Apple_Computer_Inc._Case_Study

Information Systems Management Apple Computer Inc. Case Study This Page in Intentionally Blank 1 Executive Summary Apple Computer Inc., a 30 plus company can associate much of their rejuvenated success to the thoughts and ideas to Steve Jobs. Jobs brought Apple back to existence to become the innovative and creative company it once was 20 years ago (Baltzan & Phillips, 2009). In 2000, Jobs developed software for Macintosh, which later opened the door for new opportunities. Between 2000 and 2003 Jobs with help of Jeff Robbin from SoundScan developed iTunes and the iPod. Through information systems management (ISM), Jobs gave life to a once dull company that needed a fresh creation and idea. The Apple case study discussed by Baltzan and Phillips explains the overall initiatives by Apple Inc. and Steve Jobs through ISM. The case explains ISM in four sections pertaining to Apple capitalizing on new trends, capitalizing on the iPod, and capitalizing on the future and iPhone lead up to the success of Apple. Prior to the creation of iTunes and the iPod, Apple had fallen out of competition. New companies such as Napster were capitalizing on the new trend of using computers to make audio CD’s. After finding its niche, Apple and SoundScan developed iTunes through ISM techniques. Apple has gained the strength to dominate ISM techniques by merging technology, business and entertainment into one category. Current research has indicated that Apple is the top seller for portable MP3 Players. Since 2001, Apple has sold six billion songs since they launched. Five questions pertaining to Apple’s ISM that coincide with the case study are as follows: 1. What might have happened to Apple if the Top Executives decided not to support the investment' 2. How can Apple use IT efficiency metrics to improve business' 3. How important is it to act as the “gatekeeper” of the App Store to Apple' 4. What is the impact of ISM for the development of software guidelines' And 5. What MIS principles and concepts discussed in the text relate to this case' 2 Answers to these questions include: 3 Introduction This paper will analyze and discuss a case study that depicts Apple Computer Inc. usage of Information System Management (ISM). A summary of Apple’s case study will be discussed below provided by Baltzan and Phillips in 2009. Baltzan and Phillips describe a detailed case explaining the research discovered about Apple. Additional information about Apple will also be discussed. Finally five questions and answers will be provided to explain Apple’s ISM decisions are sync with the overall organizations goals. Apple Case Study 4 5 6 7 8 9