BM627 Managing Innovation in Business: Apple Inc. Product Innovation

This report provides an in-depth analysis of Apple Inc.'s innovation strategies within the consumer electronics industry. It explores the future of the industry, organizational innovation requirements, and building future innovation capabilities. The report focuses on Apple's potential future products, including the iKeyboard, iCar, AR smart glass, and foldable iPhone, and suggests the iKeyboard as a strategic launch. It emphasizes the importance of innovation for gaining market share and maintaining consumer loyalty. The report also covers the significance of AI and AR technologies in product development, highlighting the competitive landscape and the importance of research and development. It concludes by underscoring the role of innovation in creating a strong brand image and fostering long-term customer relationships. The report also briefly mentions the assignment brief, which is a report outlining an action plan for the development and implementation of innovation capabilities within the chosen organization, and its focus on an innovation roadmap.

Managing Innovation in
Business

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report investigates the advancement that would be gotten by substances working in
consumer electronic industry. Such creative items and procedures will bring a significant change
and change the essence of industry by 2020 and beyond. It has been assessed that associations
currently understand the significance of bringing fast advancements in order to pick up
acknowledgment from open and guarantee client faithfulness for a long term of time. This has
energized Apple Inc. to bring inventive items and highlights which are not yet investigated by
anybody. This is finished with the rationale of remaining in front of contenders and increasing an
enormous offer in advertise. In this manner, Apple Inc. is probably going to bring advancements
like iKeyboard, iCar, AR smart glass, Foldable iPhone and so on in forthcoming years. It has
been suggested that out of these, Apple should dispatch iKeyboard in showcase as this item has
not yet been presented by any organization. Likewise, it has been seen that by using a guide,
Apple Inc. can effectively execute the advancement intend to dispatch Virtual iKeyboard.

Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Main Body.......................................................................................................................................1
The future of the industry 2020 and beyond................................................................................1
The organisational innovation requirements 2020 and beyond...................................................3
Building of the future innovation capabilities for an organisation..............................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Innovation is the process of adding value to the already existing products through bringing
improvements in features and abilities to perform future functions. There is hue role of this
aspect in further meeting of the advanced needs and requirements of consumers. The role of
innovation with businesses is important towards the direction of attaining competitive edge. The
main aim of this project is also to ascertain that how innovation aid in improvement of business
capabilities to fulfil the futuristic demand of consumers along with diverse market requirements
(Aas, Jentoft and Vasstrøm, 2016). The organisation taken for carrying further analysis in this
direction is Apple. It is the large multinational organisation that operates its business activities at
global level. There are many different kind of products are offering by an organisation in market
related to advanced technology and electronic gadgets. The business model followed by an
organisation for conducting business activities in market is continuous level of invention and
innovation in product lines for meeting the demand of consumers along with creating distinctive
image in market that never be copied by anyone else.
The aspects cover in report includes analysis related to the future of industry 2020 and
beyond, the organisational innovation requirements 2020 and beyond and building of the future
innovation capabilities for an organisation.
Main Body
The future of the industry 2020 and beyond
Apple is falls under the consumer electronic industry. The scope of this industry is wide
where large number of different organisations are performing activities to meet diversified needs
of consumers. The different number of products which are manufacturing and selling on
continuous basis under this industry includes VCD, television, DVD, mobile phones, laptops,
computers, jukeboxes and digital cameras. In the today’s techno driven world, there is huge
importance of all these products by a consumer to made the life more soothing. From the
presence of large number of competition, there is huge need by all the organisations in this
industry to focus over the adoption of approach like innovation and invention that help to
produce distinctive from others or the one which will be advances in all terms. The is the one
aspect that will help the organisations under sector to retain the consumers with an organisation
along attraction of the new potential one’s (Biemans, 2018). The role of such aspect is huge
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towards attainment of the competitive edge where an organisation able to build the distinctive
image as compared to other rivalries. The competition was the only reason that this industry
reaching at new level where such products are introduced that operate with the aid of AI
technology. This not only fasten the ability to perform work but also makes the functions smarter
where possibility of error will be Nil (The consumer electronics industry is where the future is
happening!, 2019).
There are different number of organisations that enjoy the success in this industry like HP,
Panasonic, LG and Samsung. The main reason behind the success of these all organisations was
approach of innovation and regular development. This was the reason that they rule under the
consumer electronics industry. There were many investments done by the management of these
organisations in the activities of research and development related to determination of consumer
demands and changes in market trends. This was the reason that numerous number of products
were provided by all different organisations that run from the technologies like AI and AR. This
clear depicts that future of this industry is very bright where all organisations focus over the
introduction of new products which are beyond to the perception of consumers and help in
satisfaction of their diversified needs along with performance of multiple functionalities. In
future, this is the only way among the organisations under this industry to survive in market
along with attainment of competitive advantage. Such exercises help to create the brand name
and trust among the consumers that an organisation always think beyond to their perceptions.
This further aid in building long term relations where they just demand the products of such
brand because of the trustworthiness over the service and quality of products (Ćirić, Lalić and
Gračanin, 2016). The hard work of all these organisations can be understood from the current
level of innovations. Here, the facility of drone delivery is the one that change the whole scenario
of logistics. There are many like this that beyond to the imagination such as driver less car and
voice controlled equipment’s.
Currently, the time period is related to the application of AI and AR in the development of
products. These technologies going to be rule in the future period of time. The products that are
continually produced through the use of same technology includes 4K and 5K television, robots
and driverless vehicles. The one of more technology that simultaneously uses in the production
of current products i.e. IOT. The main purpose behind the usage of all is to improve the
experience of consumers and bring changes in their lifestyle that provides the time to enjoy life.
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In this direction, many organisations are continually made changes in their production style and
offers innovative products. Here, example of organisations like Cisco and HPE is perfect that
always perform working to develop advanced software and hardware that will able to bring edge
in computing exercises. Other than this, the organisations like Samsung and Sony continually
using the technology like Qualcomm Snapdragon technology in order to bring Gigabit LTE and
5G devices (Faherty and Stephens, 2016).
Therefore, it is clear from the above description that the future of this industry is very
bright and great. The existing players of this industry are continually focus over adopting R&D
practices in respect to bringing innovation in current offerings. This exercise of continuous
innovation has huge future advantage for large market players like Apple to attain the dominant
position in market where consumer prefer to buy their products over other organisations and
rivalries. The another benefit attached with this exercise that able to build the culture in
organisation where employees always motivated in direction of producing unique products. This
help in maintaining the continuous level of innovation (Garza-Reyes and et. al., 2017).
The organisational innovation requirements 2020 and beyond
Apple is large company that provide its products and services at global level. It majorly
delivers high technology oriented products for satisfying the diversified needs of consumers. The
organisation has good name regarding the innovation capabilities in market. This was the reason
that an organisation is able to provide advanced technology products in market that help in
grabbing large market share along with generating higher amount of sales. The management of
an organisation knows about the fact that needs of consumer are continually changing in the
current period of time so always motivate the employees in brining innovation in their working
that able to deliver unique product in market with distinctive features that never exists before.
This must help an organisation in future years to retain the same position in market along
maintaining the level of sustainability within the diverse nature of business environment (Top 10
Trends For Digital Transformation in 2018, 2019). The another contribution of an innovation
towards an organisation will be high level of competitive advantage through which they able to
persuade the buying behaviour of consumers to stick with products of their brand in future too.
Some of the different innovations which are must needed to provide by an organisation in market
for holding up the same market position along with market share are presented below:
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Apple AR smart glass: This is one of the effective innovative aspect which will be needed
to provide by Apple in future to their consumers for the purpose of improving their functioning
ability (Griesar, Bessant and Bernschneider‐Reif, 2018). This works in form of assistance to
users in ascertaining data along with other information from the clouds through the application of
laser lights which has direct relation with eyeball. This will provide an opportunity to the
different users that they get connect themselves with the aid of such device with other multiple
devices in relation to ascertaining direct information. The another advantage associated with this
innovation that it is easy to carry and can be managed properly without any errors. In future, this
help an organisation to build the distinctive image in market that they are the one who build such
device that is user friendly, easy to carry at any place and performance of functions without any
error.
Apple iCar: This would be one of the greatest innovation from the organisation side that
includes the providence of electric car in the shape of mouse. This do not utilise conventional
designs of battery but develops batteries independently. The main purpose behind the launching
of this car that eliminate the need of drivers and shuffle the workforce at different places that
simultaneously aid in better performance of other functions (Möller and Halinen, 2017). The
benefits will be derived by an organisation in future due to this innovation like reduction in
amount of expenses along with optimum utilisation of existing resources through shuffling the
power of workforce in different areas. The another benefits that will gained by society and
environment includes reduction in the amount of petrol consumption and aid in development of
pollution free environment. In future, this innovation must be going to provide the tough
competition to different players in automobile sector and simultaneously motivates them to
produce more innovative products that associated with much larger benefits in relation to society,
environment and an organisation.
iKeyboard: This would be industry changing innovation from an organisation side where
it provides an opportunity to users that work from anywhere at any place. This would be a virtual
keyboard that does not have physical presence. In the development of this keyboard, innovative
team of an organisation requires to use the technology of AI (Murthy, 2017). This also includes
the usage of light sensors that depicts the image of keyboard and operates with the aid of sensors.
This will be greatest innovation in future that not only improves the customer base of an
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organisation but help to build the unique name and identify in the field if innovation within the
industry.
Building of the future innovation capabilities for an organisation
Innovation is the only effective way through which an organisation can effectively attract
the consumers towards their differently offered products and services. This has direct impact
over the behavioural characteristics of consumer in a way that they want to connected with
organisational offerings for longer period of time (Prokop and Stejskal, 2017). Apple is the well
renowned organisation that has place in market because of the adopting approach like innovation
and invention. This was the reason that organisation is able to develop unique products with
differential features that able to fulfil the existing needs of consumers in market. The helpful
aspect in this direction is production of new products. The development on the basis of
innovation not only help to attain the sustainability but also aid in staying ahead from their
competitors. The process which will be helpful in this direction is roadmap that provides
structural guidance in respect to the implementation of appropriate innovation. In Apple, the
roadmap will be used for the introduction of new innovative product i.e. iKeyboard. The detailed
information in this context is provided below:
Suggestion and reason: From the overall analysis of market at global level, it is ascertained
that all individuals face the issue of working on laptops and its carriage from one place to
another (Saunila, 2017). This clearly depicts that if an organisation provides the virtual keyboard
then they definitely going to attain success. This solves the issue of many number of individuals
regarding carrying of laptops. The virtual keyboard helps to work from anywhere at any place.
Impact of change
In relation to the creation of virtual iKeyboard, it is important for the management that
make necessary changes in current process of functioning to ascertain the best output in future.
This change not requires in single function but requires in all. Also, the change in any one further
impacts the functioning of other in integral form (Sund and et. al., 2016). This will be happened
because they all are interconnected with each other. In this regard, impact will be ascertained
over the functioning of human resource, research and development, finance, marketing and many
other departments.
Research and Development: This department has the main role regarding the
development of new innovative product on the basis of identifying new specifications. In relation
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to the development of virtual iKeyboard in Apple, hiring of new team is necessitate. In this team,
requires the member from diversified filed that have expertise knowledge in their own area of
working (Tan, 2020). This change further aid in development of effective iKeyboard that works
properly.
Necessary resources: This includes the study of resources which will be required for the
development of new innovative product. In this regard, first needed to classify current resources
and ascertain which will be further required for carrying operations of developing an innovative
product. In relation to the development of iKeyboard the other number of resources which will
be required includes advance technology, separate working team, extra amount of funds and
other necessary tools to carry out the functions (Tidd and Bessant, 2018).
Needed technical skills: In effective development of virtual iKeyboard, Apple is needed
to hire specific employees that have knowledge regarding the use of AI and AR technologies.
Also, they have to focus over conduction of training sessions from professional for improving
knowledge of existing employees.
Legal aspect: This is the process where an organisation has to undergoes from the legal
aspects for successful production of the iKeyboard. This includes the satisfaction of all legal
terms that mentioned by government. Also, organisation has to focus over IPR rights for the
safety of new innovation (Van Lancker, Wauters and Van Huylenbroeck, 2016).
Cost of change: There is need to grab extra amount of funds for allocating same to
different departments to made changes in their functioning according to the specific needs. The
total amount of investment requires in whole production of 100 units will be $274000.
Feasibility: It is about the study of different aspects associated with production of new
product along with ability to get success in market. Apple wants to introduce new product named
iKeyboard in market. This requires the checking of internal resources having by an organisation
along with outer response when launched in market. The number of resources are sufficient
within an organisation. Also, the response will be positive as large number of individuals facing
the issue of carrying laptops from one place to another.
Approval process: It is important that an executive of organisation take permission from
Broad of director within meeting. This approval or permission mainly related with the
introduction of new product. In case of Apple Inc., it will be needed by business manager to
bring some required changes within the current system because it will help them in developing of
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Virtual iKeyboard. Therefore, it can be possible only taken of approval from the Board of
director or executive of Apple Inc. This will be making them to increase awareness among the
people about the launching of new product. Therefore, receiving approval for launching a new
product is essential process for success and growth of company.
Apply to change: It introduces as an important phase of rout map for carrying out new
product within the marketplace. In these, the chances are created in Apple Inc. to come up with
Virtual iKeyboard successfully. In order to develop new product in marketplace, there is need for
using different sources which are technology, human resources, software etc. All these are
effective sources that will help Apple Inc. in launching of new product in market successfully.
Company will also provide training to the present and new software engineers and also
programmers to develop Virtual iKeyboard effectively and successfully.
Reviewing the impact of change: This refers as a last step that will be essential for
Apple Inc. in identification of success or development of Virtual iKeyboard in marketplace. This
pace can be organised by performing a test via prototype model. It is executed prior to the
develop of Virtual iKeyboard in market with purpose to check the product feasibility in form of
its acceptability as well as profitability in market. Therefore, development or launching of new
product will be beneficial for Apple Inc. to attain competitive advantages and retain strong
position at market (Wilhelm and Dolfsma, 2018).
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above report that innovation is the key device which supports
organization in giving solid rivalry to competitors by basically upgrading number of chances for
them at marketplace. It also tends to be the standard based advancements that help business
elements in increasing greatest number of steadfast clients towards them. It has additionally been
investigated that enormous scope organizations regularly utilize developments to keeping up of
their insider capabilities. The number of innovation related developments that have possibility to
seen in future includes iKeyboard, iCar, AR smart glass, Foldable iPhone and so on. Every one
of them are created by just assessing client request and desire from the organizations. So as to
acquire advancement in legitimate way a business needed to create successful guide that
essentially contributes in executing all businesses activities in legitimate manner. Further, it
tends to be guide that basically incorporates scope of steps which are required to be trailed by
business head. By essentially following these whole business managers will able to bring
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development without any insufficient stretch. Here, it is additionally broken down that
developments will profoundly significant for the organizations through which able to attract
great number of clients as well as stand out successfully in market.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aas, T. H., Jentoft, N. and Vasstrøm, M., 2016. Managing innovation of care services: An
exploration of Norwegian municipalities. Cogent Business & Management. 3(1).
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Biemans, W., 2018. Managing innovation within networks (Vol. 7). Routledge.
Ćirić, D., Lalić, B. and Gračanin, D., 2016. Managing innovation: Are project management
methods enemies or allies. International Journal of Industrial Engineering and
Management, 7(1), pp.31-41.
Faherty, U. and Stephens, S., 2016. Innovation in micro enterprises: reality or fiction?. Journal
of Small Business and Enterprise Development.
Garza-Reyes, J. A. and et. al., 2017. Managing Innovation and Operations in the 21st Century.
Taylor & Francis.
Griesar, K., Bessant, J. and Bernschneider‐Reif, S., 2018. The Recipe for Corporate Longevity:
From the Perspective of “Managing Innovation”. Angewandte Chemie International
Edition. 57(16). pp.4130-4142.
Möller, K. and Halinen, A., 2017. Managing business and innovation networks—From strategic
nets to business fields and ecosystems. Industrial Marketing Management. 67. pp.5-
22.
Murthy, J. J., 2017. Managing Innovation and Developing Intellectual Property Strategies for
Firms. SIES Journal of Management. 13(1).
Prokop, V. and Stejskal, J., 2017. Different approaches to managing innovation activities: An
analysis of strong, moderate, and modest innovators. Inžinerine
Ekonomika/Engineering Economics, volume 28, issue: 1.
Saunila, M., 2017. Managing continuous innovation through performance
measurement. Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal.
Sund, K. J., Bogers, M., Villarroel, J. A. and Foss, N., 2016. Managing tensions between new
and existing business models. MIT Sloan Management Review. 57(4). p.8.
Tan, S. F., 2020. Managing Innovation: Technology, Consumer and Sustainability Perspective,
and the Challenges. In Leveraging Consumer Behavior and Psychology in the Digital
Economy (pp. 205-216). IGI Global.
Tidd, J. and Bessant, J. R., 2018. Managing innovation: integrating technological, market and
organizational change. John Wiley & Sons.
Van Lancker, J., Wauters, E. and Van Huylenbroeck, G., 2016. Managing innovation in the
bioeconomy: An open innovation perspective. Biomass and Bioenergy. 90. pp.60-69.
Wilhelm, M. and Dolfsma, W., 2018. Managing knowledge boundaries for open innovation–
lessons from the automotive industry. International Journal of Operations &
Production Management.
Online
The consumer electronics industry is where the future is happening!. 2019. [Online]. Available
Through:<https://www.concentrix.com/blog/consumer-electronics-industry-future-
happening/>.
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