Introduction
Research shows that companies that are doing well in the business world embrace innovations. Innovations within the environment have seen the success of numerous companies. Thus, innovations have given numerous organizations competitive advantage. This has seen tremendous efforts being made to enhance innovations in organizations. A remarkable example is Apple Incorporation. This organization has had a competitive advantage over its competitors by using appropriate innovations. In fact, the organization has created a system that supports and advances innovations to underpin its operations.
Recently, Apple incorporation reviewed its innovation strategy. In this organization, innovation has been achieved in processes, business models, customer experience and leadership. The organization has established an Innovation Factory to oversee its processes. The innovation factory encompasses the research and development department (Müller, 2011). Here, there are experts and researchers entrusted with the responsibility of innovating. This has seen the introduction of innovations such as iPod, iTunes, iMac and iPods. These innovations have been well managed and accepted by customers worldwide. Furthermore, there is a likelihood of other innovations that can be associated with Apple Incorporation.
Searching process
The organization embraces the culture of innovation in its operations. All employees in the organization are encouraged to present their ideas on innovation. In some occasions, brain storming sessions are done to generate innovative ideas. Apple Incorporation employs efficiency- minded personnel (Abbing, 2012). In fact, its managers and administrators are innovation oriented.
Apple incorporation applies brand driven innovation in meeting the needs and requirements of clientele. Through them, the organization has managed to acquire key things that have seen the proliferation of innovation (Abbing, 2010). Furthermore, innovation factory scans the environment for business opportunities. This facilitates integration of customers’ ideas in innovations. This also ensures that the demands and needs of the technological markets are met.
Selection process
Generated ideas are subjected to screening to determine their practicability. This reduces the number of ideas available for selection. This results in about two to three viable innovations that are further subjected to thorough analysis (Centre for Educational Research and Innovation, 2010). Analysis and thorough scrutiny are done in relation to the goals and objectives of the organization. Thus, innovative ideas that enhance organizational goals are selected.
Furthermore, other aspects such as resources; capital and personnel are also considered. Apple Incorporation assess whether it can finance innovations to the commercialization stage or not. Besides, other aspects such as sustainability and profitability of the same are analyzed. Likewise, machinery that is required for the realization of innovation ideas is also analyzed. For instance, Apple Incorporation gives priority to innovative ideas that will make use of its machinery. This encompasses aspects such as its software and programmers. This ensures that the cost associated with production is minimized to levels that will not strain the organization.
After the above selection criteria, the innovation factory settles on one innovative idea. In most cases, the idea addresses the needs of the customers and enhances achievement of organization goals. The next step involves contacting the purchases and supplies department for the raw material to transform the innovation idea into a product. Besides, the finance department also provides the required financial resources to the purchasing department.
Implementation process
Apple Incorporation embraces active participation in its implementation strategies. Moreover, there is networking, partnership and experimentation (Lüsted, 2012). This ensures that there is the reduction in conflicts. First, a prototype is produced and introduced to a target population. Research is then done to get feedback on the same. If the product is effective in meeting the demands and needs of customers, a strategy is established for mass production of the product. However, if customers are not satisfied, or if there is negative feedback, adjustments are made.
When all the researchers are sure that everything is clear and appropriate, massive productions are made. This is then followed by commercialization activities. Customers are educated on the use of the innovated product through intense marketing activities. The products are then introduced to the market for consumption by the sales department of the organization.
There is also a monitoring and evaluation team that oversees the progress and performance of the product in the market. This is team ensures that it relays effective feedback to the organization on performance of the product. This ensures that the organization monitors all aspects that affect the performance of the product (Andriopoulos & Dawson, 2009). Value addition can be applied if the monitoring and evaluation team determine that the sales of the product are declining.
The key issue is to ensure that customer needs and requirement are being met by the product. Therefore, this is the reason behind customer involvement in all that concerns innovation. Thus, as the organization endeavors in business, it involves customers at each level. This, together with researchers, ensures that there are few conflicts. Moreover, problems and errors are easily identified and addressed before worsening.
Conclusion
In summary, Apple Incorporation has one of the best frameworks in the department of innovation. This has seen proper management of innovations leading to success of the business. Additionally, this has seen the achievement of goal oriented results within the organization.
References
Abbing, E. R. (2010). Brand-driven Innovation: Strategies for development and design. Lausanne: AVA Pub.
Andriopoulos, C., & Dawson, P. (2009). Managing change, creativity and innovation. Los Angeles: SAGE.
Centre for Educational Research and Innovation. (2010). Inspired by Technology, Driven by Pedagogy: A Systemic Approach to Technology-Based School Innovations. Paris: OECD, Centre for Educational Research and Innovation.
Lüsted, M. A. (2012). Apple: The company and its visionary founder, Steve Jobs. Minneapolis, MN: ABDO Pub.
Müller, C. (2011). Apple’s approach towards innovation and creativity: How Apple, the most innovative company in the world, manages innovation and creativity. München: GRIN Verlag GmbH.