Value chain analysis goes a long way in the categorization of the value adding activities in an organization. This aspect is important with the fact that, firms now increasingly look towards the development of their Sustainable Competitive Advantage based on the value addition to the company’s output at each level of the company (Kaplinsky & Morris, 2001). As the value chain, as explained later in this paper, encompasses the entire organization- classified as the inputs for the primary and secondary activities, the proper analysis of the same is very crucial to the overall development of the organization and its long term sustainability in this competitive world.
The analysis of the value chain of the Apple Inc. showed a very critical aspect in the manufacturing and production sector of the company. This is due to the fact that Apple Inc. does not have any manufacturing facilities to produce the hardware for its products. They, instead rely on the outsourcing of the manufacturing to Chinese corporations. This can be very detrimental to the company in the long run. Another aspect that could be improved is the Human resource aspect that makes a part of the support activity of the value chain.
Our recommendations would include to build manufacturing units to buffet the firm from external influences, to make changes in the technology aspect by making the operating system open sourced and to have more robust human resource policies to make it very employee friendly.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- Introduction
- Value Chain- What is it?
- Merits and demerits of Value chain analysis
- Merits
- Demerits
- Value Chain Analysis of Apple Inc.
- Primary Activities
- Support Activities
- Recommendation
- Conclusion
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the value chain of Apple Inc. with a focus on the iPhone 5 and its predecessors. The paper examines the role of a robust value chain in the success of the company's products and explores the advantages and disadvantages of value chain analysis. The paper also considers the global business implications of the value chain for Apple Inc.
- The significance of a robust value chain in achieving sustainable competitive advantage
- The importance of primary and support activities in a value chain
- The benefits and drawbacks of value chain analysis for businesses
- The global business implications of Apple Inc.'s value chain
- Recommendations for improving Apple Inc.'s value chain
Chapter Summaries
The Executive Summary provides an overview of the paper and its key findings. The Introduction defines the concept of a value chain and explains the paper's scope and purpose. The chapter on "Value Chain- What is it?" provides a comprehensive definition of the value chain, outlining its primary and secondary activities. The chapter "Merits and demerits of Value chain analysis" explores the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing value chain analysis in a strategic planning context. The chapter "Value Chain Analysis of Apple Inc." examines the company's value chain, focusing on both primary and support activities. The chapter "Recommendation" offers suggestions for improving Apple Inc.'s value chain. The paper concludes with a summary of the key findings.
Keywords
This paper focuses on the key concepts of value chain analysis, sustainable competitive advantage, primary and support activities, and the global business implications of a company's value chain. The paper also explores the specific case of Apple Inc., examining its value chain and providing recommendations for improvement.
- Quote paper
- Billy George (Author), 2013, Apple Value Chain analysis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/270202
