Business Analysis

Business Analysis Part 1

Linh Galyon

February 6, 2012

Edward Adelman

Management 521

University of Phoenix

Business Analysis Part 1

As the new mutual funds manager, I have the responsibility to decide whether my company should invest in a certain company. It is important that I have the full understanding of where this company stands in the market place to ensure the most beneficial decision for my company. A SWOT analysis needs to be conducted of this potential business and the identification of who the internal and external shareholders are essential to the business decision.

SWOT Analysis

The SWOT analysis is being conducted on Apple Inc., the potential company that my clients want to invest in. A SWOT analysis consists of indentifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and the threats that exist within this fortune 500 corporation.

Strengths

1. Pioneer of innovative and high-tech quality products such as iPod, iPhone, iPad and Mac

2. Globally recognized brand name

3. Large segment of loyal customers of “Apple Culture”

4. Strong research and development department

5. Retail stores providing the eye-catching products and experience of Apple’s software

6. Strong presence in education segment

7. Visionary and charismatic CEO, Steve Jobs

Weaknesses

1. Failure of two notable products namely Mac Mini and Apple TV

2. Lower market share and higher price compared to Microsoft and other competitors

3. Decision to restrict iPhone to a single operator was unpopular in several markets around the world

4. Steve Jobs dependency, a risky tactic

Opportunities

1. Good relationship through joint venture with other big companies coupled to bring out new “hits”

2. Constant growth of PC and mobile industry

3. More international expansion like Asian countries

4. Increasing demand of online music and other applications like cloud based services

5. Growing market of “Green”...