Strategic Management of Wal-Mart

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Introduction

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is in the discount, variety stores industry. It was founded in 1945, Bentonville in Arkansas which is also the headquarters of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart operates locally as well as worldwide. It operated 1209 discount stores, 1980 super centers, and 567 Sam’s Club by January 31, 2006. It has also extended its operations to many international countries. It runs its retail stores in two forms: Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart Stores. The Sam’s Club sells assorted product lines such as hardwares, electronics, jewelry, and to mention a few. The Wal-Mart stores also offer similar products in addition to the following: health and beauty products, apparel for women, men and children, household appliances etc (www.yahoo.finance.com). The Vision Statement, Mission Statement, Values and Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance: Directors, Executive Management, Committees and Stakeholder will be the key elements that will discussed in this report as it relates to Wal-Mart. In addition to that, the major trends in the general/macro environment and industry will be analyzed.

Vision Statement

Wal-Mart has been one of the most successful companies in the world. The success of Wal-Mart can be traced with its vision statement concerning globalization. According to Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson in their text book, "Strategic Management," a vision statement is a statement that describes the organization and points out what the organization wants to get in the future (19). Thus, vision statements focus on implementation of strategies and decisions which pave the way to a successful business in the future.

Wal-Mart is now operating globally, and its main vision is for additional global expansion of operation and "promotion of ownership of ethical culture" to all of its stakeholders worldwide (www.walmartstores.com). The idea of Wal-Mart’s vision on ethical culture is key in globalization. Wal-Mart has had good reputation and competitive advantage worldwide because it has been able to embrace culture and diversity in its operations across nations. In promoting ethical culture, Wal-Mart helps its customers and stakeholders to take the right decisions and to do the right thing.

Mission Statement

Currently, Wal-Mart does not have a formal mission statement, but its main mission can be tied to its (3) basic beliefs which are Respect for the Individual, Service to Customer, and Strive for Excellence (www.walmartfacts.com). Thus, based on its core values and beliefs, Wal-Mart’s mission is focused on providing exceptional services and "everyday low prices" to its customers.

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