Exercise 1- Market Research (0136859 Jia Jing)

 A brief introduction of the smartphone brand (Apple) and fast food industry

1.When was Apple Inc. founded?
Ans: Apple Computer Company was founded on April 1,1976

2.Who were the founders of Apple Inc.?

Ans: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne as a partnership

3.What was Apple's first product?

Ans: The company's first product is the Apple I, a computer designed and hand-built entirely by Wozniak.

4.When was the first iPhone released?

Ans: Apple's first iPhone was announced by Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007, and it was released on June 29, 2007.

5.What are some key features of the latest iPhone model?

Ans: 

• Longer battery life
• A17 Bionic chip with improved CPU and GPU performance.
• Titanium frame for enhanced durability and lighter weight.
• 5G connectivity with support for more bands.
• iOS 17 with new features and improvements.

6.How has Apple's design philosophy influenced its products?

Ans: Apple's design philosophy is heavily influenced by minimalism. The idea is to create products that are simple in form but sophisticated in function. This principle is evident in the clean lines, uncluttered interfaces, and intuitive operations of Apple products.

7.What is the significance of the Apple logo?

Ans: The Apple signifies knowledge and the company's unique approach to design and technology.

 
8.How did the introduction of the App Store impact the smartphone market?

Ans: The app store created a powerful two-sided market, encouraging developers to produce smartphone software and services. 

9.What are some major competitors of Apple in the smartphone industry?

Ans: 

• Samsung
• Huawei
• OPPO

10.How does Apple differentiate its products from competitors?

Ans:  Through a combination of innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and a seamless user experience.

11.What role did Steve Jobs play in Apple's success?

Ans: Steve Jobs widely considered a visionary and a genius, he oversaw the launch of such revolutionary products as the iPod and the iPhone

12.How has Tim Cook's leadership style influenced Apple since he became CEO?

Ans: His focus on knowledge, reliability, and long-term stability has made the company more trustworthy and valuable in the public's eyes, and will likely carry Apple through until it's someone else's turn to assume the reins.

13.What is iOS, and how does it differ from other mobile operating systems?

Ans: iOS is a mobile operating system that is provided by Apple Incorporation. It is mainly designed for Apple mobile devices like iPhone and iPod Touch. IOS is known for its seamless integration of hardware and software.

14.How does Apple's ecosystem benefit its users?

Ans: Apple's ecosystem excels in offering seamless integration, privacy and security, ecosystem lock-in, quality hardware and software, and exclusive features and services.

15.What are some of the services offered by Apple aside from hardware?

Ans: 

• Apple TV+
• Apple Music.
• Apple Arcade.
• Apple Fitness+
• Apple News+
• Apple Podcasts.
• Apple Books.

16.How has Apple's marketing strategy contributed to its brand image?

Ans: Apple's marketing campaigns often focus on storytelling, highlighting the transformative impact of their products on people's lives.

17.What are the environmental initiatives taken by Apple?

Ans: Apple is making impressive advancements to make its products more sustainable and become carbon neutral by 2030. Apple is cutting the majority of emissions through innovations in materials, clean energy, and low-carbon shipping.

18.How has Apple's supply chain management been a key to its success?

Ans: Apple stays competitive by adapting rapidly to market changes. Apple's supply chain management ensures product quality. 

19.What are some controversies associated with Apple?

Ans: Criticism of Apple includes allegations of unethical business practices such as anti-competitive behavior, rash litigation, dubious tax tactics, the use of sweatshop labor, misleading warranties and insufficient data security, and concerns about environmental destruction.

20.How does Apple ensure customer loyalty?

Ans: Apple understands that building an emotional connection with its customers is key to fostering loyalty. By creating products that are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

21.What defines the fast food industry?

Ans: food that is prepared in quantity by a standardized method and can be dispensed quickly at inexpensive restaurants for eating there or elsewhere.

22.When and where did the concept of fast food originate?

Ans: White Castle(1921) was founded in Wichita, Kansas. It standardized food production and emphasized cleanliness and efficiency.

23.What are some of the most popular fast food chains globally?

Ans: Mc Donald's , KFC, Dominoes' Pizza

24.How has the fast food industry evolved over the years?

Ans: The fast food industry has adapted remarkably, evolving with consumer expectations, technology, and global trends while maintaining convenience and affordability.

25.What are some common characteristics of fast food?

Ans: highly processed and precooked or frozen and may contain artificial preservatives .

26.How has the fast food industry impacted global eating habits?

Ans: Most studies have attributed several risks to fast-food consumption, including weight gain , relatively poor dietary profiles and obesity.

27.What role does marketing play in the success of fast food brands?

Ans: Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of fast food brands by influencing consumer perception, driving demand, and building brand loyalty.

28.How do fast food companies address health concerns associated with their products?

Ans:  Fast food chains offer a range of healthier options such as salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, fruit cups, and yogurt parfaits to cater to health-conscious consumers.

29.What are some innovations in the fast food industry?

Ans: McDonald's has implemented touch-screen ordering kiosks in many of its restaurants, enhancing customer experience and reducing wait times.

30.How has the rise of food delivery services affected the fast food industry?

Ans:

           Pro: increased revenue, improved capacity management, improved productivity

         Cons:  increased costs, an overloaded kitchen, reduced service quality

31.What are some of the major challenges faced by the fast food industry today?

Ans: Competition is fierce, and consumer expectations continue to rise. Health regulations, labor costs, and supply chain disruptions can also pose challenges.

32.How do fast food companies manage their supply chains?

Ans: By leveraging advanced digital solutions, automation technologies, and data analytics

33.What is the role of franchising in the fast food industry?

Ans: Developing their brand and customer base from the ground up can take time to establish a restaurant from scratch. 

34.How do fast food companies maintain consistency across different locations?

Ans:

• Menu Standardization.
• Central Menu Management.
• Standardization of Recipe.
• Cost Control.

35.What are some cultural impacts of fast food?

Ans: Fast foods influences society by altering eating habits and creating fusion food cultures, blurring social eating differences, and sparking a revival in class-based eating.

36.How do fast food companies adapt their menus to different markets?

Ans: food chains adjust menus to local tastes in restaurants overseas

37.What are the environmental concerns related to the fast food industry?

Ans: The production of meat and dairy products, which are common ingredients in fast food, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.

38.How has technology influenced the fast food industry?

Ans: Technologies such as online ordering systems, mobile apps, and third-party delivery platforms enable customers to enjoy meals in the comfort of their homes. 

39.What are some trends in the fast food industry?

Ans: Fast food brands have responded by introducing a range of healthier, premium choices with less fat, sugar and salt.

40.How do fast food companies engage with social responsibility initiatives?

Ans: Mc Donald's: Our Community Impact & Philanthropy strategy focuses on three key areas: Families and Their Well-Being, including our support of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Support During Times of Need. 

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Summary:

Apple:

 Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne founded Apple Inc. on April 1, 1976. The company is well-known for its cutting-edge goods, such as the iPhone. Its design concept places a strong emphasis on simplicity, smooth hardware and software integration, and user-friendliness. Quality, special features, and an emphasis on privacy are the advantages that come with using Apple's ecosystem, which includes services like Apple Music and Apple TV+.

Fast Food Industry: 

With its roots in the early 20th century, the fast food industry provides quick, economical meals with standardized menus and effective service. Well-known restaurants like McDonald's and KFC are available everywhere, influencing cultural eating norms and dietary choices. The industry continues to innovate with healthier options, digital technologies, and sustainability initiatives, but also faces challenges related to health concerns, environmental impact, and consumer tastes.

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Reflection:

During my research of the Apple Inc. and fast food industries, I've gained a deeper understanding of how innovation, design, and consumer choices shape our modern culture. I've been thinking about my own consuming patterns and the larger effects of these industries on society after researching Apple's tech ecosystem and the difficulties and innovations in the fast food industry. (I think we should feel blessed to have such great innovation masterpiece in the current era). We should also be glad that we could learn from others mistake while making such a big impact to our community.

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Reference:

 Apple. Apple. https://www.apple.com/


 Apple. Newsroom. Apple Newsroom. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/ 

 Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words. (2021). In Dictionary.com. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fast-food

 Kendall, E. (2024, June 5). Fast food | Nutrition, Health, & Meaning. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/fast-food

Askari Majabadi, H., et al. (2016). Factors Influencing Fast-Food Consumption Among Adolescents in Tehran: A Qualitative Study. Iranian Red Crescent medical journal, 18(3), e23890. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.23890

Commetric. (2019). Fast food in the media: The rise of the Health-Conscious Consumer | Commetric. https://commetric.com/2019/01/04/fast-food-in-the-media-the-rise-of-the-health-conscious-consumer/

 Home | McDonald’s Corporation. https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/