This 32 page paper examines WalMart in a global context assessing the influences on the firm in order to develop strategic recommendations. The paper includes an assessment of the general economic environment, demographic and technological trends, assessment of the two main global competitors Carrefour and Tesco. WalMart is assessed looking at its core competences, financial performance and analyzed with a SWOT analysis before recommendations are formulated. The bibliography cites 42 sources.
Name of Research Paper File: TS14_TEWMstratrec.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
Operations 19 5.2 Financial Performance 23 6. SWOT Analysis 24 6.1 Strengths 24 6.2 Weaknesses 26 6.3 Opportunities 27 6.4 Threats 29 7. Recommendations 30 8. Implementation 33 9. Conclusion 34 References 34 Executive Summary WalMart is the boards largest retailer,
when measured by revenue or profit. However, it is operating in a changing environment, where there is increased pressure as a result of more international firms competing, such as French
supermarket firm Carrefour and UK supermarket firm Tesco, providing high levels of competition in the international environment. Tesco is also entering the US market through the Fresh & Easy chain.
The environment has many different influences, major influences include decreasing levels of consumer confidence in the ongoing problems as a result of recession started in 2008, as well as the
increased use of technology. WalMart has been successful and managed to remain profitable during the recession despite many other companies failing. However, they have a growth strategy and as such
need to consider the way in which this can be pursued in the future at the same time as remaining profitable. Based on the core competences of the organization, which
includes a high level of control over the supply chain and the leveraging of technology, as well as its ability to gain economies of scope and scale for their relationship
with suppliers, it is recommended that the organization undertake product extension, increasing the range of products and services that are offered in stores through the Internet. In addition to this
it is also recommended that the organization continue with this international expansion policy, focusing on developing markets where there is a great potential for growth. In order to leverage the
international markets it is also suggested that the organization undertake a structural adjustment, with a decentralization process, which would facilitate greater levels of flexibility as the local level, so that