'The SYMPHONY WAL-MART Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The SYMPHONY WAL-MART - analyse ExampleIn fact, with supply- ambiting, opposition in the midst of companies is replaced with competition between supply chains. Thomas Friedman (2005) aptly verbalise that the more these supply chains grow and proliferate, the more they force the adoption of common standard between companies (so that every link of every supply chain can interface with the next), the more they eliminate points of clangor at borders, the more the efficiencies of one company get adopted by the others, and the more they encourage orbiculate collaboration. Question 2 At Wal-Mart, 24 hours a day, 7 eld a week, and 365 days a year (24/7/365), suppliers deliver their goods to Wal-Mart distributions centers. The sorting, packing, and distribution of these goods to Wal-Mart stores and shelving in Wal-Mart stores are also carried out 24/7/365. Once a particular goods is purchased by a customer and scanned by the cashier, a bless is generated, which is relayed to the manuf acturer of the product, notwithstanding the global location of the manufacturer. The generated signal is sent to the manufacturer and he is prompted to produce other of that product. Once the product is produced by the manufacturer, the cycle is repeated. The cycle, according to Thomas Friedman (2005) is on a global case in multiple movements with no finale and designated as Wal-Mart Symphony. Question 3 Heavy and primal investment on cutting-edge IT infrastructure to identify and track sales on the individual take afforded Wal-Mart a competitive edge over its competitors. Wal-Mart is also smarter and faster in adopting new technologies and innovations than its competitors. Another particle of competitive advantage is the culture of buying in large volume directly from the manufacturers at the deepest synthesis realistic and shipping to distribution centers at the lowest possible cost. Furthermore, collaborating with manufacturers to lower cost as often as possible, improvi ng its supply chain to be as low-cost and frictionless as possible and improving the information system in order to know customers taste and hire and feeding this information to the manufacturers also offers Wal-Mart an edge over its competitors. Besides, Wal-Mart also broadens the scope and scale of its supply chain in order to lower price thereby capturing more market than its competitors. Based on porter five forces, Wal-Mart is considerable competitive advantage. For instance, its low prices favor the bargaining power of its customers over that of its competitor. Though Wal-Mart faces competition from smaller dollar stores and online giant retailers, its ability to secure low prices from its suppliers still enhance its competitive advantage. Furthermore, send back 1 shows SWOT analysis which also supports Wal-Mart competitive advantage in the consumer market. SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats planetary reputation as low price retailer Poor reputation w ith respect to worker benefits, sexual urge issues Good investment in IT infrastructure and good bargaining power with suppliers Several dollar stores and creating a formidable niche in the consumer market Ambitious managers and cooperate leaders Difficulty in trade its brand outside the US Adapting its service to the taste and demand of its customers Online retailer such as virago makes shopping fun and easy. Question 4 Wal-Mart started