Executive Summary
The paper looks at the management of information within Apple company. Data communication systems entail the network structure in the organization and through this, the information system within the company and how communication is fostered is looked into. The Findings and Analysis and the IS impact on the business decision-making undertakings are considered. The decision-making system of the Apple Company has its highest level in the board that basically ratifies all the decisions that the company makes in the management of information. Through the recommendations there is a need to maintain good relations with stakeholders, this can be achieved through enhancing proper communication, negotiations, and contracting. The conclusion emphasizes how Apple Company has achieved a rare fit in the technology arena; it has been flexible in its management procedure to a level of allowing creativity and innovation, this has resulted in the development of a culture that tends to distance itself from authoritarian kind of leadership.
Introduction
The management of information within an organization is considered the most effective tool in communication. In an organization, data communication systems entail the network structure present in the organization. It involves various co-ordination taking place in the organization. The purpose of this subdivision is the strengthening the links occurring between technology producers and other end-users of natural stones. Management of information or the communication system is important in an organization because it has been found out that people or companies with fine structurally diverse networks always experience low redundancy and structural equivalence.
These companies or institutions are more successful when they are taken in terms of creativity, job promotion, or job placement and wages. The demonstration that management of information diversity is associated with higher levels of productivity in the economy of a company for task-based information on workers is best for a company’s productivity.
Apple Inc is a company that deals with the manufacture of a number of consumer electronic products. This may deal with a variety of software and Hardware. The Company exists in a competitive environment as it is in constant competition with IBM, Intel, and other Information technology companies, it is, therefore, necessary to understand the environment in which the company thrives which is the micro and macro environment.
The performance of the company has been great as a result of the quality of products they release into the market. This has uplifted the stocks related to information technology companies thus being of benefit to other companies. The company has seen its market share improve over the years as evidenced by reports and other types of data. Apple Company exists in an evolving environment. The company, therefore, has to continually change its mode of operations in order to remain competitive. This is done through continually evaluating the micro and macro environments.
The decision-making structure of the Company is key to its development and expansion. The structure adopted by the company offers the lower-level managers a chance to analyze their needs in relation to their various zones thus making the appropriate decisions. The company faces various challenges in form of industrial competition. The competitors include IBM and Intel. The relationship between Apple Inc and Its Competitors is vital to its survival. The Company has always adapted recommendations that have been put in place by various task forces.
Findings and Analysis
IS impact on the business decision-making undertakings?
The decision-making system of the Apple Company has its highest level in the board that basically ratifies all the decisions that the company makes in the management of information. The decision making structure at Apple is more decentralized. Information system plays a vital role in ensuring that effective communication is disseminated from one department to the next The President makes the overall decisions regarding implementation and evaluation of policies that have been recommended by the various teams. The vice presidents who are in charge of the various locations around the world only receive general guidelines for policy implementation within their region which they implement.
There exist a number of functionalities and departments at the Apple Company responsible for the management of information. These are headed by their respective managers, “it is therefore necessary to understand the roles that are played by the various heads of the departments especially relating to efficiency within the organization” (Steffens & Ventures, 2009, pp. 47-57). The worldwide product marketing manager makes decisions relating to creation of awareness in the market this may include aggressive advertisement and promotion. The leader of the ipod division makes the necessary decisions concerning structural division of his area. The managers in other areas perform critical functions relating to their area.
The comparison between the model of The Apple Company with strategy models needs the analysis of certain aspects and how they relate to the decision making process in the organization.. The strategy model advocates for visions, missions and goals. It is upon this that decisions are realized. Apple has all these aspects within its structure and it is therefore necessary to draw this comparison.
Resource Based View strategic model
The resource Based View strategic model has in one way or another been used by the Apple Company. It tends to establish the firms monetary sources and abilities to fund its operations. This method makes the company achieve control of their resources. The Apple Company has been able to achieve the control of its resources especially the intellectual property that is capable of innovations. This creates a certain effect of a competitive environment in an organization. The resources available at Apple are unique because they are considered difficult to imitate and difficult to substitute. This makes the work of competitors quite difficult. The resource based view has provided Apple with the Competitive advantage that offers the firm above average performance for a long period of time.
Stakeholder View strategic model
The Stakeholders View strategic model takes a critical look at the groups; both inside and outside an organization that have clear interest in the decisions made by the company “in order to clearly manage stake holders as a means of enhancing strategic management and also carrying out stakeholder analysis” (Steffens & Ventures , 2009, pp. 47-57).Stake holder analysis involves identification of stakeholders and evaluating their needs, wants and ideas and also gauging their contribution to the success of an organization. “There is need for firms to evaluate the impacts of their actions on stakeholders” (Steffens, 2009).
The risks return factors Paradox
The risks return factors Paradox is an important factor to consider in the study of strategies especially relating to Apple. The expected results between risk and positive outcome are difficult to come across. This is because it is difficult to measure the outcome. This is one of the factors regarding risks in Companies that need to be analyzed. “Apple Company has spread it risks in a variety of products thus ensuring that a positive outcome is always achieved” (Steffens & Ventures , 2009, pp. 47-57).
Recommendations
There is need to maintain good relations with stakeholders, this can be achieved through enhancing proper communication, negotiations and contracting. There is also need for stakeholders to be constantly and properly motivated in order to be eventually beneficial in the performance of the firm. Good relations between a Company and Stakeholders has led to reduced risks for the organization thus, “a competitive advantage is acquired by the organization over its competitors” (John, 1986, pp.37-48).The clarity that needs to be achieved in making, communicating and understanding of decisions is based on the basic design dimensions of an organization. The strategy model looks at the centralizations, formulization, intergration and span of control that organize the human resources of an organization. All this are critical for proper dissemination of information. The Apple method is a decentralized kind of procedure thus making it easier for decisions to be made.
System thinking is necessary for the effective performance of a company. It is important that the various branches of Apple coordinate in an effective manner in order to make sure that they achieve their goals especially in a complimentary manner, “when one system of an a Company fails it tends to bring down the other sections of the organization, the discipline of the various parts therefore comes in handy” (Jerry, 2008, pp. 2-14).. This is one of the factors regarding risks in Companies that needs to be analyzed. Apple Company has spread it risks in a variety of products thus ensuring that a positive outcome is always achieved.
There is need for the Apple Company to secure its future in the business world, thus the formation of a future focus strategy through ensuring that the information system is achieved fully. The formation of this strategy begins with the competencies both in the personnel and the products capability. “There is need to establish a strategic architecture which basically ensures that the customer satisfaction is achieved in the view of providing the necessary requirements” (Duncan & Tarcy, 2000, pp. 22-27).
It is important to emphasize the qualities that go in line with successful strategic management especially among managers in Apple organization. These qualities need constant education in line with the changes that are perceived in the environment. It is therefore important that the managers and Apple company share a bond and exhibit certain types of characteristics, if not , then it will mean that “one of the above mentioned will compromise their values” (Asce, Library 2003, pp. 39-47). There will be need for a manger to reflect the same value as an organization
Indicators provide information to the company on the progress of it products in the market. Financial indicators need to be properly structured in order to show the effects of the economic status on the status of the purchase and usage of Apple’s company’s products. This will point out “the reasons behind poor performance or good performance of a company’s product in the local and international scene” (Jay, 2001, pp.33-39).Social indicators show the levels of acceptability of Apples products among a certain social group in terms of age, financial capability and level of education. In emerging markets especially in Asia and Africa, it is noted that the use of the Apple products is common among the educated and financially empowered. This fact can make Apple improve its usage among all social groups as they can offer cheaper products for the lower market. Indicators therefore need to be properly established as they offer guidance to the Company.
Conclusion
Apple Company has achieved a rare fit in the technology arena; it has been flexible in its management procedure to a level of allowing creativity and innovation. This has resulted in the development of a culture that tends to distance itself from authoritarian kind of leadership. Apple Company has existed and improved its services and products as a result of the huge profits that they obtain. That makes them more competitive than other information technology companies. Apple Company has strived to create a brand that is recognized not only in America but also the rest of the world; new markets are emerging in Africa and Asia. The weaknesses of Apple Company have been a source of continuous research on the ways to turn them into profitable methods. The company has endeared itself to its customers especially when they replaced faulty machines free of charge.This has made the company the most established and wealthiest IT organizations in the world. The company has contributed to the overall growth of the United Sates economy and the world at large. It has provided jobs to designers, engineers and community development workers. The environmental campaign run by the company has been instrumental in the reduction of adverse effects of global warming. It has also laid out policies that have attracted admiration especially on electronic waste management and disposal.
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