Decision Support Systems and Apple Strategies

The video discusses the importance of decision support systems, emphasizing the investment of time, money, and effort required. It highlights the role of computation in weather prediction, using the Bureau of Meteorology as an example. The need for extensive data collection is stressed, particularly in weather forecasting. A business case study of Apple's global product release illustrates the complexity of decision-making in a global market, focusing on demand prediction and supply chain management.

Why is the term 'invest' significant when discussing decision support systems?

• It refers to a temporary engagement.

• It implies a financial commitment only.

• It suggests a quick and easy process.

• It highlights the need for time, money, and effort.

What is a primary reason for using decision support systems in weather prediction?

• To reduce the cost of weather stations.

• To handle complex computations and data analysis.

• To simplify the equations used in predictions.

• To eliminate the need for human meteorologists.

What kind of data is essential for accurate weather prediction?

• Comprehensive data including air pressure, humidity, and temperature from multiple locations.

• Data from a single location.

• Data collected once a year.

• Only temperature data.

Why are decision support systems crucial for handling weather data?

• They replace the need for weather stations.

• They are better at managing large amounts of data than humans.

• They can predict weather without any data.

• They are cheaper than traditional methods.

What challenge does Apple face with a global product release?

• Finding a new CEO.

• Choosing a name for the product.

• Managing global demand and distribution.

• Deciding on the product's color.

What is a critical decision Apple must make for a global product launch?

• What features to include in the product.

• How many units to produce and where to distribute them.

• Which celebrities to endorse the product.

• How to market the product locally.

How does Apple ensure they meet global demand for a new product?

• By limiting sales to a few countries.

• By predicting demand and producing in advance.

• By waiting for pre-orders before production.

• By producing only after the product is announced.

What role does data play in Apple's decision-making for product releases?

• Data is not important for product releases.

• Data helps in predicting demand and managing stock.

• Data is used to design the product.

• Data is only used for marketing purposes.

Why is it important for Apple to know the sales speed in different locations?

• To decide on the product's price.

• To determine how quickly to send new stock.

• To choose the product's color.

• To find new store locations.

What is a key factor in Apple's global distribution strategy?

• The number of Apple stores in each city.

• The local weather conditions.

• The number of competitors in the area.

• The availability of local celebrities.