves. Perhaps Steve Jobs knew that iTunes and iPods would change the manner in which people around the world listened to music but it is not clear if the company knew the results would be this significant. Another unintended consequence has been lawsuits filed against the company. It seems that the Apple Company which specializes in music distribution for the Beetles sued Apple Computer Inc. because it breeched an agreement between the two companies that guaranteed that Apple Computer Inc. would not distribute music. At the time the agreement was made, Apple Computer had no way of knowing the advances in technology that would be made and that someday a computer company would have the capacity to distribute music on such a grand scale."
