To complete the task, provide a written response to each of the nine questions below. Your answers should be related to your own organisation or one you are familiar with, ideally one where you have worked. Use the same organisation for all nine answers.
To be an effective people practitioner, it is crucial to understand the business’s goals, the products or services it offers, its main customers, and how external factors, including technology, impact its markets and working methods.
Assessment Questions
Task – Written answers
Examine two key external influences impacting or likely to impact the activities of the organisation that you work for (or an organisation with which you are familiar) (AC 1.1)
Technological advancements
Technological advancements may have a positive impact on Apple Inc particularly in innovation and product development (Citilci and Akbalik, 2020). This is because product developments drive innovation and encourage continuous investments in research and development. For instance, advances in augmented and virtual reality have led to an increase in investments in research and development leading to new products such as Apple Vision Pro. Notably, it is important for Apple to continuously stay ahead of technological trends to retain its competitive edge in the market. Besides, investing in new technologies presents opportunities for Apple to diversify its product portfolio and expand into new markets.
Legal factors Apple Company is affected by regulatory factors such as changes in legislation (Citilci and Akbalik, 2020). For example, the organisation must comply with regulations such as the General Data Protection regulations in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act in the United States. Furthermore, Apple must comply with Antitrust and competition laws and ensure adherence to rules on promoting sustainability. Such regulation changes lead to increased scrutiny of its business operations and present legal risks. For example, changes
in environmental regulations have led to renewed commitment from Apple to reduce its carbon footprint and continuously optimise its manufacturing and supply chain practices towards greater reliance on renewable energy, and recycling.
Discuss the main business goal of the organisation that you work for (or an organisation with which you are familiar) and why it is important for that organisation to plan how they will achieve the goal. (AC 1.2)
The main business goal for Apple Inc. is creating the best products on earth and leaving the world a better place than they found it (Rowland, 2024). The aforementioned business goal embodies several elements such as innovation, quality, customer experience and environmental sustainability. For example, Apple aims to maintain a competitive edge in the technology industry and continuously innovates and produces new products such as the Apple Vision Pro (Apple Newsroom, 2024). In addition, the organisation provide superior customer experience through personalisation, seamless integration across devices and customer support. In addition, the organisation is committed to reducing its environmental impact through ethical sourcing in its supply chain and the use of renewable energy.
Importance of Planning
Apple needs to ensure effective planning to ensure the organisation’s strategic goals and objectives are achieved. This serves several benefits including ensuring strategic alignment and resource application. Effective planning allows ...
Subscribe to Unlock
Subscribe to unlock this premium content and access our entire library of exclusive learning materials.
