17 Questions
What is the main reason cited by Apple for moving its manufacturing overseas?
Flexibility, diligence, and industrial skills of the labor force in China
How many jobs were estimated to be lost by U.S. workers due to Apple's overseas manufacturing?
Over 20,000 jobs directly lost
According to the case study, how much would paying U.S. wages add to the expense of each iPhone?
$65
Who famously mentioned to President Obama that the jobs lost are not coming back?
Steven P. Jobs
What are the intrinsic characteristics of the labor force in China that Apple identified as superior?
Flexibility, diligence, and industrial skills
What did one Apple executive mention about the speed and flexibility of manufacturing in China?
The speed and flexibility is breathtaking
What are some of the potential pros and cons of Apple's global operations for local and overseas labor forces?
Pros for local labor forces may include increased employment opportunities and economic development. Cons could include competition for jobs and potential downward pressure on wages. For overseas labor forces, pros may include access to higher-paying jobs, but cons could include potential exploitation or poor working conditions.
What are some of the potential political implications of Apple's global operations for country relationships?
Apple's global operations could lead to increased economic interdependence and cooperation between countries, but may also create tensions or conflicts over issues like trade, intellectual property, and labor practices.
Does Apple, as a U.S. corporation, have a moral obligation to prioritize jobs for U.S. employees over international employees?
There are arguments on both sides. One perspective is that Apple has a moral duty to support the U.S. economy and workforce first. Another view is that Apple should treat all employees fairly regardless of nationality, and that prioritizing U.S. workers over international workers could put the latter at an unfair disadvantage.
Is it possible for U.S. managers to effectively organize, motivate and ensure quality in Apple's Chinese manufacturing facilities?
This is a complex issue. Potential challenges include cultural differences, language barriers, and geographic distance. However, with the right management strategies, training, and oversight, it may be possible for U.S. managers to successfully oversee operations in China.
How does Apple's global presence as a U.S. corporation challenge the traditional notion of a company being tied to a single country?
Apple's global operations, with design and engineering in the U.S. but manufacturing overseas, demonstrate how modern multinational corporations have transcended national borders. This challenges the idea of a company being solely tied to its country of origin, and highlights the complex, interconnected nature of the global economy.
What is the perception of the U.S. workforce according to the text?
The text suggests that the perception is that the U.S. workforce needs to be better led, better trained, more effectively managed, and more motivated to be proactive and flexible.
Why does the text say it is hard to imagine that the U.S. and Western European workers being less motivated and less adaptable does not spell trouble for the future of the American workforce?
The text states that if U.S. (and Western European) workers are less motivated and less adaptable, it's hard to imagine that does not spell trouble for the future of the American workforce.
Where are the parts for the iPhone made according to the text?
The parts for the iPhone are made in South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Europe and elsewhere, according to the text.
What is the value of Apple's quarterly orders to its worldwide suppliers?
The text states that the future of at least 247 suppliers worldwide depends on Apple's approximately $30.1 billion in orders per quarter.
How much revenue did Apple post in the first quarter of 2014?
Apple posted $16.1 billion in revenue from the first quarter of 2014, according to the text.
What is the reason given in the text for why Apple's manufacturing in China builds support for the brand there?
The text suggests that Apple's $16.1 billion in revenue from the first quarter of 2014 was perhaps in part because its manufacturing in China builds support for the brand there.
Test your knowledge on Apple's manufacturing shift from being made in America to overseas, and the impact on U.S. jobs. Answer questions based on the provided case study.
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