Question $3$:

Study the case study below and answer the question following.

Apple$$s Competitive Advantage in the market

$[19$ Marks$]$

Apple Inc is an American multinational corporation specialising in the design and sale

of computer software, consumer electronics and personal computers.

Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne joined forces to co$-$found the

company. Apple Inc has gained a reputation for innovation, consistently introducing

new advancements, starting from the initial Apple computer Macintosh to the latest

iPhone and iPad series.

Presently, Apple Inc has achieved global recognition due to its cutting$-$edge

technology featured in products like iPods, iPhones, MacBooks, Apple TV$,$ and various

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professional software application. Advanced technological products contribute to an

enhanced quality of life for consumers in various ways. Futhermore, Apple Inc$$s

influential position in the worldwide market has altered the pattern of consumer

utilisation of electronic devices, particularly in the realm of virtual communication.

Individuls will no longer have to carry multiple devices, each with limited functionalities.

Additionally, Apple has established considerable value in a fiercely competitive market

and industry, aiding in the attainment of competitive advantages in an environment

marked by intense competition. Furthermore, it encompasses external factors that

pose challenging obstacles for Apple Inc. Hence, Apple Inc is recognised as a robust

company and the frontrunner in its industry.

Source: IDS Oliveira $(2022)$

Required:

$3\mathrm{.}1$ Briefly explain the concept of competitive advantage and provide an example of

an organisation that has a competitive advantage over the other. $(4$ marks$)$

$3\mathrm{.}2$ From the above case study presented, advise Apple on how they can sustain their

competitive advantage through information technology. $(15$ marks$)$