Understand the role of strategic planning in organisations

Assignment Brief

Strategic Business Management and Planning

Tasks:

You are required to produce and write a work based assignment that reports on an organisation of your choice. This can be your own organisation, but can instead be a different organisation with which you are familiar. In this report you must:

1. Demonstrate that you understand strategies and strategic thinking. You might choose to do this by identifying the goals and values of your strategic business unit (SBU), by discussing the role of strategic business planning and by evaluating classic and contemporary models used in developing business strategies and plans.
2. Analyse how internal and external environments influence management and planning strategies. You might for example choose to explore the impact of internal and external risk factors on strategic business activities and identify influences of organisational policies on management and planning strategies.
3. Evaluate and analyse how your chosen organisation might investigate competitor activities and strategies which could create advantage in emerging, maturing and declining markets and also define how your organisation develops strategies to outperform its competitors.
4. Analyse, evaluate and discuss ways in which organisations respond to environmental factors when making strategic plans; the impact of stakeholder interests in the development of strategic planning activities and the impact(s) of emerging global issues on any such planning activities.

Understand the role of strategic planning in organisations

• 1.1 Evaluate processes by which organisations identify their goals and values
• 1.2 Discuss the purpose and role of strategic business management and planning in an organisation
• 1.3 Evaluate the classic and contemporary models used in developing business strategies and plans

Understand the impact of internal and external factors on organisations

• 2.1 Analyse ways in which the internal and external environment can influence organisational management and planning strategies
• 2.2 Discuss the influence of organisational governance requirements on management and planning strategies
• 2.3 Explore the impact of internal and external risk factors on strategic business management activities

Understand the strategies that organisations use to achieve competitive advantage

• 3.1 Analyse ways in which an organisation positions itself to outperform its competitors
• 3.2 Evaluate appropriate competitor advantage strategies for emerging, maturing and declining positions

Understand the environmental factors that affect strategic business management and planning

• 4.1 Discuss how emerging global issues can impact upon on the strategic management and planning activities in an organisation
• 4.2 Evaluate the impact of stakeholder interests in shaping strategic management and planning activities in an organisation
• 4.3 Analyse ways in which organisations respond to environmental factors, when making strategic plans

Sample Answer

Strategic Business Management and Planning: A Critical Analysis of Apple Inc.

Introduction

Strategic business management is a core function of modern organisations seeking to achieve long-term goals, maintain competitive advantage, and navigate complex environments. This report analyses the strategic planning practices of Apple Inc., a global technology company known for its innovation, branding, and market leadership. The report evaluates strategic models, internal and external influences, competitive strategies, and environmental factors impacting strategic planning at Apple.

1. Understanding Strategic Thinking and Planning

1.1 Identifying Organisational Goals and Values

Apple Inc. defines its core values around innovation, simplicity, customer focus, and environmental responsibility. Its overarching goal is to design and deliver technologically advanced, user-friendly products, and services that improve people`s lives. The company’s vision is to “create the best products on earth, and to leave the world better than we found it,” reflecting both commercial and ethical objectives.

Strategic goals are evident in Apple’s focus on product leadership, global expansion, and sustainability. These guide decision-making, resource allocation, and long-term planning, forming the foundation for strategic initiatives.

1.2 Role of Strategic Business Management and Planning

Strategic planning at Apple ensures alignment between its long-term vision and daily operations. It involves:

• Market analysis for product development,

• Risk assessment to manage global supply chains,

• Resource planning to support innovation.

Strategic business management allows Apple to adapt to market changes, anticipate customer needs, and remain ahead of competitors through structured planning and continuous evaluation.

1.3 Strategic Models Used by Apple

Apple applies both classic and contemporary models in strategic planning.

Classic Model:

• SWOT Analysis helps identify strengths (brand, R&D), weaknesses (high prices), opportunities (new markets), and threats (competition, regulation).

• Porter’s Five Forces aids in understanding industry dynamics, Apple manages supplier power through vertical integration and customer loyalty through differentiated products.

Contemporary Model:

• Blue Ocean Strategy focuses on creating new markets rather than competing in saturated ones, seen in Apple’s innovations like the iPhone and Apple Watch.

• VRIO Framework (Value, Rarity, Imitability, Organisation) is used internally to assess Apple’s resources and capabilities for sustaining competitive advantage.

2. Internal and External Environmental Influences

2.1 Influence of Internal and External Environment

Apple’s strategies are shaped by both internal and external factors.

Internal Factors:

• Organisational culture centred on secrecy, innovation, and perfectionism.

• Strong financial resources enabling heavy R&D investment.

• Leadership style, especially under Tim Cook, focuses on operational efficiency and social responsibility.

External Factors:

• Political: Tariffs and trade tensions affect Apple’s supply chain and pricing.

• Economic: Fluctuations in global demand, especially in emerging markets.

• Technological: Rapid pace of innovation forces constant product development.

• Legal: Ongoing scrutiny over data privacy and monopoly concerns.

Continued...