Read the Apple 2015 case carefully before answering these questions. Also read the questions carefully in order to understand exactly what you are being asked to do. Remember that the purpose of a case assignment is to help your instructor assess whether you have understood and can apply the concepts and techniques covered in this course. Make sure that your answers are based on the application of appropriate theoretical concepts and techniques discussed in class rather than on a gut-feeling that you might have. Your instructor expects you to justify your answers through the use of appropriate concepts and techniques. This indicates that you are becoming proficient in the strategic leadership skills covered in this course.

Once you have read the case and the instructions above, answer the following questions:

• Apple did better in its iPod business than it did in its PC business. Explain why. Justify your answer through the application of industry analysis and other concepts discussed in Weeks 1 and 2. (two posts you have make it before)

• Perform an industry analysis of the smart-phone industry. Do you believe Apple was effective in neutralizing the threats and capitalizing on the opportunities posed by the forces in the smart-phone industry? If yes, explain how. If not, explain why not.

• What kind of competitive advantage and business strategy did Apple pursue for its iPhone business? What value chain activities were used to achieve this competitive advantage and were they effective in doing so?

Please submit your answers in a Word document. Your paper should be 6 pages long and double-spaced.]

You must answer each question in full, using concepts and techniques discussed in class to construct and justify each answer. Your answers must come only from the material included in the Apple 2015 case, and attach articles