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A case study of Apple's supply chain

Friday, 11 September 2015

One key aspect of Apple’s supply chain is its use of multiple suppliers for the same component. Reviews on this aspect of Apple’s supply chain strategy to examine the role that boards and directors can play in enhancing supply chain management and organisational performance.

Managing Risk in the Global Supply Chain Supply Chain Management Review, August 2015

2015 Supply Chain Top 25 Gartner, May 2015

A pple has received multiple awards for its supply chain strategy. Recently, for example, Gartner, a US-based research and advisory company, awarded Apple its inaugural “Masters” award after previously ranking Apple No. 1 on its “Top 25 Supply Chains” list for the past 5 years.

One key aspect of Apple’s supply chain is its use of multiple suppliers for the same component. The Governance Leadership Centre reviews this aspect of Apple’s supply chain strategy to examine the role that boards and directors can play in enhancing supply chain management and organisational performance.

Apple’s use of multiple suppliers for the same component in its supply chain strategy

Apple has an extensive network of third party suppliers in its supply chain. According to recent  research , Apple has 785 suppliers in 31 countries worldwide, 349 of which are based in China.

According to Apple’s “ 2015 Supplier List ”, 97% of its supply chain (including procurement, manufacture and assembly) is accounted for by its top 200 suppliers. This would imply that 585 of Apple’s suppliers account for the remaining 3% of its supply chain, providing it with a significant degree of latent capacity.

Apple has a number of exclusive long-term agreements with its key suppliers and uses prepayments to negotiate favourable pricing terms, secure strategic raw materials and guarantee high volumes of production.

Apple has also diversified its supply chain to include new manufacturing partners in China and Taiwan. It has also secured multiple suppliers for key components relating to new products (such as the  Apple Watch ).

In addition to diversification, Apple  invests  in customised manufacturing equipment and automated assembly and milling technology. It has also recently  announced  environmental programs with its Chinese manufacturing partners to offset carbon emissions and utilise more clean energy.

Apple’s strategy of using multiple suppliers for the same component provides it with key advantages over its competitors. Commentators note that this strategy allows it to:

  • mitigate supply chain disruptions and delays, allowing it to maintain gross-margins;
  • adjust ordering ratios with existing suppliers, therefore minimising the risk of third party issues associated with volume dependency;
  • quickly increase production capacity to respond to changes in consumer demand;
  • encourage lower supply costs as multiple suppliers compete for its business;
  • process large volumes of pre-orders, which it then analyses to create demand forecasts; and
  • prevent competitors from utilising the same production capacity through exclusive relationships with suppliers.

Apple’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook, has been described as a “supply chain specialist”. He is credited for streamlining inefficient areas of Apple’s supply chain and using inventory tracking mechanisms to reduce its number of suppliers and warehouses.

What can Australian boards and directors learn from Apple’s supply chain strategy?

According to a recent  report  from Deloitte, organisations with effectively governed third party relationships can outperform their peers with an additional 4-5% Return on Equity (ROE).

There are a number of ways in which boards can learn from Apple’s supply chain model to enhance their supply chain management and organisational performance:

  • Consider the benefits of multiple suppliers for the same component:   Boards should encourage management to consider the use of alternative suppliers and whether this may reduce single supplier risks or provide an avenue for improving performance. For example, a recent survey of 150 supply chain executives by  Haslam College of Business’ Global Supply Chain Institute  found that more than a third of individuals surveyed (38%) stated that their organisations’ supply chains sourced from a single supplier and only half (53%) considered their organisations had a ‘back-up’ plan due to natural disasters or major equipment failure.
  • Measure and evaluate performance:   Boards should closely monitor supply chain performance by analysing financial metrics such as  inventory turnover  and the  cash conversion cycle  (CCC). These metrics can be used by boards to evaluate whether management is using the company’s financial resources efficiently.
  • Encourage a compliance culture and the use of regular audits:   Boards should encourage compliance cultures within their organisations and the use of regular audits. For example, Apple has a strict code of conduct and standards that all its subsidiaries, affiliates and subcontractors are required to abide by. It also produces an annual “ Supplier Responsibility Progress Report ”, which outlines the number of audits it has undertaken and provides details on its labour and human rights initiatives, such as repayments to workers for unpaid overtime or due to excessive recruitment fees charged by brokers.

“More progressive global organisations are now starting to demonstrate bimodal thinking around how to maximise the opportunities out of the third party extended ecosystem while managing the related risks at the same time” , suggests Deloitte.

The GLC has previously interviewed  Dr Richard Welford , chair of consulting firm CSR Asia, about the role of directors in managing supply chain risks.

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University of Hong Kong

iPhone's Supply Chain Under Threat

By: Benjamin Yen, Minyi Huang

The outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease, 2019) posed unprecedented challenges to the global supply chains. As a leading and innovative supply chain that achieved just-in-time manufacturing,…

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  • Publication Date: Jun 1, 2021
  • Discipline: Operations Management
  • Product #: HK1284-PDF-ENG

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The outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease, 2019) posed unprecedented challenges to the global supply chains. As a leading and innovative supply chain that achieved just-in-time manufacturing, Apple's performance was put in the spotlight. This case describes how Apple's supply chain has coped with the COVID-19 pandemic. Apple's supply chain has weathered natural disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, floods, and SARS; the risks and challenges brought by the outbreak of COVID-19 were unprecedented and complicated. Unlike the symptoms of SARS patients with high fever, the symptoms of COVID-19 varied; some patients had no symptoms at all, which made them difficult to identify. Moreover, the pandemic complicated supply chain planning because it was difficult, if not impossible, to predict where the next epicenter would be and what measures local governments might take to prevent the further spread of the virus. Social distancing was effective to control the pandemic, but it brought both challenges and opportunities for companies like Apple. On the one hand, social distancing slowed the manufacturing process and had a negative impact on the economy, which could dampen consumer confidence and reduce demand. On the other hand, social distancing boosted the demands for electronic devices, as many people had to work at home. Using this case study, students will understand the importance of risk management in supply chain management and learn the challenges and opportunities of the disruption posed to business operations. The case provides an opportunity for students to discuss and understand why some companies can recover from the disruptions better than other companies and how a resilient supply chain can improve a company's competitiveness.

Learning Objectives

To allow students to understand the advantages of a lean and agile supply chain

To enable students to understand the importance of resilience in supply chain management

To provide an opportunity for students to discuss different strategies to cope with unexpected disruptions in supply chain management

Jun 1, 2021

Discipline:

Operations Management

Industries:

Consumer electronics

University of Hong Kong

HK1284-PDF-ENG

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apple supply chain case study solution

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Apple Inc.: Global Supply Chain Management

Nov 12, 2020

  • Apple Podcasts

Fraser Johnson , professor of operations management at the Ivey Business School, joins host Matt Quin to take another look at his  award-winning  case,  Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain  (2014), as well as the recently published update,  Apple Inc.: Global Supply Chain Management  (2020).  In this episode, Johnson and Quin discuss Apple's business model, how he has brought the company into the classroom over the years, and why junior faculty ought to consider writing cases. Professor Johnson is the Leenders Supply Chain Management Association Chair at the Ivey Business School, Western University, where he teaches courses in supply chain management and operations. Johnson is also the Director of the  Ivey Purchasing Managers Index , one of the most widely watched and utilized indicators of future economic activity in Canada.

Hi, I'm at Quinn. Thanks for joining us for decision point from Ivy Publishing at the Ivy Business School. Today we returned to another award winning and best selling case. Apple INC managing a global supply chain, originally published in two thousand and fourteen. Authoring Professor Frasier Johnson from the Ivy Business School, presents a snapshot of Apple up against competitors such as blackberry and Samsu. Unlike other companies with leading supply chains, such as Walmart, apple's approach to supply chain strategy and supplier management padded, investing far less in assets to support distribution. Instead, the company is now famous for its focus on innovation, new product development and brand management. In this episode we ask Professor Johnson about how apple was able to use its business model and supply chain strategy to help it continue capturing significant value from hardware sales. We also take a look at the updated two thousand and twenty case in the increased complexity for apple as it continues to add services in products to compete in the mature smartphone market. I hope you enjoyed today's episode. So, Frasier, thanks very much for joining us today. Apple was a really different company in two thousand and fourteen. What prompted you to write the case then, and how have you audit what's changed as you've taught it throughout the years? Well, apples a fascinating company. A lot of the cases that are done in the supply chain area tend to be with traditional manufacturing companies like Toyota or large retailers like Walmart, and one of the things that really interested me about apple was or business model with the IPHONE, with these annual product introductions, with big spikes in demand, and exactly how were they able to get their supply chain organized to be able to meet these big peaks in demand that they were facing. So the great thing about cases is it puts the student in the seat of a protagonist. This particular case Examines Apple from the perspective of Jessica Grant. She's an analyst with a Toronto based Money Management Firm. You, as an author, did a great job of giving students a primer of how apple was able to reach the margins with the iphones through supplier relationships and really tight coordination of the supply chain. Can you remind listeners what's at stake in the case for apple when it was set in two thousand and fourteen. Well, apple was one of the early innovators in the smartphone business and if you take a look at what's happened to the company over the last decade or so, the iphone is a way that apple connects with their consumers. Those they do things like sell services to individuals. Really, you know, the analogy that I use in the teaching note is that the iphone represents the the the razor that they used to be able to sell the blades to the consumers. So as apple looks to expand as market in the smartphone business, really what it does is give them a platform to be able to connect with their consumers. And from the students perspective, you're putting them in the role of the analyst in the case allows them to take a look at the entire business operation as opposed to taking the role of a functional executive with a specific functional related problem. So let's talk teaching notes for a second, because you've written a lot of case as many of them are best sellers. Let's dive into the teaching note part of this. In the teaching note you mentioned flexibility as a key part of the apple supplier management strategy. With recently apple moving away from mentell process. There's in away from Samsung as a screen supplier. It seems that the company is really continuing to embrace this approach of flexibility. What do you see in the company? Back in two thousand and seven when apple launched the iphone, they basically outsourced everything. HMM. So to bring a iphone to market they had to work closely with their suppliers. And the other interesting part of this is a short product life cycle of the IPHONE. They bring a new product ote every year and that was one of the it's one of the other important parts of the case. How do you work with suppliers where you're constantly launching and relaunching a new product every year, in selling product in the in the millions? So if you take a look at a company like Walmart, for example, they practice every day low pricing, so they try to minimize the bull whip effect and provide stable demand so they can work with their suppliers to reduce their total costs. Apples a complete opposite. They embrace variability. They have, as I said earlier, these annual releases with huge product introductions, with high volumes and then volumes taper off slowly until they bring out a new product and repeat the process all over again. And so you've built this in these comparators, in in the narratives. So one of the things that we know is important about the uptake of a case, in the sales of a case, is also the teaching note, and you write great teaching notes. You've mentioned apple versus Walmart. What are some other things that you try to include in a teaching note to help a faculty member use it in the classroom? What are your keys to success? Well, you know, what you want is, as somebody writing a case, to have a teaching note that resonates with other instructors. So when I say resonates, it's got to be something that they can relate to. It doesn't want to be so complicated that when they read the case and then take a look at the teaching note, become intimidated with the material that they see. They have to be able to understand it. They'd be had to be able to translate the material that you provided the teaching note into a classroom setting, so being able to talk about the issues at instructors face, including a teaching strategy appropriate questions to ask as part of delivery of the material are all very important. The other thing that I think is important to recognize is it before the case is completed, you've also got to write the teaching note. So don't publish the case and then come back to the teaching note a month later or two months later. Rate both documents simultaneously, because you have to use your teaching note as a quality control check to make sure that there's enough information in the case for the students and the instructors to be able to complete the analysis properly. And I know something you've done and our other colleagues have done is way to finalize that teaching note, if you will, until you've taught it a couple times and see how certain questions go or there might be some new information that comes out that you can include. So I know you've done that a few times as well. Right. Yeah, for many of the cases that I've written I will go back to the great staff at I've publishing and make revisions to the teaching note and perhaps to the case I'm talking about, minor at it to make in case issues have come up in the class discussion and I can help clarify the case by making qualifying statements. Sometimes when you're right a case, even with the editing process that you go through, sometimes students don't always interpret the information properly. So gives me a chance to be able to go back in and, you know, just a couple of sentences put not tend to clarify what certain peoples of data mean. For example, one of the tips that you gave is to try to not make things overly complicated. At the time of the case there's a lot happening at at apple with the five c being released. Profit margins were down slightly from, you know, two thousand and nine to two thousand and eleven. What do you think of and consider as you're writing a case to maintain that focus without, you know, there's a lot that you can put in a case. How do you remain so focused as an author? Well, I think that you're right a case in a particular point of time and as you as you say, you know, a lot has happened at apple in the last decade, or I guess thirteen years, since they brought out the first iphone, and you know the way that I view a lot of cases. You like my one an apple my other cases on Walmart and Amazon, is that they're almost live cases in the sense that, you know, I keep crack of what's going on in these organizations throughout the year before I teach the case so that we can use the information in the case is kind of a launching board, but we can also I can also incorporate through the introduction of power point slides, for example, and other information in terms of more recent developments. In the case of Apple, you see them, for example, insourcing more product buying the chip division from Intel and moving more to insourcing mode as opposed to an outsourcing mode, and that's the kind of stuff that you can incorporate into the class discussion. You've mentioned that you've released an updated case, which is great. We encourage faculty to do that and authors to do that. We welcome that and it's a smart thing to do because the cases evolve, the companies evolved in the situations, in the environment that the business is working evolved as well. Could you talk a little bit about the new case and the new complexities for Apple? Is As we sit here, in two thousand and twenty I wrote the first apple case, as you stated earlier, in two thousand and fourteen and if you take a look at what was happening to apple at that point, the sales for iphones were on the upsway and you know, if apple had a problem at that point, it was simply keeping up with demand. Now, if you take a look at what's happening in two thousand and twenty, the situation that the company faces and the challenges for its supply chain or are a lot different. As we talked about earlier, it's more moved to more of an insourcing model. On the other side of it, sales of the IPHONE are now starting to flatten out and the smartphone market is starting to mature. So we've see in back in two thousand and fourteen, apple competing in an environment where the markets growing margins are pretty healthy and it's having trouble keeping up with the man to in two thousand and twenty, where you're facing consecutive years of sales declines of the IPHONE and a maturing market with a lot of price pressure on margins. The other thing that you see with apple in two thousand and twenty compared to two thousand and fourteen is an increased emphasis on services. So one of the things that we can talk about in the new case is how does apple manage its services supply chain? So it really gives you a double edge. On one side we can talk about changes to the iphone and what apple does to manage its iphone successfully, but also how do they use the iphone in terms of its relationships and connectivity with its customers as part of its services supply chain? I've mentioned before how popular this case is. It's been climbing up the best seller list for years. Why do you think that is it? Is it the brand? Is it because the student can hold this thing in their hands and have a relation with with the company? What do you think is made us so popular? You know, I like to say cases like this teach themselves, and you know it's an overused line maybe in some areas, but students are familiar with the company, instructors are familiar with the company. The brand is strong. Even students that don't necessarily get excited about coming to class and talking in a case discussion do like the technology companies and I think there's something in the case for people that most people, particularly students, can relate to in terms of the technology and how they use their iphones and even the debate among the students in the class, among the iphone users versus the non iphone users. So every time I teach the case I ask you know, who's using apple products, and iphones included, and who's not using them, and why is that? You know, why do you like apple? Why do you use your products? On the other end of the spectrum, who are the Anti Apple people and why have they made a conscious decision not to participate in what I call in my new case apple ecosystem? And that kind of allows us to talk about the company strategy, which then evolves into a further more detailed discussion about how they're able to support Tho strategy with their supply chain capabilities. Yeah, it's a very accessible for for students of many Undergrad students, Grad students, high school students, can they can all take a different approach with it, but apple is a company is pretty accessible. Have there been any challenges or surprises when you've taught this where you go, oh, that's a different perspective or I have to remember to the include that in my next version of the case. Anything that comes to mind. The major event for me was in two thousand and nineteen as I was teaching the case and my supply chain management elective. And you know, as I'm standing up in front of the class talking about what's happening with a company in two thousand and nineteen, about exactly how much it changed at at Apple, and you know that point. You know after I, as I do after every class, I make notes to myself in terms of things that I want to remember for the following year, I made the decision that I commit the time to updating the case and writing and ended up doing that writing the case this year. So to me, you know, when you deal with cases like apple, you know a lot of the changes and things that happen, both in the classroom as a result of what happens at the company and as part of your preparation in terms of teaching the case. Is kind of evolutionary. Is of most revolutionary. Yeah, but eventually, you know, with companies like this, you do reach a point where you've got to think about revising the product, and that's one thing I want to give as a really good tip, and I don't want to overlook this, I'm just looking at some notes I've got here, is that the importance of immediately after the class, taking down notes as an instructor H who's either taught this case a number of times or just new to it. All the great case teachers that I've seen makeup point immediately, even at the breaks, of writing down some notes about ways it could be done differently or different things to approach or something that didn't go so well. So I want to make sure that if we hit that point for those that are listening, because that's such a great tip that I don't want to overlook. So anything else that you make a point of doing right before class or during a break or right after the class as a process for case teaching? Yeah, yeah, I think that this is maybe a minor point, but I think a relevant one. I think regardless of how many times you've taught a case and regardless of whether or not you're the one that wrote the case, and sometimes I think people that write cases can be too overconfident in terms of their level of understanding with the material to invest the time before class to get ready, regret, regardless of how many times you've taught the case. So don't just pick the file up and walk into class. US remind yourself about the essential details of the case and the case facts and think about how you're going to manage the conversation with the student. And, as I said earlier the debrief after class, every time I teach a case, I sit in my office after class and make note to my teach on the front of my teaching plan in terms of things that I would adjuster do differently or things that I want to remind myself worked well and to do. And that regular pays off, because I've seen you teach. You've welcome to a lot of our team members from I be publishing to watch a teach. So I've seen it at work. As we wrap up today on the discussion, I want to come back to the writing of cases. Do you have anything that stands out to you that you wish somebody had told you when you were just starting to write cases? Any any tips for new case writers as they ventured down this road? I think that you, as a new faculty member, writing cases is a is a great way to first of all learn about management practice and if you're writing feel cases working with companies in terms of material or case development, it gives you a chance to be able to talk to managers about some of the issues that they're facing and it keeps you current and, you know, being able to and you can do that through your research, certainly, but writing cases is another way to be able to stay in touch with what's going on in terms of management practice. The second point is a writing cases helps you establish credibility with your students. Students pay attention to the material that's being used in terms of the case studies, and if your name's on the author list of the case study that they're using, it tells the students that you know you're doing work in this area. These chances are they're probably not reading your research and helps establish some credibility in terms of your familiarity with the subject matter and the material that you're using in class. Well, that's fantastic. Thank you so much, Frasier, for taking the time to speak with us and, moreover, working with our team on publishing cases and bringing cases to the class. I know when we get a submission from you, our team always enjoys the process, so thank you for that as well. It's my pleasure. Thanks for the great job that everybody to I be publishing, does and supporting the word that the faculty does in terms of writing and publishing cases. If you enjoyed today's episode, subscribe to Decision Point on spotify or wherever you listen. Be sure to check out the show notes for links to cases, resources and more. have any feedback, send us an email at cases at IV DOC A.

  • Ivey Publishing

An Insight Into Apple’s Supply Chain Strategy

An Insight Into Apple's Supply Chain Strategy

Apple is one of the most popular and valuable companies in the world. A large part of Apple’s success is due to its efficient and effective supply chain strategy. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Apple’s supply chain strategy and how it has helped the company become a leading force in the tech industry. By the end of this blog post, you will have a better understanding of the complexities of Apple’s supply chain and how it contributes to the success of the company.

Table of Contents

Apple’s Supply Chain Strategy

Apple’s supply chain is a complex and intricate system responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of its products. It is a global network of suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors who collaborate to ensure that Apple products are delivered to consumers quickly and effectively.

The beginning of Apple’s supply chain is the procurement of basic materials. Apple works with global suppliers to acquire the necessary components to manufacture its products. These components are then transported to Apple’s manufacturing facilities, where they are used to assemble finalized products.

Once products have been assembled, they are sent to Apple’s distribution centers. The products are packaged and dispatched from this location to Apple’s retail stores, its online store, and other retailers. Apple collaborates with third-party logistics providers to ensure timely and efficient delivery of products to customers.

Apple also employs a rigorous quality assurance procedure to ensure that all of its products satisfy the company’s stringent requirements. This includes thorough inspections of the manufacturing process and testing of components and finished products.

In the previous blogs, we looked into the supply chains of famous and leading companies, which you can read about each of them in the section below.

Apple’s Global Supply Chain Management

Apple is a successful business due to its global supply chain, which allows it to quickly and efficiently source parts and materials from all over the globe and deliver them to its factories. Apple has many distinct partners, including suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics companies, and maintains constant communication with them to ensure they can uphold the company’s standards for dependability and quality. Additionally, Apple collaborates with its suppliers to make sure they can adhere to its manufacturing deadlines and schedules.

Apple works with logistics partners to manage its supply chain, organizing parts and supplies, and supporting inventory management efforts. Apple uses SCM and ERP systems to track and manage its inventory levels.

Finally, Apple has implemented a variety of various strategies to guarantee the effectiveness and efficiency of its global supply chain. Among these tactics are just-in-time manufacturing, which aids Apple in lowering inventory costs, and lean manufacturing methods, which aid Apple in cutting waste and boosting productivity.

The global supply chain for Apple is very successful and economical. Apple is able to obtain parts and materials from all over the world and deliver them to its factories quickly and affordably by utilizing its partnerships, technologies, and business strategies.

An Insight Into Apple's Supply Chain Strategy

The Benefits of Apple’s Supply Chain Strategy

Apple’s supply chain control reduces costs. Apple can give competitive prices by streamlining the supply chain, lowering output and distribution costs. Apple’s supply chain strategy lets them react rapidly to market changes like new product launches and customer demand. Apple stays competitive by adapting rapidly to market changes.

Apple’s supply chain management ensures product quality. Apple manages its supply chain to assure high-quality products. Customer happiness and loyalty are crucial to a business’s long-term success.

Finally, Apple’s supply chain management method ensures excellent customer service. Apple manages its supply chain to deliver goods quickly and cheaply. This ensures consumer satisfaction and future Apple purchases.

Strategic Innovations in Apple’s Supply Chain

Apple Inc. pioneered supply chain tactics. The company’s supply chain management strategy has helped it compete globally. Apple’s supply chain strategies aim to improve user experience, efficiency, and innovation through technology.

Apple prioritizes customer satisfaction in its supply line. Its retail shops offer personalized shopping. Apple’s online store offers consumers convenience. Apple also has a strong logistics network to send products quickly.

Apple also optimizes its supply line. The firm has taken several cost-cutting and efficiency measures. Apple uses a Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory method to cut costs and speed delivery. Apple has also automated and robotized output.

Finally, Apple’s supply chain plan uses technology to innovate. The firm has developed several supply chain visibility and optimization software solutions. Apple also uses AI and machine learning in logistics for prediction and demand planning.

An Insight Into Apple's Supply Chain Strategy

The Prospects for Apple’s Supply Strategy

Apple Inc. is one of the most successful tech companies in the world, and its supply chain management is a big reason why. As the company grows, its supply chain must change to keep up with the business’s needs. In the future, Apple’s supply chain management will have to focus on sustainability, efficiency, and customer service.

Sustainability

Apple is embracing sustainability in the tech sector. The firm uses renewable energy and reduces packaging waste. Apple must keep investing in renewable energy, lowering emissions, and using sustainable materials in its goods.

Apple’s supply chain strategy prioritizes efficiency. The supply chain must meet consumer demand at low cost. Apple must engage in automation and AI to streamline its processes. The firm will save money and improve service.

Customer Service

Apple thrives on customer service. The firm must deliver orders quickly and accurately. Apple needs chatbots and automated customer support systems to do this. This improves customer care and lowers costs.

An Insight Into Apple's Supply Chain Strategy

If you are looking for a digital freight forwarder in the UAE , Look no further than DFreight! We offer a digital app and online platform that makes it easy to manage your supply chain. We can help you develop a customized supply chain strategy that meets your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more!

How does Apple source its components and materials?

Apple sources its components and materials from a variety of suppliers around the world. It has a team of experts that negotiate contracts and manage relationships with suppliers. Apple also has a supply chain management team that works with suppliers to ensure that they meet Apple’s quality standards and delivery deadlines.

How does Apple manage its supply chain?

Apple has a team of experts that manage its supply chain. They work with suppliers to ensure that they meet Apple’s quality standards and delivery deadlines. They also work to optimize the supply chain to improve efficiency and reduce costs. 

What are some of the challenges that Apple faces with its supply chain?

One of the challenges that Apple faces is managing the complexity of its supply chain. Apple sources its components and materials from a variety of suppliers around the world. Another challenge is ensuring that its suppliers meet Apple’s quality standards and delivery deadlines.

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Apple Inc.: Global Supply Chain Management

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Product Description

Publication Date: June 01, 2020

Source: Ivey Publishing

Industry: Telecom

This case focuses on the supply chain strategy of Apple Inc. (Apple). Set in early 2020, it provides a detailed description of the company's supply chain network and capabilities. Data in the case allows students to develop an understanding of Apple's source of competitiveness and to gain insights into the management of a large, complex global supply chain network that focused on the intersection of services, hardware and software. Students will obtain an understanding of the supply chain challenges faced by Apple, in the context of supporting its corporate strategy and growth objectives.

apple supply chain case study solution

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Is Apple’s Supply Chain Really the No. 1? A Case Study

apple supply chain case study solution

How Complex is Apple's Supply Chain? Some people in the blogosphere said that Apple's Supply Chain is not that complicated.

Everything about Apple Inc is the talk of the town, for example, the new iPad, iPhone 5, Apple Map or even environmental and labor issues at its suppliers’ facilities.

Surprisingly, IT research firm Gartner ranks Apple Supply Chain as the best supply chain in the world for 3 years in a row .

Without a doubt, Apple Inc is the world leader in Innovation, Branding and Software Ecosystem. But, is Apple’s Supply Chain really the number 1?

This case study will show you the analysis of Apple’s Supply Chain core processes, challenging issues and complexities of its operations.

1) Apple’s Supply Chain Model Information about Apple Supply Chain is a bit here, there and everywhere, it’s kinda tough to find the actual case study.

To the best of my knowledge, many business schools still use the case study “ Apple Computer’s Supplier Hubs: A Tale of Three Cities ” from Stanford University (1996).

To get a closer look at modern-day supply chain at Apple Inc, this case study utilizes the content analysis technique. Apple’s Annual Report (SEC Filing) of 2011 is analyzed and simplified supply chain processes are constructed as below;

Supply Chain Planning at Apple

Supply Chain Planning at Apple Inc is the classic example of the New Product Development Process (NPD). It’s the integration of R&D, Marketing and various function under supply chain management. From the above graphic, Apple Inc accelerates the new product introduction by acquiring licensing and 3rd party businesses. The whole process looks very similar to that of other industries. Interesting point is that Apple Inc has to make pre-payments to some suppliers to secure strategic raw materials.

Supply Chain Model of Apple

Supply Chain Map is the way to express large system from points of origin to points of consumption in a simple to understand manner. Information from the annual report is also used to produce Apple Supply Chain Map.

Apple Inc purchases raw materials from various sources then get them shipped to assembling plant in China. From there, the assembler will ship products directly to consumers (via UPS/FedEx) for those who buy from Apple’s Online Store.

For other distribution channels such as retail stores, direct sales and other distributors, Apple Inc will keep products at Elk Grove, California (where central warehouse and call center are located) and supply products from there. At the end of a product’s life, the customer can send products back to nearest Apple Stores or dedicated recycling facilities.

2) Apple’s Supply Chain Challenges What does it feel like to be “Apple Inc”? One journalist indicated that the life of Apple Inc is fairly easy by utilizing its negotiation power . Believe me, Apple Supply Chain has very high risks. There are many challenges to overcome, for example;

  • The global economy could affect the Company.
  • Some re-sellers may also distribute products from competing manufacturers.
  • Inventories can become obsolete or exceed anticipated demand.
  • Some components are currently obtained from single or limited sources.
  • Some custom components are not common to the rest of the industries.
  • Ability to obtain components in sufficient quantities is important.
  • Supply chain disruption such as natural and man-made disasters can be serious.
  • The company depends on logistical services provided by outsourcing partners.
  • The company also relies on its partners to adhere to the supplier code of conduct.

The above information is also from the annual report. As you can see, most of the risks are on the supply side.

3) How Complex is Apple’s Supply Chain? Some people in the blogosphere said that Apple Supply Chain is not that complicated . So this section will explain some characteristics of Apple Supply Chain through various metrics and compare them with Amazon Supply Chain.

Inventory Turnover Inventory Turnover is the traditional financial measure to determine how efficient company uses its financial resources to create sales, the higher number is the better. Supply chain professionals also use this metric in the inventory management function. Generally accepted calculation is (Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory).

Inventory Turnover of Amazon vs Apple

The above picture shows that inventory turnover of Amazon and Apple is 10 and 59 respectively (cost of goods sold of digital content/downloadable products are excluded). From the face value, Apple seems to be more efficient.

Anyway, there is a reason for this. Apple Inc is now a marketing company with no manufacturing facility but Amazon is a distributor of general merchandise. It’s pretty natural that Amazon has to keep more stocks then inventory turnover can be much lower.

Number of Key Suppliers Supply chain management is about the relationship between trading partners. Working closely with strategic suppliers will bring competitive advantage to the firm.

apple supply chain case study solution

Apple recently said that they have about 156 key vendors across the globe. This amount of suppliers is quite manageable. According to this information , Amazon has about 3 million suppliers in total. Top 5% of this is 300,000 suppliers, way more than that of Apple Inc.

Number of Warehouse Facilities In the United States, transportation cost is a big portion of the total logistics cost. Then, good management of related function is essential.

Number of Warehouse Facilities Amazon vs Apple

Apple inc has a central warehouse in California but Amazon has approximately 28 warehouses from coast to coast. What Apple has to do is to synchronize data between the central warehouse and its own 246 stores + customers. With the appropriate level of automation, this kind of operations can be done efficiently.

For Amazon, the thing is more complicated than that. Amazon is known to employ many Ph.D. graduates in operations research/industrial engineering. The reason is that Amazon distribution environment must be mathematically solved through optimization method.

Typically, they have to determine how many facilities they should have, where serves which market, items/quantity stored in each location, how to manage transportation between warehouse-to-warehouse and warehouse to customers in order to minimize cost and increase service level.

Number of Items (Stock Keeping Unit) Stock Keeping Unit aka SKU is another indication of supply chain complexity. One model of phone but different software inside is considered different item/SKU.

Number of SKUs Amazon vs Apple

According to this , Amazon has about 170 million items on its catalog. About 135 million items are physical products. For Apple, they have about 26,000 items (rough estimate, subject to change). The point is that if you have to make a demand forecast, which one will more difficult for you, 135 million items or 26k items.

Product Life Cycle Put it simple way, the product life cycle is how long you can sell products (the longer is the better).

Product Life Cycle Amazon vs Apple

From a rough estimate, Amazon has some seasonal products such as summer wear. They can only sell it for 3 months max. The life of Apple’s key products is way more than 12 months. It goes without saying that demand forecast of seasonal, short life cycle products is very very difficult to estimate.

As you may notice, based on example characteristics, Amazon’s Supply Chain is far more complicated than that of Apple Inc.

4) Conclusion The results from the analysis of Apple’s processes, challenging issues, and complexities indicate that the success of its supply chain operations depends on how well they manage supplier relationship. This includes early supplier involvement in new product development, close communication, and supplier performance improvement/evaluation. Then, Apple Inc is dubbed as “ King of Outsourcing ”.

In your opinion, does Apple Supply Chain deserve the number one spot? Register, and let us know your comments below.

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Rebuilding Trust: Apple Crisis Management Case Study

Crisis management is an essential skill for any business, as even the most successful companies can find themselves in challenging situations that threaten their reputation and bottom line. 

One such case that garnered significant attention and scrutiny is the Apple crisis. 

Apple, the tech giant known for its innovation and loyal customer base, faced a crisis that put its brand and reputation at risk. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the Apple crisis management case study, exploring the challenges faced by the company, the strategies implemented to navigate the crisis, and the lessons learned from their experience. 

By examining Apple’s crisis management approach, we can gain valuable insights into the importance of proactive crisis management and its impact on businesses in today’s hyper-connected world.

Let’s dive in and learn more 

Overview of Apple’s history and brand image

Apple, founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, has emerged as one of the most influential and valuable companies in the world. The company’s journey began with the creation of the Apple I, a personal computer that laid the foundation for their future success.

Over the years, Apple revolutionized various industries, introducing groundbreaking products such as the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

One of the key factors contributing to Apple’s success is its unwavering commitment to innovation. The company’s ability to anticipate and meet consumer needs with cutting-edge technology has consistently set it apart from its competitors. Apple’s products are renowned for their sleek designs, user-friendly interfaces, and seamless integration across its ecosystem.

Beyond its products, Apple has cultivated a distinctive brand image that resonates with consumers worldwide. The company’s brand is synonymous with excellence, creativity, and a forward-thinking mindset. Apple’s marketing campaigns, such as the famous “Think Different” slogan, have fostered a sense of aspiration and uniqueness among its customers.

Furthermore, Apple has successfully built a loyal and passionate community around its products. The Apple ecosystem encourages users to remain within the brand’s ecosystem, promoting customer retention and brand loyalty. This devotion is evident in the enthusiastic anticipation and high demand for new Apple product launches.

Explanation of the crisis situation faced by Apple

Apple, a company known for its strong brand image and customer loyalty, faced a significant crisis that posed a considerable challenge to its reputation. The crisis situation arose when reports and allegations surfaced regarding unethical labor practices in Apple’s supply chain.

These reports highlighted issues such as poor working conditions, excessive overtime, child labor, and inadequate safety measures in some of the factories producing Apple products.

The crisis was exacerbated by extensive media coverage and the viral spread of information through social media platforms. News outlets, consumer advocacy groups, and concerned individuals amplified the allegations, putting pressure on Apple to address the situation swiftly and transparently.

The crisis not only raised ethical concerns but also posed a threat to Apple’s brand image. The company’s reputation for innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction was at risk of being tarnished by association with these labor controversies.

Apple was faced with the challenge of not only addressing the immediate issues within its supply chain but also effectively managing the perception of its commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices.

Factors that led to the crisis

The crisis faced by Apple regarding unethical labor practices in its supply chain was influenced by several factors that contributed to the emergence and escalation of the issue.

  • Globalized Supply Chain: Apple’s success as a global technology leader relies on a vast and complex supply chain spread across various countries. The company sources components and assembles its products through a network of suppliers and subcontractors worldwide. The extensive reach of this supply chain increases the difficulty of monitoring and ensuring ethical practices at every stage.
  • Outsourcing and Cost Pressures: To remain competitive, companies like Apple often outsource production to regions with lower labor costs. This outsourcing, while driving efficiency and cost savings, can sometimes lead to compromised labor standards. Suppliers under cost pressures may resort to exploitative practices such as excessive working hours, low wages, and poor working conditions to meet demand and maintain profitability.
  • Lack of Supply Chain Transparency: Managing a complex supply chain poses challenges in terms of visibility and transparency. Apple, like many other companies, faced difficulties in monitoring and enforcing labor standards across its entire supply chain. The lack of transparency made it challenging to identify and address ethical issues promptly, allowing problems to persist and potentially escalate.
  • Limited Supplier Oversight: Despite Apple’s efforts to implement supplier codes of conduct and auditing processes, the sheer number of suppliers and subcontractors involved made it challenging to maintain stringent oversight. This resulted in instances where unethical labor practices went undetected or were inadequately addressed.
  • Social Media and Activism: The rise of social media platforms and increased activism empowered consumers, workers, and advocacy groups to expose and publicize the labor issues within Apple’s supply chain. The widespread dissemination of information and the ability for individuals to amplify their concerns quickly led to significant reputational risks for the company.

Impact of the crisis on Apple’s brand and reputation

The following are key impacts of the crisis on Apple’s brand and reputation:

  • Brand Perception : The crisis undermined Apple’s carefully cultivated brand image. The allegations of unethical labor practices tarnished the perception of Apple as a company that prioritizes the well-being of its workers and upholds high ethical standards. The negative media coverage and public scrutiny eroded trust and raised doubts about the authenticity of Apple’s commitment to responsible business practices.
  • Consumer Trust: Apple’s loyal customer base, which had been drawn to the company for its innovative products and perceived values, was confronted with allegations of worker exploitation. This eroded the trust and loyalty that customers had placed in Apple. Concerned consumers started questioning the ethics behind their purchasing decisions and may have become hesitant to support the brand.
  • Investor Confidence: The crisis had implications for investor confidence in Apple. The negative publicity and potential ethical implications affected the perception of Apple’s risk management practices and corporate governance. Investors may have raised concerns about the company’s ability to effectively manage supply chain risks and protect its brand value, leading to potential impacts on the company’s stock price and shareholder sentiment.
  • Reputational Damage: The crisis resulted in significant reputational damage for Apple. The labor controversies received widespread media attention, leading to negative headlines and public discourse about the company’s ethical standards. This damage extended beyond Apple’s core customer base, reaching a broader audience and potentially influencing perceptions of the brand among potential customers and stakeholders.
  • Competitive Disadvantage: The crisis also created a potential competitive disadvantage for Apple. Competitors in the technology industry could capitalize on the negative publicity and position themselves as more socially responsible alternatives. Apple’s reputation for innovation and quality alone might not be sufficient to counterbalance the ethical concerns raised by the crisis.

Apple’s Crisis Management Strategy 

Following are key aspects of Apple crisis management strategy:

Immediate response to the crisis

When faced with the crisis of unethical labor practices in its supply chain, Apple swiftly initiated an immediate response to address the situation. The company recognized the gravity of the allegations and understood the importance of proactive crisis management.

The following are key aspects of Apple’s immediate response strategy:

  • Acknowledgment and Investigation: Apple promptly acknowledged the allegations and expressed its commitment to investigating the issues thoroughly. The company recognized the need for transparency and took responsibility for addressing the labor concerns within its supply chain.
  • Supplier Audits: Apple conducted comprehensive audits of its suppliers to assess the working conditions, labor practices, and adherence to ethical standards. These audits aimed to identify non-compliant suppliers and gather detailed information to formulate appropriate corrective actions.
  • Collaboration with Suppliers: Apple worked closely with its suppliers to address the identified issues and enforce compliance with ethical labor standards. The company engaged in open dialogue, sharing its expectations and implementing measures to improve working conditions and protect workers’ rights.
  • Supplier Code of Conduct: Apple reinforced its supplier code of conduct, which outlines the expectations and requirements for ethical labor practices. The company communicated the code clearly to all suppliers and emphasized the importance of compliance. Non-compliant suppliers were urged to make necessary improvements or face consequences.

Initial actions taken by Apple to address the crisis

During the initial stages of the crisis, Apple took several immediate actions to address the labor concerns and mitigate the negative impact. These actions demonstrated the company’s commitment to resolving the issues and improving working conditions within its supply chain.

The following are some of the key initial actions taken by Apple:

  • Supplier Engagement and Remediation: Apple actively engaged with its suppliers to address the identified labor issues. The company worked collaboratively with suppliers to develop and implement remediation plans that focused on improving working conditions, ensuring fair wages, and eliminating unethical labor practices. This approach emphasized corrective actions rather than simply severing ties with non-compliant suppliers.
  • Worker Empowerment Programs: Apple recognized the importance of empowering workers and ensuring their well-being. The company implemented programs to educate workers about their rights, provide channels for reporting grievances, and establish mechanisms for feedback and improvement. These initiatives aimed to empower workers and create an environment where their voices were heard.
  • Enhanced Supply Chain Transparency: Apple took steps to improve supply chain transparency, making information about its suppliers more readily available. The company published annual reports that detailed its supplier responsibility initiatives, audits, and progress made in addressing labor concerns. This transparency aimed to build trust among stakeholders and hold Apple accountable for its actions.
  • Collaboration with Industry Peers: Apple actively collaborated with other industry leaders and stakeholders to address the systemic challenges within the technology supply chain. By partnering with organizations and sharing best practices, Apple sought to drive industry-wide improvements in labor practices and create a more sustainable and ethical supply chain.

Crisis containment and damage control

In addition to the immediate response, Apple implemented crisis containment and damage control measures to limit the negative repercussions of the labor crisis. The company recognized the importance of effectively managing the situation to protect its brand and reputation.

The following are key actions taken by Apple for crisis containment and damage control:

  • Clear Communication: Apple developed a comprehensive communication strategy to address the crisis. The company proactively communicated with stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and the public, to provide updates on the progress made in resolving the labor issues. Transparent and timely communication aimed to rebuild trust and maintain transparency throughout the crisis.
  • Public Statements and Apologies: Apple’s top executives issued public statements acknowledging the gravity of the situation and expressing apologies for any harm caused. The company took responsibility for the issues within its supply chain and emphasized its commitment to remediation and preventing similar incidents in the future. Public apologies were crucial in demonstrating accountability and a willingness to learn from the crisis.
  • Continuous Improvement and Reporting: Apple emphasized continuous improvement by regularly reporting on its progress in addressing the labor crisis. The company shared annual reports, sustainability updates, and supplier responsibility progress reports to showcase the strides made in improving working conditions and upholding ethical practices. Transparent reporting aimed to rebuild trust and demonstrate Apple’s ongoing commitment to accountability.

05 lessons learned from Apple Crisis Management Case Study

These lessons learned from Apple crisis management case study can serve as valuable takeaways for other organizations facing similar challenges. 

Let’s discuss each of these:

Proactive auditing and monitoring

Apple learned the importance of proactive auditing and monitoring of its supply chain to identify and address potential issues. Regular audits and inspections help ensure compliance with ethical standards and allow for early intervention and remediation.

Transparent communication

The crisis highlighted the significance of transparent communication with stakeholders. Apple realized that timely and honest communication about the crisis, its causes, and the steps taken to address it was essential for rebuilding trust and maintaining transparency.

Supplier collaboration and support

Apple recognized the need for collaboration and support with its suppliers. The company learned that working closely with suppliers, providing resources, guidance, and training, helps improve ethical practices and strengthens the overall supply chain.

Long-term commitment

Apple understood the importance of a long-term commitment to addressing the crisis and preventing future incidents. The company recognized that sustainable change requires ongoing efforts, continuous improvement, and a steadfast commitment to ethical practices and responsible business conduct.

External validation and partnerships

The crisis highlighted the value of external validation and partnerships. Apple sought certifications and accreditations from recognized third-party organizations to provide independent verification of its efforts. Collaborating with industry peers, NGOs, and advocacy groups allowed Apple to gain insights, share best practices, and drive collective change.

Final Words 

Apple crisis management case study provides valuable insights into how a company can navigate and recover from a crisis while minimizing the negative impact on its brand and reputation. The labor crisis presented Apple with significant challenges, but the company responded with a comprehensive and strategic approach.

Ultimately, Apple crisis management case study highlights the significance of a holistic approach that goes beyond immediate crisis response. By taking responsibility, implementing meaningful actions, and fostering a culture of responsible business conduct, a company can rebuild trust, enhance its reputation, and position itself as a leader in ethical practices and sustainability

About The Author

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Tahir Abbas

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Introduction to case study solution

EMBA Pro case study solution for Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study

At EMBA PRO , we provide corporate level professional case study solution. Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study is a Harvard Business School (HBR) case study written by Fraser P. Johnson, Ken Mark. The Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain (referred as “Apple Supply” from here on) case study provides evaluation & decision scenario in field of Leadership & Managing People. It also touches upon business topics such as - Value proposition, Organizational culture, Strategy, Supply chain, Technology. Our immersive learning methodology from – case study discussions to simulations tools help MBA and EMBA professionals to - gain new insight, deepen their knowledge of the Leadership & Managing People field, and broaden their skill set.

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Case Description of Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain Case Study

An analyst for a money management firm is studying Apple Inc. as one of the firm's key investments. In 2013, Apple had a market capitalization of nearly US$500 billion and sales of US$171 billion. According to the research firm, Gartner Group, it had the world's best supply chain, ranking ahead of companies such as Walmart, Amazon and Inditex (Zara). As part of the analysis, a full review of Apple's supply chain is required to look for insight into the future performance of the company in order to decide whether or not the analyst's firm should continue to hold Apple shares.

Case Authors : Fraser P. Johnson, Ken Mark

Topic : leadership & managing people, related areas : organizational culture, strategy, supply chain, technology, what is the case study method how can you use it to write case solution for apple inc.: managing a global supply chain case study.

Almost all of the case studies contain well defined situations. MBA and EMBA professional can take advantage of these situations to - apply theoretical framework, recommend new processes, and use quantitative methods to suggest course of action. Awareness of the common situations can help MBA & EMBA professionals read the case study more efficiently, discuss it more effectively among the team members, narrow down the options, and write cogently.

Case Study Solution Approaches

Three Step Approach to Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain Case Study Solution

The three step case study solution approach comprises – Conclusions – MBA & EMBA professionals should state their conclusions at the very start. It helps in communicating the points directly and the direction one took. Reasons – At the second stage provide the reasons for the conclusions. Why you choose one course of action over the other. For example why the change effort failed in the case and what can be done to rectify it. Or how the marketing budget can be better spent using social media rather than traditional media. Evidences – Finally you should provide evidences to support your reasons. It has to come from the data provided within the case study rather than data from outside world. Evidences should be both compelling and consistent. In case study method there is ‘no right’ answer, just how effectively you analyzed the situation based on incomplete information and multiple scenarios.

Case Study Solution of Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain

We write Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study solution using Harvard Business Review case writing framework & HBR Leadership & Managing People learning notes. We try to cover all the bases in the field of Leadership & Managing People, Organizational culture, Strategy, Supply chain, Technology and other related areas.

Objectives of using various frameworks in Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study solution

By using the above frameworks for Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study solutions, you can clearly draw conclusions on the following areas – What are the strength and weaknesses of Apple Supply (SWOT Analysis) What are external factors that are impacting the business environment (PESTEL Analysis) Should Apple Supply enter new market or launch new product (Opportunities & Threats from SWOT Analysis) What will be the expected profitability of the new products or services (Porter Five Forces Analysis) How it can improve the profitability in a given industry (Porter Value Chain Analysis) What are the resources needed to increase profitability (VRIO Analysis) Finally which business to continue, where to invest further and from which to get out (BCG Growth Share Analysis)

SWOT Analysis of Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain

SWOT analysis stands for – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Strengths and Weaknesses are result of Apple Supply internal factors, while opportunities and threats arise from developments in external environment in which Apple Supply operates. SWOT analysis will help us in not only getting a better insight into Apple Supply present competitive advantage but also help us in how things have to evolve to maintain and consolidate the competitive advantage.

- Streamlined processes and efficient operation management – Apple Supply is one of the most efficient firms in its segment. The credit for the performance goes to successful execution and efficient operations management.

- Experienced and successful leadership team – Apple Supply management team has been a success over last decade by successfully predicting trends in the industry.

- Little experience of international market – Even though it is a major player in local market, Apple Supply has little experience in international market. According to Fraser P. Johnson, Ken Mark , Apple Supply needs international talent to penetrate into developing markets.

- Low profitability which can hamper new project investment – Even though Apple Supply financial statement is stable, but going forward Apple Supply 5-7% profitability can lead to shortage of funds to invest into new projects.

Opportunities

- Increase in Consumer Disposable Income – Apple Supply can use the increasing disposable income to build a new business model where customers start paying progressively for using its products. According to Fraser P. Johnson, Ken Mark of Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study, Apple Supply can use this trend to expand in adjacent areas Organizational culture, Strategy, Supply chain, Technology.

- Lucrative Opportunities in International Markets – Globalization has led to opportunities in the international market. Apple Supply is in prime position to tap on those opportunities and grow the market share.

- Age and life-cycle segmentation of Apple Supply shows that the company still hasn’t able to penetrate the millennial market.

- Customers are moving toward mobile first environment which can hamper the growth as Apple Supply still hasn’t got a comprehensive mobile strategy.

Once all the factors mentioned in the Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study are organized based on SWOT analysis, just remove the non essential factors. This will help you in building a weighted SWOT analysis which reflects the real importance of factors rather than just tabulation of all the factors mentioned in the case.

What is PESTEL Analysis

PESTEL /PEST / STEP Analysis of Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain Case Study

PESTEL stands for – Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors that impact the macro environment in which Apple Supply operates in. Fraser P. Johnson, Ken Mark provides extensive information about PESTEL factors in Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study.

Political Factors

- Political consensus among various parties regarding taxation rate and investment policies. Over the years the country has progressively worked to lower the entry of barrier and streamline the tax structure.

- Political and Legal Structure – The political system seems stable and there is consistency in both economic policies and foreign policies.

Economic Factors

- Inflation rate is one of the key criteria to consider for Apple Supply before entering into a new market.

- Foreign Exchange movement is also an indicator of economic stability. Apple Supply should closely consider the forex inflow and outflow. A number of Apple Supply competitors have lost money in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela due to volatile forex market.

Social Factors

- Consumer buying behavior and consumer buying process – Apple Supply should closely follow the dynamics of why and how the consumers are buying the products both in existing categories and in segments that Apple Supply wants to enter.

- Leisure activities, social attitudes & power structures in society - are needed to be analyzed by Apple Supply before launching any new products as they will impact the demand of the products.

Technological Factors

- Artificial intelligence and machine learning will give rise to importance of speed over planning. Apple Supply needs to build strategies to operate in such an environment.

- 5G has potential to transform the business environment especially in terms of marketing and promotion for Apple Supply.

Environmental Factors

- Environmental regulations can impact the cost structure of Apple Supply. It can further impact the cost of doing business in certain markets.

- Consumer activism is significantly impacting Apple Supply branding, marketing and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Legal Factors

- Intellectual property rights are one area where Apple Supply can face legal threats in some of the markets it is operating in.

- Property rights are also an area of concern for Apple Supply as it needs to make significant Organizational culture, Strategy, Supply chain, Technology infrastructure investment just to enter new market.

What are Porter Five Forces

Porter Five Forces Analysis of Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain

Competition among existing players, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of new entrants, and threat of substitutes.

What is VRIO Analysis

VRIO Analysis of Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain

VRIO stands for – Value of the resource that Apple Supply possess, Rareness of those resource, Imitation Risk that competitors pose, and Organizational Competence of Apple Supply. VRIO and VRIN analysis can help the firm.

What is Porter Value Chain

Porter Value Chain Analysis of Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain

As the name suggests Value Chain framework is developed by Michael Porter in 1980’s and it is primarily used for analyzing Apple Supply relative cost and value structure. Managers can use Porter Value Chain framework to disaggregate various processes and their relative costs in the Apple Supply. This will help in answering – the related costs and various sources of competitive advantages of Apple Supply in the markets it operates in. The process can also be done to competitors to understand their competitive advantages and competitive strategies. According to Michael Porter – Competitive Advantage is a relative term and has to be understood in the context of rivalry within an industry. So Value Chain competitive benchmarking should be done based on industry structure and bottlenecks.

What is BCG Growth Share Matrix

BCG Growth Share Matrix of Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain

BCG Growth Share Matrix is very valuable tool to analyze Apple Supply strategic positioning in various sectors that it operates in and strategic options that are available to it. Product Market segmentation in BCG Growth Share matrix should be done with great care as there can be a scenario where Apple Supply can be market leader in the industry without being a dominant player or segment leader in any of the segment. BCG analysis should comprise not only growth share of industry & Apple Supply business unit but also Apple Supply - overall profitability, level of debt, debt paying capacity, growth potential, expansion expertise, dividend requirements from shareholders, and overall competitive strength. Two key considerations while using BCG Growth Share Matrix for Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study solution - How to calculate Weighted Average Market Share using BCG Growth Share Matrix Relative Weighted Average Market Share Vs Largest Competitor

5C Marketing Analysis of Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain

4p marketing analysis of apple inc.: managing a global supply chain, porter five forces analysis and solution of apple inc.: managing a global supply chain, porter value chain analysis and solution of apple inc.: managing a global supply chain, case memo & recommendation memo of apple inc.: managing a global supply chain, blue ocean analysis and solution of apple inc.: managing a global supply chain, marketing strategy and analysis apple inc.: managing a global supply chain, vrio /vrin analysis & solution of apple inc.: managing a global supply chain, pestel / step / pest analysis of apple inc.: managing a global supply chain, swot analysis and solution of apple inc.: managing a global supply chain, references & further readings.

Fraser P. Johnson, Ken Mark (2018) , "Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain Harvard Business Review Case Study. Published by HBR Publications.

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Apple Inc.: Managing the global supply chain Case Solution

Apart from this, Apple also have a strong logistic system. It formulates the logistic strategy by incorporating forward and backward logistic both, making it the best choice of the consumers.The company while pursuing the logistics strategy in the supply chain, operates through DHL and other three courier as the main logistic partners. It develops the partnership with the logistic so to get the premium service in reaching the market. In addition, Apple also develop the supply chain strategy by reaching the customers and businesses directly opening up the Apple stores and offering the franchising rights to different suppliers, increasing the market reach and penetration while making the production efficient.

This has allowed the company to develop strong competitive advantage in the markets since the effective supply chain management and the hold and control over its functions allows the company reaching the market timely before the competition, and by controlling the demand and supply of the product along with the control over cost, it allows the company to fulfill it promises and its adherence with the business strategy.

  • Over the period of time, from 2012 to 2014, the share price of Apple is on the decline, which has depicted the low revenues and low level of operations during the particular period.Though Tim Cook has reassured the business cycle performance with new product launch in the market, the BXE team is concerned over the dropping share price of Apple.
  • Since Apple has always been practicing controlling the backward and forward business integration and supplier relationship, the high control on supplier capacity at the time of demand has exhausted some of the supplier since they are unable to offer the service to other players in the market, making them dependent on one client i-e Apple. This has reduced the bargaining power of the supplier and has reduced the profit margin. Analyzing this, many of the suppliers have started dealing with Apple on the limited productions scale, which on one hand has increased the cost of logistics and production,while on other hand has increased the overall supply chain cost.

Competitive Analysis of Apple supply Chain

Apple has a very strong supply chain management. It deals in the market and manages the supply and demand of the product though well-developed technological software’s timely JIT and improves the efficiency of the production in timely manner.This allows Apple to reach the market efficiently and also enables it to hold the competitive edge in market by procuring the raw material or technology before the competition.

In addition to this, Apple has also developed the closed and well-knitted relationship with the suppliers.This has allowed the company to maintain a strong control over the production facilities and also the quality of the products. Also the close relationship and development of supplier ecosystem also allows Apple to negotiate the terms and the productions capabilities to meet the demand. This practice of the supply chain allows Apple to mold the supply chain operations, offering high flexibility to the supply chain, and hence strong and efficient reach to the market, keeping the customers captivated with the brand.

Also, while pursuing the supply chain strategy in the market, the company developed a franchising model in about 160 countries.This has allowed the company to reach to the customers and businesses with out incurring any cost. However, here again in order to maintain the quality and service offered, the company has opened different apple stores in the busy markets to offer the customer first hand experience of the product, developing market awareness and re inforcing the competitive position side by side.

Lastly, Apple has a strong logistic system.This allows the company to manage the inventory cost and the transportation cost effectively. While managing the logistic, the company has developed the partnership with DHL, ORS as the courier partners to manage the freight.In doing so,Apple acquires certain quota in the organization to access the premiums service and hence reached the markets and stores before Samsung or any other brand.This develops the competitive advantage in the market and offers a fist move advantage to the company,while on other reinforces the company’s brand image and brand value in the customer mind.

In addition, to the forward logistic, the company also maintains the backward logistics.This includes calling back the defected items back to the company without customer reaching for the company. This characteristic of the Apple supply chain has offered it’s the competitive advantage in maintaining customer trust and loyalty with the brand.Also, it has allowed the company to fulfill its business strategy of offering innovative solutions to the customer that linger in the daily life. Hence through effective backward logistics the company itself calls back the defected or damaged product to the customer in a fixed time. Developing strong, market value and customer convenience leading to high brand efficacy and brand advocacy in the market……………

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Apple and Its Suppliers: Corporate Social Responsibility – Case Solution

In 2014, a documentary came out implicating Apple due to the alleged human rights violations by its suppliers which assemble its iPhones. This was after the 2009 scandal of another violation by another one of its suppliers. This case study looks into how Apple should respond to this new issue.

​Sun Hye Lee, Michael Mol, Kamel Mellahi Harvard Business Review ( W16147-PDF-ENG ) March 22, 2016

Case questions answered:

Case study questions answered in the first solution:

  • Identify the multiple levels of analysis at play for Apple as it addresses the Corporate Social Responsibility challenges in its supply chain.
  • Is Apple responsible for the alleged human rights violations that occurred?
  • Would onshoring, insourcing, or a combination of the two represent a suitable response to Apple’s problems?
  • If Apple continues on the current path, what should it do differently?
  • Is it reasonable for Apple to apply different ethical standards to different countries?
  • Should firms such as Apple maximize their profits, or should they sacrifice some profits to do good?
  • Have these CSR problems at Apple had a meaningful impact on the bottom line?
  • What is the role of media, including social media, in shaping CSR expectations?
  • Does Apple face an industry-specific issue, or do the same issues appear in other industries?
  • If you were in the position of Jeff Williams, what, if anything, would you do differently?

Case study questions answered in the second solution:

  • Is Apple responsible for the alleged human rights violations by its suppliers?
  • Would onshoring, insourcing, or a combination of the two represent a suitable response to Apple’s problem?
  • Have these corporate social responsibility problems at Apple had a meaningful impact on the bottom line?
  • Does Apple face an industry-specific issue, or do the same issues appear in other industries? Do you know of any examples in electronics or other industries?

Not the questions you were looking for? Submit your own questions & get answers .

Apple and Its Suppliers: Corporate Social Responsibility Case Answers

You will receive access to two case study solutions the second is not yet visible in the preview., 1. identify the multiple levels of analysis at play for apple as it addresses the corporate social responsibility challenges in its supply chain..

Nowadays, Corporate Social Responsibility is the main topic everywhere. If any firm (including Apple, Inc.) wants to create the right image in society, it should contribute some of its profit and earnings to CSR (Lee & et al., 2016).

Many companies are donating some percentage of their revenue for the welfare of society and the environment. Moreover, Apple’s brand image was degraded when they violated the worker’s rights at one of Apple’s suppliers, Foxconn.

However, after they started contributing to CSR and applying some rules and regulations to preserve labor rights, this happened at one more distribution location, that was China (Lee & et al., 2016).

Instead of having a great brand image that invests in CSR, it still has many problems due to violations of laws in its supply chain. The four main reasons for CSR’s breach are lack of stakeholder engagement, lack of triple-bottom-line thinking, lack of transparency, and lack of CSR leader (Godelnik, 2012).

After analyzing it in detail, the company got to know that this problem is not at one level. The first level of challenges arises because Apple operates worldwide because they have different cultures, values, and rights. The second level of issues is due to the distinct goals of every company. The third level of challenges grows due to the relationship between supplier and buyer.

It’s then the responsibility and opinion of how much they want to give importance to Corporate Social Responsibility. Therefore, this depends on the stakeholders, which are customers, investors, employees, and suppliers’ employees (Thompson, 2017).

Apple can address the challenges of CSR by satisfying its stakeholders:

The main stakeholders of Apple are its customers. For CSR, Apple has designed its strategy to address the issue by giving preference to its customers and their desires.

Every customer or consumer always buys the right quality products that are available at reasonable prices in any company. In contrast, Apple is a prestigious brand and offers its products at high prices.

Also, almost all individuals want to buy Apple products. They do not care about the prices because Apple is satisfying their needs by providing products of high quality and also environment friendly (Thompson, 2017).

The Second most crucial stakeholder who helps Apple attain its corporate social responsibility goals is its employees. These are those individuals who work there and the company to achieve its goals and objectives.

If they are not satisfied with the management, they would do something wrong and do not do their jobs properly, and they might sometimes violate human rights.

Therefore, to satisfy them, the main reward is compensation and benefits. Apple tries to compensate its employees after some time to help them fulfill their CSR goals (Thompson, 2017).

Investors of any organization are their primary stakeholders, which is the same case for Apple. Therefore, in Apple, this stakeholder’s only want and objective is to get an excellent financial return on their investments. If they were satisfied, then they would be able to contribute more to their CSR efforts.

Moreover, Apple is an excellent, profitable company that has a superior profit margin. Therefore, this effort in CSR helps them to satisfy their investors (Thompson, 2017).

Supplier’s employees

Along with their employees, the employees working with their suppliers are also their stakeholders. But they are indirect stakeholders. Their want is ethical employment, compensation, and job security. Therefore, to successfully present Apple company as a company with a good reputation in CSR, they have to take care of their suppliers’ employees.

Moreover, Apple follows its code of conduct, according to which they can leave their suppliers if they do some evil things. Therefore, by addressing CSR goals, Apple can satisfy its stakeholders (Thompson, 2017).

Therefore, at last, if they want to remove the allegations of violation of CSR policies, then they have to satisfy their stakeholders first. Because if they follow the ethical code of conduct, they will automatically not face CSR challenges.

2. Is Apple responsible for the alleged human rights violations that occurred?

Apple’s supply chain is global in nature. Around 90% of Apple’s exclusive products, i.e., the iPhone, are manufactured in countries other than the USA. Semiconductors are manufactured in Germany and Taiwan, display panels in Korea, and chipsets in Europe. All these parts are ultimately assembled in China (Render, 2020).

Foxconn and Pegatron are Apple’s two key suppliers operating out of China, where, as per various media reports, many human rights violations occurred. These human rights violations included long working hours, low wage rates, poor labor practices and working conditions, use of the juvenile workforce, environmental pollution, and violation of women’s rights etc. (Lee, Mol, & Mellahi, 2016).

In my opinion, Apple is responsible for the alleged human rights violations as well due to the following reasons:

These suppliers are manufacturing on a contractual basis for Apple, so Apple can also be considered a principal employer (Moorhead, 2019). Hence, it is Apple’s duty to ensure that fair labor practices are followed by their suppliers.

Apple is a key buyer for these suppliers, i.e., 40% of Foxconn’s revenue comes from Apple (Oliver, 2013). Hence, Apple holds substantial power over its suppliers and can get better labor practices implemented by their suppliers.

Apple is known for forcing its suppliers to supply parts at a shallow margin, whereas its profit margin is very high, e.g., it pays a 0.8% margin to some of its suppliers, whereas its margin is more than 35%. To cut costs and increase their margins, the suppliers resort to these unfair trade practices. To counter this, Apple should ensure that while making their internal estimates for various purchases, they should ensure that enough margin is left for the suppliers so that they do not have to resort to unfair labor practices (Lu, 2020).

As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, they should ensure that the supplier should declare that they will follow fair labor practices as part of their contract.

Apple believes in making processes simple; however, this principle has its limitations in the case of Supply Chain Management (Lu, 2020). They will have to maintain close coordination with all their suppliers to ensure that their suppliers’ labor practices are fair.

Apple is the world’s leading company in terms of valuation, cannot neglect its corporate social responsibility, and has to keep an eye on what labor practices are followed by its suppliers as Apple itself is indirectly responsible for that also.

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Apple Inc.: Managing the global supply chain Harvard Case Solution & Analysis

Home >> Harvard Case Study Analysis Solutions >> Apple Inc.: Managing the global supply chain

Apple Inc.: Managing the global supply chain Case Study Solution

The report discusses the key factor of sustaining the business which is the “competitive advantage”. Every business established in the market has certain competitive advantage over the other players which enables the company to stand out in the market and develop leadership position.In doing so, the company under analysis is Apple.Over the period of time, since after its initiation, Apple has developed its core competency on technology and innovation.It has successfully managed its innovative strategy with the organizational structure and system staffing techniques so to ensure the quality of service offered along with the level of customer satisfaction.This competitive advantage has also enabled Apple to become as one of the top consumer product company in the market with strong positioning and differentiation strategies.

Apple has always practiced the differentiation strategy. In doing so, apart from product side, the company has successfully managed its supply chain operations by incorporating forward and backward logistics in the system,along with the development of the supplier system to remain close with the supplier in order to ensure the quality of product and the ability to deal with the high demand.However, from 2012-2014, the stock price of apple is decreasing, making the share holders worry about the profits, however, under the new vision of Tim cook, Apple is working to bringing the suppliers together and control the production capabilities inorder to maintain the customer satisfaction as the key part of the business strategy.

Keywords :  Competitive advantage, Mckinsey 7S model, strategy

Introduction

Competitive advantage:

The competitive advantage of the firm is defined as the unique characteristic or set of competencies that allows it to channel the resources in a way that is best for the business strategy and hence leads to effective and distinct market position. Usually competitive advantage is undermined fact in the organization, many businesses lack to identify the competitive advantage and hence lose the market easily. While on the other hand there are some companies that utilizes their core competencies to overshadow their weakness and develop a distinct value proposition in the market.

Apple Inc Managing the global supply chain Harvard Case Solution & Analysis

The particular competitive advantage distinguishes the company from its competitors and develops a strong position in the market and as well in customer mind. For example having a skilled staff is the competitive advantage to the Technological or any dynamic organization which works through prospector strategy. In addition, the business strategies are developed by keeping in mind the competitive advantage of the business, which again enables the organization to lead the market. The competitive advantage can be in any form for example, the effective operational management , cost leadership, supply chain management, Human resource or any technology can become the company’s competitive advantage in the market, distinguishing it from the competitors.

Apart from the common definition of the comparative advantage, the importance of competitive advantage to the businesses crucial.It is the competitive advantage that develops a certain position of the company in the market and offers the sustainability to run the operations in the long run, without losing the market share and customer attraction.Also, due to certain comparative advantage in the areas, the business can build a different strategy to tap the market, flanking or restricting the competition, gaining more market share due to exclusive advantage over the market. Since competitive advantage is exclusive set of expertise, talent or technology it allows the business to maximize its profits in the market with a strong market awareness and positioning the strategy. Also, apart from the business over-view, the competitive advantage or exclusive strength/competency of the company allows it to develop the business strategy that includes all sub strategies to hit the market.Hence strategy plays the role of sub-set of the competitive advantage of the business.

Apple. Inc. is the world’s number 1 consumer product and service company.Over the period of time, the company has technologically improved to offer the consumer the best innovative devices.it started the journey to tap the market by producing the apple computer.However,soon after the entry of IBM and Microsoft, the company is bearing the loss in sales, due to rising value of the IBM CUMPUTER. Later in later 90’s, the company developed its first iPhone.This again reestablished the share and market performance of the company and helped it to refrain the comparative advantage the market.

The competitive advantage of the Apple is its innovative techniques to offer the market along with the strong hold on the internal operation.The company integrates backward and forward both to ensure the customer satisfaction and quality assurance. Doing so, Apple has developed a strong control over its supply chain to maximize the value to the customer. In doing so, it outsources some of the technology and the hardware parts from China, Japan, Korea and other cities. However,in order to maintain the quality of the final product and the demand control. The company develops strong and closed relationship with the supplier. In doing so, the company acquires the production capability and capacity of the supplier to meet the demand of the market.It also uses the J-I-T Just In Time Technology to forecast and manage the demand accordingly.The accurate forecast and the effective market reach also offers the company the competitive advantage in reaching the market first, giving it the first mover advantage...............

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COMMENTS

  1. Is Apple's Supply Chain Really the No. 1? A Case Study

    1) Apple's Supply Chain Model Information about Apple Supply Chain is a bit here, there and everywhere, it's kinda tough to find the actual case study. To the best of my knowledge, many business schools still use the case study " Apple Computer's Supplier Hubs: A Tale of Three Cities " from Stanford University (1996).

  2. Apple Inc.: Global Supply Chain Management

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  3. A case study of Apple's supply chain

    Gartner, May 2015 A pple has received multiple awards for its supply chain strategy. Recently, for example, Gartner, a US-based research and advisory company, awarded Apple its inaugural "Masters" award after previously ranking Apple No. 1 on its "Top 25 Supply Chains" list for the past 5 years.

  4. iPhone's Supply Chain Under Threat

    Overview Included Materials Related The outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease, 2019) posed unprecedented challenges to the global supply chains. As a leading and innovative supply chain that achieved just-in-time manufacturing, Apple's performance was put in the spotlight.

  5. How the Apple Supply Chain Stays Top Ranked in the World

    In Taiwan, Apple partners with Foxconn, which is one of its largest and oldest suppliers. Foxconn has approximately 35 supplier locations around the globe, including in India, Brazil, China, and Vietnam, with factories manufacturing components for Apple's products. The Taiwan-based companies Wistron, and Pegatron are also on Apple's supply ...

  6. Apple Inc.: Global Supply Chain Management

    Details. Fraser Johnson, professor of operations management at the Ivey Business School, joins host Matt Quin to take another look at his award-winning case, Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain (2014), as well as the recently published update, Apple Inc.: Global Supply Chain Management (2020). In this episode, Johnson and Quin discuss Apple's business model, how he has brought the ...

  7. An Insight Into Apple's Supply Chain Strategy

    Apple's supply chain control reduces costs. Apple can give competitive prices by streamlining the supply chain, lowering output and distribution costs. Apple's supply chain strategy lets them react rapidly to market changes like new product launches and customer demand. Apple stays competitive by adapting rapidly to market changes.

  8. Is Apple's Supply Chain Really the No. 1? A Case Study

    This case study will show you the analysis of Apple's Supply Chain core processes, challenging issues and complexities of its operations. 1) Apple's Supply Chain Model Information about Apple Supply Chain is a bit here, there and everywhere, it's kinda tough to find the actual case study.

  9. Apple Inc.: Global Supply Chain Management

    This case focuses on the supply chain strategy of Apple Inc. (Apple). Set in early 2020, it provides a detailed description of the company's supply chain network and capabilities. Data in the case allows students to develop an understanding of Apple's source of competitiveness and to gain insights into the management of a large, complex global ...

  10. Is Apple's Supply Chain Really the No. 1? A Case Study

    1) Apple's Supply Chain Model Information about Apple Supply Chain is a bit here, there and everywhere, it's kinda tough to find the actual case study. To the best of my knowledge, many business schools still use the case study "Apple Computer's Supplier Hubs: A Tale of Three Cities" from Stanford University (1996).

  11. PDF Harvard Case Study Solution & Analysis

    INTRODUCTION Apple Inc.: Managing the global supply chain Harvard Case Solution & Analysis TheCaseSolutions.com APPLE'S ADVANTAGES

  12. Award winner: Apple Inc: Global Supply Chain Management

    The Case Centre is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, registered in England No 1129396 and entered in the Register of Charities No 267516. VAT No GB 870 9608 93. Apple Inc: Global Supply Chain Management won the Production and Operations Management category at The Case Centre Awards and Competitions 2022.

  13. Apple Inc managing a global supply chain Case Solution And Analysis

    Apple Inc managing a global supply chain Case Study Solution Apple managed a global supply chain with innovative products in the United States, outsourced mechanized in Asia and mechanism sourced from suppliers around the world.

  14. Apple Inc: Managing a Global Supply Chain

    Abstract. An analyst for a money management firm is studying Apple Inc. as one of the firm's key investments. In 2013, Apple had a market capitalization of nearly USD500 billion and sales of USD171 billion. According to the research firm, Gartner Group, it had the world's best supply chain, ranking ahead of companies such as Walmart, Amazon and ...

  15. Apple Inc managing a global supply chain Case Study Solution for

    Recommendations Jessica heard about many reviews about Apple's success, stating that "Apple's success was due to permutation of design, functionality, marketing and a capability to adjust the production to meet spikes in demand.

  16. Rebuilding Trust: Apple Crisis Management Case Study

    The crisis faced by Apple regarding unethical labor practices in its supply chain was influenced by several factors that contributed to the emergence and escalation of the issue. Globalized Supply Chain: Apple's success as a global technology leader relies on a vast and complex supply chain spread across various countries. The company sources ...

  17. Apple case study Yaswanth (pdf)

    Industrial-engineering document from Wichita State University, 3 pages, APPLE CASE STUDY DS865 - SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT YASWANTH ALA E559T475 Apple's supply chain management is a global network of suppliers and manufacturers that enables the company to produce innovative products at high volume and speed. It is divided into

  18. Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain Case Study Solution

    Introduction to case study solution EMBA Pro case study solution for Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study At EMBA PRO, we provide corporate level professional case study solution. Apple Inc.: Managing a Global Supply Chain case study is a Harvard Business School (HBR) case study written by Fraser P. Johnson, Ken Mark.

  19. Apple Inc.: Managing the global supply chain Case Study Solution for

    Apple Inc.: Managing the global supply chain Case Solution. Apart from this, Apple also have a strong logistic system. It formulates the logistic strategy by incorporating forward and backward logistic both, making it the best choice of the consumers.The company while pursuing the logistics strategy in the supply chain, operates through DHL and other three courier as the main logistic partners.

  20. Apple and Its Suppliers: Corporate Social

    Apple and Its Suppliers: Corporate Social Responsibility Case Answers. You will receive access to two case study solutions! The second is not yet visible in the preview. 1. Identify the multiple levels of analysis at play for Apple as it addresses the Corporate Social Responsibility challenges in its supply chain.

  21. Apple Inc.: Managing the global supply chain Case Solution And Analysis

    Inc. is the world's number 1 consumer product and service company.Over the period of time, the company has technologically improved to offer the consumer the best innovative devices.it started the journey to tap the market by producing the apple computer.However,soon after the entry of IBM and Microsoft, the company is bearing the loss in sales,...

  22. Supply chain of Apple Case Study

    The product development cycle was short. The new products were developed with the coordination of all the stakeholders. (including teams of hardware, software, production, industrial design). Worked closely with the suppliers, instead of totally outsourcing the supply chain and production activities on a third party. Invested heavily o...

  23. Apple INC. Case study solution (pdf)

    1 Helpful Unhelpful Home / Economics TOM 6090: APPLE INC MANAGING A GLOBAL SUPPLY - CASE STUDY SOLUTION OLUSHOLA BANKOLE BRONCO ID: 016558100 31 st MARCH 2023

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