Walmart Stores Case Study

GOING GREEN

BUSA 499

Professor Lee

September 29, 2008

Case Study 1 – Wal-Mart Stores

Dan Lessard

Landon Heidenreich

Tommy Petramalo

Kristian Arnesen

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents pg. 1

Executive Summary pg. 2

Ch. 1 pg. 3

1.1 Mission pg. 3

1.2 History pg. 3

1.3 Background pg. 4

Ch. 2 pg. 4

2.1 Internal VRIO Analysis pg. 4

VRIO Table pg. 10

2.2 External Five Forces Analysis pg. 10

2.3 Problem Statement pg. 15

Positioning Grid pg. 16

Ch. 3 pg. 16

3.1 Option 1 pg. 16

3.2 Option 2 Pg. 16

Ch. 4 Strategic Option Evaluation Pg. 16

4.1 Strategic Evaluation of Unionizing Pg. 16

4.2 Strategic Evaluation For Reorganization Pg. 18

4.3 Recommendation and Plan of Action Pg. 19

4.4 Competitive Advantage Pg 19

4.5 Implications Pg. 20

Endnotes Pg. 21

Executive Summary

Historically the discount shopping experience began in the mid 20th century, and in 1962 Wal-Mart helped pave the way along with other competitors such as Target and K Mart. Since then Wal-Mart has grown into one of the top retailers in the United States, and are currently in the process of trying to establish themselves into international markets. A key to Wal-Mart's success is their competitive advantage of low prices – lower than any of their competitors in the discount retail industry.

Being a top business does not exempt one from problems. Over the years Wal-Mart has been one of the most scrutinized businesses in America. Wal-Mart has had to deal