2021
Report on the operation and quality
management on Apple
Module: Operation management
(BFA529)
Word count: 2500 words
including 10%
Excluding Tables, References &
appendix
,Table of Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................1
2. Research methodology...........................................................................................................2
3. Apple’s operation & quality management in business context and the challenges................3
3. Scope & purpose of Apple’s operation and quality management with real or potential
issues..........................................................................................................................................5
TQM and Lean.......................................................................................................................5
Globalisation, Green and Supply Chain Management...........................................................6
4. References............................................................................................................................11
5. Appendices (if applicable)....................................................................................................14
1. Introduction
In the technological industry, Apple Inc has a creative and aggressive
edge. Apple Inc., according to recent studies, is one of the world's most
efficient companies, particularly in the technological domain as all of this
may be attributed to the company's annual maintenance of its customer
base with its turnover margins (Linzmayer, 2004). Apple aims to became
technology industry leader by meeting the needs of its consumers through
rapid development of newer and improved goods. Its award-winning
1
, computer operating systems, including iPhone goods, iLife software and
several applications are among its products (O'Grady, 2009).
Apple’s background & sector
Since 1977, when Apple Inc. was created, strategic business operation
management strategies have shown to be flawless over a prolonged
period of time. This organization has dedicated itself for some time to
providing excellent services and goods to its end users before consumers
by expanding on achieving excellent customer experiences (Boyer &
Verma, 2010).
Apple establishes capabilities in the market by leveraging its capacity to
be creative and innovative leveraging its excellent pace of product
development adaptability. Consider the fact that within four and a half
years after its inception, Apple released seven different iPod models
(Levy, 2006). Despite the fact that it was not the first to market, Apple has
leveraged its experience in the iPhone, iPod, iWorks, and iTunes suite of
products to extract a premium on all its goods (Boddie, 2005). However, it
does not score well on the crucial areas of asset utilization, social
responsibility, and global competitiveness, since the emergence of
political changes and supply chain issues have hindered Apple's
operations, resulting in a standstill (money.cnn 2020). Despite these
constraints, the research contends that Apple stands to benefit much from
current operations management principles for instance Quality
Management, 'Lean Manufacturing' (Green and Lean), Supply Chain
Management and among others.
Furthermore, Apple's operational business plan focuses on expanding its
distribution network in each country along with the organizations that
support it, which was a major issue in the industry at the time when
companies catered to a single consumer segment. Government agencies,
small and medium-sized businesses, and diverse businesses, as well as
the education department, are among these organizations (Fleming,
2014). Apple Inc. continues to deliberate on its expansion projects to
maintain a high-quality purchase experience. The suggested structures
are expected to improve the Apple’s distribution abilities on a regular
basis (Linzmayer, 2004).
This report will outline the scope of Apple's operations and quality
management, as well as theories, to highlight how they influence the
current business context and potential quality management concerns, as
well as Apple's recommendations for alternative operations and quality
management approaches.
2. Research methodology
To examine and analyse current operations and quality management
issue and suggesting improvement options with recommendation on how
the issue should be addressed facing Apple and its sector the first was
researched from secondary research such as articles, websites and
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