Tutorial+One

1. Describe the unusual business model used in the IPod’s fabrication as developed by Apple?  Answer: The unusual business model used in IPod’s fabrication involves the use of multiple outside suppliers to produce different components of the IPod. Apple in turn merged all these components together and fit it in the predetermined aesthetics of the IPod. This is an unusual business model for an electronics company because they usually design all their components in house. Apple’s unusual business model does have its merits and demerits. By outsourcing, Apple leveraged the expertise of its suppliers and as a result reduced the risk and costs associated with developing all its components itself. David Carey, the CEO of a partnering company affirmed this by saying “to do everything in one part is a complex, risky and potentially costly alternative to integration of available components at the electronics assembly level”. The disadvantage of this lies in the fact that Apple does not have sole control over the use of the components as the companies that manufactured them can supply its competitors. According to Eric Sherman the author of the article, “the guts of the iPod may appear in other devices soon”. 2. What distinguishes the work of the team of Jobs and Ive in relation to products designed by Apple?  Answer: The distinguishing factor between Steve Jobs and Jonathan Ive’s design is an ideology Ive referred to as “fanatical care beyond the obvious” which he further expresses as obsessive attention to details that are often overlooked. This results in the creation of products that are more accessible to its intended users. This relates to what he said he learnt in design school, “form and colour defines your perception of the nature of an object”.  What new materials are enabling different design?   Answer: Polymer advances and Twin-shooting materials. Twin-shooting materials played an important role in the design of the IPod as it enabled them to create a product made from plastic and metal that was sealed with advanced adhesive and laser welding thus making the battery an inherent part of the product. 3. Describe the importance of Apple's design team. Are other companies trying to compete with Apple by creating their own design teams? Answer: The prowess of Apple’s Design team is partly dependent on their synergy in addition to their individual talents. Their work interaction also fosters creativity and constant innovation as they continually communicate with each other. The design team can be argued to be the most important asset of Apple. They ultimately determine how Apple serves its targeted market with the products they design. They demonstrate a clear understanding of Apple’s vision and that has gone a long way in helping them create products that aligns with Apple’s strategy. I believe other competing companies have established design teams that direct the design of their products. Therefore, I won’t say they are imitating Apple by establishing design teams but by how they structure the team’s interaction and coordination.
 * Tutorial One:**