Thursday, January 30, 2020

Apple Firm Strategy Analysis Essay Example for Free

Apple Firm Strategy Analysis Essay The firm I have chosen to analyze is Apple. Apple, officially called as Apple Inc. was founded on April 1, 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steven Wojniak. It was incorporated on January 3, 1977. (Mohta, 2010) Apple designs and manufactures consumer products such as computers, laptops, tablets, phones and music players and computer software products such as Mac OS Operation System and iTunes. Over the past few years, Apple has gained a large customer base and been able to dominate the market share. Strategic frameworks such as Porters five forces and Strategic focus will help us in analyzing how Apple has managed to sustain its profits over a long period of time. Porter’s five forces framework Threat of Competition When it comes to computers, tablets and music players, Apple dominates the market share by a huge margin. The gross profit for Apple in the year 2012 is $65.64 billion whereas the gross profit for HP and Dell is $27.64 billion and $13.06 billion respectively. (Sparks, 2012) HP was unable to compete with Apple in the tablet market that it has started to consider focusing only on the computer industry. In the smartphone market, Samsung has by far been the biggest competitor for Apple. Samsung has 29.1% of the market share in the smartphone market whereas Apple only has 24.2 % of the market share. (Reisinger, 2012) Threat of new entrants Considering the large customer base Apple has, threat of new entrants is quite low. The new entrants have neither been able to match up to the quality of the Apple products nor to the sales volume held by Apple. Hence, if Apple continues to design and manufacture innovative products, it will be extremely difficult for new entrants to be able to compete with Apple. Threat of Substitutes When it comes to Apple’s hardware products, there are no substitutes as such that could replace it. However, when it comes to Apple’s software products such as the iTunes, which is the music store designed and developed by Apple for the purpose of purchasing and downloading music, there is a high possibility that the customers could look out for alternative sources for music such as limewire, youtube.com. (Mohta, 2010) Power of buyers Apple has always focused on hardware and software integration of its products. Hence, Apple customers end up owning more than one Apple product. As a result of this, switching costs are extremely high. Also, due to the fact that large sales volumes are promised by Apple to the carrier networks such as ATT and Verizon, iPhones are sold to the customers at a subsidised rate. This is an indication that the carriers have very less buying power. (Sparks, 2012) Power of suppliers Apple has an advantage over its suppliers as it outsources most of its manufacturing and has also started producing its own supplies. Consequently, it also gives Apple a huge competitive advantage. (Term paper warehouse) Strategic focus framework The three value disciplines that are taken up for analyzing a company are: Operational Excellence Apple as a company is highly efficient when it comes to operational excellence. All the departments in the organization starting from the sales forecasting department to the Distributions department are synchronised with each other leading to a highly efficient supply chain. Also, Apple has a limited product line. (Lariviere, 2011) Hence, it is able to provide its complete focus on designing and manufacturing those products rather than drifting away from the organizations objective to sustain profits with a large number of product lines. Customer intimacy â€Å"Apple targets people. It focuses on users. And it lets them decide how and where they will use its products.† (Asay, 2010) Apple has always been a customer focused company where its main aim is to deliver high quality products to its customers. Product Leadership Apple has managed to be a leader in its industry because of the fact it has been able to design innovative products. It has initiated changes to which its competitors had to respond. For example, Apple revolutionised the Smartphone market by introducing the iPhone. Except for Samsung, no other competitor of Apple has been able to come up with a strategy to deviate market focus from Apple. In addition, Apple has always on the lookout for new products to design and new markets to enter. This strategy has led to Apple being a leader in its industry. References Asay. M. (2010). Apple Doesn’t target Markets. It Targets People. GIGAOM. Retrieved from: http://gigaom.com/2010/08/26/apple-doesnt-target-markets-it-targets-people/ Bargaining Power of Suppliers. Term Paper Warehouse. Retrieved from: http://www.termpaperwarehouse.com/essay-on/Bargaining-Power-Of-Suppliers/84367 Lariviere. M. (2011). Operations: Apple’s Secret Sauce? The Kellogg Insight. Retrieved from: http://operationsroom.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/operations-apples-secret-sauce/ Mohta, J. (2010). Poter’s 5 forces model case Apple Inc. Slideshare. Retrieved from: http://www.slideshare.net/jontymohta444/porters-5-forces-model-case-apple-inc Reisinger, D. (2012). Samsung Pulling away from Apple in smartphone market. CNET. Retrieved from: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57424779-94/samsung-pulling-away-from-apple-in-smartphone-market/ Sparks, D. (2012). Competing with Apple is No Fun. The Motley Fool. Retrieved from: http://beta.fool.com/danielsparks/2012/09/03/apple-2012-50-growth/10776/ Spartanski. (2009). Case Study Apple Inc. Slideshare. Retrieved from: http://www.slideshare.net/Spartanski/case-study-apple-inc-2008

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Acid Rain: Its Effects on Aquatic Environments :: Geology

Acid Rain: Its Effects on Aquatic Environments What is Acid Rain?: Acid rain is rain, snow or fog that is polluted by acid in the atmosphere and damages the environment. Two common air pollutants acidify rain: sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). When these substances are released into the atmosphere they are transformed into sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) and can be carried over long distances by prevailing winds and return to earth as acidic rain, snow, fog or dust. When the environment cannot neutralize the acid being deposited, damage occurs. Causes of SO2 and NOx: * Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is generally a byproduct of industrial processes and burning of fossil fuels. Ore smelting, coal-fired power generators, and natural gas processing are the main contributors. * The main source of NOx emissions is the combustion of fuels in motor vehicles, residential and commercial furnaces, industrial and electrical-utility boilers and engines, and other equipment . Acidification of Freshwater: General Info: Freshwater acidification is not an entirely new problem. First linked to the decline of salmon and other fish stocks in Norwegian rivers some sixty years ago, freshwater acidification was later identified as a problem in Scandinavia during the 1970’s. Since then, thousands of rivers and lakes have been proven acidified. Areas most susceptible to acidification are those with an unreactive catchment such as granite and a base, nutrient-deficient soil. Areas of high acidification incidence include the United States, Canada, Scotland, Central Europe, and Scandinavia. Any lake below pH7.0 is, by strict definition, an acid lake, but it is generally argued that acid waters are those below pH5.0 where sulfate concentrations exceed those of carbonate or the sum of calcium and magnesium content. Process: Acid rain enters water by two routes: directly and through the catchment. The vast majority enters through the catchment while a relatively small percentage enters directly. Acid water passes easily to the lake through catchment consisting of shallow soil cover and alkaline-deficient bedrock such as granite, which does not contain the carbonates necessary to neutralize the acid. In areas where a continual supply of base cations is not assured then the gradual depleting of the bicarbonate in the lake means that the once stable pH will drop rapidly resulting in an acidified lake. Acidification can also occur in surges after snowmelt or drought; the first 30% of snowmelt can contain 50 - 80% of the total acids in the snow. Acid Rain: Its Effects on Aquatic Environments :: Geology Acid Rain: Its Effects on Aquatic Environments What is Acid Rain?: Acid rain is rain, snow or fog that is polluted by acid in the atmosphere and damages the environment. Two common air pollutants acidify rain: sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). When these substances are released into the atmosphere they are transformed into sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) and can be carried over long distances by prevailing winds and return to earth as acidic rain, snow, fog or dust. When the environment cannot neutralize the acid being deposited, damage occurs. Causes of SO2 and NOx: * Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is generally a byproduct of industrial processes and burning of fossil fuels. Ore smelting, coal-fired power generators, and natural gas processing are the main contributors. * The main source of NOx emissions is the combustion of fuels in motor vehicles, residential and commercial furnaces, industrial and electrical-utility boilers and engines, and other equipment . Acidification of Freshwater: General Info: Freshwater acidification is not an entirely new problem. First linked to the decline of salmon and other fish stocks in Norwegian rivers some sixty years ago, freshwater acidification was later identified as a problem in Scandinavia during the 1970’s. Since then, thousands of rivers and lakes have been proven acidified. Areas most susceptible to acidification are those with an unreactive catchment such as granite and a base, nutrient-deficient soil. Areas of high acidification incidence include the United States, Canada, Scotland, Central Europe, and Scandinavia. Any lake below pH7.0 is, by strict definition, an acid lake, but it is generally argued that acid waters are those below pH5.0 where sulfate concentrations exceed those of carbonate or the sum of calcium and magnesium content. Process: Acid rain enters water by two routes: directly and through the catchment. The vast majority enters through the catchment while a relatively small percentage enters directly. Acid water passes easily to the lake through catchment consisting of shallow soil cover and alkaline-deficient bedrock such as granite, which does not contain the carbonates necessary to neutralize the acid. In areas where a continual supply of base cations is not assured then the gradual depleting of the bicarbonate in the lake means that the once stable pH will drop rapidly resulting in an acidified lake. Acidification can also occur in surges after snowmelt or drought; the first 30% of snowmelt can contain 50 - 80% of the total acids in the snow.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Communication and Language Needs Wishes Essay

Show how to find out an individual communication and language needs wishes and preferences Finding out the way an individual prefers to communicate can be done in two ways: direct or indirect. The talk of these individuals is very slow and intentional. They do not like loud, fast, and excessively aggressive talk. In addition, they concentrate more on the facts and figures, rather than just assumptions. If you are in conversation with an indirect communicator, you need to understand that you should have proof for backing up your suggestions, answers, and views. Individuals who are direct talk more clamorously and rapidly than indirect communicators. They take risks easily, are aggressively self-assured, and are related to ‘type A’ personalities. If you are in conversation with a direct communicator, just ensure that you get to the point straightaway, be confident about what you say, provide solid instances of your achievements, and be alert when you talk. The direct method is by speaking to the services users on face to face or asking questions, observing what they say and how they say The Indirect method: is by reading through the services users record and their care plan or by speaking their relatives and also inquiring from their colleagues. . 2.2 demonstrate communication methods that meet an individual communication need wishes and preferences. Written communications, lip reading and body language method for these individual that cannot hear. And also verbal and non verbal communication to an individual who can hear or see. Verbal and touch for Braille individual who is blind but not deaf. 2.3 Show how and when to seek advice about communication Seek advise by speaking to the line manager or professional bodies like nurse, doctors and colleagues if you do not understand what your service user saying or in looking unwell. If you cannot find or understand the records of your services users already provided to them seek advice from the team manager or colleagues. 3.1idenfiy barriers to affective communication There are reasons that can hinder affective communication. For example Poor health and mental health the main barrier to affective communication is being ill makes it difficult for people to effectively express them and and confidences and self esteem. Background: Clients with chronic and terminal disease frequently do not talk to their physicians about end-of-life care. Interventions to improve this communication have generally been unsuccessful, suggesting that important barriers to this communication must exist Culture and family affects the way people use the method of communication for example eye contact may not be as common in some culture as in others may be interpreted differently. Aggression: being aggressive while communicating makes diffuclt to express your point and to be listened and it applies to both the clients and the carer. Emtonalil diffuclties:when people experience a break up in long term relationship or receive news about death of loved ones they may become confused or uncontrollably upset and this

Monday, January 6, 2020

How to Write the Nuclear Symbol of an Element

This worked problem demonstrates how to write nuclear symbols for isotopes of a given element. The nuclear symbol of an isotope indicates the number of protons and neutrons in an atom of the element. It does not indicate the number of electrons. The number of neutrons is not stated. Instead, you have to figure it out based on the number of protons or atomic number. Nuclear Symbol Example: Oxygen Write the nuclear symbols for three isotopes of oxygen in which there are 8, 9, and 10  neutrons, respectively. Solution Use a periodic table to look up the atomic number of oxygen. The atomic number indicates how many protons are in an element. The nuclear symbol indicates the composition of the nucleus. The atomic number ( the  number of protons) is a subscript at the lower left of the symbol of the element. The mass number (the sum of protons and neutrons) is a superscript at the upper left of the element symbol. For example, the nuclear symbols of the element hydrogen are: 11H, 21H, 31H Pretend that the superscripts and subscripts line up on top of each other: They should do it this way in your homework problems, even though its not printed that way in this example.  Since its redundant to specify the number of protons in an element if you know its identity, its also correct to write: 1H, 2H, 3H Answer The element symbol for oxygen is O and its atomic number is 8. The mass numbers for oxygen must be 8 8 16; 8 9 17; 8 10 18. The nuclear symbols are written this way (again, pretend the superscript and subscript are sitting right on top of each other beside the element symbol):168O, 178O, 188O Or, you could write: 16O, 17O, 18O Nuclear Symbol Shorthand While its common to write nuclear symbols with the atomic mass—the sum of the number of protons and neutrons—as a superscript and atomic number (the number of protons) as a subscript, theres an easier way to indicate nuclear symbols. Instead, write the element name or symbol, followed by the number of protons plus neutrons. For example, helium-3 or He-3 is the same as writing 3He or 31He, the most common isotope of helium, which has two protons and one neutron. Example nuclear symbols for oxygen  would be oxygen-16, oxygen-17, and oxygen-18, which have 8, 9, and 10 neutrons, respectively. Uranium Notation   Uranium is an element often described using this shorthand notation. Uranium-235 and uranium-238 are isotopes of uranium. Each uranium atom has 92 atoms (which you can verify using a periodic table), so these isotopes contain 143 and 146 neutrons, respectively. Over 99 percent of natural uranium is the isotope uranium-238, so you can see that the most common isotope isnt always one with equal numbers of protons and neutrons.

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Analysis Of Over The Garden Wall - 970 Words

Over the Garden Wall is a children’s cartoon series with a rather dark subject: a visit to the afterlife. The show focuses on two brothers, Wirt and Greg. Unaware of their true plight, Wirt and Greg navigate their way through unfamiliar territory in search of a way home, and meet other unusual characters along the way. The show resembles Dante’s own trip to the afterlife in many ways. Over the Garden Wall alludes to Dante’s Commedia through its settings, the characters, and the aspects that the two versions of the afterlife share, all of which implies that the series is based loosely on Dante’s travels in his Commedia. In the opening scene of the show, Wirt and Greg are lost in a forest with no recollection of how they came to be there. This is very similar to the first canto of Inferno, in which Dante is also lost in â€Å"a dark wood†. The brothers are pursued by a monstrous dog when they first arrive, akin to how Dante is accosted by the three be asts in Limbo shortly after appearing there. Later in the show, we come to find out the place where Wirt and Greg have ended up is referred to as â€Å"The Unknown†. The Unknown is separated into different regions, much like how the Commedia’s realms have different areas, with various trials to be overcome in each section. In the last episode of the show, it is apparent that The Unknown is a purgatory-like afterlife, and that the brothers’ journey to find their â€Å"home† has actually been them searching for a way back the land of the living.Show MoreRelatedLocal Sustainability Site / Project Analysis905 Words   |  4 PagesDaryl Richardson Sustainable Community Design and Development Topic: Local Sustainability Site/Project Analysis Gleaming in the sky, standing at 975 feet towering over the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the Comcast Center skyscraper. The Comcast center is the tallest building in Pennsylvania and at the time of completion was the tallest LEED certified gold building in the United States. The Penn Sheraton Hotel formally stood on the site until it was demolished. It remained vacant for yearsRead MoreHistoric Value Of The Oregon Historical District906 Words   |  4 Pagescommercial and residential land uses. Though mixed use space, commercial and residential, is seen as a modern phenomenon, this area of land is quite old for an American city with the original plat recording in 1829. However, the homes in the area developed over a period of 100 years which allowed for them to development with different architectural features with the most common being Classic Revival. This different architectural development could also be seen throughout the business district. IntriguingRead MoreAnalysi s : The Beach Essay1745 Words   |  7 PagesWaikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2015. It was taken during sunset and as the tide had gone out, revealing a wider coastline. The world-famous beach is manmade and since 1951, over 80,000 cubic meters of sand has been imported to replace sand lost through erosion from heavy rainfall, sea swells, wind and tropical storms. Analysis: With Hawaii’s economy being dependant on tourism and the main source of employment, it is important for DMOs ensure its attractions and services are maintained. The beachesRead MoreA Historical Survey Of Architecture And Urbanism1550 Words   |  7 Pagesinto the houses that the Romans built and compares several factors that give relative argument base for the entire paper. It is outlined that most Roman houses were built in respect to the wealth and influence of individuals within the society. This analysis gives all the facts related to the above topic and tries to undercover the reason as to why class was a consistent factor within the society. 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The YellowRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper: Male Oppression of Women in Society1232 Words   |  5 Pagesitselfpresents an interesting look at one woman s struggle to deal with both physicaland mental confinement. This theme is particularly thought-provoking when readin today s context where individual freedom is one of our most cherished rights.This analysis will focus on two primary issues: 1) the many vivid images Gilmanuses to illustrate the physical and symbolic confinement the narrator enduresduring her illness; and 2) the overall effect of, and her reaction to, thisconfinement. The Yellow WallpaperRead MoreStocks Essay1037 Words   |  5 Pagescrazes; or as Dr. Malkiel calls them, creating â€Å"castles in the air.† For instance: †¢ Tulip Bulb craze: Tulips imported into Holland from Turkey during the 17th century gained instant popularity. According to Investopedia: â€Å"The true bulb buyers (the garden centers of the past) began to fill up inventories for the growing season, depleting the supply further and increasing scarcity and demand. Soon, prices were rising so fast and high that people were trading their land, life savings, and anything elseRead MoreFilm Analysis : Native People, First Encounters, And The Conquest1206 Words   |  5 PagesDiscussion Essay #1 Prompt - Native Peoples, First Encounters, and the Conquest PART I: Film Analysis in relation to readings From the films, 500 Nations: Ancestors, â€Å"Engineering an Empire: Maya† and â€Å"Engineering an Empire: Aztec† they have included examples of urban planning, their advances in agriculture, water management, and Architecture. This has facilitated the growth of the Anasazi, Mississippian Mound Builders, Mayans and the Aztecs. The Anasazi were located in the American southwest in

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Argumentative Essay Addiction - 1629 Words

Why is it that when a person is diagnosed, for example, with diabetes, they are provided with Social Security Disability Benefits and a number of free welfare benefits, but the majority of people diagnosed with addiction receives little to no treatment. According to the article Treating Addiction as a Chronic Disease, †Health officials estimate 22 million people in the U.S. abuse alcohol or drugs or both and only around 10 percent of them are in treatment.† Deciding whether addiction is deserving of jail time or necessary treatment is a huge controversy in our world today. Will naming addiction as a disease end the stigma of addicts and provide a better environment for them to seek help? Addiction has been apart of our society†¦show more content†¦The definition of disease and the effects of addiction correlate immensely in that addiction meets all the requirement of the disease. Addiction is the number one cause of death in eighteen to twenty-four-year-olds, addiction has a set of known signs and symptoms, and addiction can also be diagnosed with objective evidence via brain scan (The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction: The Basics). Similar to diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, addiction is caused by a combination of behavioral, environmental, and biological factors. Clearly, there is an increased risk for severe drug-related problems for children of addicts, even if they were raised without any knowledge of their biological parents ´ problems. The article â€Å"Choosing to stop your addiction† expresses the role of genes when considering addiction. Genes are the instructions for our bodies structure and function. Each human is different in how we react to certain medications, how each brain copes with stress, and the amount of a given chemical that is present in our brain. People who show a certain biological differences in their genes, have a more or less vulnerable to addiction. But it is not just one gene, addiction vulnerability is a very complex trait that is unique in every case. (Washington post.2014). Like cancer, a parent passes on the gene mistake to their offspring, therefore they are born with a genetic predisposition to addiction. Also, if drugs or alcohol isShow MoreRelatedDrug Addiction Argumentative Essay977 Words   |  4 PagesYates 7-22-2012 Argumentative Essay: Addiction is a choice Alcohol and illicit drug consumption are all too prevalent today in high schools, colleges, and all across the globe. Students seeking to fit in or forget about the repetitiveness of school and homework have a tendency to experiment. Drug addiction is known by the scientific community to be a psychological condition based on excessive, obsessive, and compulsive actions. Once that regular user crosses the line into addiction their only concernRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Drug Addiction799 Words   |  4 Pagessoul-sucking monsters, a woman who introduced him to methamphetamine.The past ten years have consisted of my uncle down spiraling due to his addiction of methamphetamine. As of now, he is fourteen months clean due to his arrest last June. Because of his methamphetamine addiction, he is now facing thirty years in prison rather than going to rehab to beat his addiction. Today’s society would rather overpopulate our prisons with addicts, who need help, rather than sending them to rehab. Addicts are peopleRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Drug Addiction1067 Words   |  5 PagesAddiction is a plight on the world’s population that many know of but refuse to acknowledge. It’s a topic often ignored in society due to belief that addicts are the scum of humankind. 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Most of the nowadays teenage activities and spending free-time resolves around technology. Not all the games are violent, but they all becoming more realistic. Some of the games are designed to learn something, some games develop abilities of fast reading, fast typing, driving a carRead MoreThe Negative Effects Of Internet Dependency1235 Words   |  5 Pages An Argumentative Essay on the Negative Effects of Internet Dependency How much mental capacity does an individual have? Cognitive physiologists have found that the length of a memory depends on how it is encoded. Encoding is the process in which information is computed and stored in the long term and working memory. Long term memory has an extremely large capacity and is able to hold information for months or even years, while working memory is very closely related to what we refer to as attention;Read Morethree arguments Essay741 Words   |  3 Pagescritical argument analysis essay, focuses on three professional essays and how these authors construct their arguments using opinion and evidence. There are many different ways in which authors can construct their arguments. In the highly controversial topic of legalizing marijuana I found three very different styles of arguments in which the authors backed up their opinions with facts. In my reading of these arguments each writer had there own style. The first essay by Stephen B. Duke, CannabisRead MoreNegative Effect of the IPad on Our Youth Essay802 Words   |  4 Pagesprovide a one-on-one student to device ratio and have caused much controversy. This scrutiny is only intensified when discussing the effect of such environments on children as young as the age of six, and many experts disagree with this practice. This essay will discuss the negative effects of younger children using devices (predominately iPads). Some of these reasons include: the negative effect iPads have on a developing childs social skills; the way these devices hinder muscle development, especiallyRead MoreEssay about The Beef with TV770 Words   |  4 Pagesmeaning as well as themselves. To end this persuasive/argumentative essay with a few words from a person who speaks of addiction with quick wit, Ann Landers, â€Å"People who drink to drown their sorrow should be told that sorrow knows how to swim.† In short, Mrs. Landers point was that to destroy or rid a personal demon and at first you fail with one tactic, rethink your position and attack from a different angle. If you only grasp one thing from this essay let it be this, â€Å"live life to its fullest potential†

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Environment analysis of BHP Billiton - Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss about the Environment analysis of BHP Billiton. Answer: Introduction Purpose of report The present study aims to conduct environmental analysis of BHP Billiton which would involve discussion of key information related to the competitive advantages and the current business strategies of the organisation to determine their market and financial position in comparison to industry standards. The environmental analysis of BHP Billiton will involve internal and external (macro and micro) analysis. This analysis will help the organisation to understand its market effectively and accordingly develop strategies for effective movement of the business. Company snapshot BHP Billiton is one of the biggest Australian conglomerates that work all over the world. The organisation has diversified into different fields steadily with time. The organisation has extended in different markets which has helped the organisation to get renowned in different regions. BHP has become an extremely important entity in the Australian economy that has brought the company into the limelight (BHP, 2017). The organisation was established in 1885 in NSW as silver and lead mining company and the organisation since then extended into iron ore, steel making, coal and petroleum. The company received domestic and global growth in different countries like USA, Chile, Canada et cetera. With time passing by BHP has faced significant competition in the global market and hence it is important for the organisation to develop a strong strategy which would help the organisation to move forward and cope up with the increasing difficulties and market hurdles (de Villiers, Low and Samkin, 2014). Environment analysis of BHP Billiton Internal analysis Current business strategy of BHP Billiton The Current mission statement of the organisation BHP Billiton is to create long term shareholder value through discovery, mining and acquisition, development and proper sales and marketing of natural resources. The business strategy of the BHP is mainly based on their key pillars products i.e. iron ore, oil, copper and coal mining. The current business strategy of BHP is to focus on maximising the returns for the shareholders through the increase in the mineral assets and with the increase in new mining explorations and innovation. The current business strategy of the organisation revolves around its progressive dividend policy that focuses and commits to increase the returns of the shareholders (Grant et al., 2014). With the new operating model the organisation will focus more on security aspect, volume and cost management which would help to provide the best possible result from the new strategy. The strategic shift will help to focus more on the interest of the investors and shar eholders and will help to provide them with better returns which are always good for the organisation. The organisation has also made a strategic shift on its take on the environment. Previously the organisation has received criticism for its unethical steps in the Mining incidents in Brazil and this has definitely affected their reputation in the global market (Perrott, 2015). Hence the organisation has been focused on managing environment properly so that the environment could be properly managed. It has brought green supply chain into practice, management of emission and mining operations, reduction in utilisation of chemicals et cetera are also properly monitored in the new business strategy which just creates brand awareness in the market (Peterson et al., 2015). Assets Human resources BHP Billiton is a huge organisation with substantial resources. The company not only has huge financial assets as well as it has significant reserves and human resources which help the organisation to a large extent to perform its duties (Gamble and Thompson, 2014). Management culture is another key internal aspect which helps the organisation to focus on managing the talents properly and communicating with them to understand their grievances and problems which helps to gradually manage the human resource properly. Financial and technological resources Financial resources are huge in the organisation which provides upper hand to the organisation. Hence it could be said that the huge financial resources are important for the organisation. The organisation also has suitable technological resources which have helped the organisation to implement innovation and development (Hill, Jones and Schilling, 2014). Physical resources The operational capability and technical expertise differs BHP in Australia like Shell, Exxon, BP and Chevron especially in petroleum extraction and even in other fields as well (Rothaermel, 2015). This clearly shows that the capability of the organisation mainly lies in its production and operational capability which is extremely important for an organisation like BHP. In 2014 BHP produced 700,000 barrels per day which is more than companies like BP, Chevron and Exxon. The competitive advantage of BHP Billiton BHP Billiton is one of the biggest organisations in Australia. The company has slowly and steadily emerged as an organisation that has contributed to the growth and development of the Australian economy. Business diversification is one of the key reasons for the competitive advantage of BHP in the Australian market and apart from that the organisation also is ahead due to its market intelligence and corporate model which has helped the organisation to make sure it can cope up with the increasing competition in the Australian market (Madsen and Walker, 2015). Further; the merger of BHP an Australian organisation and Billiton a South African mining company the company has seen immense growth which provided them benefit of economies of scale (Grant et al., 2016). The recently succeeded CEO of BHP Andrew Mackenzie has been highly focused on strategies that would help the organisation to gain competitive advantage. He has personally taken into account the change in the environmental strat egy and financial strategy of the organisation. Having been renowned as a fellow of Postdoctoral research with the British Geological Survey has helped him to manage the dipping importance of the organisation (Rothaermel, 2015). The sustainable strategies of company assist them in making reduction of costs and attaining flexible resources for growth and expansion of business. As a whole cited elements provide business sustainable competitive benefit over competitors through which management is able to generate value for stakeholders in the long run (Ahmad et al., 2016). Sales, profits and share prices Figure 1: Profit and sales of BHP Billiton Figure 2: Share prices of BHP Billiton over five years From the above data it could be seen that since 2006 the organisation has experienced increase in revenue significantly with each year which is clearly shown in the above table. It is important to mention that the diversification in business has helped BHP to a large extent to keep the competitive advantage with the organisation. In the fiscal year of 2016 petroleum accounted for around 23% of the total revenue and coal and iron ore followed. Hence it could be said that the organisation definitely has all the different divisions working effectively which has helped the organisation to compete in this highly competitive market in Australia (Ahmad et al., 2016). Strength and weakness Strengths The organisations main strength is its strong financial performance in Australia and some other foreign markets. Diversification in business like Oil, Iron Ore, Coal et cetera. Significant presence in the international market. Effective and strong marketing (Grant et al, 2016). Weaknesses Past scandals have contributed to loosening of foothold in certain markets and negative publicity in Australia due to these incidents. Unskilled human resources create problem. Poor corporate communication. External analysis Trends of Australian steel Manufacturing Industry The Australian steel industry in the early years of 2013-14 and 15 employed approximately around 100,000 people and generated an amount of revenue which was not less than $10 billion but in the last couple of years the revenue has gone down by 7.5% which is a major reason for concern. Hence it could be said that the Australian Steel industry is showing a declining trend in all respect including revenue and steel production as compared to the earlier part years (Golev and Corder, 2016). However; steel Production in Australia is increased from 448 thousand tonnes in June to 458.89 thousand tonnes in July 2017. There has been a gradual growth in steel production in the country with an overwhelming average of 582 thousand tonnes within 1970 to 2017. The presently discussed fact clearly states that the country Australia has emphasised on steel manufacturing effectively. Since 2016 the steel production has increased significantly which shows the dependence of the Australian economy on stee l production (Hudson and Sadler, 2017). In the recent past the Australian Steel Manufacturing industry has faced significant issues with debts and faced steep decline in the last few years overall and the revenue of the Australian steel industry is expected to go down more by around $1.9 billion. The annual growth hasnt been up to the mark as expected which clearly shows that the industry is facing problem and needs effective and positive revamp which could possibly help the industry. It cannot be denied that even though the country has been able to manufacture significant amount of steel but still it faces huge challenge (Hudson and Sadler, 2017). PESTLE Analysis The PEST Analysis is an effective way to understand the external environment of the organisation BHP Billiton. The PEST analysis stands for political, economic, social and technological environment. Political: The organisation has got favourable political balance in Australia which has helped the organisation to continue its business effectively. The Australian Government has stretched its hands for the organisation which has helped to manage their business effectively. The company is responsible to contribute to a large extent it gets significant support from the Australian Government especially western Australia. Even though the organisation is working smoothly the possibility of changes in the government or in government policies definitely influence their overall operation like labor policies, mining and digging regulations. Like the increase in the mining tax royalty in Australia increased the cost of goods sold by the organisation (Saad, Mohamed Udin and Hasnan, 2014). Economic: The organisation BHP is vulnerable to economic factors like the increase in the price of the global commodities, national inflation, increase in the wage rate, material costs of the labour (BHP, 2017). The organisation BHP is largely dependent on the global market for its export of products and hence it becomes extremely tough for the organisation to survive due to the increase in fluctuating currency value, rising inflation within the country and in the recent past excessive reduction in prices of mining products in Australia have reduced the profitability of the company (Rothaermel, 2015). Social: The organisation is largely influenced by the social relationship with the stakeholders. The change in demographics and lack of proper and young workforce for mines has affected the organisation. Increasing importance of corporate social responsibility like clean environment strategy and clean emission, and recycling renewable source of energy have been good strategies for the organisation to cope up with its previous scandals (Perrott, 2015). Technological: The Company relies on its up to date and efficient technological assets to effectively continue its mining operations. The investment in technology for the organisation to find oil underneath water and to effectively continue mining needs ultramodern equipments and the organisation has emphasised on this more to gain competitive advantage (Grant et al., 2016). Micro Analysis The different micro environmental factors are competitors, customers, suppliers, public, marketing intermediaries and employees. The competitors of the BHP Billiton have significant role to play in the market. The company faces huge competition which affects its business strategy and decisions (Peppard and Ward, 2016). Major players of industry and crucial facts related to their business is enumerated as below: Fig 6: Competitor key facts (Source: Rothaermel, 2015) Figure 3: PORTER FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS of BHP Billiton Bargaining power of customers is moderate as price is increasing due to increasing demand and scarcity of natural resources but bargaining power of supplier is high in terms of materials, labour, shipping, energy, and energy costs (Grant et al., 2016). Threat of new entrants is low because of restrictions and high complexity features of steel industry. Threat of substitutes is also low as nothing can replace natural resources. However; rivalry among market players is intense due to lucrative nature of industry (Perrott, 2015). Opportunities and threats Opportunities Constant expansion programs. Integrations in terms of mergers and acquisitions. Opening in the global market. Excellent innovation in marketing and product development (Gamble and Thompson, 2014). Threats Constant fluctuation in global demand. Constant rise in competition. Increasing costs. Possibility of political threats (Grant et al., 2016). Conclusion Present study shows that company is performing well by making efficient use of available resources in order to maintain their leading position in market. Overall from the environmental analysis it is clear that BHP Billiton has supported the Australian economy to a large extent through its diversified business plans. The key internal factors for the success of the company are Resources, Capabilities, and core competencies. Despite of cited aspect company is recommended to incorporate following factors in their business strategy: Suppliers are tough hurdles as it is a huge market and hence BHP has to communicate and strategize its plans to improvise business relations for better decision making. Employees are mainstay of the organisation and provide the basic support to the operations with their intellectual acumen and capacity to the organisation and hence the organisation effectively strategizes promotional plans and appraisal techniques to effectively develop employee employer relationship. Enlargements and improvisation in the local acquisition of content through superior involvement and promoting the technologies and skills regarding public infrastructural projects. References Ahmad, W.N.K.W., Rezaei, J., Tavasszy, L.A. and de Brito, M.P., 2016. Commitment to and preparedness for sustainable supply chain management in the oil and gas industry.Journal of environmental management,180, pp.202-213. de Villiers, C. and Alexander, D., 2014. The institutionalisation of corporate social responsibility reporting.The British Accounting Review,46(2), pp.198-212. de Villiers, C., Low, M. and Samkin, G., 2014. 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