The assignment for this module is split into two components. 1.docx

The assignment for this module is split into two components.
1. Assessment will be based on the students’ participation in
Asynchronous Discussions hosted on the Virtual Learning
Environment – Moodle (40% of total mark)
2. A case study of 3,000 words critically discussing issues in
health and social care in relation to a person with co-morbid
long-term conditions (60% of total mark)
Assessed discussions
There are 3 Assessed discussions for you to participate (the first
one of these is a practice).
Everyone should make an initial posting in each of the
discussions which lays out your point of view, then you should
all read a selection of your fellow students’ initial postings and
respond to at least one of these, giving your opinion on their
contribution supported by what you have already learnt and
your own experience. Review follow-up comments to your own
original posting and respond to these. As this is an academic
discussion you will need to support your points or arguments.
You will do this by citing textbook/journal references and
online resources to support your point of view. Critical reading
of the sources identified in individual posts will be required as
not all sources will be academically sound.
Each of these will be open for 6 days to enable full
participation.
Please note that these are tracked and form part of the
monitoring of student engagement.
Practice assessed discussion
Discuss the impact that having over 15 million people in the
United Kingdom with a long-term condition might have on our
communities?

Suggested resources and reading for Practice assessed
discussion (these are not the only resources available, but they
will give you a start)
Bajorek, Z. Hind, A. Bevan, S (2016) The impact of long term
conditions on employment and the wider UK economy The
Work Foundation, London [Available
http://www.theworkfoundation.com/wp-
content/uploads/2016/11/397_The-impact-of-long-term-
conditions-on-the-economy.pdf] [Accessed 18th August 2017]
Campbell, D. (2014) NHS could be 'overwhelmed' by people
with long-term medical conditions. The Guardian [online
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/03/nhs-
overwhelmed-long-term-medical-conditions] [accessed 20th
August 2017]
Suggested resources and reading for Assessed discussion 1
(these are not the only resources available, but they will give
you a start)
Assessed discussion 1
Living with a long-term condition will affect many areas of a
person’s life. These areas may include family relationships,
ability to work, housing, educational needs and finances.
Choose one of these and discuss how this might affect a person
and their family.
Kurien, K (2014), Meeting the needs of people with long-term
conditions', Primary Health Care, 24, 5, pp. 30-32, CINAHL

Complete, EBSCOhost, [Accessed 18 August 2017]
You can access basic information to start you thinking from the
Patient info website https://patient.info/health/living-with-a-
long-term-condition but please be aware that this is not an
academically sound source.
Assessed discussion 2
Self-management and self-care are crucial skills that people
with either a physical or mental condition or a carer need.
Discuss.
Suggested resources and reading for Assessed discussion 2
(these are not the only resources available, but they will give
you a start)
Grady, P. A. and Gough L. L. (2014)Self-Management: A
Comprehensive Approach to Management of Chronic
Conditions, Am J Public Health, August; 104(8): e25–e31,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103232/
[Accessed 16th August 2018]
Non academic source
You can access basic information to start you thinking from the
NHS England website
https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/patient-participation/self-
care/ but please be aware that this is not an academically sound
source.
Assessed discussion marking rubric 2017

Score
3
2
1
0
Content knowledge
Discussion is comprehensive, in-depth and wide ranging. This is
evidenced by extensive use of concepts and terminology across
most or all posts/threads. The student’s comments are clearly
connected to assigned readings, other course materials;
addresses all required elements in the assignment; thoughtful
and reflective posts.
Discussion is up to date and relevant but not comprehensive.
This is evidenced by use of concepts and terminology across
some posts/threads. The student’s comments are somewhat
connected to assigned readings and/or other course materials;
usually addresses all required elements in the assignment;
somewhat thoughtful and reflective posts.
Discussion is limited demonstrating only superficial knowledge.
The student has difficulty making comments that are clearly
connected to assigned readings or other course materials;
frequently does not address all required elements in the
assignment.
Discussion demonstrates little relevance or accuracy. The
student’s comments are not clearly connected to assigned
readings, other course materials; does not address all required
elements in the assignment.
Critical Analysis
Discussion postings display an excellent understanding of the
required readings and underlying concepts including correct use
of terminology. Postings integrate an outside resource, or
relevant research, to support important points. Well-edited
quotes are cited appropriately. No more than 10% of the posting

is a direct quotation.
Discussion postings display some evidence of genuine analysis
with some supportive materials used including correct use of
terminology and proper citation.
Discussion postings repeat and summarise basic, correct
information, but do not link readings to outside references,
relevant research and do not consider alternative perspectives or
connections between ideas. Sources are not cited.
Discussion postings show little or no evidence that readings
were completed or understood. Postings are largely personal
opinions or feelings, or without supporting statements from the
readings, outside resources, relevant research, or specific real-
life application.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of content and
applicability to professional practice
Post and responses show evidence of knowledge and
understanding of course content and applicability to
professional practice and include other resources that extend the
learning of the community.
Post and responses show evidence of knowledge and
professional practice.
Post and responses show little evidence of knowledge and
Post and responses show no evidence of knowledge and
Quantity and Timeliness
Submits one initial post early in the discussion and one or more
thoughtful peer responses early in the discussion. Responds to
peers in own discussion thread.
Submits one initial post, and at least one peer response closer to
the end of the session.
Submits at least one initial post early in the discussion with no
responses to others.

No initial post or responses to others.
Participation as a member of the learning community
Discussion across the posts serves to build new ideas or
stimulate further insight.
Posts mostly point to areas of agreement or disagreement and
asking clarification questions about previous posts.
Posts are disjointed
Contributions are only posted on the last day of the discussion.
References and support
Uses robust up to date and relevant references to literature and
readings to support comments, presented correctly using UWS
referencing guidelines.
Incorporates limited references from literature and personal
experience some references outdated
Uses personal experience, and very outdated references
Includes no references or supporting experience
Case study
Choose from one of the two choices of case on the list provided
on the Moodle site.
Write 3,000 words critically discussing issues in health and
social care in relation to this person.
Your essay should address the following areas:
1. Concept of Long Term Conditions (LTC’s) (15 marks)
a. What are long term conditions and why are these an issue for
health and social care, make specific reference to the long-term
conditions that your case is living with.
2. Impact of living with LTC’s
a. Discuss the physical, psychological and educational needs of
the case you have selected and critically appraise the impact of
living with this on the person, their family and carers (30
marks)

b. Thinking about the case you have selected consider the
interpersonal, inter-professional and organisational issues that
this person may encounter through their life living with a LTC
(10 marks)
3. Management and support
a. Thinking about the person discuss what theories of
behavioural change theories are influencing their actions and
which might be used to help empower the person to take control
of managing their long-term condition (20 marks)
b. Consider different techniques including telehealth care and
other assistive technologies that are available and discuss how
one of these might be utilised to enhance this person’s life (10
marks)
4. Conclude with evidence-based recommendations about how
the person could be supported to self-manage their condition
(10 marks)
5. Referencing (5 marks)
a. References are up-to-date and relevant to the chosen case and
this assignment
LTCM Assignment Marking Rubric July 2017
A1
A2
A3
B1
B2
C
D

E
Concept of Long Term Conditions (LTC’s) (15 marks)
What are long term conditions and why are these an issue for
health and social care, make specific reference to the long-term
condition that your case has.
Exceptional definition of LTC’s and deliberation of the issues
for H&SC maybe.
Clearly refers to the chosen case.
Outstanding definition of LTC’s and deliberation of the issues
for H&SC maybe.
Excellent definition of LTC’s and deliberation of the issues for
H&SC maybe.
Very good definition of LTC’s and deliberation of the issues for
H&SC maybe.
Good definition of LTC’s and deliberation of the issues for
H&SC maybe.
Satisfactory definition of LTC’s and deliberation of the issues
for H&SC maybe.
Poor definition of LTC’s and limited reference to what the
issues for H&SC maybe.
Limited reference to the chosen case.
Very poor definition of LTC’s and very limited reference to
what the issues for H&SC maybe.
Does not clearly refer to the chosen case.
Impact of living with LTC’s (40 marks)
Discuss the physical, psychological and educational needs of
the case you have selected and critically appraise the impact of
living with this on the person, their family and carers (30
marks)

Exceptional discussion of the physical, psychological and
educational needs with critical appraisal of the impact of living
with this LTC on of the case selected, their family and carers
Outstanding discussion of the physical, psychological and
Excellent discussion of the physical, psychological and
Very good discussion of the physical, psychological and
Good discussion of the physical, psychological and educational
needs with critical appraisal of the impact of living with this
LTC on of the case selected, their family and carers
Satisfactory discussion of the physical, psychological and
Poor discussion of the physical, psychological and educational
needs with critical appraisal of the impact of living with this
LTC on of the case selected, their family and carers
Very poor discussion of the physical, psychological and
Thinking about the case you have selected consider the
interpersonal, inter-professional and organisational issues that
this person may encounter through their life living with a LTC
(10 marks)
Exceptional consideration of the interpersonal, inter-
professional and organisational issues that the person presented
may encounter through their life living with this particular LTC
Outstanding consideration of the interpersonal, inter-

Excellent consideration of the interpersonal, inter-professional
and organisational issues that the person presented may
encounter through their life living with this particular LTC
Very good consideration of the interpersonal, inter-professional
Good consideration of the interpersonal, inter-professional and
organisational issues that the person presented may encounter
through their life living with this particular LTC
Satisfactory consideration of the interpersonal, inter-
Limited consideration of the interpersonal, inter-professional
Very poor consideration of the interpersonal, inter-professional
Management and support (30marks)
Thinking about the person discuss what theories of behavioural
change theories are influencing their actions and which might
be used to help empower the person to take control of managing
their long-term condition (20 marks)
Exceptional discussion of theories of behavioural change
theories that are may be influencing this person’s actions and
of managing their long-term condition
Outstanding discussion of theories of behavioural change
Excellent discussion of theories of behavioural change theories
that are may be influencing this person’s actions and which
might be used to help empower the person to take control of

managing their long-term condition
Very good discussion of theories of behavioural change theories
Good discussion of theories of behavioural change theories that
are may be influencing this person’s actions and which might be
used to help empower the person to take control of managing
their long-term condition
Satisfactory discussion of theories of behavioural change
Poor discussion of theories of behavioural change theories that
are may be influencing this person’s actions and which might be
used to help empower the person to take control of managing
their long-term condition
Very poor discussion of theories of behavioural change theories
Consider different techniques including telehealth care and
other assistive technologies that are available and discuss how
one of these might be utilised to enhance this person’s life (10
marks)
Exceptional consideration of different techniques including
telehealth care and other assistive technologies that are
available and discussion of how one of these might be utilised
to enhance this person’s life
Outstanding consideration of different techniques including
Excellent consideration of different techniques including

Very good consideration of different techniques including
Good consideration of different techniques including telehealth
care and other assistive technologies that are available and
discussion of how one of these might be utilised to enhance this
person’s life
Satisfactory consideration of different techniques including
Limited consideration of different techniques including
Very limited consideration of different techniques including
Conclude with evidence-based recommendations about how the
person could be supported to self-manage their condition (10
marks)
Exceptional conclusion with evidence-based recommendations
about how the person could be supported to self-manage their
condition
Outstanding conclusion with evidence-based recommendations
condition
Excellent conclusion with evidence-based recommendations
condition
Very good conclusion with evidence-based recommendations

condition
Good conclusion with evidence-based recommendations about
how the person could be supported to self-manage their
condition
Satisfactory conclusion with evidence-based recommendations
condition
Limited conclusion with no evidence-based recommendations
condition
Very poor conclusion with no evidence-based recommendations
condition
Referencing (5 marks)
References are up-to-date and relevant to this assignment
References are generally up-to-date and relevant to this
assignment
assignment
assignment
References are out dated or irrelevant to this assignment
References are out dated or irrelevant to this assignment
Writing skill
Writing shows high degree of attention to logic and reasoning
of points. Unity clearly leads the reader to the conclusion and
stirs thought regarding the topic.
Content indicates synthesis of ideas, in-depth analysis and
evidences original thought and support for the topic.
Main points well developed with high quality and quantity
support. Reveals high degree of critical thinking.
Writing is coherent and logically organised with transitions
used between ideas and paragraphs to create coherence. Overall

unity of ideas is present.
Content indicates original thinking and develops ideas with
sufficient and firm evidence.
Main points well developed with quality supporting details and
quantity. Critical thinking is weaved into points
Writing is coherent and logically organised. Some points remain
misplaced and stray from the topic. Transitions evident but not
used throughout essay.
Content indicates thinking and reasoning applied with original
thought on a few ideas.
Main points are present with limited detail and development.
Some critical thinking is present.
Writing lacks logical organisation. It shows some coherence but
ideas lack unity. Serious errors.
Shows some thinking and reasoning but most ideas are
underdeveloped and unoriginal.
Main points lack detailed development. Ideas are vague with
little evidence of critical thinking.
Submission dates Academic year 2018-19
Classes starting September 2018 (Trimester 1)
Summative Assessment Activity (including assignment
title/question, where appropriate)
Discussion opens (Date & Time)
Discussion closes (Date & Time)
Mode of submission
Expected timing of provisional feedback
Category 1
Assessed discussions
1st diet
Practice Discussion
Thursday 20th September

12.00 (midday)
Tuesday 25th September 12.00 (midday)
On-line
9th October
Discussion 1
Thursday 11th October
12.00 (midday)
Tuesday 16th October
12.00 (midday)
On-line
25th October
Discussion 2
Thursday 1st November
12.00 (midday)
Tuesday 6th November 12.00 (midday)
On-line
20th November
2nd diet
All discussions
Week 7 T2
Monday 18th February 2018
12.00 (midday)
Friday 22nd February
12.00 (midday)
On-line
16th March 2019
3rd Diet
All discussions
Week 7 T3
Monday 18th June

12.00 (midday)
Friday 21st June
12.00 (midday)
On-line
13th July 2019
Summative Assessment Activity (including assignment
title/question, where appropriate)
Deadline* for Submission (Date)
Deadline* for Submission (Time)
Mode of submission
Expected timing of feedback
Category 2
Case study
1st diet
Friday 7th December 2018
12.00 (midday)
On-line
5th January 2019
2nd diet
Week 7 T2
Friday 22nd February 2019
12.00 (midday)
On-line
16th March 2019
3rd diet
Week 7 T3
Friday 21st June 2019
12.00 (midday)
On-line
13th July 2019
Summary of the Summative Assessment - Submission
Requirements and Regulations

*Deadline submission date and time indicate the latest point of
submission
Students are permitted to submit summative assessments before
these deadlines. Attention should be paid to the availability/
provision of academic support sessions prior to any submission.
In the event of an emergency
In the event of a University emergency which will knowingly
result in loss of access to Moodle/Turnitin, you shall be
informed via announcement in Moodle, and advised of
alternative arrangements for assessment submission.
No student will be penalised because of a University systems
failure out with their control.
Coursework may not normally be submitted more than one
calendar week after the due date
Late submission of coursework without prior agreement
Coursework submitted after the due date without prior
agreement with the Module Co-ordinator will be penalised by
the reduction of ten points from the 100 available, from the
mark awarded provided that the work is submitted within one
calendar week of the due date.
NB If the module is a pass/fail grade and there is a late
submission without prior agreement, the penalty shall be that a
fail is recorded.
Agreed extension to coursework deadlines
1. Extensions to coursework deadlines on the basis of good

cause may be determined by the Module Co-ordinator, without
penalty.
1. The agreed revised date for submission will thereafter be
deemed to be the due date for submission.
1. The penalty for ‘late submission of coursework’ will then
apply to any work submitted after the agreed revised date for
submission, provided that the work is submitted within one
calendar week of the due date
The due date for submission should normally lie within the
University trimesters dates
What does this mean?
This means extension to coursework can only be granted if this
permits management within the timescales for presenting results
to Subject Panels
Extenuating Circumstances Statements (ECS)
The University recognises that, from time to time, you may
encounter issues which may prevent you from being able to
submit or undertake an assessment. Where this is the case, you
can submit an Extenuating Circumstances Statement (ECS) for
consideration. The ECS will be forwarded to the University’s
Subject Panel who will take account of this declaration in
recording your module marks.
Students submitting a claim
The University's Extenuating Circumstances Statements process
is online and can be accessed via self-service banner.
If you require assistance with this process you can seek help
from the Students' Association www.sauws.org.uk/advice, or
contact staff at the Student Hub or Student Link on your
campus. If you have any problems accessing the online
procedure or documentation, please email [email protected]
Academic support arrangements to support summative

assessment
Trimester
Diet
Details of Academic Support Provision to Support Assessment
1/2/3
1st
Full guidance about allocation of marks and suggested structure
will be provided via Moodle.
Online discussion boards will be set up to enable students to ask
questions about the assessments. Private questions can be
submitted by e mail.
2nd
3rd
CASE STUDY APPLE INC. 1
CASE STUDY APPLE INC. 11

Case Study: Apple Inc.
Datta Venkatesh Kadiyala
New England Collage
Abstract
Apple Inc. is an international company and it has its
headquarters in California. It is popularly known for
manufacturing and selling personal computers, electronics, and
computer software. It was established in 1977 as Apple
Computer Inc. but in 2007, its name was changed to Apple Inc.
This paper gives an overview of the company in terms of
location, products offered, main competitors, its market
structure, as well as how it is regulated. The paper will also
explore the demand analysis, production and cost analysis and
the pricing analysis of the company.
Keywords
Demand, supply, consumer, production, competitive advantage,
competitors.

Introduction
Apple Inc. is a company that produces, manufactures and sells
media and mobile communication equipment, personal computer
hardware and movable digital music players. The company
offers the following products and services: iPhone, Apple
Watch, Mac, iPod, iPad, Apple TV, an assortment of
professional and user applications of software, iCloud, iPhone
OS, watchOS, and OS X operating systems, Apple Pay and a
variety of service, accessory, and support offerings, Yoffie &
Baldwin (2018). The company sells its products via retailers,
wholesalers, resellers and third-party cellular networks.
Location and Other Operating Divisions
Apple Inc. has its headquarters in Cupertino, California but it
has other operating divisions in America, Japan, Asia Pacific,
Europe and Greater China, Yoffie & Baldwin (2018). The
Americas division constitutes South and North America. The
company’s division in Greater China consists of Taiwan, Hong
Kong, and China. The division in Europe is made up of India,
Middle East, Africa, and the European countries. The division
in the Asia Pacific consists of all the other Asian countries that
do not fall into the other divisions and Australia.
Competitors
Apple Inc.’s 2018 revenue was $ 260.2B based on the 2019 SEC
filings. Its closest competitors are Samsung with annual revenue
of $196.9B in 2018, Google with annual revenue of $155.1B in
2018, Microsoft with annual revenue of $129.8B in 2018,
Huawei with annual revenue of $104.9B in 2018 and Sony with
annual revenue of $81.8B in 2018. Most of Apple Inc.’s
competitors sell computers and mobile phones that are designed
using different operating systems and they compete mainly via
aggressive pricing of their products and cost structures that are
very low. These pressures can unfavorably impact the financial
situation of the company and its operating results. ‘The key
competitive features fundamental to the Company consist of
service and product quality, relative price and performance,
design innovation, distribution and marketing capability,

service quality and reliability, support and corporate reputation
and, accessories ecosystem, (Apple Inc., 2018).
Market Structure
The Apple Inc. company is both a monopoly and an oligopoly.
It is a monopoly in that it commands a large consumer base
making it hard for its close competitors to convince its
consumers to switch products, Cheng (2019). Apple Inc. has
been in the market for 43 years offering quality products and
services to its customers. This reliability has given the company
a competitive advantage over its competitors because its
customers trust its services and products. The company’s
products are tied together through various applications, for
example, iTunes and iCloud and this gives the company an
advantage in the industry.
How Apple Inc. is Regulated
According to Terry & Gunter (2018), all cellphone industries in
the United States must adhere to government policies and
regulations. If the US Food and Drug Administration finds that
a cellphone is releasing too much radiofrequency energy it has
the power to ask the company to recall the cellphone to either
repair or replace it. The US Food and Drug Administration in
conjunction with the Federal Communication Commission
ensures that all cellphones being sold meet these standards.
Demand Analysis for Apple Inc.
The Law of Demand and Supply
According to the law of demand and supply, an increase in
demand leads to an increase in price level holding supply
constant. Apple Inc. has defied this law in several ways.
Throughout the years Apple’s products have maintained a high
demand. Even though the company has maintained high prices
and keeps on increasing the supply of its products, the demand
exceeds supply. This has given Apple Inc. competitive
advantage, particularly in the smartphone market as its iPhone
continues to thrive favorably. For example in 2018 the net sales
for iPhone were $ 166,699 million which was an 18 % increase
from $ 141,319 million in 2017 (Apple Inc., 2018).

Apple Inc. demand increases monthly by approximately 7.2%
and this, in turn, translates to an average demand for
approximately 5 million of products. Economists have argued
that this is because of the excellent marketing and promotion
strategies that the company has employed. Before launching a
new product into the market, Apple Inc. carries out widespread
marketing and promotion initiatives. Once the product is in the
market, the company continues to advertise to keep reminding
the consumer of the suitability of the product. This has
contributed to the constant growth in demand for its products.
Price Cuts
Price cut strategies work wonders for Apple Inc. to maintain
high demand for its existing products, Apple has embraced a
price cut strategy over the years. By September 2019, Apple
launched the iPhone 11 which started at $699, a lower price
compared to an already existing product, iPhone XR, which was
selling at $749 in 2018. The XR price was decreased
substantially by $150 only after a year. This is a major
reduction in the history of the iPhone. The iPhone 8 launched in
2017 is now going for $499 also down $150, whereas the Apple
Watch Series 3 launched the same year was dropped to $199
from $279, Dave (2018). Economists have argued that this price
reduction strategy will help Apple to compete better with Fitbit
Inc. and acquire more subscribers.
Constant Supply Levels
Apple Inc. has continuously improved its supply competencies
owing to the increasing demand for its products. Although the
company has been facing tough competition from other
smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, its supply levels have
effectively served the goals and objectives of the company in
terms of the supply being lower than the demand. This way
Apple Inc. will maintain high price levels for its products, Dave
(2018).
Diversification of Products
Diversification of product range is one way Apple Inc. has used

to ensure a continued increase in the demand for its products.
Apple Inc. has been expanding its product mix over the years
and this has created anticipation among its consumers, Şekerli
& Akçetin (2018). This product mix comprises of services and
goods that use information technology, but, Apple Inc. is
working on the likelihood of creating products that are not
related to information technology.
Pricing Analysis for Apple Inc.
Luxury Brand
Apple Inc. has built a luxury brand through high pricing.
Everyone wants prestige. A high price is a crucial aspect to
inculcate an aspiration for something unique in the end-users.
As far as the sales are concerned Apple Inc. is both a
manufacturer and a retailer. This enables the company to set the
standard prices for their products. Apple Inc.’s overall pricing
strategy is through anticipation of consumer needs, Dave
(2018). This way the company can offer its customers what they
want. Even though some may feel that Apple Inc.’s prices are
excessive, the truth is that these prices target high-end
consumers that the company has hooked over the years and are
always looking forward to the launch of the next product.
Product Differentiation
According to Şekerli & Akçetin (2018), an important feature of
Apple Inc.’s pricing trend is product differentiation. Economists
say that the company sells two types of products: high-end and
medium-price. This enables the company to maintain its image
of luxury and prestige while at the same time increasing the
average price for its products even though the company risks
selling fewer expensive products. For example, the iPhone XR
is the product which the company is using to distinguish top
devices from mid-range devices.
Apple Inc. designs its products in a way that enables them to be
ahead of their competitors and despite the high competition, the
company has maintained high product demand. Consequently,
the company has commanded price control in several ways

including differentiation of its products, brand loyalty through
reliability, creative advertising and hype surrounding the new
product launch. The company has created a false entry obstacle
to its competitors by majoring in consumers’ willingness to pay
more.
Minimum Advertised Price (MAP)
Apple Inc. has adopted a minimum advertised price (MAP)
retail strategy whose policies ensure that dealers and resellers
do not advertise the company’s products below a given price.
Apple Inc. retains the popularity of its high-end products by
providing a marginal discount to retailers, for example,
Walmart and Best Buy. By so doing the company eliminates the
direct competition of retailers and the company’s stores, Dave
(2018). As a result, the company gets more returns while at the
same time keeping distribution channels clean.
Skimming
Apple Inc. also employs skimming as a pricing strategy. It
sacrifices sales to gain high profits by pricing its products
highly. This is a strategy used by companies to enable them to
recover the money invested in the production of the product,
Potts (2018). Apple Inc. uses this strategy to target early
customers because they are less sensitive to prices and their
need for the product is high.
Production and Cost Analysis of Apple Inc.
Cost Volume Analysis
Cost Volume Analysis influences most of the decisions a
company will make about its products and Apple Inc. is no
exception. Apple Inc. makes the following assumptions based
on Cost Volume Analysis. 1) Apple Inc. has a constant sales
mix because it has many products, 2) should a product go down
it will be substituted by another, 3) Apple Inc. will maintain
constant selling prices. The price levels for the company’s
product do not change even when volume varies, Nellis (2017).
The company also does not vary the number of units produced
which are equal to the total units sold. When Apple Inc. wishes
to increase its returns, it changes the product’s model and this,

in turn, leads to an increase in the price level of the product,
fixed costs and the sales mix.
Activity-Based Costing System
According to Nellis (2017), Apple Inc. uses the Activity Based
Costing System to determine the cost of manufacturing their
products. For example, there are four categories of cost in the
production of an iPhone: the cost of the components that make
the device, warehousing and transportation cost, labor costs and
warranty expenses. The average cost for producing an iPhone
ranges between $12.5 to $30. The company also uses the
Activity Based Costing system to calculate individual activities
cost and diversify their products. The company produces several
products through automated processes. Products that require
complicated processes cost more to produce.
Control over Technology
Apple Inc. has taken great control over major technologies used
in the production process to protect its heavy margin and place
itself strategically for prospect invention, and particularly the
augmented reality. Economists say that this strategy has
decreased Apple Inc.’s reliance on external suppliers. For
example, at one point, Apple Inc. relied to a great extent on
ARM Holdings to create its iPhone core processor, however,
currently, most of the chip is designed by the company itself
and only relies on ARM for the basic architecture. In 2014
Apple bought Beats Electronics, a headphone company, and
replaced the former communications chips with its WI
Bluetooth chip which is custom-designed. Instead of
outsourcing most of its design work Apple Inc. has opted for in-
house designing hence cutting complexity, Nellis (2017). This
has also helped the company in saving money and working
faster.
Conclusion
Apple Inc. company is a leading organization in the
communication market and since there is rapid advancement in
technology, competition is very tight. Due to this growth, Apple

Inc. needs to keep up with these changes in technology to
maintain its unique position in the market. Apple Inc. should
keep offering better, faster and new products to its customers to
maintain its competitive advantage over its competitors,
Sidorov (2018).
References
Apple Inc. Company. (2018). 2018 10-K form. Retrieved from
http://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReports/PDF/
NASDAQ_AAPL_2018.pdf
Cheng, P. (2019). The importance and necessity of market
structure management in the process of globalization.
Dave, J. G. (2018). A CASE STUDY ON MARKETING
STRATEGY: APPLE i-Phone.
Potts, S. (2018). Apple’s Effective Use of the Extended
Marketing Mix.
Şekerli, E. B., & Akçetin, E. (2018). Diversification Strategy in
Internet Industry: Google Inc. Example. Afyon Kocatepe
University Journal of Social Sciences, 20(3).
Terry, N. P., & Gunter, T. D. (2018). Regulating mobile mental
health apps. Behavioral sciences & the law, 36(2), 136-144.
Yoffie, D. B., & Baldwin, E. (2018). Apple Inc. in 2018.
Yusoff, M., & Husnina, N. (2018). Determinants of Risks and
Performance in Apple Inc. Available at SSRN 3181705.
Organizational economics –
case study

Continental
German Automotive Company.
Founded in 1871.
Major Divisions -
Chassis and Safety
Power Train
Interior
Tires
ContiTech
Competitors –
Micheline
Bridgestone
Goodyear
Continental is a German automotive company. It was founded in
1871. Initially it was a rubber industry. In 1898, it started
producing automotive tires. It was a big success for the
company. At one point, they became the first in the world to
produce grooved tires. The headquarters is located in Hanover
Germany. The major divisions of Continental are:
Chassis and Safety
Powertrain
Interior
Tires
ContiTech
Since Continental is a huge company, I have chosen only tire
division for my paper. Continental manufactures tires for
bicycles, motorbikes, passenger vehicles and commercial
vehicles. It is the fourth largest manufactures of tires in the
world. The competitors of Continental are:
Micheline
Bridgestone
Goodyear

Tire industry market share is oligopoly. These four firms lead
the industry. There are other smaller firms in the local market.
But when we consider worldwide market share, these fours
companies occupy the major shares. Continental is expanding
its business to occupy third position and push Goodyear behind
it. It is planning to open new manufacturing plants in Thailand
and also expand the current manufacturing plants in various
locations. In USA, they have two plants. One is Mount Vernon,
IL and other one is Sumpter, SC. New plant is going to be
opened soon in Mississippi.
2
Topics to discuss
How continental is performing based on these analysis.
3
Demand Analysis
Production Analysis
Pricing Analysis
Demand analysis
Every year, Continental gathers tires salesman and give an
opportunity to them to test the tires and drive the testing
vehicles with Continental Tires.
According to the thumb rule, getting a new customer is five
times costlier than selling more to the regular customers.

Personal experience, I asked 15 – 20 customers who bought
tires for their cars. In that, 13 of them told me that they will get
whatever the auto-shop people suggest them, among remaining
7, 4 told me that they find Continental Tires are costlier and
will not prefer them.
4
Targeting
Tire Salesman
10 hours of testing and driving
Switching Costs
Auto-shop Owners
Gold Retailer Program
Positioning
Consumers
Failed to impress users.
Price elasticity of demand

Tire industry –
Short run – 0.9
Long run – 1.2
Need to talk about factors affecting price elasticity of demand
and also about unitary elastic.
5
Competitors
Consumer’s Budget
Time Period Adjustment
Production analysis
Explain how tires are manufactured and what are the things
involve in producing the finished products.
6
Variable Inputs
Raw materials
Number of shifts

Fixed Inputs
Number of machines
Head Counts
Optimal use of the
variable input
Marginal Revenue Product and Marginal Factor Cost
Calculation.
MRP>MFC
New expansions – Mount Vernon, USA
New Plants – Mississippi, USA and Thailand
Head counts, land, machines changed.
Talk about all the fixed inputs that are transformed to variable
inputs in Continental. And also add about their expansion story.
7
Pricing analysis
PRICE-BASED COSTING IS BETTER THAN COST-BASED
PRICING
Talk how Continental failed in pricing analysis. Add about the
techniques that should be done to improve their performance in
this section.
8

Techniques
Systematic - Analytical
Proactive
Value-Based
conclusion
Analyzed Continental Tire performance based on some topics in
the text book.
Demand Analysis
Production Analysis
Pricing Analysis
x
CLIMBING TOWARDS THE THIRD SPOT IN TIRE MARKET
QUESTIONS
REFERENCES
Anderson. P.L, McLellan. R.D (November 1997). Price
Elasticity of Demand. Retrieved from
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/alada/files/price_elasticity_of_
demand_handout.pdf
Boston Globe (December 2012). Buying best tires for your

vehicle pays off. Retrieved from
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2012/12/30/consumer-
reports-michelin-and-continental-tires-top-
ratings/DZKLJZqrRFNySIyZNiqIbM/story.html
Continental Tire 2018 GOLD Retailer Program Brochure.
Retrieved from https://advantageonetire.com/wp-
content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Continental-GOLD-Brochure.pdf
McGuigan, J. R., Moyer, R. C., & deB. Harris, F. H. (2017).
Managerial Economics Applications, Strategy, and Tactics.
Boston: Cengage Learning.
Smart Advantage (August 2011). Retrieved from
https://smartadvantage.com/blog/getting-to-know-your-relevant-
target-market/
School of Health Nursing & Midwifery
Assessment Title Page Template
Section 1: To be completed by the Module Co-ordinator prior
to issuing to students
Module Code
NURS09177
Module Title
Long Term Condition Management
Assessment title
Long Term Condition Management
Assessment wordage (if applicable)
3000
Submission deadline (Date and Time)*
*The assessment must be submitted prior to this deadline to
avoid penalty
Date: Friday 7th December 2018
Time: 12.00

Section 2: To be completed by the student prior to submitting
assessment
Word count
Banner ID number
(this is an 8 digit number, preceded by the letter ‘B’, eg
B00123456)
Have you been granted a formal extension?
YES / NO (delete as appropriate)
If yes:
Name of staff member who granted extension*:
Revised submission deadline for formal extension:
* Not all staff are permitted to grant extensions – please ensure
any extension is granted by a staff member approved to do so
for this module/assessment.
1

The assignment for this module is split into two components. 1.docx

More Related Content

Similar to The assignment for this module is split into two components. 1.docx (20)

More from rtodd17 (20)

Recently uploaded (20)

The assignment for this module is split into two components. 1.docx