Unit 1: Business and the Business Environment

Qualification Title

Pearson BTEC Higher National in Business (2024)

Unit Number and Title

Unit 1- The Contemporary Business Environment

Unit Code: Type: Level:

Credit Value:

H/650/2917

Core Level 4

15 Credits

Academic Year

2024

Academic Tutors

Cross College

Unit brief Author

Assignment Title

Industry Analysis

Issue Date

Submission Date

Submission Instruction

One submission to be submitted on Turnitin

Learner Declaration:

I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged.

Student signature:                                                                                             Date:

Unit Learning Outcomes

LO1 Explain the different types, sizes and scope of organisations

LO2 Discuss the interrelationship of the various functions in an organisation and how they link to organisational structure

LO3 Use contemporary examples to demonstrate both the positive and negative influence/impact the macroenvironment has on business operations

LO4 Determine the internal strengths and weaknesses of a specific business and their interrelationship with external macro factors

Submission format

Submission should be in the form of a Word report, submitted via Turnitin. Ensure all work is supported with research and referenced correctly using the Harvard referencing system. A bibliography must be included. The recommended word limit is 3500–4000 words, but you will not be penalized for exceeding the limit.

Transferable skills and competencies developed

• Analytical skills to conduct own analysis to draw conclusions.
• The ability to provide information based on collation, analysis and interpretation of
• data.
• Creative thinking for presenting information and data in a simplified and informative
• manner.
• Digital skills, using different software applications to visually present information and
• data concisely.
• Communicating effectively in all forms, written, visual and oral, for operating efficiently in the international business environment.

Vocational scenario

Apple Inc., a global leader in technology and innovation, has consistently been at the forefront of the consumer electronics industry. With its diverse range of products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and services such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud, Apple Inc. has established a significant presence in various markets worldwide. As of 2024, Apple boasts a workforce exceeding 147,000 employees globally, with the brand valued at over $2.5 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.

In your role as a junior corporate manager within the Strategic Planning team at Apple Inc., you are integral to the company’s efforts to maintain its competitive edge and explore new market opportunities.

This team is crucial in guiding Apple`s strategic direction by conducting in-depth analyses of consumer behaviour, competitive landscapes, and market trends. The Strategic Planning team collaborates closely with senior leaders, the executive team, and the CEO, providing data-driven insights and strategic recommendations on Apple’s critical initiatives. Your key responsibilities include:

1. Supporting Data and Business Analyses:

• Develop comprehensive business plans for Apple Inc. by analysing various data sources.
• Measure the company`s performance by comparing actual data to forecasted values.
• Execute market research projects and gather intelligence on industry trends, technological advancements, and consumer preferences.

2. Strategic Planning and Implementation:

• Formulate strategic action plans to address the challenges and opportunities identified through market research.
• Create financial models to support strategic decision-making and investment planning.
• Evaluate potential new markets and products to expand Apple`s global footprint while mitigating risks and threats.

Assignment activity and guidance

You have been tasked with conducting an industry analysis that focuses on the technology industry, specifically Apple Inc., to gain insights into industry perspectives, best practices from other high- performance companies, and high-growth sectors. You will present your analysis to your line manager and the management team. The industry analysis will involve research and analysis of the overall market size (international and national) and different sub-sectors (public, private, voluntary), as well as organizational mapping of Apple Inc., one of the highest-performing companies in the industry.

You will present this industry analysis as a comprehensive Word report, including the following steps:

Explain and analyse how different types, purpose, structure, size and scope of different organisation (i.e. public, private and voluntary sectors and legal structure) link to the business objectives (i.e. vision, mission) and products and service offered by the organisations.

Critically analyse and discuss the interrelationships between organisational function (e.g., finance, marketing) and how they link, create impact and their complexities of different organisations and structure.

Critically evaluate the impacts that both macro factors and micro factors have on business objectives and decision making.

You should apply the appropriate PESTLE model that identifies the positive and negative impacts the macro environment has on business operations by providing a detailed analysis within Apple supported by specific examples.

Apply an appropriate SWOT/TOWS analysis by conducting internal and external analysis of Apple by identifying their strengths and weaknesses and explain how they interrelate with the external macro to justify their influence on decision making.