Apple Globalization: Pros and Cons Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason cited for Apple's shift to overseas manufacturing?

Apple's leaders believe the characteristics of the Chinese labor force, such as flexibility, diligence, and industrial skills, are superior to those of the U.S. labor force.

What is the approximate cost difference in manufacturing an iPhone in the U.S. versus overseas?

Paying U.S. wages would add only $65 to each iPhone's expense.

How did the late Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder, view the possibility of these jobs returning to the U.S.?

Steve Jobs told President Obama, 'Those jobs aren't coming back.'

According to the passage, what is the significance of Apple's shift in manufacturing location?

The loss of jobs to overseas locations is not temporary. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the advantages of manufacturing in China, according to Apple executives?

Shorter lead times and faster manufacturing processes in China. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential pros and cons for local and overseas labor forces of Apple's globalization?

Pros for overseas labor forces could include job creation and economic opportunities. Cons could be concerns over labor practices and working conditions. For local (US) labor forces, pros could be access to cheaper products, but cons could include job losses or wage stagnation. Signup and view all the answers

Does Apple, as a U.S. corporation, have a moral obligation to prioritize providing jobs for U.S. employees over international employees?

There could be arguments on both sides. Some may argue that as a U.S. company, Apple has a duty to prioritize American workers. Others may contend that as a global entity, Apple should treat all employees equally regardless of nationality. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential political implications for country relationships due to Apple's global operations?

Apple's global operations could potentially strain relationships between countries due to issues like outsourcing of jobs, trade imbalances, or concerns over labor practices. However, it could also foster economic cooperation and interdependence between nations. Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential benefits and drawbacks of Apple's global ingenuity and success as described in the text?

Potential benefits could include innovation, economic growth, and access to global talent and resources. Drawbacks could include concerns over labor practices, environmental impact, or the concentration of power and influence in a single multinational corporation. Signup and view all the answers

Is it possible for U.S. managers to effectively organize, motivate, and ensure quality in Apple's Chinese manufacturing facilities?

While it may be challenging due to cultural differences and communication barriers, it is possible with proper training, cross-cultural understanding, and effective management strategies tailored to the local workforce. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main perception about the U.S. workforce that the passage suggests?

The passage 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 in order to compete with overseas workers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Apple's shift from "100% Made in the U.S.A." to "10% made in the U.S.A." for the American workforce?

The passage suggests that Apple's shift from "100% Made in the U.S.A." to "10% made in the U.S.A." represents the natural growth pattern of a company going global, and that this may spell trouble for the future of the American workforce if U.S. (and Western European) workers are less motivated and less adaptable than overseas workers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Apple's $30.1 billion in orders per quarter for its suppliers worldwide?

The passage states that the future of at least 247 suppliers worldwide depends on Apple's approximately $30.1 billion in orders per quarter, suggesting that Apple's orders are crucial to the livelihoods of these suppliers. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the locations where parts for the iPhone are made according to the passage?

According to the passage, parts for the iPhone are made in South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and Europe. Signup and view all the answers

How might Apple's manufacturing in China help build support for the Apple brand there?

The passage suggests that Apple's $16.1 billion in revenue from the first quarter of 2014 may be in part because its manufacturing in China builds support for the Apple brand there. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism is mentioned in the passage regarding Apple's use of Chinese workers?

The passage mentions that "Another said, 'We shouldn't be criticized for using Chinese workers.'" Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Apple's Shift to Overseas Manufacturing

The primary reason cited for Apple's shift to overseas manufacturing is the significant cost difference.
Manufacturing an iPhone in the U.S. is approximately 10% more expensive than manufacturing it overseas.

Steve Jobs' View on Manufacturing in the U.S.

Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder, did not think it was possible for these jobs to return to the U.S.

Significance of Apple's Shift in Manufacturing Location

Apple's shift in manufacturing location has significant implications for the American workforce and economy.

Advantages of Manufacturing in China

Apple executives cite the advantages of manufacturing in China as including a large and skilled workforce, a well-established infrastructure, and proximity to suppliers.

Pros and Cons of Apple's Globalization

The potential pros for local labor forces include job creation and economic growth, while the cons include potential job displacement and exploitation.
The potential pros for overseas labor forces include job creation and economic growth, while the cons include potential exploitation and poor working conditions.

Moral Obligation to Prioritize U.S. Jobs

The question of whether Apple, as a U.S. corporation, has a moral obligation to prioritize providing jobs for U.S. employees over international employees is debated.

Political Implications of Apple's Global Operations

Apple's global operations have potential political implications for country relationships, including trade agreements and diplomatic tensions.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Apple's Global Success

The potential benefits of Apple's global success include increased economic growth and job creation, while the drawbacks include potential cultural and environmental impacts.

Managing Chinese Manufacturing Facilities

The passage suggests that it is possible for U.S. managers to effectively organize, motivate, and ensure quality in Apple's Chinese manufacturing facilities.

Perception of the U.S. Workforce

The passage suggests that the U.S. workforce is perceived as being less competitive in terms of cost and skills compared to overseas workforces.

Significance of Apple's Shift from "100% Made in the U.S.A."

Apple's shift from "100% Made in the U.S.A." to "10% made in the U.S.A." has significant implications for the American workforce and economy.

Significance of Apple's $30.1 Billion in Orders

Apple's $30.1 billion in orders per quarter for its suppliers worldwide has significant implications for the global economy.

Locations of iPhone Parts Manufacturing

Parts for the iPhone are made in various locations worldwide, including China, Taiwan, and Korea.

Building Support for the Apple Brand in China

Apple's manufacturing in China may help build support for the Apple brand in China.

Criticism of Apple's Use of Chinese Workers

The passage mentions criticism of Apple's use of Chinese workers, citing concerns about working conditions and labor exploitation.

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Description

Test your understanding of the impact of globalization on Apple's manufacturing process by answering questions based on a case study. Explore the shift from domestic to overseas production and its effects on the economy and workforce.

Globalization and Apple Manufacturing Case Study

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