Module 4 – Case

Economics of Organization and Strategy

Assignment Overview

Apple and Samsung are often mentioned together, as they are both world leading producers of smartphones. However, they are much different companies in a variety of ways. Carefully review the background readings concerning diversification and vertical integration. Then do some extensive research on Samsung and Apple concerning their diversification and vertical integration strategies.

Case Assignment

When you have finished your research, write a four- to five-page paper answering the following questions. Make sure to cite both the required background readings as well as articles on Samsung and Apple:

1. 1. To what extent does Apple engage in related diversification? To what extent do they engage in unrelated diversification?
   2. To what extent does Samsung engage in related diversification? To what extent do they engage in unrelated diversification?
   3. To what extent does Apple engage in backward (upstream) vertical integration? To what extent do they engage in forward (downstream) vertical integration?
   4. To what extent does Samsung engage in backward (upstream) vertical integration? To what extent do they engage in forward (downstream) vertical integration?
   5. Overall what major differences or similarities do you find between Samsung and Apple’s diversification and vertical integration strategies?