Every company wants its functions to be attained without any difficulties. This aspect is crucial because it can be used as a yardstick for the success rate of an entity. Failure to adhere to some of the principles would have some serious ramifications on the continuity of their plans. The management of every company has the prerogative of ascertaining that everything is achieved as planned. Global enterprises have to ensure that they do not fail because they have a bigger scope to cover as compared to others. Therefore, the approaches that have to be used ought to match the level of the entity that is being discussed. Apple Incorporation has been in existence for several years, and over that specific period, it has been able to achieve immense benefits. This paper aims to provide clarification on the existing opportunities that Apple can capitalize on based on its past strategies. Further, it will give an account of the recommendations that can guarantee the continued viability of the outfit. Specifically, different strategies will be considered in the discourse such as the Six Sigma process improvement.

The future of any entity is highly pegged on how it handles current challenges. Additionally, the techniques that are incorporated as a company strives to prepare for future hurdles is another determinant for a corporation that is tailor-made for success.  Entities have to deploy the best managerial concepts that can aid in the attainment of specific goals to attain such mileages (Robinson, 2012).  There is hardly any company that can invest in a venture that is bound to fail. Failure is among the worst enemies that an entrepreneur can encounter after channelling huge amounts of money on specific courses. It is appropriate to have mechanisms that can be helpful in any situation so that the plans that companies have rolled out do not hit rock bottom. Apple has tried to align its goals with the resources that it has to prepare for the future in different ways. The various departments all have to work together to guarantee harmony. Consequently, such levels of preparedness would be critical in the streamlining of the operations of the company.

There are several opportunities that an entity can capitalize on to rake in profits. The foresight of the management team is among the key necessities that can help in the achievement of such goals. Apple Incorporation has been a crucial player in the technology industry, and it has significantly contributed to the development of the sector. The competitiveness that is witnessed from outfits such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Amazon, Samsung, and others has contributed to the adoption of key measures that ensure that the sustainability of Apple is not compromised. Any decision that is made by the management of the entity has a significant impact on how the goals will be attained. All the stakeholders have the mandate of ensuring that the operations of Apple are not dwarfed by unforeseen factors. This bit is essential since it provides a level of assurance to every individual that has invested his or her time in the quest to ascertain that Apple hits the apex of the industry. Therefore, the money that the company makes from endorsements and sales ought to be used appropriately. Any form of wastefulness should not be encouraged because such activities would have some element of negativity on the objectives that Apple Incorporation has set for itself. Ensuring that operations are controlled prudently is one of the methodologies that would ensure that the existing opportunities are fully exploited. An evaluation of the past strategies would provide leeway for contemplating the success rate of the prospective techniques that should be applied.

Apple has been going through a rough patch competitively because of the shifting grounds that has been witnessed in the industry. Therefore, it has been forced to review most of its initial plans so that it can continue being solvent. Every firm wants to get a larger chunk of the market share. Therefore, they have to ensure that they are in their best shape so that they can not only retain their current clients but also attract prospective customers. This approach is fundamental if the company wants to maximize its opportunities. Further, it will not feel the pinch on any new entrant into the industry because it would have already established its roots (Mahadevan, 2012).  Entities that have existed for long like Apple have an added advantage because they comprehend all the possible dynamics of their operational engagements. For example, the control of inventory would not be a complicated task because the managers are already privy to the tactics that they can use to ensure that everything is updated.  Therefore, Apple just requires a slight improvement in its currents strategies so that it can sustain its production and all the other elements of management. The realization that a company can make money is reassuring to the stakeholders who have a direct association with the entity. Further, customer satisfaction should not be compromised. Clients are the driving force behind any initiative that can be rolled out. Consequently, it would not be advisable to leave them behind despite the current affairs that might be going on at the enterprise. Customers should be guaranteed that they would always get Apple products at reasonable prices. The quality of the products should always remain top-notch so that the customers get the value for their money.

Existing opportunities

Apple’s contribution to the technology sector cannot be undermined because it has made inroads in places that other traditional ventures did not consider to be viable. It has further continued to stamp its authority in those specific segments. Companies should always have methods that they can apply to aid in their quest to remain not only profitable but also sustainable in the fields where they have invested their money. Apple has a wide array of products and services that it offers to its esteemed clients. It has the prerogative of ensuring that the products are appropriate to be used by the customers. This type of assurance is imperative in the relationship that the enterprise has with its client base (Bach, 2007).  Such people should not complain about the safety of their products because the reputation of the company is at stake. Further, it will be a scary happening because clients would be scared about using Apple products. Therefore, the entity has an opportunity of ensuring that it has the most customer-friendly commodities in the industry. This aspect would guarantee its continuity because people would continue buying the items because they would not have to worry about anything. The management has to ensure that the operations do not hinder the customers’ relationship with the venture. Additionally, the financial input that the company would place on such initiatives ought not to go to waste because the future is unpredictable. The company has to invest in areas that will not lead it to loss-making. It is prudent to weigh any decision that is being made to ensure that everything runs smoothly as is desired. This type of approach is commendable because the safety and security of clients are important.

Another opportunity that the company needs to consider involves diversification. Apple Incorporation has tried by investing in different fields to ensure that it does not fail in its attempt to conquer the industry. The entity has a hand in telephony, music, and cable television. Those are some of the areas that are responsible for the huge turnover that the corporation enjoys. iPhone is among its key areas where it has ventured strongly. The periodic launching of various versions of the phone is among the hallmarks in the mobile phone sector. Clients, both actual and prospective are always waiting for the next iPhone that would be released into the market so that they can analyse them and make their respective purchase decisions. Apple has the chance of ensuring that it has a wider array of product to cater to clients with different tastes. Customer satisfaction will no longer be an issue that people assume because such clients are always willing to part with huge amounts of money. Most Apple products tend to be premium. Hence, the individuals who purchase them do not consider the cost as the primary determinant before they buy anything. The management ought not to forget about some of these areas that they need to consider in any case they want to continue being operational.

Apple Incorporation has been using every possible method to streamline its operations. The primary intention is to ensure that everything runs appropriately. There is no need to be involved in a course that would fail after investing huge volumes of money over the years. Additionally, there are clients who have been attached to the brand that they would sacrifice a lot not to lose the products that they have been used to. Therefore, there it is necessary to have a steady way that would ensure that operational management is achieved at all costs.

Application of the Six Sigma

There is no profit-oriented company that would not be interested in developing ways that can improve its ratings on different platforms. Apple Incorporation is an enterprise that is aware of its potential in society. It ought to exploit the openings so that it can continue being a global giant. Procrastination is not an excellent aspect of management. Hence, every plan should be given the required support so that everything can be achieved accordingly. Six Sigma offers organizations a chance for improving their business processes. Performance needs to be the underlying factor for every company. Anything that inhibits it should not be encouraged because the operations will be affected. The management of Apple has the ability to control everything provided that they have all the reasons that would justify such a move. Wastefulness is among the areas that should not arise because it deprives the company of the ability to achieve several objectives. Further, it denies the entity from focusing on the open opportunities that can yield positive results. Apple CEO has the mantle and the focus that is required to achieve anything. The dedication of his team would ensure that the Six Sigma principles are applied in every aspect of production and marketing of the company’s products.

The processes that are involved in the production are supposed to be handled in a manner that ensures that everything that is handled remains crucial to the future of the company. The growth of crucial brands is dependent on how diverse aspects are controlled by the company. The managers and the different departmental heads at the enterprise have the mandate of ensuring that everything is flawless. This assurance is not only good news to the stakeholders, but it also sends a direct message to fierce competitors such as IBM and Samsung. A lean system is every firm’s wish, but there has to be a strategy that is used to ascertain that every factor has been considered. The essence of a strategy is that it gives the concerned enterprise the chance to try a different approach that might work. The Six Sigma gives companies the strategies that they can apply in improving their standards and effectiveness.

1. Capacity

The production unit of every company has to ensure that it meets the capacity of the clients. Customers have their demands that cannot be assumed by the management since they are the driving force behind everything. Their interests have to be met if continuity has to be guaranteed. Apple has been in business for several years. Therefore, it is aware of some of the best practises that can be applied. For instance, its capacity to produce iPhones to feed the global market is an issue that needs to be reviewed since the mobile phone brand has a massive following. There should be no incident where there is a shortage of premium products. The capacity to meet market demand is an issue that should not be forgotten. Apple has the opportunity of extending its brand recognition to different places that have not been penetrated by its products.

The figure above gives an overview of Apple sales from 2008 to 2018. The global figures indicate that there has been an element of fluctuation over the years. Apparently, the firm has worked to ensure that it provides the products to the clients for purchase. However, Apple can still build on other strategies to ensure that it does not stagnate. Apple has been working on recycling as a method of decreasing its operational costs. The firm tries to recycle as much as it can because it is aware of the financial implications of having a capacity that cannot be sustained. Erickson (2018) states that the company would provide incentives to individuals so that they can have their old phones recycled. This statement further indicates that the firm is keen on environmental conservation since most of the phones and other devices end up being disposed of inappropriately.  Maximizing on the capacity will ensure that the revenue of the company continues to increase as the firm works on other strategies that would help on its overall growth. Further, the banning of dangerous toxins that are used in iPhones has been an added advantage to both the company and its largely loyal client base (Sparkes, 2014). Such chemicals have since been replaced by safer alternatives.

1. Scheduling

Scheduling is a critical aspect of lean manufacturing. Its primary intention is to ensure that there is limited wastage of resources. Further, it aids in the tracking of production at the sales order level. It is necessary to have a demand-driven business model (Sheldon, 2006).  This type of approach would be prudent because most of the items that are produced would certainly be purchased by the clients. It is not wise to get involved in mass production if there is nobody to buy the goods or services (Proud, 2007). Apple Incorporation has to be sure that its commodities are not made to stay in the shelves because it would not be making money that is commensurate to the amount that was injected at the manufacturing plant. Therefore, it is recommended that an entity has to evaluate the decision to roll off large plans. Notably, Apple has an advantage that it has a global following. Hence, the number of prospective buyers can aid in pushing the sales of the products.

Apple Incorporation has been instrumental in the industry where it operates, and it has gained massively from some approaches. However, Apple has not fully adjusted to using some of the lean approaches. The outsourcing of labour from China and other Asian countries is one of the strategies that has worked for the company. Therefore, it has succeeded in reducing the cost of production by sourcing for cheap labour from the aforementioned places. Apple still has a chance of ensuring that it makes its operations leaner by ensuring that it uses low-cost materials in the manufacturing process of the different products that it produces. This approach would help in reducing the amount of financial injection that is applied in the initial phases of the production process. Raw materials are among the largest consumers of money because they are used in the manufacturing of devices’ components. Therefore, they feature in every step. Apple can use its approach in streamlining its operations, and this will have a direct impact on how they manage their financial resources.

Additionally, Apple has a plan that it uses in launching its new products. For instance, the iPhone series has been launched on several occasions. Therefore, clients are always waiting for such opportunities so that they can make an appropriate purchasing decision. This type of awareness is essential because it shows that the enterprise is using the demand schedule to aid in the production of various products. Having such type of mentality is crucial for the future aspirations of the company.

1. Location Planning

Location planning helps in minimizing some costs. Apple has been at the forefront of aligning its targets with other things. Apple has deliberately used China as a preferred location for the manufacturing of most of the company’s components. This aspect is paramount to the long-term costs of the entity (Lashinksy, 2011).  However, it has the option of trying out other places for strategic presence. For instance, such choice of locations is driven by the cost factor. Therefore, by contemplating several of such tactics will ensure that its plans of continuing with the strategy, Apple will be safeguarding its interests. Additionally, it will be far much ahead of its peers in the industry because of the reduced expenditure that it is implementing. It is prudent for Apple to have an excellent location planning technique to aid in improving its viability as it strives to stamp its authority in the global scene.

References

Bach, B. (2007). Implications of enabling technologies for Apple Inc: Cybermarketing&   enabling technologies. München: GRIN Verlag GmbH.

Erickson, N. (2018). Apple Will Pay You Big Bucks to Recycle Your Old Phone. Retrieved         from www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a23104408/apple-give-back-trade-in-program/

Mahadevan, B. (2010). Operations management: Theory and practice. Upper Saddle River:           Pearson.

Lashinsky, A. (2011). How Apple Works : Inside the World’s Biggest Start-up. Retrieved            from http://fortune.com/2011/05/09/inside-apple/

Robinson, P. I. O. M. S. (2012). Operations management.

Sheldon, D. H. (2006).World-classs master scheduling: Best practices andLeann Six Sigma           continuous improvement. Fort Lauderdale, Fla: J. Ross Pub.

Sparkes, M. (2014). Apple bans two dangerous toxins used in your iPhone. Retrieved from www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/11033483/Apple-bans-two-dangerous-toxins-used-in-your-iPhone.html

Proud, J. F. (2007). Master scheduling: A practical guide to competitive manufacturing.    Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.

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