Apple Inc.- Managing a Global Supply Chain Case Analysis

1) Calculate, plot and compare the profitability and efficiency measures of Apple, Samsung, Blackberry and Nokia from 2009 to 2013 using the data in Exhibit 10 and Exhibit 11 (due to lack of data, the leverage and liquidity measures cannot be calculated).  Based on the comparisons, discuss anything that Apple may consider to improve (gap), and propose the potential action plan for improvement (mimic the process of measurement, benchmarking, identification of gap and then action plan).

2) Looking at Apple’s supply chain, what differences set it apart from competitors?

3) What are Apple’s key advantages in how it manages its supply chain operations (use data from the case to support your answer).

4) What are the challenges that Apple faces in the future? Implications for supply chain?

5) Propose at least one leading indicator that can be used to measure Apple’s supply chain related performance. then explain why it can be a leading indicator.

6) Referring to Apple Case and your understanding on Walmart’s supply chain, discuss the similarity and difference of Apple’s and Walmart’s supply chains. You may also refer to the attached financial analysis report on Wal-Mart.