IntroductionApple Inc. is a multinational company, headquartered in America, which innovates, develops and sells personal computers, its software called Macintosh and various other products such as 'iPhone and iPad. In 1976, Steve Jobs ushered in the Apple Age, and the company quickly grew to become one of the iconic inventors of consumer electronics today. Although the company operates in a wide range of products, Apple operates each of its products as a separate business unit, but with a similar and recognizable design. This report will focus on Apple's latest invention, the iPad, and analyze its position in the market and future prospects (Apple Inc., 2012).2. Internal Resources2.1Tangible Resources2.1.1Financial ResourcesApple is a multinational company with strong financial backings. They own various other business units, which provide Apple with a stable financial position. Thanks to Apple's financial stability, the company has sufficient working capital. Therefore Apple has always been and still is able to open numerous stores around the world. As can be seen below, Apple's net sales are increasing tremendously from $108.246 million in 2011 to $170.91 million in 2013 (Apple Inc., 2012). 2011 2012 2013 Million iPad Net Sales/$19,168 30,945 31.98 Million Total Net Sales/$108,249 156,508 170.91(Apple Inc., 2012)2.1.2 Organizational ResourcesAs written in the company's annual report, Apple has in total 416 stores distributed in thirteen countries. They also operate an online store, in each country they are located in, for their e-business sector. Regarding Apple's global capitalization, Apple is the largest publicly traded company in the world (Apple Inc., 2012).2.1.3 Physical ResourcesTo be sufficient and successful in... middle of paper...nd using them . Nowadays, without Steve Jobs, the world is watching Apple and its development. Therefore Apple is under pressure and must develop a strategy to continue Apple's success. After Jobs' leave, the company should focus on building additional teams of experts and not just focus on management positions. Therefore Steve Jobs' lack of overall vision could be compensated for. Furthermore, Apple should focus on exactly those things it is good at; Innovation. They should focus on developing new products and not just adding value to existing products as they did with the iPad generations. They should also think about increasing strategic alliances with other companies. This could improve compatibility with the company's external software and devices and thus stabilize the companies' competitive advantage.8. References