Question

SECTION 3A: CASE STUDY APPLICATION – WALMART “EARLY YEARS” (40 of 120 POINTS)

We have discussed the evolution of Walmart in class. Part 3A is about Walmart before Amazon became a significant competitive force. In other words, Walmart was competing against similar retailers such as Target in physical locations versus online e-commerce.   Answer the following questions.

1.   From the customer’s POV, use the right strategic framework (Value Star or Advantage Profile) to describe how Walmart attracted customers to grow to be the biggest retailer in the world attracting shoppers from a very large proportion of USA shoppers. Assess the key factors and state an overall conclusion before Amazon became a major competitor. (20)

2.   From Walmart’s POV, use the right framework (VS or AP) to describe how Walmart was able to operate their business to achieve such a high level of success before Amazon became a major competitor. Be sure and state an overall conclusion. (20)

Answer 1

1. Walmart current mission statement and its advertising slogans attracted people to grow as biggest retailers in the world attracting shoppers and its slogan are SAVE PEOPLE MONEY SO THEY CAN LIVE BETTER. If we work together we'll lower the cost of living for everyone we will give the world an opportunity to save and have a better life said by Sam Walton the founder of Walmart.

Walmart has developed different kinds of policies, principles, rules step by step over the years most popular policies open door policy, sundown rules, grass roots process three basic rules and values and ten foot rule.

Walmart stores is an American corporation at first it was started as a single store in arkansas Walmart today has a chain of stores around the world holding the title as world's largest retailer in terms of revenue Walmart brand employed still make return purchases. Walmart gained popularity among the millions of customers roof shopping experience. Low retail prices it was a primary strategy so that their customers can save amount of their money when shopping for any other products Each and every product is offered at low price range compared to the other competitors they have plane very good strategies employees economy operations they provide offers coupons discounts customers loyalty cards while purchasing goods inventory and delivery services are effectively planned

Walmart also managees locations of the stores where the customers will be able to come thus winning the hearts of customers . High turnover areas are located all over the world more of its branches in the worldwide stocks turnover are high performance goods and other services range of food stuffs to electronic goods and clothes.

Almost all of the products are available in the Walmart stores selecting the products and buying the products depending on the customers expenses and economy income, taste, preferences. Also use the technology like radio frequency identification and barcodesto keep the inventory update and reducing.

Starting a business and attracting customers to purchase their products are possible only when they are loyal to the customers. Even it is harder making different kind of strategies for developing business modern world compition is very high however Walmart attract customers locating stores strategically they offer customised services and products treats customers as Kings.

2. Walmart operate their high standards of strategies and tactics helps the organisation to reach successful path profit works agrees single focus of organisation is great idea business makes keeping prices low that single goal it is right choice given their business and market. Minimise operating costs comes to the treating employees it offers low health benefits plans to employees minimise operation cost. Does not agree with achieving through wise spending cost decrease and cuttings unnecessary they are needed to deliver high quality services and goods.

Barcodes to increase efficiency in the check out counter. This allows the company to tract the movement of the p all are recognised by the scanner. Walmart would be wise to ensure that maintain technology and make ensure amazon does not steal this position from them taking a right strategic move gives importance over their compitions leadership is always not possible by the right choice.

Learning from the mistakes and being a leader large costs allows better to close followers sometimes make sure who is your competitors cross docking supply chain areas have low labour and transport and their warehouse supply chain management is the right strategy company depending on business and operations Partnership resulting low operating cost of Walmart management processes and cost effectiveness while forcing large manufacturers keep the prices low.

Business dealing directly with suppliers building strong relationships suppliers will be beneficial significant resources into relationships with suppliers. Having motivated workforce is essential and anything do cost efficient increase motivation in employment good rewards will get in return for the business .

Walmart begin with goal to provide customers whatever the goods needed by the customers at any time and any place available focus on the development of strategies cost structures offering low prices advanced supply chain management techniques are utilised to help the company standards high in a successful way competitive advantage and assume market leading position Walmart inventory innovation strategic vendor management Walmart main thing was collaboration Crowell said that a big part of what made them so successful