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Case Analysis: Apple Inc

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Company Background

Apple is a multinational company that deals with computer software, hardware and electronic goods (Apple, 2011). It is an American company with its headquarters based in Cupertino, California. It is has a world wide location and had 317 retail stores by 2010. It is a public incorporated company that is listed in the New York Stock exchange (NYSE) and National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) (Apple, 2011). It produces a number of products including computers hard wares, computer software, mobile computing devices and electronic among other consumer applications. Apple Inc is one of the largest employers in the world, having 46,600 permanent employees and 2800 casual employees as at September 2010 (Apple, 2011). Most of the employees are employed in the technical and productions areas though there is a considerable number of support staff.  Since its establishment in 1976 it has grown to become one of the most respected and prosperous companies in the world. Much of its success is attributed to its strong brand and its innovativeness when it comes to the release of its products.

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History of the Company

Apple Inc was established in 1976 by Ronald Wayne, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs as Apple Computer Inc (Apple, 2011). At this time the company sold the Apple 1 computer kit which was made up of a motherboard, RAM, CPU and basic textual video chips. It was incorporate in 1977 where Mike Markkula provided the essential funds and expertise. However, Wayne was left out during the incorporation as he had sold his shares to Jobs. The company released its second brand, Apple II, in 1977 which contained an additional feature of colored graphics and compatibility with the office (Apple, 2011). This gave the new brand more appeal in the market. In 1984, the company introduces its third computer brand, Apple III with the aim of competing with IBM and Microsoft in the...