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Instructions
Complete the final, cumulative strategic plan and leadership analysis for your company or organization. Use all of the tools necessary to summarize the strategic and implementation plan.
This final evaluation should be 10-12 pages in length, have at least 3 references, and be APA formatted; you may reuse, adapt, and combine work previously completed in units 2, 4, and 6.
A successful paper will include analysis of the following:
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Microsoft
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Microsoft
An American software company recognized worldwide for manufacturing and licensing a
wide range of software products designed to operate on personal computers is Microsoft
Corporation. It was established in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul G. Allen, with its headquarters
located in Redmond, Washington State. The firm operates internationally serving customers in
every continent through about 190 branches. With its products being utilized by billions across
all five continents globally, it ranks top among other giants in the technology sector.
Vision and Mission
Microsoft aims to enable all people as well as organizations worldwide to achieve their
set goals (Microsoft Business Description, n.d). They always act and innovate with this big
objective in mind, trying hard to make technology improve life, expand engagement
opportunities, and promote social well-being across the globe. It sees a future whereby
technology improves the lives of all people.
Core Business Values
1. Empowerment:
Empowering people is very important in the business principles of Microsoft. It is their
view that technology should add capability to people and organizations so that they may be able
to do even more work which is also of a better quality, alone or collectively (Badshah, 2020).
One can identify this value added to some of its products like Microsoft Office which allows
users to perform better tasks and also in Azure which is known for enhancing industries through
the available cloud-based tools.
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2. Innovation:
The third core value is innovation. The corporation stretches itself all the time to offer
state-of-the-art remedies to clients’ (Microsoft Business Description, n.d). To ensure that it
satisfies changing consumer demand and outpaces other providers in the market, Microsoft
invests substantial amounts in research.
3. Inclusivity:
Every aspect of Microsoft’s operations reflects an ethic of diversity and inclusiveness.
They design commodities for easy reach by every individual irrespective of who they are within
themselves or from without. This supports their mission statement – to enable every single
person in the world.
4. Environmental Responsibility:
An essential cornerstone of Microsoft’s philosophy is environmental responsibility. With
regards to this, they intend to use green energy, have a negative carbon footprint come 2030
among other set targets, and ensure continuity of natural resources through different means such
as investment in favorable projects and plans to combat global warming which leads to
environmental pollution (About – Microsoft n.d.).
Non-Core Business Values:
1. Corporate Social Responsibility:
To give back to the community and better society, Microsoft has many CSR programs
and activities (Badshah, 2020). It is comprised of professionals who work towards strengthening
education systems in low-income areas using digital technology for this purpose alone.
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2. Ethical Business Practices:
Microsoft cannot do without ethics in business. It abides by a tough code of conduct that
spells out its stand on morality, honesty, and good practices within every sector of operation.
3. Privacy and Security:
The issue of privacy and security is taken seriously by Microsoft as an organization about
customers’ data (About – Microsoft n.d.). Therefore, they have put strong measures aimed at
ensuring the safety of personal data to sustain user confidence.
Special values
1. Creativity and Innovation
Creativity and innovation are highly regarded in Microsoft’s operations. The firm urges
its staff members to be creative, think outside the box and develop new ways for propelling the
business of Microsoft forward.
2. Customer Focus
The company always emphasizes on one thing; customer satisfaction first. It endeavors to
identify what its clients require and give them a suitable answer today so that they continue
relating well tomorrow (About – Microsoft n.d.).
3. Collaboration
Within and without, Microsoft upholds collaboration as an essential virtue among
employees as well as partners and clients. According to the organization, cooperation enhances
effective working systems while promoting positivity within the work environment (About Microsoft n.d.).
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft seeks to encourage individuals and groups across the world with
technology. Empowerment, creativity, inclusiveness, and care for the environment form part of
their core ethics. The company also gives priority to corporate social responsibility, good morals,
and privacy as well as safety concerns followed by other matters of importance regarding the
same issue. This can be seen in what they offer in the market, how they operate it, and all about
their business strategies; because even at that level they don’t joke with their values. Microsoft
remains one of the biggest drivers of change in the tech sector today; ensuring that this occurs for
the better good of course.
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References
About – Microsoft. (n.d.). https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about
Badshah, A. (2020). Purpose Mindset: How Microsoft Inspires Employees and Alumni to
Change the World. HarperCollins Leadership.
Microsoft Business Description. (n.d.).
https://www.microsoft.com/investor/reports/ar13/financial-review/businessdescription/index.html
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External Analysis of Microsoft Corporation
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Introduction
Microsoft Corporation plays a vital role in fast-paced technology with its innovative
software, services, and solutions. Microsoft pioneered digital platforms and technology, changing
how individuals and businesses interact. The company’s varied portfolio includes operating
systems, productivity software, cloud services, hardware, games, and more, showing its market
responsiveness.
This detailed third-party review examines Microsoft’s global reach. Microsoft
investments in Azure, LinkedIn, Windows, Xbox, and Office are evaluated. Microsoft innovates
these approaches with their products. Microsoft’s market outlook is also discussed. Microsoft
leads digital transformation thanks to smart acquisitions and innovation. The company’s
performance and product demand depend on its ability to anticipate and respond to technological
changes. Economics also affect Microsoft’s strategy. Currency rates, growth, and inflation affect
global profitability. Microsoft’s resiliency and financial management depend on how it handles
economic fluctuations. Innovation helps Microsoft grow. The company’s R&D investments have
led to cloud computing, AI, and AR innovations. Microsoft’s innovations improve product
quality and benchmarks.
Our examination concludes with Microsoft’s legal processes. Antitrust, intellectual
property, and data privacy laws differ by jurisdiction, and the firm must follow them. Microsoft’s
emphasis on ethics and compliance shows its honesty and credibility. To understand how
Microsoft adapts to its ever-changing external environment, we must consider its global reach,
diverse product range, market trends, economic variables, technology breakthroughs, and
regulatory frameworks. Microsoft has survived today’s competitive business environment by
focusing on the future.
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Global Position
Microsoft’s many products and services affect millions of consumers and businesses
worldwide. The company’s global existence reflects its brand value of innovation, dependability,
and customer loyalty. Microsoft’s innovative technologies and trustworthy solutions are trusted
by individuals and large companies. The company’s large network of physical sites and internet
platforms makes its vast range of services globally accessible. Customers can obtain hands-on
Microsoft product experience, individualized assistance, and academic events and courses at
physical locations. These stores serve as consumer meeting areas and display cutting-edge
technology in major cities worldwide.
Online platforms simplify Windows, Office, Azure, and LinkedIn access, among other
Microsoft products and services. The platforms’ seamless integration lets users buy, download,
and utilize Microsoft’s software and cloud services from practically anywhere. Through its
digital presence, Microsoft can reach a global audience and enter new markets while boosting
consumer convenience. The smart acquisitions of LinkedIn and GitHub have expanded
Microsoft’s global reach. LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, boosts Microsoft’s
business and employment impact. It connects millions of professionals from diverse backgrounds
and industries. MS integrates with GitHub, a leading software development platform, to
strengthen its developer community and promote global cooperation and creativity.
Regional products and services illustrate Microsoft’s commitment to international
expansion. Localization, which includes language support and local restrictions, ensures
Microsoft’s solutions’ relevance and accessibility. This strategy helps Microsoft become a
worldwide company and build consumer trust and loyalty. Microsoft has succeeded abroad due
to its size and influence. Microsoft innovates and adapts to local demands to stay at the top and
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advance technology worldwide. Microsoft can stay ahead in the ever-changing technology
business because to its strategic global presence.
Microsoft prioritizes innovation. The company’s software and cloud computing
technologies increase customer demand and consolidate its technology leadership. Windows OS,
Office Suite, and Surface devices demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to quality and customer
satisfaction. Microsoft’s product releases are celebrated worldwide, demonstrating its loyal
customer base. Microsoft’s well-designed and functioning products demonstrate its commitment
to user experience. Because technology and software integrate seamlessly into the Microsoft
environment, users have a unified and productive experience. Windows, Office 365, and Azure.
Microsoft’s products and services have a loyal customer base, encouraging purchases and
upgrades.
Diversification of Interests
Microsoft has built a strong and resilient business model by strategically diversifying its
product and service offerings in the ever-changing technological market. The majority of
Microsoft’s portfolio includes Windows, Office, Surface devices, Xbox, and azure cloud services.
Microsoft has diversified into various technology sectors to fulfill consumer and corporate needs.
This has kept them on top in various areas.
Microsoft’s success relies on Windows, which is updated with new features and upgrades
to satisfy user needs. Each new edition of Windows adds security, user interface, and integration
features, solidifying its place as the leading desktop OS. Another notable Microsoft hardware
line is the Surface tablets. Performance and versatility make these ideal for professionals and
casual users. Microsoft’s sleek, portable products with advanced features demonstrate its
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commitment to excellence and innovation. Xbox is Microsoft’s flagship video game platform and
an industry standard. Xbox’s exclusive games, compatibility with previous games, and cuttingedge hardware make it a one-stop shop for gamers. Xbox Game Pass has changed gaming and
improved customer loyalty by offering a wide library of titles for a monthly fee. Microsoft can
reach more people and make more money with this service and smart game developer
partnerships.
Microsoft Azure offers a variety of tools and services to enterprises worldwide. Azure’s
stability, security, and scalability make it enterprises’ preferred cloud platform. The platform
provides data storage, analytics, machine learning, and AI to help organizations grow. Microsoft
is committed to maintaining its market leadership by investing extensively in AI, ML, and
cybersecurity. Microsoft’s software ecosystem is crucial for device connectivity and user
experience. Office 365, OneDrive, and Teams’ cross-device compatibility boosts productivity and
teamwork. Office 365 provides essential work tools, and OneDrive provides safe online storage
and quick file sharing. Teams, a powerful communication and collaboration platform, is vital for
remote workers and virtual teams as remote and hybrid work patterns grow worldwide.
Xbox Game Pass and strategic partnerships with game developers have taken Microsoft
beyond its software and hardware supremacy into gaming and entertainment. By diversifying,
Microsoft may increase its market share and seize new chances in many areas. Microsoft stays at
the top of the global technology market by innovating and expanding its product and service
offerings. Due to its diverse product and service portfolio, Microsoft dominates technology.
Microsoft must adapt to changing consumer and corporate expectations, invest in novel
technologies, and create a cohesive environment to flourish in the ever-changing technology
market and embrace future development opportunities.
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External Environment Analysis
Market Trends and Competition
Microsoft faces tough competition from IBM, Google, Amazon, and Apple. High demand
for cloud computing, AI, and digital services presents opportunities and risks. Microsoft must
innovate and differentiate to maintain its market advantage. Smart acquisitions like GitHub and
LinkedIn gave the corporation a stronger market position and greater capabilities.
Economic Factors
Microsoft’s operations and finances depend on global economic conditions. Consumer
spending, GDP growth, inflation, and foreign exchange movements strongly influence the
company’s performance. Microsoft’s sales and profit margins can suffer during a recession
because fewer people buy pricey software and hardware. Currency exchange rates also affect the
company’s overseas income.
Microsoft has managed economic downturns by carefully leveraging its wide product and service
portfolio. One method to mitigate economic downturns is to gradually adopt subscription-based
solutions like Azure and Office 365, which provide more predictable revenue. This varied
approach stabilizes revenue and boosts market resilience. Microsoft’s strong presence across
numerous technology industries and continual innovation to meet consumer needs enable it to
capitalize on global economic opportunities and proactively manage dangers.
Technological Advancements
Rapid technological advancements fuel Microsoft’s innovation strategy, according to
Barrantes and Leach (2021). The company invests much in R&D to meet consumer needs and
industry changes. Microsoft stays competitive by concentrating on 5G, AI, and quantum
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computing. Microsoft leads the computer business with its cloud computing, AI-driven services,
and environmental initiatives.
Regulatory Environment
Microsoft navigates a complex regulatory environment by following different
international intellectual property, privacy, and antitrust regimes. Compliance with the GDPR
and CCPA is necessary to avoid legal issues and maintain customer trust. Microsoft’s rigorous
data privacy and security policies boost its image and customer relationships. Antitrust
examination is another regulator challenge. Governments worldwide monitor Microsoft’s
business practices to ensure fair competition. Through its open policies and antitrust compliance,
the company has demonstrated its ethical business practices. Intellectual property rights
complicate regulation, therefore robust legal procedures are needed to protect innovations and
market share.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft operates in a dynamic world with complex rules, rapid
technological advancements, economic unpredictability, and severe competition. Due to its
varied portfolio, innovation, and global dominance, Microsoft is poised for long-term success.
Microsoft must closely watch market trends, economic dynamics, technology advancements, and
regulatory changes to navigate external terrain and grab growth opportunities. Its strategy focus
on innovation, quality, and customer experience will determine its worldwide technology market
dominance. Microsoft can succeed and expand as it adapts to new conditions and leverages its
capabilities.
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References
Barrantes, R., & Leach, T. (2021). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on One of The
Biggest Technology Giant Shares: A Financial Analysis on Microsoft Corporation. Journal
of Student Research, 10(3).
Ernat, J. J., Yheulon, C. G., Lopez, A. J., & Warth, L. C. (2020). Does the h-index and selfcitation affect external funding of orthopedic surgery research? An analysis of fellowship
directors and their subspecialties. Journal of Orthopaedics, 20, 92-96.
Zhai, X. (2023). Risk Management Analysis on Microsoft Corporation. Highlights in Business,
Economics and Management, 8, 373-378.
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Internal Analysis of Apple Inc.
Internal Analysis of Apple Inc.
Introduction
Apple Inc. is a multinational technology organization that focuses in designing,
developing, and selling consumer electronics. Some of these electronics includes the iPhone,
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iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPod. Apple Inc. also develops and designs computer
software and online services such as the iOS operating system, iCloud, Apple Music, and the
iTunes Store. This internal assessment assesses the Apple firm’s skills, financial performance,
marketing, internal issues, revenue sources, and marketing requirements.
Skills and Core Competencies
The key strengths of Apple are its innovative thinking and design skills, which are
manifested in producing products with a high level of technology and a user-friendly
interface. The company’s competitive advantage lies in product design, research and
development, and branding. Apple company invests in research and development to develop
new products and enhance its current products to become more innovative. However, This
investment has paid off since the company’s design philosophy is to make simple and elegant
products, giving the company a strong brand association with the customers. Furthermore,
Apple addresses the supply chain management issue through the effective supply of its
products. This system has been enhanced with cooperation with the suppliers and
manufacturers to ensure that the costs are well controlled while at the same time maintaining
high standards of quality.
Financial Performance
Apple’s financial performance has been impressive, with the company’s revenues
rising steadily over the past few years and the company reporting profits year in and year out.
The company’s financial position is healthy; this is evident from the fact that the company has
solid cash flows and balance sheets. A financial analysis of Apple has indicated that it has
recorded very high revenues over the years due to high sales of its popular products and
services (Apple Inc., 2023).
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1. Product Sales: Apple’s revenue is mainly from selling its equipment, including
iPhones, iPads, Macs, and the Apple Watch. For instance, the iPhone has contributed
to a massive portion of the company’s total earnings.
2. Services: Apple’s services division, which incorporates the iTunes Store, iMessage,
Apple Music, iCloud, Apple Pay, and AppleCare, has been on the rise. There is always
a constant flow of cash from these kinds of revenues, which is why this segment is
crucial to the company’s operations.
3. Wearables, Home, and Accessories: This category includes products like Apple
watches, Airpods, and home pods. These products have gained acceptance and have
become key sales earners for the firm.
4. Licensing: Apple gets its revenue from licensing its intellectual properties and
technologies. Hence, it comprises licensing revenues from other firms that have
adopted Apple’s patented products.
5. Advertising: Advertising income, primarily through the App Store and other digital
channels, has emerged as a source of income for Apple’s revenue stream.
Marketing Capabilities
Marketing is one of Apple’s most significant strengths, and its operation is welldeveloped. It has been credited for its perfect marketing techniques that build a great brand
image and customer identification. Apple’s marketing strategy primarily entails creating
awareness of its products and services and persuading consumers to buy them based on the
various attributes of the brands, including design, innovation, and use value (Zhang, 2023).
The company employs a combination of advertisement, public relations, and promotions to
get through the target group. Apple has always used powerful and effective marketing
strategies that can be seen through its various media platforms. Another great point of the
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company’s marketing mix is that they have retail stores that provide shoppers with a premium
shopping experience that supports the brand image.
Internal Concerns and Issues
The first problem that the organization faces is its heavy reliance on the iPhone for a
good percentage of its sales. The reliance on this particular product category is problematic
because it leads to market saturation and constantly declining smartphone demand. Also,
Apple has some issues that are somehow connected to sustaining innovation speed at the
company. The dynamic environment of the technology industry demands that there is always
investment in R&D and the development of new products in the market. Non-incentives
could lead to stagnation, loss of market share, and a loss of position with competitors. One
issue that needs to be discussed is the company’s supply chain. Although Apple has a welldeveloped supply chain, it has a strong link with a small number of suppliers for essential
components (Lockamy, 2017). The difficulties in supply chain management may be induced
by political conflicts or natural disasters, which could negatively impact Apple regarding
production and revenues.
Internal Marketing Needs
As to internal marketing, Apple should diversify its product offering and minimize the
role of the iPhone in it. This diversification may be achieved by exploring new technologies
and markets and venturing into new frontiers. Moreover, Apple should expand the services
segment that generates high-margin revenues and contributes to customer retention. The other
important area is enhancing customer relations by segmenting specific marketing
communication and providing better customer service. Apple must incorporate data analysis
tools to identify customer trends that should help it in marketing. Also, Apple has to boost its
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digital marketing efforts and increase its activity on social networks to attract more
customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an internal analysis of Apple Inc. shows that the company has excellent
strengths in innovativeness, design, and marketing, backed by sound financial performance
scores. The firm’s weaknesses include its heavy reliance on products, innovativeness, and
supply chain management issues. These weaknesses must be addressed to ensure future
development. Apple Inc. can diversify its product portfolio and expand its service segment to
reduce risks and reap new revenue.
References
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Apple Inc. (2023). Annual Report. In Apple. Retrieved June 16, 2024, from
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/pdfs/fy2023q4/FY23_Q4_Consolidated_Financial_Statements.pdf
Lockamy, A. (2017). An examination of external risk factors in Apple Inc.’s supply chain.
Supply Chain Forum: An International Journal, 18, 177 – 188.
https://doi.org/10.1080/16258312.2017.1328252.
Zhang, R. (2023). Analysis of Apple’s Marketing Strategy and Management Model. Advances
in Economics, Management, and Political Sciences.
https://doi.org/10.54254/2754-1169/29/20231347.
