Enhancing Information Management System in Apple Inc.

The provided content focuses on the current information management system of Apple Incorporation and suggests necessary changes to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. The existing method of storing information in computers with free access to employees is considered outdated and requires improvement. To achieve this, Assistant CSM should implement a new strategy that includes collecting data through online surveys and formatting it using computer software like TPS, DSS, and MIS. The report concludes that the proposed changes will help Apple Inc. to enhance its decision-making, communication process, information, and knowledge management, ultimately leading to improved organizational performance.

MANAGING COMMUNICATION,
KNOWLEDGE AND
INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1.................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Range of decisions to be undertaken.........................................................................................3
1.2 Information and knowledge required for effective decision-making........................................3
1.3 Internal and external sources of information.............................................................................4
1.4 Recommendations to make improvements................................................................................4
M1....................................................................................................................................................5
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Identification of key stakeholders..............................................................................................5
2.2 Enhancing relationship with stakeholders.................................................................................5
2.3 Stakeholders engagement at various occasion programme.......................................................5
2.4 Drafting inclusive strategies......................................................................................................6
M2....................................................................................................................................................6
D1.....................................................................................................................................................6
TASK 3.................................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Existing or anticipated communication structure......................................................................7
3.2 Methods to enhance communication system.............................................................................7
3.3 Implementing improvements that assure greater integration of system....................................7
3.4 Plan to improve own communication skills...............................................................................7
D2.....................................................................................................................................................8
TASK 4.................................................................................................................................................8
4.1 Anticipating methods in collecting, formatting, storage and dissemination of information and
knowledge by Apple........................................................................................................................8
4.2 Adequate changes to make improvements.................................................................................9
4.3 Implementing strategy to enhance system of information.........................................................9
M4....................................................................................................................................................9
D3...................................................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................11

Introduction
Effectiveness in communication is the basic requirement whose significance in
business is growing significantly with the changing phases of globalization. In order to
realise the importance of communication, the report has been conducted on Apple Inc.
This firm keeps on enhancing their communication for sharing knowledge and information
among its employees, management and with CEO. The report has further made
discussion on analysing the strategies for improving personal networking that will lead to
enhancement in its decision-making. Moreover, the report has been looking upon the
communication process and suggestions on improving them in accordance with the
company’s suitability.
TASK 1
1.1 Range of decisions to be undertaken
Apple Inc. is looking forward to expand its business in UK. In order to capture the
UK market, senior management team is considered to undertake various decisions with
regard to expansion. Some of them are state below-
1. Strategic Plan- Here, strategy is to be made in order to evaluate varied needs of
customers, market requirement, resource allocation, number of employees to be
placed etc. After suitable planning of strategies, specific decisions related to each
will be taken (Saaty and Vargas, 2006).
2. Location- The area which is likely to attract more customers and is suitably
spacious enough to set up their business must be chosen.
3. Source of Finance- The most reliable financing source must be preferred (Bhushan
and Rai, 2004). The risk associated with the debt or equity must judiciously be
ascertained and one with the least cost and risk must be chosen.
4. UK Business laws- Apple base is currently established in US market and for
expanding business in UK, it is important that company would get acquainted with
their business laws so as to avoid any future legal consequences.
1.2 Information and knowledge required for effective decision-making
Examination of information and knowledge is specifically necessary to assure
effective decision-making at different levels. These levels are like:
1. Strategic Level- At top level, information and knowledge is essentially required to
undertake various strategic decisions which are important for the overall growth of

business and have long-term impact on business (Improving strategic decision
making, 2015).
2. Tactical level- These decisions fall under the category of middle level management
and are responsible for the implementation of strategies which are undertaken by
the top level. The entire information and detailed knowledge about business is
required by them to implement the strategies effectively.
3. Operational level- At lower level, clerical and routine decision-making is done (Gold
and Shadlen, 2007). This makes it imperative for them to possess information
about employees and work related knowledge to carry out the process smoothly
within organization.
1.3 Internal and external sources of information
There are mainly two sources of information from where data and knowledge
regarding expansion of business in UK can be gathered. The following 2 sources are-
1. Internal sources- This is the primary source of information (obtained from within
company).
Financial information- It is the data as per current P&L a/c and balance sheet to
assess the performance of company in order to meet its future vision of expansion.
Sales figures- This source of information can help in examining the market growth
and demand for their products (Shneiderman and Ben, 2003).
2. External sources- (Obtained from outside the company)
Government- Company needs to acknowledge themselves about prime legal
information and requires checking if there are any grants available from them for their
business (Shanka and Taylor, 2004).
Internet media- Web search and social media serve as the wide portal of
information with regard to UK market as well as tastes and preferences of customers can
be assessed.
1.4 Recommendations to make improvements
In order to reap the benefits of UK expansion, Apple Inc. is required to share rather
than withholding information and knowledge from their employees. This will indeed help in
effective business expansion and in multiplying profits of company. Firm must conduct
training programs specifically for UK employees for serving effective services (Saaty,
2008). They must also assist them in procuring professional development courses to
ensure their overall development and to build their confidence level to remarkable extent.
Overall, this will leave a positive impact on their business.

M1
Assessing internal and external sources of information in 1.3 will have due impact
on efficiency and effectiveness of staff. The staff members of organization are in close
contact with customers and hold critical information regarding market and customer’s
demand (Whitney, McGuire and McCullough, 2004.). Whenever staff members are looking
forward to expand their information and knowledge, they can make use of this information
to enhance their productivity. For example, staff can get acquainted with the laws to revert
back penal consequences by using external source of information.
TASK 2
2.1 Identification of key stakeholders
Stakeholders are considered as those whose interest lies in the business of
company in one or the other way. Stakeholders of Apple Inc. are its shareholders,
employees, suppliers, government etc. for launching new products. The assistant
customer service manager by means of communication would spread the information
between them about their plans that they are seeking. Manager will communicate their
information to customers by explaining the product specifications, features and utility that
will help in influencing them (Papazoglou and et.al., 2007).
Shareholders shall be approached by the managers and information on product’s
sales and generation of profit will be discussed to ensure their assured return for them.
Employees will be trained on the ways that they shall demonstrate the products and sell
them to people at large.
2.2 Enhancing relationship with stakeholders
To gain positive review on product launch, manager must maintain the contact with
stakeholders on a continuous basis and should create a strong relationship with them in
order to assure successfully debut of its product. Their feedback must be taken on pricing
and features by the way of emails or phone calls (Attfield, Blandford and Makri, 2010).
Customers must be approached through internet and social media and company can know
their review on the product so launched. Supplier’s feedback can also be gathered and
accordingly, decision-making process must be undertaken.
2.3 Stakeholders engagement at various occasion programme
Apple Inc. must organize the events during launching period of product. This event
must invite different stakeholders and their expectations must be evaluated as well. This
will help in developing the feeling of belongingness among them and their perspective

about the product can be further gathered. By approaching customers through such
events, their wants can be assessed and modifications can be made before launching the
product as per their new defined needs. Through this operation, Apple can assure
maximum satisfaction of stakeholders by organizing this event.
2.4 Drafting inclusive strategies
Strategies regarding events must be made and an initiative must be taken to make
this event a memorable experience for all stakeholders. Service Managers must use sales
promotional activities for popularizing a new product. The event must be capable enough
to create hype among customers for their new product (Bickart and Schindler, 2001).
Coupons and discount vouchers can be distributed at the event which can be redeemed
whenever they make purchasing of product. Lucky draw system can be used at the launch
event in which out of all, 10 lucky winners can be given with a chance to experience the
product for free. Through these promotions, customers can be attracted and their interests
can be retained in the event program.
M2
An agenda was drafted earlier to make the event program as a success. But after
the happening of event, there were many loopholes that were identified. The coordination
between management was seemed to be lacking and the whole program was conducted
in a haphazard manner. Experiencing from the drawback of previous event, the next
networking program can be conducted in an appropriate manner. The overall layout of
program can be discussed among all employees of company and clear roles and
responsibilities can be allocated among them. This will help in avoiding confusion and in
overlapping of work in the future. Perfectionism in single duty can also be gained in this
program.
D1
Strategies are framed in 2.4 to gather more participation of stakeholders in
launching of product at an event. The discounted products that offer value driven deals to
customers can guarantee multiple sales for their new product. This will though result in
less amount of profit generation but the sales will counter effect the difference of profit. If a
lucky draw is announced among all stakeholders, the loyalties and their trust in company
can be retrieved which will add to the benefits of company indirectly.

TASK 4
4.1 Anticipating methods in collecting, formatting, storage and dissemination
of information and knowledge by Apple
Currently, traditional methods are used in Apple Inc. and there is an impending need
to upgrade their methods. The new method must be capable enough to cope up with the
changes in technology. In Apple Inc., information is collected by the means of survey and
researches as well as suggestion boxes are also placed at different corners of the
organizations (Snyder and Diesing, 2015). The information was then arranged by
personnel and is stored specifically in their computers. Whenever, the need arise, the
information is accessed from the computers. Any person working within organization was
given with the free access to such information. This helped in gaining employee’s
confidence and loyalty for the organization. This is considered to be an out-date method of
managing company’s information and knowledge.
4.2 Adequate changes to make improvements
Assistant CSM must bring requisite changes in their existing communication system
to meet the changing needs of technologies. Due collection of information about
customers and employees can be gained through online surveys along-with filing the
questionnaire or KYC forms issued on their blogs (Morris and Zumbach, 2004). The
information so collected must be arranged and formatted by different computer software
like TPS (transaction processing system), DSS (decision support system) and MIS
(Management information system).. The access of information must be limited to specific
users and issuing them digital card. The leaking of data to competitors will get restricted
whenever necessary information can be disseminated to employees by managers.
4.3 Implementing strategy to enhance system of information
Changes can be inserted in the firm and strategies in specific can be drafted to
introduce the changes in organization. Particular training must be provided to staff of IT
department as they need to meet the standards of the latest technological changes. MIS
system must be installed to format the information system of Apple Incorporation.
Managers should assimilate the information and systematically review them in order to
update their information database about customers (Finney Rutten and et.al., 2005).
M4
The current study of organization is done by analysing the present system in
comparison to the latest technology. It has been seen that the current system has some

drawbacks persisting of which requires update. The up gradation of information system will
require high investee for company but being classified under IT industry, these
modifications will prove to be a fruitful investment and help in gaining positive ROI.
D3
Collection of data is done as per the latest technologies which will help in saving
time, efforts and cost of the organization. Updating and installing computer software will
help in formatting the data more easily. This will indirectly help in minimizing the cost
incurred earlier on formatting of such information (Hsu and Chiu, 2004). Data stored at a
common database will assure that no information is leaked or lost. This will also reduce
the overall risk associated with the loss of data. While disseminating of information, access
is limited for few managers through card swapping system which will ensure the security of
data to the fullest.
CONCLUSION
The process so outlined in the report will help Apple Inc. to enhance and assure
management of their decision-making, communication process, information and
knowledge. Apple Inc. will be better of gaining fruitful results and enhancing their
competitive edge in a quest to realise their aim of launching new product with greater
efficiency and effectiveness.

REFERENCES
Books
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Patent and Trademark Office.
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Springer Science+ Business Media, LLC.
Shneiderman, B. and Ben, S., 2003. Designing the user interface. Pearson Education
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Snyder, G. H. and Diesing, P., 2015. Conflict among nations: Bargaining, decision making,
and system structure in international crises. Princeton University Press.
Journals
Attfield, S., Blandford, A. and Makri, S., 2010. Social and interactional practices for
disseminating current awareness information in an organisational setting.
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Bickart, B. and Schindler, R. M., 2001. Internet forums as influential sources of consumer
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Finney Rutten, L. J. and et.al., 2005. Information needs and sources of information among
cancer patients: a systematic review of research (1980–2003). Patient Educ Couns.
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Online
Improving strategic decision making, 2015. [Online]. Avaialble from
<http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/cima/improving-strategic-decision-making/levels-
of-decision-making.html#axzz3nxC0UEuN>. [Accessed on 8th October 2015].