The Quest for Competitive Advantage: Apple vs. Microsoft

Research Discussion #3

TOPIC: The Quest for Competitive Advantage: Apple vs. Microsoft

The  opening Chapter 5 Case discusses the history of the Microsoft and Apple  rivalry. While in recent years Apple has been far in the lead, it was  not always that way. The biggest question though is which, if either,  firm is positioned for competitive advantage for the next decade. There are four sets of questions that you need to discuss in a substantial and critical manner:

1. Why  is it so hard to gain a competitive advantage in the fast paced world  of IT? Why is it even harder to sustain a competitive advantage?
2. Looking  at the different ways to assess competitive advantage discussed in this  chapter, does Microsoft have a competitive advantage over Apple using  any of the approaches? Why or why not? In which approach is Microsoft  looking “the best”? Explain. 
3. Microsoft  CEO Satya Nadella has made drastic changes to Microsoft’s strategy.  What was Microsoft’s strategy before Nadella was appointed CEO in 2014?  What is it now under his leadership? Do you agree that Nadella has  formulated a promising business model? Why or why not?
4. How much longer do you think Apple can sustain its competitive advantage (not just over Microsoft, but in general)? Explain.

PROFESSOR'S GUIDANCE FOR THIS WEEK'S RD:

You  have to consider the content of Chapter 4, paying attention that  resources and capabilities need to be valuable, rare, and inimitable to  provide a competitive advantage. Keep in mind how difficult it is to  prevent imitation, even for patented processes or products. A  sustainable competitive advantage also requires the ability to avoid  appropriating the value of others' resources or capability. Moreover, a  sustainable competitive advantage requires ensuring that a firm's core  competencies adapt to changes in the external environment (PESTEL and  five forces), which usually requires continuous improvement in cost  structure or continuous innovation or both.

MAKE SURE YOU ARGUE USING THESE GUIDELINES!

Be  sure to proofread carefully (Use Grammarly - the premium version! Make  sure your writing score is more than 90) and cite your sources (APA 7.0  ed).

NOTE:

1. Post your 500-700 word answers by Wednesday 11:55 pm to earn a maximum of 14 points. 
2. Offer  at least two 300-400 word comments (replies) to posts from your peers’  discussions by Sunday 11:55 pm to earn a maximum of 8 points each (total  16 points)
3. The total grade on each week's RD is 30 points.