Is Microsoft a Modular Player or an Integrated Player?

This episode is all about the (alleged) Apple Beats acquisition. While it may make a certain amount of business sense, does it signify a small but significant change in Apple’s priorities, and is it a cause for concern? Topics covered include:

• The rationale for the acquisition
• The difference between making and recognizing market opportunities
• What makes Apple uniquely capable of building revolutionary products
• Apple’s previous responses when threatened in music
• How to think about mergers and acquisitions
• How to best motivate employees

Links:

• Why Apple is Buying Beats – Ben Thompson
• The New M&A Playbook – Clayton Christensen
• One More Time: How Do You Motivate Employees? – Frederick Herzberg