Question

1) How do Apple Company continuous process improvement CPI? Explain with example.

2) Describe briefly how Apple can focus on quality management? What is the process they do? What are the benefits of the quality management related to Apple? Give an example

Answer 1

1) It is a method through which an organization can achieve long term success by continues improvement and changes in its product offerings. For example: It launches its smart phones with different series names like i-phone 4 s, 5S, 6S , 7S , XS etc. In this each next series will be much better or having great features than previous series.

Apple can achieve sophisticated level in its operations, production or nay activities of value chain like inbound logistics, sales & marketing, services, procurement, technology , HRM, infrastructural development etc by introducing the CPI. It will provide its following benefits:

1) Reduce the cost of production and operations.

2) It can offer reduced cost of its value added services through low cost per install (CPI) option.

3) Competitive advantage against the immediate companies like Samsung, Motorola etc.

4) It can adopt best human resource policy to its workforce.

5) It can better response from its premium segment customer who might switch to other mobile companies due to its less functionality.

2) Apple can focus quality management by implementing six sigma, ISO 9001, lean production, 5S etc. like techniques. Quality management must be introduced to its every functional area like quality HR interventions, Best and green practices in marketing, operational quality, innovation to adopt long lasting quality etc.

Quality process might be utilized as follows:

1. Defining the quality problems and objectives
2. Ensuring resources and methods required to check the quality.
3. Implementing benchmarking, six sigma, quality circle etc. In various activities / functions of Apple.
4. Assessment of quality process initiated in different activities
5. If , Gaps are found then necessary action must be initiated
6. Feedback system related to quality initiatives at Apple Inc.

Benefits from Quality Management:

1. Reduced cost of operations
2. Less wastage in production of products.
3. High end quality based services offered to end users.
4. Higher rate of return can be obtained due to less cost of production.
5. Low cost of installation or value added services will attract more customers.
6. Satisfied customer pool.
7. Brand value remains sustainable in the global marketplace.