Marketing Concepts and Planning-- Apple IPods Assignment

Marketing Concepts and Planning-- Apple IPods - Assignment ExampleFeatures and benefits have long been the subject of improving gross revenue and through promotional materials, however in todays market pricing should be given much more focus by making it much more transpargonnt to consumers in a variety of ways. This report identifies these proposed changes.The companys mission is simple Apple recognizes that by integrating sound environmental health and safety management practices into all aspects of our business, we can offer innovative technological products and services while conserving and enhancing resources for future generations (Lee, 2008, p.5). The objectives are to improve sales volumes through creative promotion, effective distribution, and to build consumer interest in mass market groups.The strengths of the iPod are in areas of innovation by stay a step ahead of aspiration by updating features, memory and other important benefits for consumers. Research and developm ent talent is an internal strength. Fortunately for Apple, competition is considerably weak and this is a major strength for the businessWeaknesses include, though not a fault of Apple, weakened economic conditions both domestically and internationally, pose a potential risk for future iPod (and iPad) sales. Additionally, minimal television advertising, despite the potential cost and time investment, is another weakness in regards to reaching more mass market customers.Threats to the iPod include the sudden resurgence of consumer use of auction websites such as eBay, creating a form of self-competition for budget-minded, mass market buyers as hearty as failure of retail partners to be more interactive in the sales/promotion process. These are external failures, however they definitely impact sales volume in certain market territories.As identified, segmentation for the iPod begins with identifying specific groups with