1. Does Apples strategy seem to set it apart from rivals?

1. Apples strategy sets it apart from its rivals because it has been able to charge prices for its products that are well below those of its rivals yet still exceed the low cost of its inputs.
2. Apples strategy sets it apart because its expansion policies have allowed the company to focus on providing excellence in customer service via its online accessibility.
3. Apples strategy sets it apart from its rivals because it offers comparable value to rival sellers at a comparable price.
4. Apples strategy sets it apart from rivals by providing exciting new products that are beautifully designed, technologically advanced, easy to use, and sold in appealing stores that offer a fun experience, knowledgeable staff, and excellent service.
5. Apples strategy mimics the strategies of its successful industry rivals.

2. Does the strategy seem to be keyed to a cost-based advantage, differentiating features, serving the unique needs of a niche, or some combination of these?
   1. Apple's strategy is keyed in on a cost-based advantage by providing its products at a lower cost, which rivals find hard to match.
   2. Apples strategy is keyed in on the unique needs of a niche market by outcompeting rivals by having lower costs and being able to serve niche consumers at a lower price.
   3. Apples strategy is keyed in on a best-cost provider strategy, which is a combination of low-cost provider and differentiation strategies which aims at having lower costs than rivals while simultaneously offering better differentiation attributes.
   4. Apples strategy is keyed in on copying the strategies of its most successful industry rivals.
   5. Apples strategy is keyed in on differentiating features from that of its rivals in ways that will appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers
3. What is there about Apples strategy that can lead to sustainable competitive advantage?
   1. Apple has sustained its competitive advantage through being sufficiently innovative to thwart the efforts of rivals to copy or closely imitate the product offering.
   2. Apple has a sustainable competitive advantage by achieving a cost-based advantage over its rivals.
   3. Apple has a sustainable competitive advantage by concentrating on a narrow buyer segment and outcompeting rivals by having lower costs and thus being able to serve niche consumers at a lower price.
   4. Apple has a sustainable competitive advantage by concentrating on a narrow buyer segment and outcompeting rivals by offering buyers customized attributes that meet their specialized needs and tastes better than rivals products.
   5. Apple has a sustainable competitive advantage because it is flexible and can react quickly to copy new features introduced by rivals.

Apple Inc.-Exemplifying a Successful Strategy Apple Inc. is one of the most profitable companies in the world, with revenues of more than $265 billion. For more than 10 consecutive years, it has ranked number one on Fortune's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies." Given the worldwide popularity of its products and services, along with its reputation for superior technological innovation and design capabilities, this is not surprising. The key elements of Apple's successful strategy include: Designing and developing its own operating systems, hardware, application software, and services. This allows Apple to bring the best user experience to its customers through products and solutions with innovative design, superior ease-of-use, and seamless integration across platforms. The ability to use services like iCloud across devices incentivizes users to join Apple's technological ecosystem and has been critical to fostering brand loyalty. . Continuously investing in research and development (R&D) and frequently introducing products. Apple has invested heavily in R&D, spending upwards of $11 billion a year, to ensure a continual and timely injection of competitive products, services, and technologies into the marketplace. Its successful products and services include the Mac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Music. It is currently investing in an Apple electric car and Apple solar energy Strategically locating its stores and staffing them with knowledgeable personnel. By operating its own Apple stores and positioning them in high-traffic locations, Apple is better equipped to provide its customers with the optimal buying experience. The stores' employees are well versed in the value of the hardware and software integration and demonstrate the unique solutions available on its products. This high-quality sale and after-sale support allows Apple to continuously attract new and retain existing customers. Expanding Apple's reach domestically and internationally. Apple operates more than 500 retail stores across 24 countries. During fiscal year 2019, 60 percent of Apple's revenue came from international sales. Maintaining a quality brand image, supported by premium pricing. Although the computer industry is incredibly price competitive, Apple has managed to sustain a competitive edge by focusing on its inimitable value proposition and deliberately keeping a price premium-thus creating an aura of prestige around its products. Committing to corporate social responsibility and sustainability through supplier relations. Apple's strict Code of Conduct requires its suppliers to comply with several standards regarding safe working conditions, fair treatment of workers, and environmentally safe manufacturing. . Cultivating a diverse workforce rooted in transparency. Apple believes that diverse teams make innovation possible and is dedicated to incorporating a broad range of perspectives in its workforce. Every year, Apple publishes data showing the representation of women and different race and ethnicity groups across functions. The goal of this assignment is for you to understand what is meant by a company's strategy and why it needs to differ from that of its competitors. Before completing this exercise, be sure to review Ch. 1, "What Is Strategy and Why Is It Important?," specifically, the section entitled "What Do We Mean by Strategy?" and Illustration Capsule 1.1. Sources: Apple 10-K, Company website