CASE STUDY - TNC’s (Apple)

Question 1

Spatial organisation of Apple:

Answer 1

Designing = Silicon Valley, California
Official headquarters = California
UK headquarters = Cork, Ireland
Production = Outsourced to Foxconn, Taiwanese company in China

Question 2

What is Apples impact on China’s working conditions?

Answer 2

• most workers live on site
• make an average of $300 a month
• work extortionate hours

Question 3

What is Apples impact on the environment?

Answer 3

Green my apple campaign
- 100% renewable energy sources in its US facilities
- made its own energy company called Apple Energy (solar powered)

Question 4

What is Apples impact on China’s trading and marketing?

Answer 4

• trade war between China and the US means that imports from China to US have very high tariffs
• previously had the second highest market for Apple products, but was replaced by Europe

Question 5

What was the impact of Apple on Ireland?

Answer 5

• employs 6,000 workers
• attracted other high-tech firms in the area
• improved infrastructure in the city
• inspired improvements for local education