...Case Objective: This case objective is to study Wal-Mart’s history, external environment, internal environment, perform a SWOT analysis, analyze its business strategy, performance measures, and to provide strategic recommendations. Moreover, Wal-Mart’s “glory days are over” and its stock is “dead money”. So, what had worked in the past for Wal-Mart was no longer sustainable in the current competitive environment. The president Lee Scott wondered whether he should somehow adjust Wal-Mart’s course or to change efforts he had started over the past few years would begin to have a positive effect. These statements and facts will be addressed and discussed in the course of the paper and presentation. Wal-Mart's Mission: "To give ordinary folk the chance to buy the same thing as rich people" Wal-Mart's Vision: "To become the world leaders in retailing" (WalMart.com, 2011) Introduction: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is an American public corporation that runs a chain of large, discount department stores. It is world’s largest public corporation by revenue and was founded by Sam Walton in 1962. It is the largest private employer in the world and the fourth largest utility or commercial employer. Other key facts about Wal-Mart are that “at the end of fiscal year 2010 Wal-Mart has over 4,300 stores and clubs in the U.S., and more than 8,400 units worldwide.”(Walmart.com, 2011) They employ 1.8 million in over 6,700 stores in 14 countries and on a weekly basis “they serve 200...
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...Name Tutor College Course Date Wal-Mart Case Analysis Introduction Wal-Mart first store was opened in 1962 by Sam Walton and his wife Helen Walton. They had the main idea of opening a discount oriented shopping store all through the rural American. The first store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas from where the stores spread to other regions. The company grew rapidly incorporating Wal-Mart Stores Inc. just after a period of seven years. Within 8 years, the company was able to open the first distribution center in Arkansas and also be valued at the New York stock Exchange. By 1991, the company opened the first international center in Mexico City an achievement that has seen opening of several other stores internationally. Identification and Analysis of Corporate Strategy The main strategy that was emphasized by Wal-Mart was that of the control of prices and costs to attract more customers. Walmart had the idea of lowering the prices of its commodities and services to ensure that they attracted more customers as well as retain them too. With opening of retail stores that offered one stop shopping centers, Wal-Mart was able to grow more than its competitors. Consumers for a long period valued one stop shopping centers where they could find a variety of goods at the same time to ensure convenience and minimize time spent during shopping trips. Walmart stores took this strategy to open all purpose stores with grocery, clothing and other commodities...
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...sharply increased the intensity of competition in most industries. We will learn how leading firms have devised strategies, structured, and managed their organizations to achieve competitive advantage in this challenging environment. Strategic management deals with uncertainty and unstructured situations. You will learn tools and concepts for putting some structure into your analysis of strategic issues. But most strategic choices require judgment. Case studies enable us to test our judgment and learn vicariously from successful and unsuccessful managers in a variety of situations. Hence, class discussion of the cases is a central part of your learning experience. Methods: We will combine cases, lectures, individual and group papers and presentations. Pre-requisites: First semester of Core. Textbook: Jay Barney, Gaining and Sustaining Competitive Advantage, Fourth Edition. Case Packet will be available. Assignments and Grading: 1. Participation: (15%) Attendance is required. Please inform the instructor in advance if you need to be absent. Participation means active involvement in the discussion of the case with evidence of preparation. 2. Article File: (5% for 1 brief, 5 minute, presentation) Once during the term you will come to class prepared to make a short presentation of an article from a business publication that fits the topic of...
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...Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. After reading and analyzing the case pertaining to Wal-Mart, I was honestly amazed of how it started and how it was built. Sam Walton started a legacy that worked well for the company. I believe that the policies he started made Wal-Mart as desirable of a store as it is today. Sam used different ideas and methods in order for his store to be the best there is. But what captured my attention was the way he treated his associates. Unlike other stores or companies, he called them “associate” rather than “employees. He treats his associates in a manner in which he wants his customers to be treated by them. It has become a very effective tool since how he treats his associates reflects on how his associates treat their customers. He gives them responsibilities instead of monopolizing the work. He gives them his trust in which the associates return with diligence and hard work. He believed that it was best to empower them instead of overpowering them. With this in mind, Sam never experienced a union in his stores since all of his associates are very committed in working for him. He also suggested different programs that cater to the needs of his stores as well as his associates. In one of his programs, associates are given the power to voice out their suggestions, complaints and recommendations, be it for the benefit of the stores or of the associates. Sam never failed to support, recognize and reward associates in the management of...
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...September 26 & 28: Wal-Mart case Question 1 – Assessment of Wal-Mart’s external environment Wal-Mart –> Part of the retailing Industry External Environment: * Demographics I. Age Structure –> younger generation, a generation that is easier to influence, mainly women between the ages of 25-45. II. Income Distribution –> lower class/lower income individuals, but who still have a strong interest in fashion and who want to look good * Socio-Cultural Our society and our culture “dictate” how and what you should wear. The increase in TV reality shows such as “What Not To Wear” greatly influence our decision-making. Industry Environment: * Power of Buyers –> High We, the consumers, are the buyers of Wal-Mart’s cheap chick clothing line. The switching costs are low; it is easy for us to go see elsewhere to acquire clothing. As buyers, the consumers represent Wal-Mart’s sole source of income, which means that if dissatisfied consumers will buy elsewhere, giving buyers high power in Wal-Mart’s future profit margins. * Power of Suppliers –> Low The textile industry would be considered to be Wal-Mart’s suppliers as well as a third-party clothes producers / factories where Wal-Mart places its orders. Since Wal-Mart is part of the “cheap chick” industry, it is not as picky when it comes to the “quality” of the textiles acquired to make their clothing items; and the clothes are not expected to be of premium quality and long-lasting...
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...waste, selling sustainable products and using 100 percent renewable energy. With this strategy the company not only aimed to resolve the problem of paying fines to state and federal regulators for its environmental damage but also change its bad reputation among customers. The company also realized its sustainability strategy creates cost advantages and this should turn out an opportunity to maintain its lower price strategy. Customers’ reactions to Wal-Mart’s new sustainability strategy showed that low or middle class consumers’ expectations are not limited to purchase only low price products; they are also willing to buy green, sustainable ones when they find them in affordable prices. This was a sign that Walmart is on the right track. Today’s business practice of Walmart needs to transform more -through quick wins which are actions that makes business sense based on available technologies, products and processes; innovation projects which base on emerging technologies, processes, and innovation; big game challenge which is a way to lead the market works for sustainability, not against it- to complete its sustainable pathway successfully and reach the sustainable business practices level. In this way, they should identify opportunities to develop supply chain, coordinate manufacturers and compete with the rivals. Company should find new ways to get greener supply chain with less capital, lower the operating costs and catch more competitive advantages in the market. Even though...
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...Name: Cierra Holloway Week 2: Case Analysis: Minit-Lube Discussion Questions Directions: Read the case and then answer each question in short paragraph form. This assignment is worth 100 points. A substantial market exists for automobile tune-ups, oil changes, and lubrication service for more than 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads. Some of this demand is filled by full-service auto dealerships, some by Walmart and Firestone, and some by other tire/service dealers. However, Minit-Lube, Mobil-Lube, Jiffy-Lube and others have also developed strategies to accommodate this opportunity. Minit-Lube stations perform oil changes, lubrication, and interior cleaning in a spotless environment. The buildings are clean, painted white, and often surrounded by neatly trimmed landscaping. To facilitate fast service, cars can be driven through three abreast. At Minit-Lube, the customer is greeted by service representatives who are graduates of Minit-Lube U. The Minit-Lube school is not unlike McDonald’s Hamburger University near Chicago or Holiday Inn’s training school in Memphis. The greeter takes the order, which typically includes fluid checks (oil, water, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and differential grease) and the necessary lubrication, as well as filter changes for air and oil. Service personnel in neat uniforms then move into action. The standard three-person team has one person checking fluid levels under the hood, another assigned interior vacuuming and window cleaning...
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...ARCTIC MINING CONSULTANTS Case Synopsis Arctic Mining Consultants is a mining company that deals with mineral exploration. In this case study, the project given is staking 15 claims in Eagle Lake, Alaska. The project Manager was Tom Parker, who has a wide experience and specialized knowledge in all nontechnical aspects of mineral exploration. He is a geological field technician and field coordinator for Arctic Mining Consultants. He assigned his previous field assistants John Talbot, Greg Boyce and Brian Millar to help him complete the project. The job required them to stake at least 7 lengths each day in order to be completed on time. However, the whole team has became very tense and agitated, especially Tom Parker, as the deadline was just around the corner and there’s still many to be finished within the limited time. The problem became worse with the way Tom managed and treated his team. The only motivation to the team was the $300 bonuses promised by the company when the job is done on time, otherwise, they might wished to give up already. This happened because working as a field assistant and in long-working hours only giving them low wages, which is considered unreasonable compared to what they have to do. During the eight hard days, everything had actually proved the strengths and weaknesses of each of the team members, including Tom. Case analysis symptoms 1) What symptom(s) exist in this case to suggest that something has gone wrong? The symptom(s) to suggest...
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...1. Would a TNA be needed in this situation? Why or why not? If yes, who would you want to talk to? Training Needs Analysis is a formal process required for the purpose of identifying the training gap that is in existence and its related training need. Considering the IMP case analysis, training needs analysis is required since there are different sectors within the organization which require an individual to possess the necessary skills to perform the expected work within that department. In addition, training is also offered to people working within the ‘different sectors’ in that organization despite the fact that equality is not displayed while offering that form of training. Talking to the HR manager at North America International Airport’s about training needs analysis is a good idea since the HR manager is the one with the authority over the individual’s directly concerned with training such as Mr. Pettipas. 2. Based on the case as presented above, what KSAs need to be trained? From the case analysis at IMP, it is evident that there are several knowledge, skills and abilities that have to be addressed during training to all the employees within those departments. Leadership skills need to be addressed since the HR was not able to assist Ms. Dillman in her case which portrayed that he lacked the leadership skills. Technician skills required for the metal sheet shop needs to be trained since Ms. Dillman lacked knowledge on the requirement of a metal sheet shop technician...
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...✓ Materials Needed Performance Measurement & Control Systems for Implementing Strategy: Text and Cases, by Simons, Robert. Prentice Hall, ISBN #0-13-234006-2 Cases in Management Accounting & Control Systems 4th Edition, by Allen, Brownlee, Haskins and Lynch, Pearson-Prentice Hall, ISBN #0-13-570425-1 Freakonomics: A Rouge Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, Harper Collins, ISBN#0-06-073132-X ✓ University Communication with Students All email communication from the University is sent to the student’s wsu.edu address. Please be sure that you have set up the link to forward your personal email address (aol, hotmail, etc.) or you will miss announcements and information that is very important to you. This is the email I use to contact you regarding class matters. If you change your email address, be sure to update again. ✓ Catalog Course Description with Prerequisitites 3credits: Managerial evaluation of budgeting, cost accounting, and financial analysis techniques; their utilization in control of operations. (pre-requisite acctg 550 or equivalent). Please note that pre-requisites are strictly enforced and that students will be disenrolled if they do not have course pre-requisites). ✓ Instructor Course Objectives Knowledge and Skill Expectations: Students should have the knowledge and skill level to record economic events, read and analyze financial information through the topic areas covered...
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...Title Page Course – MKTG 6300 Fall 2007 Service Marketing Student Name: Maria E. Kobayashi Individual Case Analysis Individual Case Summary: Ritz – Carlton Hotels 1. Key issues Ritz – Carlton (RC) wants to be perceived as the premier luxury hotel, with differentiated and personalized service, high levels of guest retention and guest recovery rates, and low levels of service defect incidence. The group wants to achieve this goal by optimizing the balance between human relationships and the systems. Nevertheless, the systems and databases RC had in place at the time of the case do not deliver the level of information needed to reach their objective. Moreover, they do not allow for smooth interaction with the RC team, who are able to gather highly valuable information regarding customers’ preferences, dislikes, or potential problems experimented by the guests. 2. Recommendations First of all, the Encore system should be modified to include real-time updating of customers’ preferences and of potential problems the guests might have experimented during their stay. This should be standardized across all RC properties. Guest categorization should also be standardized and input into the system. This system should be available in a user-friendly way to any member of the RC staff in convenient locations. It should also include a common defect reporting module with the functionality to cross data between different locations. After all these processes...
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...In the case, a man who goes by the name Moto is sent to Chicago to do business. Here his “responsibility was to hire a contracting company and check on the pricing details.” He works for an auto parts supplier, KKD, who had been researching American contracting companies for the past year and a half. They decided to use Allmack due to it having the best track record. Moto went to meet with a man who worked for the company and was shocked by his rudeness and unprofessional manner. He wasn’t prepared for this and had no idea what to think of it. Also, he was not so used to moving so quickly and rushing around. In America, people are very fast passed and try to get things done as quickly as possible. He presented Mr. Crowell with a gift and he just stated that his daughter would love it. When Crowell said this, Moto should have gone in to a discussion explaining what the dolls meant and the importance of them. This way he could have shown Crowell the value in the gift he was giving him and he would have taken back the comment about his daughter loving them. Throughout the case there are many differences that Moto is shocked by. One of these is the fact that he is used to being called by his last name. He was surprised when Crowell asked for his first name and began calling him by that instead. Also, he wanted proof that the Allmack group was actually as good as they say they are. He asked for records and one of the workers got offended and was wondering why he did not trust them...
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...to time to write a good CAR. So, once you “get” the Big Picture of the Case, and recognize the major analysis elements (focal system(s), main problem/Alternatives, etc.): o focus on analyzing those Alternatives and coming up with some significant Findings, and especially Recommendations. o As your analysis results “solidify,” focus more and more on Writing a Good CAR and submitting by the Due Date! • Cases can contain more than 1 major “track” for their analysis, allowing for alternative versions of a CAR. So, do NOT simply imitate this Example CAR blindly for its “specific content.” Worse, DO NOT simply copy any of its parts. • Instead, use this Example CAR by way of “Reverse Engineering:” See how its contents arise logically if our Case Analysis Method (Guide) is applied to the Case. This will help you understand how our analysis method works! Then, use the same general analysis method (actually, the Approach) on the Case assigned for your CAR. • Don’t just imitate the pattern of alternative found here! Analyse and find out what alternatives make most sense in the particular Case you are working on. • No Case contains ALL the facts you want to know for its analysis. So, when analyzing Cases, be pragmatic! Do not worry about any facts beyond the Case (unless specifically instructed). Instead, conduct the “best possible” analysis using available Case-facts. • Leave Enough Time to Write a GOOD REPORT based on your...
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...discussing “case” materials in light of theoretical arguments advanced in “readings.” Case materials include standard Harvard Business School cases, book chapters about individuals (Robert Moses and Henry Kissinger), corporations (e.g., Lehman Brothers and Time Warner), and industries (e.g., the auto industry), and in-class videos (e.g., a “Bill Moyer’s Journal” segment on David Rockefeller). COURSE REQUIREMENTS Final course grades will be based on student performance on three written assignments and on student participation in class discussions. Written Assignments. Each student will be expected to submit two individual case analyses that indicate what the student learned from reading and discussing the case in question. The case analyses should be one single spaced typewritten page long and should be submitted the week after the case that they address is discussed in class. Individual case analyses will be graded on a scale from 1-3 and together will comprise 10% of a student’s final grade. Each student should also form a group with three to four other students to complete a case study of a real organization. The research for this case study can be carried out using primary sources (e.g., participation observation and/or interviews) or secondary sources (e.g., books, articles, or prepared cases about a target organization). Thus, group members need not have worked in an organization to use it as the subject of their final case analysis. Other case analysis topics...
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...ZhiQing | Student ID No.: | 22012511 | Unit Code & Name: | MNG91002 | Campus: | MDIS | Tutor’s Name: | Frankie-Lim | Assignment No: | 1 | Assignment Title: | Case Analysis Research – Striving for Best Academic Practice | Word Count: | 1193 | Due Date: | 21 Apr 2014 | Date submitted: | 20 Apr 2014 | Declaration: I declare that this assignment is my own original work and has not been submitted for assessment elsewhere. I acknowledge and irrevocably agree that the assessor of this assignment may, for the purpose of assessing this assignment: * Reproduce this assignment and provide a copy to another member of faculty for review and comment, including whether the work is an original work; and/or * Provide a copy of this assignment to a plagiarism checking service for review so that it may determine whether the assignment is an original work. The checking service may retain a copy of the assignment on its database for the purpose of future plagiarism checking. I have read and understand the Rules relating to Awards (Rule 3.17) as contained in the University Handbook. I understand the penalties that apply for plagiarism and agree to be bound by these rules. CHEN ZHIQING 20 Apr 2014 Signature (please type) Date Tutor's comments: Paper Title: Case Analysis Research –...
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