Critical Thinking, Apple Inc.

APPLE INC 2 Voted as the most innovative company for three consecutive years during 2006-2008 and voted as America’s number 1 most Admired Company (McGregor, 2008), Apples faces a major challenge to continue growth at this level. Describe two factors you think Apple should consider as the company develops long-term strategy for growth. I think that as Apple continues to move forward with out the guiding force that was Steve Jobs, they have to consider the impact that competitors are going to have on their market share. There are now several competing devices similar to the iPhone, iPod, and iPad in the market place now. Apple will have to continue the tradition of innovation, and homegrown product development to stay on top. With new leadership, comes new ways of doing things. Even though the new CEO of Apple inc, Tim Cook is a Steve Jobs protégé, he will have his own style, and it remains to be seen how much of an impact that is going to have in the future. For the moment Apple seems to be doing just fine. Current earnings over this period a year ago are up. (Apple Inc. 2012) If Apple were to build a balanced scorecard, what two objectives do you think should be included in the learning and growth perspective? “In a knowledge-worker organization, people -- the only repository of knowledge -- are the main resource.”(Balanced Score Card Institute, 2012) Apple should continue to ensure the professional development of its managers and engineers. The talents of these people have brought Apple to where it is today. Product development should be another objective. Apple inc. has been doing things right (for them) for quite awhile now. Their ability to innovate, and develop products that are simple to use has been one of the keys to their success.

APPLE INC. 3

References:
Balanced Score Card Institute. (2012),Balanced Score Card Institute- A Strategy Management Group Company Retrieved June 10, 2012 from: http://www.balancedscorecard.org/BSCResources/AbouttheBalancedScorecard/tabid/55/Default.aspx
Apple Inc. (2012) Apple Inc. Retrieved June 10, 2012 from: http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2012/04/24Apple-Reports-Second-Quarter-Results.html