You are the new CEO of this company and have been hired to improve company performance. As such, it is your responsibility to conduct a strategic audit of the company and its closest industry competitor and prescribe the appropriate strategy to take the company forward.

You should use the tools and related analytical content of the course in this paper.

The case analysis report must adhere to the following guidelines with respect to form. Use the outline as described below to write a minimum 3,000-word paper concerning your company's strategic analysis along with that of its closest competitor in the industry. Please use the following format for your analysis papers.  Remember to use headings (sub-headings) in your paper:

• Cover Page
• Abstract
• Introduction - Executive Summary of your recommendations
• History, Development and Growth (of your company and your closest competitor)
• Internal Strengths and Weaknesses
  • Discuss distinctive competencies (resources and capabilities) and identify their intangibles and tangibles resources.  Compare and contrast with your competitor.
• External Environment
  • Start with macroenvironmental factors, then move into Porter's Five Forces.  Remember to analyze at the industry level.   Compare and contrast with your competitor.
• SWOT Analysis
  • Compare and contrast your company with your competitor according to Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)
• Corporate Level strategy
  • What corporate-level strategies are in place today? (for your company and it competitor)
  • Define mission statement and goals (for your company and its competitor)
  • Define their lines of business. (for your company and its competitor)
• Business Level-strategy
  • Identify which business-level strategies are in place today? (for your company and its competitor)
  • Are they a single-business company? (for your company and its competitor)
  • What is the company's generic competitive strategy? (for your company and its competitor)
• Structure and control systems
  • Determine the degree of fit between the company's strategy and structure. (for your company and its competitor)
  • Is the company using the right integration and/or control systems to manage its operations? (for your company and its competitor)
• Recommendations
  • The quality of your recommendations is a direct result of the thoroughness with which you prepared your case analysis.
  • Recommendations are directed at solving whatever strategic problems the company is facing and increasing its future profitability.
  • Your recommendations should be the same as those in the introduction/Executive Summary but with greater depth and detail.
• Conclusion
  • Ensure your conclusion matches your introductionReferences
  • Ensure textbook, and other references from the Library databases.  You will receive more points when using peer review journals.  PLEASE NOTE:  REFERENCES MUST BE FROM THE LIBRARY DATABASE.
• Your paper must be formatted in the APA 7 style.  Use correct APA citation formatting.  Times New Roman 12 font, double spaced.

           A Note about ChatGPT: This assignment's compare and contrast nature is designed for you to use your critical thinking skills and tools learned in this course for high-level strategic thinking.  ChatGPT is a tool that can help you find information.  If you use ChatGPT, please cite where you have used it.  I am looking for your ability to synthesize what you have learned from applying your analysis to both your company and your closest competitor and coming up with recommendations.  Good luck! 

 

 

 

 

The paper just needs added to below from the topics above:

 

 

External Analysis Paper

 

 

Introduction:

This essay's goal is to evaluate the smartphone market's level of rivalry by looking at its two main opponents, BlackBerry and Apple. The smartphone market is an extremely economical and dynamic segment that has seen considerable changes in customer preferences as well as technology advances. This article tries to reveal the main factors driving the industry's growth and affordability by performing a PESTEL, Porter 5 and SWOT analysis on the inclusive environment.

 

PESTEL analysis:

 

A framework for analyzing the outside forces affecting an industry is the PESTEL analysis. Demographic, political/legal, sociocultural, economic, global, and sustainable physical are the six main factors that are examined. By comprehending these variables, businesses may spot opportunities and risks and modify their strategy as necessary.

 

Demographic elements:

The smartphone market is knowingly shaped by demographic variables. The demand for smartphones is significantly partial by the size, makeup, and features of the target market. Important demographic factors that influence consumer choices and buying power include age distribution, income levels, educational attainment, and rates of development.

 

Political and legal aspects:

Regulations, policies, and steadiness of the government are all political and legal observations. These factors have the potential to have a generous impact on the smartphone sector by upsetting things like trade agreements, tax regulations, intellectual property rights, and privacy laws. Market dynamics can be impacted by political instability, regulatory changes, or legal issues that interrupt corporate operations.

 

Sociocultural Elements:

Social and cultural impacts on customer behavior and feelings are referred to as sociocultural factors. These include social approaches toward technology as well as cultural conventions, values, and fashion trends. To successfully market and sell their smartphones, smartphone manufacturers must take into account cultural quirks, linguistic preferences, and societal acceptance of new technologies.

 

Economical aspects:

The smartphone industry is heavily influenced by economic reasons. Consumer spending habits are influenced by variables like GDP growth, inflation rates, employment levels, and disposable income. Smartphone demand can be impacted by changes in the economy, with buyers being more price-sensitive in times of recession.

 

Global variables:

The smartphone market is now globally integrated. Global influences include things like cross-border commerce, geopolitical developments, currency exchange rates, and access to markets in other locations. Businesses must manage worldwide competition, follow to international laws, and adjust to differing consumer tastes and market circumstances in other nations.

 

Sustainability in Physical Elements:

Physical aspects that are maintainable take into account the environment and how business operations affect natural resources. The smartphone business has come under increased scrutiny because of its impact on the environment, including e-waste, energy use, and sustainable sourcing methods. Businesses with sustainable practices and a commitment to the environment may have a competitive edge.

 

Understanding the external factors that influence the competitive landscape of the smartphone business may be talented by performing a PESTEL analysis on the industry's overall environment. Companies like BlackBerry and Apple may find opportunities, reduce risks, and align their strategy to remain competitive in the evolving smartphone industry by looking at demographic, political/legal, sociocultural, economic, global, and sustainable physical elements. Understanding these elements is essential for making adjustments to evolving consumer tastes, technical developments, and legal and regulatory frameworks, eventually ensuring the industry's long-term viability.

 

Porter's Five Analysis

 

The environment of the industry (Porter's Five Forces Analysis)

By examining the competitive factors that have an immediate impact on a firm's strategic decisions and competitiveness, Porter's Five factors analysis offers a framework for evaluating the industrial environment. The study that follows is concerned with the smartphone market and specifically compares BlackBerry and Apple as rivals.

 

1. New Entrant Threat:

The smartphone market is particularly vulnerable to new competitors. The industry has attractive potential as a result of the rising demand for smartphones around the world. However, joining the market necessitates large investments in R&D, manufacturing capacity, distribution systems, and brand development. New entrants face obstacles due to economies of scale and strong brand loyalty enjoyed by established firms like Apple. However, the threat still exists because new players can show up with ground-breaking technologies or revolutionary business models.

 

2.Power of the Buyer:

In the smartphone market, consumers are incredibly powerful. Customers have a large selection of smartphone brands and models at their disposal, giving them options and negotiating power. Buyers may evaluate features, costs, and customer experiences thanks to simple information access and online reviews. This enables people to demand fair prices, top-notch goods, and improved service. To maintain their market, share and customers' faithfulness, businesses must reliably innovate and satisfy customer expectations.

 

 3.Influence of Suppliers:

The power of suppliers in the smartphone market varies. Component creators, chip designers, and software developers are some important suppliers. Companies with established supplier ties and frequent long-term contracts, like Apple and BlackBerry, have some transferring strength. But suppliers who possess cutting-edge technologies or essential components can control prices and supply by doing so. Companies may engage in vertical integration or diversify their supplier base to reduce this risk.

 

4.The level of rivalry:

Competitors in the smartphone sector are very competitive. To maintain a competitive edge, businesses like BlackBerry and Apple constantly innovate and release new products. Price competition, technological improvements, brand distinction, and marketing tactics are some examples of the reasons that generate rivalry. To introduce distinctive features and keep market share, businesses actively invest in R&D. In addition to regular patent challenges and legal fights, the business also faces intense competition.

 

5. Product Alternatives:

In the smartphone market, substitution threats range from low to high. Despite the fact that smartphones have become a necessity in people's life, there are other gadgets and technologies that can perform the same tasks. Tablets, laptops, and wearable technology, for instance, provide different methods to access information and communicate. In addition, new ways of user interaction made possible by developments in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology could potentially disrupt the smartphone market. Businesses must be on the lookout for emerging consumer trends and technological breakthroughs and adjust accordingly.

 

Porter's Five Forces analysis of the industry environment aids in determining the competitive dynamics in the smartphone market. While the possibility of new competitors and alternatives presents difficulties, well-established businesses like BlackBerry and Apple benefit from scale economies, strong supplier relationships, and brand awareness. Customers' power is still a major role, though, so businesses must put a high priority on it and constantly innovate. Additionally, fierce competition forces businesses to spend in R&D and differentiate their products. Companies may develop plans to maintain a competitive position and achieve long-term success in the smartphone business by recognizing these forces.

 

Environment of Competitors (SWOT Analysis)

 

A SWOT analysis aids in evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of BlackBerry and Apple's competitors in the smartphone industry. This analysis offers insight into their current positions and identifies crucial decision-making areas.

Smartphone: BlackBerry

- Solid standing in terms of data security and privacy.
- Knowledge of enterprise mobility software and solutions.
- Keyboard technology with a patent that appeals to a niche market.
- Developed partnerships with corporate clients and government agencies.

- Limited market share and brand recognition in comparison to rivals.
- Lack of innovation and delayed consumer trend adaptation.
- Comparatively limited app ecosystem to other platforms.
Consumer demand for tangible keyboards has decreased.

Expanding into emergent markets with affordable smartphone options.
- Utilizing cybersecurity expertise to provide enhanced data protection.
- Working with other technology firms to diversify product offerings.
- Tailoring solutions to specific industries, such as healthcare or logistics.

- Intense competition from established smartphone manufacturers.
- Rapid technological progress that causes product obsolescence.
- App availability depends on third-party software developers.
Consumer preferences are shifting toward touch-screen devices.

2. Apple:

- Strong brand loyalty and a prestigious image.
- Robust device, service, and application ecosystem (iOS ecosystem).
- Innovative product design and user experience.
- Significant retail presence and international distribution network.

Weaknesses: 

- Significant reliance on the iPhone for revenue.
- Higher prices compared to the offerings of competitors.
- Less configurable than certain Android-based devices.
- Non-Apple devices are incompatible with a system that is relatively closed.

Opportunities: 

- Expanding services segment (such as Apple Music and Apple Pay) to fuel revenue growth.
- Profiting from the increasing demand for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies.
- Targeting the mid-tier and entry-level smartphone markets to attract price-conscious consumers.
- Continued growth in emerging markets, including India and China.

- Intense competition from manufacturers of Android-based smartphones.
- Heightened government scrutiny of privacy and antitrust concerns.
- Potential market disruptions caused by technological advances or new entrants.
The impact of economic downturns on consumer expenditure on high-end devices.

 

In the smartphone industry, the competitor analysis reveals crucial information about BlackBerry and Apple. BlackBerry's capability in data security and enterprise solutions are its greatest assets, but the company faces challenges in obtaining market share and keeping up with consumer trends. Apple, on the other hand, benefits from a strong brand image, ecosystem, and innovation, but it must address potential weaknesses such as iPhone reliance and increasing competition. 

There are opportunities for both businesses to explore new markets, capitalize on their primary competencies, and diversify their product lines. However, they are also threatened by intense competition, rapid technological progress, and shifting consumer preferences. To remain competitive, BlackBerry should prioritize brand revitalization, innovation investment, and expansion into new market segments. Apple should continue enhancing its ecosystem, diversifying its revenue streams, and maintaining its technological leadership. Understanding competitors' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats enables businesses to make informed strategic decisions, identify areas for development, and capitalize on market openings. By utilizing these insights, companies such as BlackBerry and Apple can navigate the competitive landscape and endeavor for long-term success in the dynamic smartphone industry.

 

Synthesis:

 

According to the PESTEL analysis, BlackBerry and Apple operate in the same general smartphone industry environment. Similar demographic, political/legal, sociocultural, economic, global, and sustainable physical factors influence their development. There are, however, significant distinctions in how these factors affect each company. BlackBerry has a niche market concentration on data security and enterprise mobility solutions, whereas Apple's premium and innovative products target a broader consumer base. Due to the attractiveness of the smartphone industry, both companies face a high threat of new entrants according to Porter's Five Forces analysis. Apple has a competitive advantage, however, due to its strong brand loyalty and economies of scale. 

As consumers have access to a variety of smartphone brands, they are able to demand competitive prices and high-quality products from both companies. Apple leverages its established relationships and size to negotiate advantageous terms with its suppliers. Both companies are engaged in a fierce rivalry, but Apple has an advantage due to its powerful brand image and ecosystem. Lastly, both companies face the threat of substitutes, although Apple's ecosystem and brand loyalty mitigate this threat to some extent. BlackBerry's strengths are its expertise in data security and enterprise solutions, according to the SWOT analysis, while Apple's strengths are its brand loyalty, ecosystem, and innovation. BlackBerry faces difficulties in acquiring market share and keeping up with consumer trends, whereas Apple must address weaknesses such as iPhone reliance and intensifying competition. There are opportunities for both businesses to investigate new markets, capitalize on their respective strengths, and diversify their offerings. 

However, they are also threatened by intense competition, rapid technological progress, and shifting consumer preferences. BlackBerry and Apple operate in the same industry, but their strategies, target markets, and competitive advantages are distinct. BlackBerry's emphasis on security and enterprise solutions distinguishes it from Apple's consumer-centric strategy. Apple's strong brand image, ecosystem, and innovation give it a competitive advantage, while BlackBerry's niche market focus gives it a distinctive value proposition. To remain competitive and achieve long-term success, both organizations must navigate an ever-changing industry landscape, resolve their weaknesses, and seize opportunities.

 

Conclusion:

 

Comparing BlackBerry and Apple in the competitive landscape reveals that Apple is in a stronger position and enjoys a competitive advantage over BlackBerry. Apple benefits from its extensive consumer base, strong brand loyalty, robust ecosystem, innovative product design, and extensive distribution network. Focusing on delivering premium products and services has enabled the company to acquire a substantial market share and maintain its leadership position in the smartphone industry. Blackberry, on the other hand, is challenged by its limited market share, lack of brand recognition, and sluggish adaptation to consumer trends. BlackBerry has struggled to keep up with the rapid tempo of innovation and shifting consumer preferences despite having strengths in data security, enterprise solutions, and patented keyboard technology. BlackBerry's niche market focus and reputation for security appeal to certain segments, but have limited its allure and growth potential among a broader audience.

In terms of market dynamics, Apple has the advantage over BlackBerry. Apple has a larger customer base, a larger market share, and a broader ecosystem that includes devices, services, and applications. Strong brand recognition and consumer loyalty provide the company with a competitive advantage over BlackBerry. Moreover, Apple's ability to innovate and consistently deliver user-friendly and cutting-edge products has allowed it to maintain its market leadership position. Apple dominates BlackBerry in the smartphone industry's competitive landscape in terms of market share, brand recognition, innovation, and ecosystem. BlackBerry faces obstacles in expanding its market presence and keeping up with consumers' ever-changing demands, despite possessing assets in certain niche markets. It is essential to observe, however, that the competitive landscape can change, and companies such as BlackBerry can adapt their strategies to strengthen their competitive position.