Apple's Operations Strategy

Introduction

Every business requires a plan that specifies how it allocates resources which support its infrastructure as well as production in what is referred to as an operations strategy. Therefore, this is a strategy that is driven by the business strategy of the business and its main purpose is maximizing effectiveness in production and at the same time support other elements in a process that should result in cost reduction. As a result, an operations strategy should be well ingrained in the business objectives and be part of the long term goals in order to accomplish the organization’s mission. Consequently, each function in the business should derive its own strategy in order to support the overall organizational strategy; financial,

For example, a consumer can buy a music play online and have it delivered to the doorstep which illustrates how far the company is willing to retain market relevance. On the other hand, in order to make these products, there must be a strong innovative team which ensures that everything is the right quality and quantity as required in the market. These points indicate on the focus on quality and customer centric thinking that Apple uses in gaining competitive advantage (Heracleous,

Internal economic changes result from investors either increasing their investments in the company or pulling off their investments. On the other hand, external economic changes are driven by market forces and national economies.

The global economic crunch had negative effects to many multinational corporations Apple included. The main reason was because of the high inflation rates experienced in the American economy. During this time, many customers could not afford to buy luxury products under the category which Apple products fall in. To be able to cushion itself from the heat of inflation, the company had to invest in foreign currency which helped in minimizing economic effects.

With the death of Steve Jobs who was a founding member of the company, many investors felt that Cook was not well versed in running the company and he took a lot of heat from the skeptical investors. This came at a time when the company had heavily invested in expansion programs. Many critics relate the resulting effects to the adoption of lean operations as well as the limitation of product lines. However, with the company weathering the economic storm in the recession years as well as regaining its footing after the death of Jobs, the company can be said to have a bright and foreseeable future (Lessons of Leadership,