...Wal mart With around 5000 retail outlets worldwide, operating in more then a dozen countries and with over US$286 billion in annual sales, Wal-Mart is the top retail chain and number one fortune 500 company in the world. Wal-Mart is the top employer in the U.S. with 1.3 million employees, “the company accounts for 9 cents of every US retail dollar and sells around 20 per cent of the nation’s groceries and pharmaceuticals.” (Times News Network). Wal-Mart’s sheer size gives it unrestrained economic power which allows it to drive down costs in the retail and manufacturing sectors and to enact its own standards with regards to its work force. Facts about Wal-Mart and China * It is important to understand that there is a huge difference between the Chinese model and the Indian growth model, the Indian model is essentially domestic demand driven unlike the Chinese one that is fuelled by export growth. * More than 70 per cent of the commodities sold in Wal-Mart are made in China. * Wal-Mart Stores Inc, says its inventory of stock produced in China is expected to hit US$18 billion this year, keeping the annual growth rate of over 20 per cent consistent over two years. * "If Wal-Mart were an individual economy, it would rank as China's eighth-biggest trading partner, ahead of Russia, Australia and Canada," Xu Jun, Wal-Mart China's director of external affairs said. * Insiders point out that Wal-Mart's imports from China have largely influenced the US trade deficit...
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...Risk Assessment: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “Walmart serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,838 retail units under 55 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2010 sales of $405 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide” (Walmart, 2010). This document will focus on Walmart Stores, Inc. strength and weaknesses in marketing, human resources, management, research, development, and finance. The document will touch briefly on analyzing how internal organizational dynamics influence strategic business continuity for Walmart. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.: Strengths and Weaknesses Walmart has grown to have a reputation for providing low prices, convenience, and product variety. Walmart Wal-Mart has seen significant growth, and has expanded globally over the years and is present in countries such as Canada, Mexico, and China. Walmart strengths can include the following: 1) Wal-Mart is powerful among its name brand, and has a reputation for convenience, money value, and wide variety of products all under one roof. 2) The company has a core competence involving its use of information technology to support its international logistics system. For example, it can see how individual products are performing country-wide, store-by-store at a glance. IT also supports Wal-Mart's efficient procurement. 3) A focused strategy is in place for human resources management and development. People are key to Wal-Mart's business and...
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...Student Copy This is to acknowledge receipt of the assignment from the following student: Student Name | Module No.: 205KM(Submission date & SCOPE stamp) | Programme Title & Programme Code: PROGRAMME - BSC (Hons) Business Information Technology | | SCOPE ID Numbers (from your SCOPE student card) | | Lecturer: | Tutorial group: | Module Code and Title:205KM Management and Organisational Behaviour | Due Date: 20 Dec 2013 (Fri) 5:00 pm 1. Hand in one hardcopy to SCOPE Reception Counter at Academic Exchange Building (AEB)2. Upload a softcopy to Turnitin "205KM-Assign2"(no need to print the Turnitin report) | Assignment No. / TitleReport#2 | Extension & late submissions allowed: | Coursework cover sheet – be sure to keep a copy of all work submitted Coventry University Have you attached the cover page information on page 1 to 4 including the “Marking Scheme” together with this assignment? ___Yes ___No Section A – To be completed by the student – PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY & IN SINGLE PAGE Student Name | Module No.: 205KM(Submission date & SCOPE stamp) | Programme Title & Programme Code: : PROGRAMME - BSC (Hons) Business Information Technology | | SCOPE ID Numbers (from your SCOPE student card): | | | | Lecturer: | Tutorial group: | Module Code and Title:205KM Management & Organisational Behaviour | Due Date: 20 Dec 2013 (Fri) 5:00 pm 1. Hand in one hardcopy to SCOPE...
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...In today’s global market place strategic management planning is more important than ever. Developing a strategic management plan is vital to the future of the organization. First and foremost the strategic plan lays down a solid foundation for growth, defining company goals, direction the company is going in the future, and how it is going to get there. A strategic management plan is just like it sounds, it manages the steps along the path leading into the future making sure company goals are meet and if not what changes need to be made in order to stay on course. Developing a strategic management plan can be difficult. Implementing an environmental scan will help identify both internal and external problems and influences used to build or change and existing strategic management plan. Several factors can influence the planning process. Many of the factors can be identified and taken into consideration when planning for the future. No matter how well an organization builds their strategic management plan there are always going to be unforeseen problems that will need to be addressed. Developing a strategic management plan that is able to manage change is essential to the success of the organization. Changes in market trends, consumer demands, and technological advancements are just a few areas change is inevitable. If the strategic management plan is going to work it must manage and implement changes in both internal and external environments. Two organizations that have continuously...
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...will also conduct a SWOT analysis of the company and discuss the parts of the analysis that are most relevant in my decision to invest in the company. Identifying internal and external stakeholders will also be discussed as well as their wants and needs, and what the company plans on doing to see that they are fulfilled. If the research proves that the stakeholder’s needs are not being met, what will the company do to see that they are? The company that I choose to invest in is Wal-Mart. This company is number 2 on the Fortune 500 list this year. Wal-Mart began in 1962 and was founded by a man named Sam Walton. His idea for his company was to put sales volume before prices. He accepted a slightly lower margin in hopes of driving out competition while achieving an image of lower prices without compromising the quality of his products. His brilliant plan worked! His business started to grow, and in no time he expanded to over 20 stores and reached 12.6 million in sales. By the early 1970’s Wal-Mart had grown to over 100 stores, and began trading stock publicly. By 1975 the total sales for the company had reached an astounding 340 million dollars. With numbers like these it was certain that Sam Walton was doing something right. His growth...
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...the organization innovative and pioneering. (Karami, A. 2007) Need for Strategic Management: Need for its strategic management arises to fulfill the priorities of an organization few of which include: o To accelerate its growth in this global business. o To augment the operational excellence of the organization. o To become globalized. It aims towards value creation to all shareholders at the same time even being centered towards society. (Amason, A. 2010) Executive Summary: Strategic Management involves formulation and implementation of strategies to improve the performance and to gain competitive advantage. It involves decisions and acts that managers undertake in order to attain the desired goals. Strategies are planned means to attain end results. Strategic management is long term in nature and gives a direction to the organization. Before going into the usage of Strategic Tools, the paper details strategic management, need for it, approaches for strategy and the strategies involved at various levels. Then a brief of importance of stakeholder analysis in planning is given. My paper would comprise environmental analysis that is required by Wall-Mart in strategic planning to improve its market in escalating competition....
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...Organizational Background - Summary of company’s history, vision, mission, growth, development, and core competencies ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND – Upon completion of his military service, Sam Walton opened a five-and dime store in 1945 in Bentonville, Arkansas (Wal-Mart, 2016). Sam was successful and inspired in his first venture and was driven to focus on consumers and providing value, Sam opened his first Wal-Mart store in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas. By 1967, 24 Wal-Mart stores had opened. Sam’s vision was to “save people money so they could live better”, his core value was that of respect, for customers, employees and suppliers (Ghazzawi, Palladini & Martinelli-Lee, 2014) and this continues to be the mission and values of Walmart today. Since the opening of the first store in 1962, Wal-Mart has grown to 11,500 stores, operating in all fifty states, as well as 28 countries, under 72 banners and e-commerce, and employees 2.2 million people and weekly services 260 million customers and members. The Wal-Mart, Incorporated consists of four operating divisions Wal-Mart U.S., Walmart International. Sam’s Club and Global e-Commerce (Wal-Mart, 2016). Analysis of Management Functions: Planning. Based on what you have learned through your research, how would you characterize conditions in the planning environment? What types of problems does the organization face (e.g., structured, unstructured), and to what extent should the organizations decisions be programmed or nonprogrammed...
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...AnalysisTable of Contents 1 Table of Contents 2 Understanding SWOT Analysis 3 Why use the tool? 3 How to use tool: 3 Strengths: 3 Weaknesses: 3 Opportunities: 3 Threats: 3 Example: 4 Strengths: 4 Weaknesses: 4 Opportunities: 4 Threats: 4 Key points: 4 Case Study-SWOT Analysis Wal-Mart 5 Strengths 5 Weaknesses 5 Opportunities 5 Threats 5 Case Study-SWOT Analysis Starbucks 6 Strengths 6 Weaknesses 6 Opportunities 6 Threats 6 Case Study- SWOT Analysis AT&T 7 Understanding TOWS Matrix 8 Why use the tool? 8 How to use tool: 8 Strengths/Opportunities: 8 Strength/Threats: 8 Weaknesses/Opportunities: 8 Weaknesses/Threats: 8 Case Study- Application of the TOWS Matrix to Volkswagen 9 Weaknesses and Threats (WT) 9 Weaknesses and Opportunities (WO) 9 Strengths and Threats (ST) 9 Strengths and Opportunities (SO) 10 Understanding SWOT Analysis Why use the tool? SWOT Analysis is an effective way of identifying your Strengths and Weaknesses, and of examining the Opportunities and Threats you face. How to use tool: To carry out a SWOT Analysis, write down answers to the following questions. Where appropriate, use similar questions: Strengths: • What advantages do you have? • What do you do well? • What relevant resources do you have access to? • What do other people see as your strengths? Consider this from your own point of view and from the point of view of the people you deal with. Don't be modest. Be realistic...
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...Malav Patel 03/19/2015 Business Management 303 John Deichstetter SWOT Analysis SWOT Analysis of Wal-Mart Unraveling the concept of Wal-Mart exposes a simple idea of providing basic necessities at an affordable rate. A superb way of viewing a business is to look objectively at its’ operations. This begins by looking at their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats or to conduct a SWOT analysis of Wal-Mart. * A strong point of Wal-Mart is that they have developed a loyal customer and employee foundation. This interaction is vital and helps the company grow and learn. They achieved this loyalty with good customer service, great pricing for the products and by moving to areas of the country that are often ignored by other retailers. As for their employees they offer flexible hours, competitive wages, health insurance and discounts for their purchases. Also the work environment is well established allowing everyone to feel inclusive. The expenditure of the company opens its’ employment to virtually anyone from the ages of 16 to 50. * Loyal customers * Great pricing * Larger market share * Good locations * Good benefits for full time employee * Good locations * Strong Brand awareness * The company has a core competence involving its use of information technology to support its international logistics system. For example, it can see how individual products are performing countrywide, store-by-store at a glance. This is useful...
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...Principles of Management 303 Professor James Sisto Wal-Mart SWOT Analysis A SWOT analysis looks at the strengths and weaknesses of a company and the opportunities and threats. When used in business it can help a company carve a sustainable niche in the market. A SWOT analysis can be a powerful tool that can assist a company in uncovering opportunities. If a company can see their weaknesses they can then manage and eliminate threats that would have caught them off guard. By a company looking at themselves and their competitors and using this tool, a company can come up with a strategy that will set them apart from their competitors. Wal-Mart serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week more than 10,130 retail units, under 69 different banners, in 27 countries with sales of $443 billion for 2012. Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer as well as the largest private employer having over 2 million employees. The strength that Wal-Mart also has is its popularity by being known worldwide. Wal-Mart serves in retail outlets, online and on mobile devices to their customers. One thing that they always mention is that they are committed to saving people money so they can live better, taking their business to were it is today. In addition the company makes strategic adjustments every time it’s needed and ensures that whenever changes occur the industry has plans to alternate to it. The strength of the company is the supply chain system where the company...
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...Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart) is the world’s largest retailer. The company operates retail stores in a variety of formats including discount stores, supercenters, neighborhood markets and club stores. It offers branded as well as private label products of various categories. The company operates approximately 10,130 retail units under 69 different banners across 27 countries. Wal-Mart operates its business through three reportable segments, namely, Wal-Mart U.S., Wal-Mart International and Sam’s Club. Internationally, the company has operations in Brazil, Central America, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the UK. The company is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, the US. The company's strategy is to offers its customers a broad assortment of products with even lower prices. It also aims to grow its global eCommerce business. SWOT Analysis - Overview Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. - Strengths Strength - Employee Friendly System Strength - Marketing Activities Strength - Robust Store and Distribution Network Strength - Diversified Product and Brand Portfolio Strength - Strong Market Position Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. - Weaknesses Weakness - Legal Controversies Weakness - Product Recalls Weakness - Declining Profitability Ratios Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. - Opportunities Opportunity - Increasing Demand for Private Label Products Opportunity - Strategic Expansion Opportunity - Conversion of Discount Stores into Supercenters Opportunity...
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...1. Introduction. Summarize the current situation facing the firm and other relevant issues. Wal-Mart is an organization which is subject to increasing levels of change and volatility in their business. While it is fact of business life, it also reflects that it drives a relentless increase in the proportion of an organization’s activity that is dedicated to change in meeting the new challenges. Wal-Mart has become one of America's most successful retail giants generating about ROI was 18.6% and 19.2% for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. (Wal-Mart Annual Report, 2012). It is well know as the leader in thinking outside the box, anticipating market opportunities and executing effective strategies to capitalize on them. It has over 10,800 stores worldwide. Businesses have to face the challenge of too many competitors, partly originated by the globalisation, all competing for same objective of making highest profit. So, increasingly companies are not merely asking themselves the management question of ‘Are we doing the right?’ but are having to regularly ask ‘Are we still doing it right?’ They have been seeking a more holistic means of doing this than traditional means of delivering products and services to the customers. In a volatile world, decision makers need options on the future and the ability to change direction as strategic opportunities. Although, business as usual (BAU) performance change is providing a short term success but they are typically faced with a less...
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...Business Week 2 Strategy Paper - Walmart Besa Kosova, Priscilla Alejandro, Lennie Bostic University of Phoenix August 09, 2013 Dr. Ron Skeddle WALMART Wal-Mart U.S., is the leading unit of the retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which sells wide-ranging merchandise and groceries. The company has reputation for value, convenience, and a large selection at a low price. As one of the highly valued global companies today it ranks third publicly while remaining the biggest retailer and major private employer nationwide. Nevertheless with growth and expansion, the company faces new challenges in an attempt to remain competitive and a community favorite. This paper will analyze the company’s internal and external factors such as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. SWOT ANALYSIS 2013 |Internal Factors: STRENGTHS |Internal Factors: WEAKNESSES | | | | |Operations Scale |Negative Publicity | |IT competence |High Employee Turnover | |Product Variety ...
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...Wal-Mart is the number one retailer in the United States. Geographical growth opportunities are shrinking within the boundaries of the United States.The company needs to evaluate multiple options to determine the best strategy to deploy. The challenge is “keeping the world’s biggest retailer on its phenomenal roll and delivering the huge sales and earnings increases that investors had come to expect from Wal-Mart over the years” (Camerius& Hunger, p. 19-30, 2006). The company’s current strategic plan is tothrive in the followingareas: • Low costs, high customer service, and always low prices • Product mix • Logistics and supply-chain management • International markets • Domestic growth • Public relations I have developed multiple strategic alternativesfor the company. They are as follows: • Stability – Pause And Proceed: Pause physical growth then proceed with growth domestically and globally • Growth – Concentration: Concentrated Internet program to target domestic and foreign markets • Growth – Concentration: Horizontal Growth with International Entry for global geographical internal expansion The plan deployed must be consistent with the corporate strategy. Per Sam Walton (1918-1992), the company’s founder, “Our goal has always been in our business to be the very best and, along with that, we believe that in order to do that, you’ve got to make a good situation and put the interests of your associates first. If we really do that consistently, they in turn...
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...Business Strategy April 2012 Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in 2008 Introduction: Wal-Mart has become the number one retail store in both the United States and the World. Wal-Mart’s success started with the foundation and principals set forth by the company’s creator Sam Walton who believed that his store could be the low cost leader by scrutinizing its value chain to deliver the lowest priced items to its consumers, ultimately increasing sales and providing strong revenue. As one can see Sam Walton was right in his ideas resulting in profits of $374.5 billion in 2008 with Wal-Mart following Sam Walton’s strategy as a guide for the company. In the following paper the strategies of Sam Walton and Wal-Mart will be analyzed in depth. The paper will start by presenting the current issues at Wal-Mart including their current mission statement, current objectives, and current strategy. The paper continues with a further breakdown of the strategy using Porters 5 Forces Model, a SWOT analysis and financial analysis to evaluate the strategy’s efficiency and effectiveness. The paper the continues with what this writer has determined to be the key elements of Wal-Mart’s strategy that have resulted in their current market position and what they must to do remain at the top of the retail industry. The paper concludes with alternative strategic options for Wal-Mart and this writers recommended strategy for Wal-Mart. Current Issues: The current issues Wal-Mart faces can be gleaned from the threats...
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