Introduction
The objective of this report is to Analyze Apple Inc., an American-based Multinational company whose headquarters are in Cupertino, California, and figure out how ABC Beauty can use the results of the analysis. This report will seek to drive more insights into Apple’s organizational structure and understand its functional areas, departments, or business units. In addition, research will be done on Apple’s management style, its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies, and how ABC Beauty can apply them. The report will reveal various aspects of Apple Inc. that would benefit and fit ABC to imitate.
Functional Areas in Apple
Apple is divided into different business units, all working together to achieve the company’s mission and vision. Although the company’s main objectives are not conclusively stated on its website, various publications and press statements show that Apple is committed to making great products and impacting the world (Dormehl, 2022). The roles and responsibilities for each business unit are, however, different. The design department of Apple is responsible for making products such as smartphones, laptops, Watches, and iPods (Washington, 2019).
On the other hand, the marketing department is responsible for ensuring the designed products reach and appeal to the customers, thus boosting sales. The finance section is responsible for drafting budgets and financial statements and guiding the organizations toward effectively utilizing resources. Apple’s engineering department designs the hardware and software used in their products. Finally, the operations section deals with supply chain management, logistics, and manufacturing.
Analysis of How Functional Departments Work Together
The functional departments work as one unit to achieve the company’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives. The company’s design department innovates new products that the engineering section actualizes. As a result, the company manufactures improved and cost-effective products (Podolny & Hansen, 2020). The finished products are then made appealing to the customers by the marketing department before being made available to the consumers by the sales section.
The operations department procures and distributes the materials used to manufacture the products and supply finished goods to various regions. The finance department manages all the funds effectively for the smooth flow of activities. These sections are made to synchronize well by having the departmental heads conduct regular meetings. Moreover, employees from different departments meet at social events, where they interact, creating a common culture.
Unique Competitive Advantages of Apple
Apple is set aside from its competitors by its appealing and aesthetic design, known to appeal to most customers. For many years, the company’s product design team has manufactured products that are better looking and still more potent regarding functionality. For instance, the iPhone, one of the most sold smartphones in the world, has models that are consistently above what the competitors can provide (Washington, 2019). Moreover, Apple has managed to create a strong brand that is more trusted than its competitors. The company has good customer service, mainly Apple repair services, which can be found in different regions.
Applying Apple’s CSR Strategies to Enhance ABC Beauty Company
ABC Beauty can copy Apple’s CSR strategies, mainly its focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, to maintain a good image. The firm uses environmentally sustainable methods such as LED lighting, electronic vehicles, and solar power (Apple, 2020). ABC Beauty could ensure that it follows ecologically friendly practices like using eco-friendly packaging to minimize soil pollution (Apple, 2020). ABC Beauty could imitate Apple to ensure that it offers customer support services to ensure their satisfaction.
Conclusion
Apple’s organizational structure, how the departments work together, and how the organization sets itself apart from its competitors and ABC Beauty could imitate CSR to strengthen its operations. All the departments of Apple, from design to finance and sales, seamlessly integrate to push the organization towards its goals and objectives. This results in a well-designed product that is almost imitable by the competitors. Additionally, the company’s CSR gives its brand a good reputation among all the necessary stakes features that ABC Beauty should be keen to integrate into its operations.
References
Apple. (2020). Environmental Progress Report. Web.
Dormehl, L. (2022). Today in Apple history: Apple lays out its core company values | Cult of Mac. Web.
Podolny, J. M., & Hansen, M. T. (2020). How Apple is organized for innovation. Harvard Business Review, 98(6), 86-95. Web.
Washington, D. (2019). United States Securities and exchange commission annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the securities exchange act of 1934. One Apple Park Way Cupertino California 95014 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code). Web.