Question

Apple after Steve Jobs

1) In what product segments does apple compete? How does the company position its products against its competitors?

2) Perform a SWOT analysis for Apple

3) Analyze Apple's board structure. Are criticisms of Apple's board justified?

4) What does Apple's selection of Tim Cook as Jobs' successor signal about its future strategy?

5) Identify the top challenges that Tim Cook faces. How should he address them?

Answer 1

SWOT

Strenghts

1. Advertising capabilities, which increase brand awareness and create stronger demand for the company’s products
2. Strong and extensive U.S. distribution channels
3. Vertical integration
4. Brand awareness and reputation
5. Sound financial performance with one of the strongest cash flows

Weaknesses

1. Overdependence on iPhone sales
2. Weak direct distribution channels in India
3. Low expenditure on research and development compared to other companies leads to fewer innovations and products introduced to the market
4. Incompatibility with other OS

Oppurtunities

1. The (IoT) market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade
2. Health-related wearable gadgets could be introduced to the market
3. Expanding mobile payments market
4. The mobile enterprise app market will gain traction as more businesses shift toward buying subscription-based software

Threats

1. Intensifying competition puts pressure on Apple’s market share, revenue and profits
2. Continuing trade war with China, a major manufacturing hub for Apple
3. Lawsuits over patent infringements resulting in damaged brand reputation
4. Risk of data breaches