Operations and Strategic Goals in Business

iPhone 5 Discontinuation

• The iPhone 5 was likely discontinued due to the introduction of newer models, such as the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c.

Strategic Business Goals

• A strategic business goal aims to achieve a long-term objective, often involving growth, profitability, or market share.

iPhone 5c's New Approach

• The iPhone 5c signaled Apple's shift towards offering more affordable, colorful options for consumers without compromising on key features.

Worker Conditions Issue

• Concerns were raised about potential unsafe working conditions and potential worker exploitation at factories involved in iPhone production.

Role of Operations in Business

• Operations encompass the processes that transform inputs (resources) into outputs (products or services) for a company.

Triple Bottom Line Concept

• The triple bottom line emphasizes sustainable business practices, considering not just profits but also social impact and environmental responsibility.

CSR vs. Legal Compliance

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goes beyond legal requirements, demonstrating a commitment to ethical practices and positive societal impact. Legal compliance merely adheres to minimum legal standards.

Technology's Influence on Operations

• Technology can automate production processes, improve quality control, and facilitate faster product development cycles in operations.

Ethical Issues in Smartphone Production

• Ethical concerns arise around worker conditions, environmental impact, and potential misuse of electronic devices.

China's Air Pollution Concern

• A significant environmental concern in China is air pollution, frequently caused by industrial emissions.

iPhone Assembly Resource

• Human labor is a primary resource used during the assembly process for iPhones.

Absent iPhone Component

• The text does not mention the presence of a specific component in during iPhone production.

iPhone Manufacturing Human Resources

• Foxconn, a major electronics manufacturer, is responsible for providing the workforce for iPhone assembly.

iPhone Assembly Process Outputs

• Assembled iPhones are the primary output of this process, representing the final product ready for distribution.

Outsourcing Partners' Role

• Outsourcing partners, like Foxconn, play a pivotal role in iPhone production by carrying out assembly and other manufacturing tasks.

Foxconn Shenzhen Minimum Wage

• The minimum wage range at the Foxconn Shenzhen plant varied, with the lower end being lower than the Chinese national minimum wage.

Occupational Hazard for Female Workers

• Exposure to heavy metals like lead and cadmium was a reported concern for female electronics workers in China due to potential health risks.

Health Issue from Heavy Metals

• Heavy metal exposure can lead to health problems, including cancer, but can also cause neurological damage.

Female Electronics Workers Surveyed

• Chinese researchers conducted a survey of a sizable number (specific number not provided) of female electronics workers focused on heavy metal exposure and potential health effects.

Electronics and Environmental Issues in China

• Manufacturing electronics contributes significantly to environmental issues in China, particularly in terms of air pollution and waste disposal.

Foxconn Shenzhen Minimum Wage Lower End

• The minimum wage range at the Foxconn Shenzhen plant varied, with the lower end being lower than the Chinese national minimum wage.

Another Health Issue Linked to Heavy Metals

• In addition to cancer, heavy metal exposure can also lead to neurological damage.

Foxconn Shenzhen Minimum Wage Upper Limit

• The upper limit of the minimum wage at the Foxconn Shenzhen plant was in yuan (specific amount not provided).

Major Failure in Product Implication

• Having a major product failure could activate Apple's after-sales support policy, potentially requiring repairs or replacements.

Apple's Cost Reduction in Operations

• Apple aimed to reduce operation costs by streamlining production and potentially negotiating lower prices from suppliers.

Consequence of Ineffective Resource Management

• Ineffective management of transforming resources in operations can lead to lower productivity, delays in production, and ultimately a decline in profitability.

Human Resources Role in Operations

• Human resources play a crucial role in designing tasks and ensuring efficient workflow, often involved in determining job roles and responsibilities.

Apple's Supplier Strategy Change in 2014

• Apple made a significant change in its supplier strategy in 2014, focusing on diversifying its supply chain and reducing its reliance on a few major suppliers.

Impact Of Variable iPhone Demand on Operations

• Varying demand for iPhones can significantly impact Apple's operations, leading to potential adjustments in production levels, inventory management, and distribution processes.

ACCC Legal Action Against Apple Regarding Warranties

• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took legal action against Apple related to its warranty policies, alleging unfair and misleading practices.

Transformed Resource in iPhone Production

• Components and materials are transformed from raw inputs into the final iPhone product, representing a key transformed resource.