Examine the general differences between quantitative and qualitative Essay

Examine the general differences between quantitative and qualitative methodologies. What are the advantages when employing them in combination - Essay Example For instance, three professionals in research methodology offer that quantitative research seeks the â€Å"quantification of parameters such as number, size, connectivity, and the spatial arrangement of the different components of the structure under study† (Evans, Janson & Nyengaard, 2004: 87). In this definition, quantification essentially suggests a confirmation by utilising various research instruments designed to provide, in the broadest hope, irrefutable evidence that certain events related to the research topic can be correlated or proven to be accurate. Perhaps a more appropriate method to describe quantitative research is to recognise how various business and organisational researchers measure change over time. By adopting a longitudinal study, quantitative research methods can be utilised in a study programme which measures the impact of organisational change on various employees (the sample population). For instance, the utilisation of surveys or closed-ended questionnaires distributed to the appropriate sample group prior to the implementation of an organisational change initiative can measure pre-existing attitudes using a numerical or statistical approach to data analysis to determine whether a noticeable trend in employee behaviours exists. After the implementation of the change programme, similar survey instruments can be distributed to the same sample group to determine whether attitudes have changed over time. Thus, in this scenario, quantitative research provides a numerical representation for elements of human behaviour and avoiding issues of subjective analysis (which can be questioned by peer researchers) because the data returned is quite concrete. The measurement of outcomes associated with change are often important research areas in nearly all scientific disciplines (Duncan, 1999: 114). Thus, when attempting to link particular subject behaviours with elements of their general environment,

Draftsmans Duty Of Care In The Preparation Of A Will Essay

Draftsmans Duty Of Care In The Preparation Of A Will - Essay Example In this context the common law development of rules which gives the draftsman's duty of care in preparation of a will has been discussed within the context of cases. The analysis is focused on identifying the solicitor's duties and responsibilities in preparing a will for the clients. Various aspects of preparation of a legal document highlight the significant role of the solicitor who has the duty to adequately represent the testator's intentions and wishes through the legal document. The various types of the draftsman's duties in preparation of a will are discussed in the changing contextual situations of family businesses, mutual or joint will, and breach of duty such as errors or delays. Identifying grammatical and omission errors, providing legal advice to clients, severing joint tenancy and adequately representing a testator's wish in preparing a will are some of the broad issues of draftsman's duties in preparing a will. This discussion is focused on identification of the various types of errors, issues concerning negligence of duty on the part of the solicitor and the possible contextual factors that can lead to these errors or failure t o perform the duties. The methodology adopted for this purpose include sear... Databases such as lexisnexis, bailli, zetoc and westlaw were searched with terms as 'draftsman' 'common law' 'preparation of will' 'solicitor duties' and several cases were located and have been included in this study. The studies obtained were then selected to adequately represent the research focus on identifying the draftsman's duties and responsibilities in preparing a will. The studies were analysed using a qualitative analytical approach from the Kerridge and Brierley (2003) framework of draftsman's errors and legal provisions of family law (1992). The aim of the study is to delineate the general rules of draftsman's duty of care in preparation of a will and the various legal aspects that defines a solicitor's responsibilities and the way he carries out these responsibilities. Draftsman's Duties in Preparation of a Will In preparation of a will, in addition to a general common law framework, trust law, succession law and tax law may have to be considered. A critical appraisal of the client's needs and the words that would meet the client's demands are considered in legal construction and consequences. A new trust deed may begin by choosing a precedent which appears to be the closest to what is required2. If a will or a trust does not meet client's needs, then new words will be required. In case of divorce, the divorcing spouse is a beneficiary and also the children in case of deceased. There has been in recent years an increased emphasis on understanding of law relating to revocation or cancellation of wills. Wills can be lost or misplaced, and this may be a problem if the testator has died in any way. It should also be evident that the will has not been destroyed as given in the case Hacquoil v Imperial Cancer Research (2003 JRC 163).

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 81

Discussion - Essay Example This research explores the effect of competences of emotional intelligence including empathy, awareness, emotional response, and emotional control on effective delegation of tasks and authorities in the banking industry of Malaysia. This research found a relative link between competitiveness and productivity in the workplace and emotional intelligence. There is on-going debate and research work regarding the extent to which emotional intelligence sets the stage for effective leadership. Competitiveness and success of bank managers imparts the need for managers to understand their own as well as their team’s emotions, and the importance of their role in the organization. Managers need to draw a balance between their intellect and emotion. The success and growth of any industry depends upon the productivity of the workers. Study of this article leads one to the conclusion that there is a huge role of emotional intelligence of managers in the correct delegation of tasks to the right employees. Delegation of authorities to the right people for the right reasons and at the right time boosts workers’ productivity and helps the organization achieve its goals

Pettiness,jealousy,and selfishness abound in our daily interactions Essay

Pettiness,jealousy,and selfishness abound in our daily interactions with each other - Essay Example Among these vices, pettiness tends to thrive among people who have the same level of education. It is common to see people getting angry at small things like how the other looked at them or how others walk or talk. More so, it is common to see people creating enemies out of this pettiness. Instead of seeking to understand one another and the simple things that characterize us, some people will use these petty things to create enmity among one another. Thus, it is common to see neighbors who barely talk to each other despite being close neighbors. It is common to see people despising one another in a public bus despite having met and might probably never meet. With such attitudes, people forget that humans don’t live twice and fail to seize happiness whenever possible by being free with one another, understanding one another and loving their neighbors. Jealousy, unlike pettiness is seen among people that know each other and who are not ready to celebrate the achievements of others. Jealousy exists among family members, among friends and among those that you can never think could be jealous. It starts with admiration and then it goes beyond this. Sometimes, it can lead to destruction as others can do anything just to bring down their friends or those whom their jealousy is directed to. Jealousy is felt because of so many reasons such as because of someone’s beauty, wealth or even positions. People who are jealous might try to strive others from these things until they succeed In the end, it becomes like a disease that is hard to cure. Apart from these two is selfishness, which I have come to realize that is in many people. It is hard to find people who are not selfish. People with this problem are never willing to help others and the worse thing is that they want to be helped. They never want to share whether they have a lot or whether they don’t. Instead of sharing, which is one thing that keeps the society

Health and Safety Essay Example for Free

Health and Safety Essay The main persons responsible for health, safety and welfare on a construction site are: ? Employer – their role is to conduct their business safely. In order to accomplish this, a supervisor (site manager) generally runs the site. They must ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees; they should provide a safe system of work, with safe plant and equipment. Provide safe handling storage transport along with information, supervision and training. There must be safe access and egress from the place of work along with a safe environment to work in. The employer also has a responsibility to produce a policy to this effect, and must consult with and co-operate n developing safety measures. ? CDM coordinator (formally planning supervisor) – They have the overall responsibility to coordinate the health, safety and welfare aspects of the design and planning phase. Prepare the early stages of the health, safety and welfare plan. Advise Clients of the competence and adequate resource of the principle contactor and ensure that a health, safety and welfare file for each structure is delivered to the client on completion. Ensure that structures are designed and specified to minimise any possible risks to health, safety and welfare during construction, and during maintenance. Adequate information is provided on possible risks. Co-operation with the CDM coordinator. ? Principle Contractors – These are responsible for taking account of health, safety and welfare issues when preparing their tenders or estimates. Exclude unauthorised persons from the site Co-operate with the planning supervisor Coordinate activities, of all contractors, to ensure that they comply with the health, safety and welfare plan and provide information and training of employees and the self-employed about health, safety and welfare. ? Sub-contractors / Self employed – are to co-operate with the Principal Contractor on health, safety and welfare matters and explain how they will control the health, safety and welfare risks in their work. ? Employees – have a duty to follow the health, safety and welfare procedures that have been put in place and to use their initiative. They must wear suitable footwear or any other protective clothing which has been provided in accordance to what they are doing. Ensure that their working environment is safe at all times for themselves, work colleges and visitors to the site. They must cooperate with the employer and must not interfere with anything provided for safety. b) Identify three main pieces of health, safety and welfare legislation relevant to the construction and built environment sector and describe the legal duties of employees and employers in terms of such legislation. The health and safety at Work Act 1974 was introduced due to the constantly expanding laws on health, safety and welfare in the UK and consolidated much of the previous legislation and good practices. It placed duties upon a number of parties including employers, the self employed and employees. Employers have a duty to ensure, as far as is reasonably possible, the health, safety and welfare of their employees. Employees have a responsibility to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for others who may be affected by their acts of omissions. The enforcement of the Act is carried out by HSE Inspectors and by the local authority inspectors. The nature of the main activity of the business determines the enforcing authority. When considering on an action, an inspector uses discretion but will consider the following: †¢ The Risk involved †¢ The Gravity of the alleged offence †¢ The history of the business in respect of previous events and their compliance †¢ The Inspector’s confidence in the management of the firm †¢ The likely effectiveness of a particular action The decision to bring about a prosecution rests with the enforcing authority. In respect of construction projects the main requirements of this Act is that employers also have a duty and responsibility to others working on a construction site, and for the safety of the public and other third parties. Under the health and safety at work Act 1974 umbrella falls much legislation such as: The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Amended by the Work at Height Regulations 2007) Falls are the largest cause of accidental death in the construction industry. They account for 50% of all fatalities. There is no distinction between low and high falls). For any working at height, precautions are required to prevent or minimise the risk of injury from a fall. To prevent or minimise risk when planning for work at height, the employer should consider the work to be done and take a sensible risk-based approach to identify suitable precautions. The regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers, the self-employed, and any person who controls the work of others (e. . facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height) to the extent they control the work. If you are an employee or working under someone else’s control, you must †¢ Report any safety hazard to them †¢ Use the equipment supplied (including safety devices) properly, following any training and instructions (unless you think that would be unsafe, in which case you should seek further instructions before continuing) As an employer you must do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent anyone falling. The regulations set out a simple hierarchy for managing and selecting equipment for work at height. [pic] The Regulations require dutyholders to ensure: †¢ All work at height is properly planned and organised †¢ All work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety †¢ Those involved in work at height are trained and competent †¢ The place where work at height is done is safe Equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected †¢ The risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled. Reporting accidents and ill health at work is a legal requirement. The information enables the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities, to identify where and how risks arise, and to investigate serious accidents. Records of reportable injuries or dangerous occurrences must be kept. They must include the date and method of reporting; the date and time and place of the event; personal details of those involved; and a brief description of the nature of the event or disease. The records can be kept by: †¢ Keeping copies of report forms in a file Recording the details on a computer Using the Accident Book entry †¢ Maintaining a written log A report must be made if there is an accident connected with work and: †¢ An employee, or self-employed person working on the employee’s premises is killed or suffers a major injury (including as a result of physical violence) †¢ A member of public is killed or taken to hospital †¢ An employer must notify the enforcing authority without delay and give brief details about the business, the injured person and the accident. †¢ The employer must follow up with a completed accident report form (F2508) within ten days. An employee or self-employed person must report to an employer or person whose premises they are working in, any injury for either themselves or a member of public immediately. It is not the employee’s or self-employed persons responsibility to report to HSE or to update the Accident Book unless it is the Self-employed person’s premises. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) Thousands of people are exposed to all kinds of hazardous substances at work. These can include chemicals that people make or work with directly, and also dust, fume and bacteria, which can be present in the workplace. Exposure can happen by breathing them in, contact with the skin, splashing them into the eyes or swallowing them. If exposure is not prevented or properly controlled, it can cause serious illness, including cancer, asthma and dermatitis, and sometimes even death.

The Influence of Technology in Business Essay Example for Free

The Influence of Technology in Business Essay Technology has changed the way the world operates and conducts business. I remember walking into an office and being impressed at how cool the receptionist was by instant messaging the person I was there to see to let them know I had arrived instead of picking up the phone and ringing their office. She received an immediate reply to have me seated and said the he would be right with me. What was really happening is that he was on a phone call but was able to multitask more efficiently due to the instant messaging software, filling the need for instant gratification. That was well over ten years ago. Today, managers can hold global staff meetings and significantly cut costs with regard to travel and expense accounts while fulfilling the new trend of being â€Å"green†. Much of corporate America now has people in telecommuting programs, and the number of people involved is continually growing. Information sharing is faster and more convenient than ever before. You never have to leave your home or book a flight out to acquire information or survey a property or even meet clients thanks to teleconferencing where you can see the other person virtually face-to-face. While there are many advantages to the new virtual office up rise there are challenges as well. Many businesses find one of the biggest hurdles in setting up the virtual office is the responsibility of providing technical support. Whereas, technically proficient employees usually improve their skills while learning on their own, those that don’t understand computers can end up costing much more because of support costs. Interestingly, IT departments are behind the virtual workplace curve: As employees overall are increasingly distributed geographically (more than 90% work someplace other than headquarters), IT departments are increasingly centralized. Telecommuting is actually considerably rarer in IT departments than in the workforce at large, (Johnson, J. , 2009). This may be causing them to miss out on a revolution that the rest of the company may be experiencing. Another hurdle that companies must face is that they must evaluate virtual workers without directly supervising them. To do this successfully, the employee must be evaluated on the quality, quantity, and timeliness of the work as opposed to the hours involved, so it is imperative that the work be specific and measurable (Roman H. Kepczyk, 1999). The demand for the virtual office is on the rise and will continue to develop and progress as companies realize the significant savings impact it can have on their budget and the increase in productivity it has been shown to have. From the employee’s perspective it also saves them money by not having to commute and buy lunch, therefore, increasing their retained income. They are more engaged due to the lack of interruptions by colleagues such as those present in a brick and mortar office setting and typically, employees use less sick leave when working from home. Reduced stress levels and a more productive and balanced lifestyle contribute the employees level of job satisfaction. An employer can save around $5,000 on cubicle and office equipment for just one employee. Telecommuting is the same thing as operating a virtual office. An employee can work from home but still communicate effectively with managers and colleagues. Employees may create a sort of â€Å"social working network† to compensate for the â€Å"water cooler† action they may miss from having human contact at the office. Judy Duplisea, a regional vice president for the company CheckFree, lives in Canton while other members of her sales and client relationship staff live in Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, and New York. They work out of their houses, connected by computers, fax machines, and conference calls in a virtual office. My group is probably tighter now than any of the groups that I was working with in regular offices, Duplisea said. We go out of our way to stay in contact with each other. You can get real lonely if you dont (Cindy Krischer Goodman, 2010). The advances in technology and business will increase the rate of global expansion of companies in general. Not having to budget money for international travel or physically exhaust employees with the act of actually traveling but being able to conduc t business effectively in over seas markets is a huge benefit to any company’s the bottom line. While business relationships should still incorporate some kind of human one-on-one contact with their clients and colleagues, businesses can communicate more effectively and more often, globally and domestically, with the increasing technological advances available to them. Clients, colleagues, suppliers and the like, are more than just a telephone call away, they are a teleconference, an email, and quite recently as demonstrated in the last presidential campaign on CNN, a hologram away.

Apple inc.

Apple inc. Background of Apple Inc Apple inc. is a based American corporation that manufactures and designs Smart electronic products ranging from computer software, hardware to other consumer electronics. The company has a an outstanding Macintosh personal computer line, Mac OS X, for its exceptional dependable user base which makes them significantly stand out, the iTunes media application and the iPod personal music player. The company has its base in Cupertino, Califonia, having its CEO and founder to be Steve Jobs, the company can beat its chest to having 284 retail locations spreading across 10 different countries. On the1st, of April 1976 Apple was established by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne to sell the Apple I personal computer kit. Steve Jobs was said to own 45% of the company, Steve Wozniak with 45% and Wayne with the remaining 10% Apple with time has brought about a significant reputation in the consumer electronic aspect. The users of Apple electronics tend to be fascinated about and loyal to the products and on the other hand those who have no experience with Apples product most times criticize them an being too expensive. On August 15, 1998 Apple released the iMac and was able to cover up its past failures which includes the first Apple portable, which was to wrong looking and bulky and the Newtons, Apple in entering the PDA market. In 2001, after several years of rigorous developments, Apple came up with Mac OS X a universal operating system targeted at both consumers and professionals. The Mac OS X was a different re designs from its previous the Mac OS 9 which could not constrain the power of UNIX while offering a streamlined user experience with a simplified GUI (Graphical User Interface). The iMac line of professional computers combined with the Mac OS X regained Apples profitability coupled with the r elease of the iPod portable digital audio player, later in the year which was just to crown its productions. The historical success of the iPod created a platform for future product, including the best mobile device in history, the iPhone and the Mac Book line of portable computers and the latest release of the iPad on the 27th of January 2010. Introduction This report is based on carrying out a strategic logistic analysis of Apple Inc. with a view to developing opportunities to develop logistic capabilities of Apple Inc. in this cognizance to the swot analysis, five forces analysis and Porters Generic strategy, Apples frame work. Virtually all these strategic models were done from the logistic perspective. This report addressed the main strategic approaches to logistics that can be done by Apple Inc. This report also look into management issues with regards to the implementation of a new logistics strategy especially from the perspective existing capital, technical and human resources. Finally, this research also helped to evaluate trend and the importance of new technology especially with respect to the future logistics strategy of new companies, critically evaluative the strategic significance of new technology developments and business trends on future logistic strategies for Apple Inc. Its Business Apple Inc. success in the IT world is as a result of the wide range of products varieties portfolio and the strength of the Mac OS X technology. Good brand loyalty. Giving a face-lift to desktop and notebook lines. Well known hardware and software products, the iPod, iPhone, Macintosh Computer, Mac operating system, iTunes. Apple Inc. sells a wide range of third-party Macintosh (Mac), iPhone and iPod compatible products, including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and different other accessories and peripherals via its online and retail stores, and digital content and applications through the iTunes Store. Apple Inc. sells to consumer, small and midsized business, education, enterprise, government and creative customers. Swot analysis The Apple SWOT Analysis the source for the top level management and data information. The analysis puts in view the organizations essential business structure and all its activities and gives the update of the revenue lines and strategy. (Data monitor April 2009,page 30) Strengths Apple Inc. major in developing its own software and hardware. iTunes Music store generates more revenue and the iPod which has easy accessibility on the Windows platform. Apple has an alcove audience that gives the organization some deceleration from the direct price competition. Providing a whole new dimension to desktop and computer lines. Its online access technology can be used to promote product awareness and sales. Has more maneuverable low debt ability. Excellent brand loyalty is associated with Apple Inc. Affiliation with Intel computers in 2006 till date. Powerful research and development department. Weaknesses No strong connection between Intel and Microsoft. Weak domination in business sector. Most Apple product has a very short life cycle which causes revenues to focus on the release of new products and services. Having to major its market in the education and publishing not in other markets. Slow turn around on high demand products. Its market is lacking way behind its Major competitor Microsoft. Past communication between the founder and employee which brought about its loss of reputation. Opportunities Large market population which tend to be brand driven. High rate of virus on personal computers to provide a constant market for its anti virus softwares. The ties of apple other companies are weak, Apple can develop good relationship for joint ventures. The high rate of music downloads and Mp3 are increasingly marketable. The sale of computer via the online platform are on the increase. The laptop market growth is increasing so Apple Computers should concentrate on the improvement and development of new models to satisfy the needs of individual customer. Threats Incompatibility with other organizations softwares. Dell, HP, Sony and Toshiba are major competitors facing Apple in the laptop sector. Free download of music and other software is common with other sites which has high impact on sales for online store sales of music and MP3 download. High prices of its product compared to its competitors which make them loose their market. The long lasting recession may impact the sales of the company due to higher prices of the products and services. The launching of the new Microsoft vista windows 7 which is gaining market share. Speedy change in technology is on the increase. The SWOT analysis above gives us a view that Apple Inc. has strengths that it can use to further develop the brand and invariably increasing its market and gaining an edge over its major competitors. Apple is a company with great success, the iPod music player sales increased its second quarter profit to $320in June 2005 same with its Macintosh computers. The iPod allows the company to in viewing other segments to go into. Apples Mac note books also contribute to the Apples high income. The brand name is one of the most popular brand names in the world, which offers good customer views of its products in the customers satisfaction. Early in 2005 Apple made an announcement on the putting an end to its relationship with IBM the supplier of their micro chips and switch to Intel specialists commented on saying it may make them loose their customers confusion. There is weight on the company to pump up the price of its Mp3 and music download from the music industry since most other company make their income from iTunes than selling their compact discs, |Apple has made sales of 22million on sales of its music player the iPod and further sales of 500million on the downloading of songs from its iTunes store. This shows a statistic of 82% of legitimate downloaded music in the US. The development of the iTunes music store to ease users on tracking their music and downloading it, this was made available, and by the use of the USB cable. Software was made in such a way it allows the pausing of music on incoming calls. There is a great deal of new technological strategies alliance opportunity for Apple. another new software is the Podcast which are downloadable media which is done via the internet and plated back on later events that suits the user. It has a free subscription which Apple can make it a paid subscription to generate more income The biggest fear of Apple Inc is the high level of competition in the IT markets. As a successful company the rate of competition is high so the company has to work rigorously on its market research in order to maintain and retain its position in the market The vast popularity of iPod and Apple Mac are on high demand, and will be affected if economies begin to falter and demand falls for their products. The level of close product substitution effect in the innovative and fast moving IT market. There for the iPod and MP3 are in the trend today, but only yesterday it was CD, DAT, and Vinyl. The future technology might be completely different and the music player could be displaced by the Wireless technologies. Five forces analysis The five forces strategic analysis was developed by Michael Porter. The Five forces framework is widely used as a type of industry analysis b (Johnson et al., 2005). The understanding of the way each of the five forces allow organizations have the basic insight in allowing them model the best fit strategies to be successful in their market (Thurlby, 1998). Apple operates in two primary industries: Computing Hardware and Software Delivery of Entertainment and Media Apple has always been under intense competition within the computer, software, and entertainment industries. Figure 1: Five forces analysis for Apple Inc Competitors Apple Inc top competitors include Dell, Microsoft, HP, Alien ware, Gateway, IBM. Strategic positioning Strategic position is aimed at achieving profitability and competitive advantage. Apples strategic position is to offer users the best computing experience by innovating in hardware, software, and Internet offerings. Environmental Analysis of Apple Inc. Apple, Inc operates as a multinational corporation that designs and manufactures consumer electronics and computer software products. The external environment is the institutions and people outside a business organization that affect it; these include national and local government, trade unions, competitors, customers, suppliers, etc. The external environment is one of the contingency factors that has to be taken into account in designing an organization.( Ed. Jonathan Law.) The external environment has three components: the remote macroeconomic environment, the industry environment, and the operating environment within the organization itself. There are key macroeconomic variables that affect Apple: inflation, unemployment, and competition. The first key macroeconomic variable that affects Apple is inflation. Inflation in an economy can be the result of an increase in aggregate demand that is unaccompanied by an increase in aggregate supply. A rise in any component of aggregate demand can bring about inflation. One reason for a sudden, unanticipated rise in aggregate demand can be an unanticipated rise in the supply of money. Inflation can also result from a decrease in aggregate supply that occurs when businesses find that production inputs have risen in price. Such occurs when labor costs and the price of raw materials such as plastics or metals. Decreases in productivity can also have a negative impact on aggregate supply and, therefore, cause a rise in prices. Apple has been in a situation where the aggregate demand for the iPod touch and the iPhone have been really high but the prices for these products it as a reasonable cost to the consumer. Another key macroeconomic variable that affects Apple Inc is unemployment. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people who are not working but who are actively seeking employment. Shifts in labor market that can create unemployment. At any given time the unemployment rates may differ greatly among nations. Two reasons for the difference are Different natural rates of unemployment and Nations may be in different phases of business cycle. McConnell C.R. and Brue S.L. (2004, p. 140). Between 2001 and 2006 the United States unemployment rate was considerably lower than that of Canada. If the unemployment rate is high then that means Apple may have had to lay off a bunch of employees because of the economy. If there arent many employees working at Apple then productivity will go down. Wages are an industry variable that is determined by the unemployment rate. If the economy is bad and Apple had to lay off employees then the wages of the existing employees may not go up for a long period of time or may even go down. The last key macroeconomic variable that affects Apple is gross domestic product (GDP). The gross domestic product (GDP) is a basic measure of a countrys economic performance and is the market value of all final goods and services made within the borders of a nation in a year. It is a fundamental measurement of production and is very often positively correlated with the standard of living. If there is an announcement in the news that there has been an increase in the GDP this will be an indication that the economy is, in all likelihood, in a growth phase. If the GDP number is comparatively weak or declining, this reflects a negative economic environment for the country, indicating a depressed economy. The world economy is depressed and facing a great recession. These facts will lead consumers finding themselves with less disposable income which will eventually cause them not to spend much consumption on luxury products. Apple will be largely influenced by the reluctant consumption ne eds. However, Apple has better positioned itself in the market. The introduction of new iPhone with a relatively cheap price is reflecting a very good sales strategy to accelerate consumption. Apple has successfully sustained a better profit rate in the last three years despite global economy slow down. However, there is no company that can always increase its profit while the national GDP is decreasing. There are many opportunities and challenges that exist for Apple, Inc. A big opportunity that Apple has is they open their stores in a slow, even-handed way to make sure each one is profitable. Other companies that over extended themselves in the boom could have to pull back drastically as their customers are reluctant to spend. That opens opportunities for Apple to negotiate more favorable lease terms in struggling shopping malls. Another opportunity would be that as Apple opens more and more international stores, that sector of Apples business will be less and less affected by financial troubles in the U.S. An ongoing challenge that Apple faces is keeping the price of their products affordable. Apples business plan includes pricing their products so the consumer can afford them. Even with the current recession Apple is still making a high profit from their computers and electronics. Another challenge according to( www.macobserver.com), Apples Mac growth is three times the average P C sales growth, and theyve sold 120 million iPods, burying the competition. Apple has branched out into the mobile phone market gaining even more consumer awareness. As a result, Apple has had to invest heavily in customer service. Some wonder if they can keep up the pace. Implementing a new logistics strategy within an organization Apple has historically taken a far different path than the traditional Windows and Intel combination. Microsoft provides the Windows operating system to separate downstream hardware producers such as Dell. Apple vertically integrated both the operating system software and hardware completely under Apple. A consumer running Microsoft Windows can choose from a myriad of systems based on the Intel processor, while a consumer running Apples OS X must purchase Apple hardware. Apple is adjusting this strategy by migrating their microprocessors from IBM and Motorola PowerPC to Intel. Analysts believe that the Intel-based Macintosh may be able to run Microsoft Windows applications by the end of 2006. (Burrows) In addition to switching processors, Apple positioned their computers as an immediate option for the traditional Microsoft Windows user. With Apple Boot Camp, users may now use Mac OS X or Windows on an Apple computer. (Sutherland).By allowing users to run Windows on an Intel Mac, Apple reduced the switching costs for traditional PC users. Apple may steal away customers that are willing to pay a premium for a system that runs both Windows and Mac OS X. Apple continues to retain a strategic option to license its technology to clone makers such as Dell. Past attempts at licensing Apple technology (to IBM, Gateway, and others) failed on accord of Apples rigid demands. Many technology leaders (such as a 1985 letter by Bill Gates to Apple CEO John Sculley) criticized Apple for keeping a closed architecture. Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak criticizes this strategy, We had the most beautiful operating system, but to get it you had to buy our hardware at twice the price. That was a mistake.Whether Apple would be willing to pursue this reversal of vertical integration is unclear. Although such a move would cannibalize a portion of Apples own hardware sales, it would also provide royalty-based revenue that could approach $1 billion annually. (Burrows) Jobs traditionally sided against licensing Apple technology. He referred to Mac clone producers as leeches and he personally killed Power Computing by terminating their license in 1997. Increasing inventry Despite a weakening economy and a need to meet customer demand, Apple has been able to maintain a fast inventory turnover rate. The Mac and iPhone maker is sitting at five days worth of inventory on any given day, beating Dells seven days worth of inventory, according to data from UBS. Other PC makers are having even more trouble matching Apples inventory efficiency. Lenovo, for example, is averaging 15 days of inventory, and HP is sitting at 32 days. Intel, however, is showing a much slower inventory turnover rate at 89 days, and D-Link is sitting on a staggering 131 days worth of inventory. Apples quick turnover rate may have been due in part to preparing for its just announced iMac, Mac mini and Mac Pro updates. The company released new desktop computer. Models on March 3, and keeping inventory low helped assure that there would be fewer of the previous model machines sitting on store shelves. While maintaining a higher inventory level can help a company cope with sudden increases in demand, it can also show a companys inability to adequately gauge market interest in their products. For now, it looks like Apple is managing inventory better than its competition. (Jeff Gamet) Future logistic strategies for Apple Inc The development of Apples coverage device and Once developed the Apple convergence device will provide a wide range of functions and powerful processing capability that can be applied to the field of medical care to enhance efficiency and modernize the industry. Apple should work with medical device companies and care providers to develop a set of criteria for necessary capabilities for consideration in developing the platform. The device will function as an integral part of an overhauled recordkeeping, care giving, and medical administrative system modernized for the twenty-first century. The device and software it runs will make use of compatible equipment to measure, document, and file measurements, symptoms, and diagnosis in an easily accessible and fully-portable medical files system. The system will help to streamline care giving, administration, and claims filing, by eliminating mountains of paperwork and cumbersome filing systems. Conclusion This research will give the reader an overview of the logistics implementation strategy adopted by Apple Inc and how the organisation can help improve its supply chain network now and in the nearest future. Reference http://www.brighthub.com/computing/mac-platform/articles/65346.aspx#ixzz0jRgxpiYB Michael Dougherty http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/555326 Data monitor April 2009,page 30 Apple SWOT Analysis. November 23rd, 2009 | Adam | Posted in Marketing www.mba-tutorials.com/marketing/273-apple-swot-analysis.html Jeff Gamethttp://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_beats_competitors_at_inventory_turn_over/ http://marketingteacher.com/Lessons/lesson_fivefoces.htm Thurlby B (1998) Competitive forces are also subject to change, Management Decision London Johnson, G., Scholes, K. Whittington (2008) Exploring corporate strategy: text and cases. London: Prentice Hall McConnell, C.R. and Brue, S.L. (2002).. Economics: Principles, Problems http://www.macobserver.com. http://www.spoke.com/info/pY9wQEu/KarenBurrows