Steve Jobs played a tremendous role in the development of iPod
Question 1
Steve Jobs played a tremendous role in the development of iPod. His interaction with the engineers working on the very first iPod shows his role in making Apple great. As far as this is concerned, it is essential to note that the biggest Apple project of the year 2001 was the iPod. The emergence of this device showcased everything best about Steve Jobs. This is primarily because it picked up on a new, but untapped, technology trend; the arrival of what can best be identified as the MP3 player. However, it was not an easy approach, and as such, Steve Jobs was forced to have a firm stand. When the engineers tried to convince him that it was impossible to make the device smaller, he demonstrated to them that the iPod had space meaning it was possible to make it smaller (Henry, 2020). This would later result in tiny size of the first versions of the iPod which excited its consumers. Steve Jobs firmly believed that if you do not like how things are in your world, change them. He would always be in control in ensuring that the goals of the company were achieved.
Question 2
The innovative performance in the development of iPod can be measured with the help of various variables. iPod was an enhanced quality when compared to various MP3 players at the time, which, to a great extent, held a handful of songs and used flash memory. With the new iPod, users were in the position to enjoy better quality, and as Steve Jobs said, Apple took this step with the sole intention of inventing an entirely new category of digital music player that enables the users to put their whole music collection in their pocket and listen to it wherever they go (Bove, 2003). Additionally, it becomes of great significance to note that the real benefit of the iPod was its integration with iTunes. With the help of iTunes, one was in a better position to sync their music automatically to an iPod, something that was different when compared to other MP3 players, which needed handlers or in other terms, users to drag songs files into folders. Because of its tiny size and various other benefits, the iPod was recognized as a new product at the time, that changed the world of music. It is worth noting that speed happens to be the pivotal competitive weapon (Dahm, 2007). As iPod was aiming at meeting the needs of its customers, part of its accomplishment was in its response time. When compared to previous MP3 players, users were in the position to have easy access to their music. With the introduction of iPods, productivity increased, and the company grew in its revenue, something that met the expectations of Steve Jobs. All of these variables indicate the innovative performance in the development of iPod.
Question 3
There are several steps I would consider if I were Steve Jobs in leading the technological teams along with managing R&D as well as innovation during the development of iPod. One of the steps I will focus on is guiding the technical team to work together toward a compelling vision. This is primarily because working toward a common vision happens to be the starting point of progress for any team, and a sure sign that they are on the path to success (Davies, 1999). Being part of a common goal would mean that the technical team understands the size of the iPod the organization expects to bring into the market. With this in mind, the team will work on producing the perfect and expected product without being compelled to do so. The other step will revolve around, generating an environment of fun and enjoyment. As far as this is concerned, it becomes proper to realize that everybody performs better when they are in a position to relax and are having a good time. Studies show that fun tends to enhance creativity. Therefore, generating an environment of fun and enjoyment will trigger all team members to become more innovative. Additionally, it would be proper to model accountability and also teach responsibility. Such an approach will play a tremendous role in managing research and development, including innovation.