Apple strategic moves

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What strategy (or combination of strategies) did Steve Jobs use to make Apple into the powerhouse we know today? Has it changed over the years, or been constant? How does this strategy "fit" with the environment of the personal computer industry?

Step One. Begin this case with a brief SWOT analysis of the computer industry. Consider both the environment of the early years (1980's) and how it has evolved. For a quick-and-dirty analysis, Wikipedia gives a pretty good overview of Apple's history, from which you can sketch out a simple SWOT:

Step Two. Consider which strategy (or strategies) Apple has used over the years. You may want to rely on Porter's four generic strategies, described in one of the required readings for this module, or you might prefer one of the strategic models presented in the optional reading by Comeford and Callaghan. The choice is yours.

The following article will help you evaluate Apple's recent strategic moves, so you can comment on whether or not the strategy has changed:

Burrows, P., Hesseldahl, A., & Crocket, R. (2007). WELCOME TO PLANET APPLE; how the high tech maverick became a global trendsetter. Business Week. July 09. 2007, Issue 4042, page 88 http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=1299770581&SrchMode=1&sid=15&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1236358420&clientId=29440

Step 3. Write up your analysis in a three to five page paper

Strengths:
The strength of Apple has been its success. Apple Computers has a strong brand name. Over the years its customers have become very loyal. These customers insist on the Apple Brand. These loyal consumers also spread the word about Apple Computers. Even though Steve Jobs was a part of the group that ...