Read the case study and answer the questions that follow. Justify your answer. For more than ten consecutive years, Apple 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 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 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 position 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 it products. This high-quality sale and after-sale support allow Apple to continuously attract new customers and retain existing custome Expanding Apple's reach domestically and internationally. Apple operates globally in 500 retail stores across 18 countries. During fiscal year 2017, 63% of Apple's revenue came from international sales. Maintaining a quality brand image, supported by premium pricing. Although the computer industry is incredibly price competiti 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. pic musiy Ew Lusers allu leidil exisung customers. Expanding Apple's reach domestically and internationally. Apple operates globally in 500 retail stores across 18 countries. During fiscal year 2017, 63% 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. 1. Based on your experiences as a computer, tablet, or smartphone user, does Apple's strategy seem to set it apart from rivals? 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? 2. What is there about Apple's strategy that can lead to sustainable competitive adyantage? Read the case study and answer the questions that follow. Justify your answer. For more than ten consecutive years, Apple 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 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 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 position 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 it products. This high-quality sale and after-sale support allow Apple to continuously attract new customers and retain existing custome Expanding Apple's reach domestically and internationally. Apple operates globally in 500 retail stores across 18 countries. During fiscal year 2017, 63% of Apple's revenue came from international sales. Maintaining a quality brand image, supported by premium pricing. Although the computer industry is incredibly price competiti 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. pic musiy Ew Lusers allu leidil exisung customers. Expanding Apple's reach domestically and internationally. Apple operates globally in 500 retail stores across 18 countries. During fiscal year 2017, 63% 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. 1. Based on your experiences as a computer, tablet, or smartphone user, does Apple's strategy seem to set it apart from rivals? 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? 2. What is there about Apple's strategy that can lead to sustainable competitive adyantage