4) Conclusion
The results from the analysis of Apple's processes, challenging issues and complexities indicates that the success of its supply chain operations depends on how well they manage the supplier relationship. This includes early supplier involvement in new product development, close communication and supplier performance improvement/evaluation. Then, Apple Inc is dubbed as "King of Outsourcing".
Update: I conducted more studies and found that, Steve Jobs actually made the strategic choice to drive Apple's supply chain to leaner and faster one. You can find out about his overall strategies in the article "7 Supply Chain Lessons from Steve Jobs".
Also, let's take a look how Tim Cook used his leadership skills to realize Steve Jobs's vision in the article "7 Traits of Great Supply Chain Leader: A Case Study of Tim Cook". - See more at: http://www.supplychainopz.com/2013/01/is-apple-supply-chain-really-no-1-case.html#sthash.wxwnabAh.dpuf