The history of AppleIn almost every part of the world Apple and at least one of its products is known. The Apple brand was born in the 1970s. Three men founded the organization in 1976, to produce a computer that every citizen could use personally (Sohail, 2010). The first item released was the Apple 1 personal computer kit made by Steve Wozniak (Sohail, 2010). Throughout the 1970s, Apple focused on the development of storage technologies such as the floppy disk and the use of color, graphics, and spreadsheets used for business (Sohail, 2010). Apple was about to launch its first major product with a million-dollar advertising campaign. This was the release of the Macintosh personal computer, which also led to Apple's great reputation (Sohail, 2010). The next decade brought an increase in the Apple brand's following and the organization's fame. In 1991, Apple's PowerBook kicked off the concept of a more portable computer, a new idea for computers in general. Then, in the late 1990s, the company began producing other electronic devices besides computers. These other products included digital computers, cameras, speakers, and other products that did not gain much recognition among the public (Sohail, 2010). This marked a decline for Apple, which was about to change direction. In the late 1990s, with the release of Windows, Apple was put on the right path. Apple launched the 20th anniversary Macintosh in 1997, marking the beginning of Apple's comeback (Crofford, 2011). The following year, Apple launched the IMac, which was highly appreciated by the public. Apple reported over $80 billion in cash in its latest Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Emerson, 2011). Today Apple produces several products including the iPhone...... middle of paper ...... be detrimental to Apple's supply chain. Through a little workplace safety, Apple can ensure its supply chain isn't disrupted. Apple's Competitive AdvantageApple has developed a competitive advantage in its market in recent years. A competitive advantage involves creating a unique advantage over competitors (Heizer & Render, 2011). One way Apple competes is on differentiation, that is, distinguishing an organization's offerings in a way that the customer perceives as adding value (Heizer & Render, 2011). Another way Apple has created a competitive advantage is through experience differentiation or engaging a customer with a product through the imaginative use of the five senses so that the customer experiences the product (Heizer & Render, 2011) . Through differentiation, Apple has created a real competitive advantage over many of its competitors.