People, Processes, Programs and Performance of Apple

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Apple's Four Ps

1. People

Human resource is the best ingredient that Apple possesses. Through its people, (the late Steve Jobs, included, of course) Apple changed the way people used computers. It revolutionized the telecommunications industry. With Apple's iPhone, the distinction between cellular phone and internet access became narrow.

Apple's people are innovative, talented, creative, and driven to push the boundaries in all areas, including industrial engineering, silicon engineering, wireless engineering, and specialized engineering. They are perfectionists, idealists and inventors. They forever tinker with products and processes, always on the lookout for better (Apple Inc., 2012).

Apple employees truly feel they are changing the world with what they are doing. Apple is one of those companies where people work on an almost religious level of commitment (Hughes, 2010).

Apple is now managed by leaders who are not only academically prepared but also possess the enthusiasm and energy of its founder (MarketWatch, 2012). The following are a few such people:

Dr. Arthur D. Levinson
Dr. Arthur D. Levinson is Independent Director at Amyris, Inc., Non-Executive Chairman at Apple, Inc., a Member-Executive Council at Technology Network, Chairman at Genentech Ventures, Chairman at Genentech, Inc., and a Member at American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. He is on the Board of Directors at Amyris, Inc., Roche Holding AG, NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, American Society for Microbiology, and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG. Prior to joining Genentech Ventures in July 1995, Dr. Levinson served on the board at Google, Inc., Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America, Biotechnology Industry Organization, and California Healthcare Institute. Mr. Levinson received his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and a doctorate degree from Princeton University.

Timothy D. Cook, MBA (MarketWatch, 2012)
Mr. Timothy D. Cook is Independent Director at NIKE, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer & Director at Apple, Inc. He is on the Board of Directors at NIKE, Inc., Apple, ...