The document outlines an assignment for a case study analysis of Apple Inc. in 2010. Students are asked to write a 3-4 page paper discussing Apple's history and competitive advantages. Key topics for analysis include Apple's digital hub strategy across computers, iPods, iPhones and iPads; the sustainability of Apple's position in PCs, MP3 players and smartphones; and the prospects for the iPad. Additional research materials are provided to supplement the case study. Guidelines are given for what constitutes a good, sufficient, or weak paper submission.
The document outlines an assignment for a case study analysis of Apple Inc. in 2010. Students are asked to write a 3-4 page paper discussing Apple's history and competitive advantages. Key topics for analysis include Apple's digital hub strategy across computers, iPods, iPhones and iPads; the sustainability of Apple's position in PCs, MP3 players and smartphones; and the prospects for the iPad. Additional research materials are provided to supplement the case study. Guidelines are given for what constitutes a good, sufficient, or weak paper submission.
The document outlines an assignment for a case study analysis of Apple Inc. in 2010. Students are asked to write a 3-4 page paper discussing Apple's history and competitive advantages. Key topics for analysis include Apple's digital hub strategy across computers, iPods, iPhones and iPads; the sustainability of Apple's position in PCs, MP3 players and smartphones; and the prospects for the iPad. Additional research materials are provided to supplement the case study. Guidelines are given for what constitutes a good, sufficient, or weak paper submission.
Case Study assignment Apple Inc in 2010 (Harvard Business School case 9-710-467)
Apple is a company and an Brand has become has gone through a spectacular development from its startup days in 1976 to growing to become successful computer company, to nearly bankruptcy in 1996 to the second largest (market cap) company in 2010. The case reviews Apples development along the following topics: Apples History
The PC industry
Apples Digital Hub strategy
Apple beyond computers
In your paper (3-4 A4), discuss the case using the following study questions: What, historically, have been Apples competitive advantages?
Analyze the personal computer industry. Are the dynamics favorable or problematic for Apple?
How sustainable is Apples competitive position in PCs?
How sustainable is Apples competitive position in MP3 players? (iPod, iTunes)
How sustainable is Apples competitive position in smartphones? (iPhone, AppStore)
What are the prospects for the iPad?
In addition to the case study you may want to do some desk research based on the study questions. Furthermore we will use two video presentations as supporting material for the case: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA (Steve Jobs) http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html <http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_acti on.html>
Grading guidelines Good paper: (8-10) 1. Addresses and discusses all the case questions 2. Identifies and discusses the two core findings of the case: a. Apples Digital Hub strategy across all its product range (Computers, iPod, iPhone, iPad) b. The timing of Apple strategic move to Intel processors the opportunity, potential benefit and risks and how the risk was accommodated 3. Well written, well structured
Sufficient paper: (6-7.5) 1. Addresses and discusses all or most of the case questions 2. Identifies and discusses at leat one of the two core findings of the case: a. Apples Digital Hub strategy across all its product range (Computers, iPod, iPhone, iPad) or, b. The timing of Apple strategic move to Intel processors the opportunity, potential benefit and risks and how the risk was accommodate 3. Offers some structure
Weak paper: (5-5.5) 1. Does not address the case questions 2. Failed to identify the case core findings (a and b above) 3. Weak structure