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Vertical Integration Works for Apple—But It Won?t for Everyone

Wharton professors explain why Apple integrated model of designing both hardware and software may not work for other companies. Knowledge@Wharton reports:

Google recently acquired mobile device maker Motorola Mobility and will soon manufacture smartphones and television set-top boxes. Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet represents its bridge between hardware and e-commerce. Oracle bought Sun Microsystems and now champions engineered systems (integrated hardware and software devices). And even long-standing software giant Microsoft now makes hardware for its Xbox gaming system. Technology titans are increasingly looking like vertically integrated conglomerates largely in an attempt to emulate the success of Apple.Vertical integration dictates that one company controls the end product as well as its component parts. In technology, Apple for 35 years has championed a vertical model, which features an integrated hardware and software approach. For instance, the iPhone and iPad have hardware and software designed by Apple, which also designed its own processors for the devices. This integration has allowed Apple to set the pace for mobile computing. “Despite the benefits of specialization, it can make sense to have everything under one roof,” says Wharton management professor David Hsu.

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Categories: Strategy Implementation - 782 | Case Studies | Apple | Topics | Congruence Model |

Posted on Mar 28, 12

JetBlue to Review Procedures After Pilot Meltdown: CEO

A pilot on a JetBlue flight had a complete mental meltdown. The co-pilot had to lock him out the cockpit and passengers had wrestle him down and constraint him with their belts. If you are the CEO, what you want to know know is whether this was an isolated incident (which can always happen) or whether your HR systems are not properly design. For this reason it makes sense that the CEO ordered a review.  Read full story here.

Categories: Strategy Implementation - 782 | Topics | Congruence Model |

Posted on Mar 28, 12

Evidence that markets are becoming more dynamic courtesy of Frank Rothaermel

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Categories: Strategic Management 4 | Strategy Implementation - 782 | Topics | Congruence Model | Positioning Strategy First |

Posted on Feb 05, 12

Overview of the Management System of Southwest and the Leadership Style of Herb Kellerher (44 min)

It is useful to compares this to Jack Welsh and Steve Jobs in his later years (1997-2011) when he was much more focused on creating products that would sell in large numbers.

Categories: Strategy Implementation - 782 | Case Studies | Southwest | Topics | Congruence Model | Leadership Style | Positioning Strategy First |

Posted on Feb 01, 12