10 Jan What lessons were

Assessment 3

Preparation

For this assessment, search for a case study about Walmart operations and growth in China. Use the Internet links provided in the Suggested Resources to locate a case study that encompasses the issues listed below.

Search current (within two years) professional and trade magazines and reputable business publications such as the Economist, Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, and the Wall Street Journal for additional information and references.

There are many templates and examples of how to write an executive summary on the Internet that you may wish to examine as you complete this assessment.

Scenario

One of your retail clients is developing a strategic plan for expanding into Chinese markets and has requested your recommendations for their global sourcing strategy implementation plan. Walmart’s experience in China is the perfect case to analyze for the client. Your task is to make recommendations for your client in the form of an executive summary.

Deliverable

Write a succinct 3–4 page executive summary of a global sourcing strategy implementation plan.

Clearly indicate the title of the case study selected and provide the URL.

Create a subheading for each major issue to logically organize your report.

Consider creating graphs or charts in addition to text.

Use bullets and phrases to convey information in an easy-to-read format.

Address the following in your executive summary:

Analyze a retailer’s global expansion failures in order to promote future global expansion success.

What has Walmart learned from its failures in China?

Analyze a global market segment and its fit with a low-price strategy.

With China’s middle and upper classes so brand-conscious, how is an everyday low-pricing strategy received?

Describe the sourcing and logistics retail strategies for operating in the Chinese market.

What are Walmart’s sourcing and logistics strategies in China?

Describe the political, legal, and cultural challenges Western businesses need to consider when conducting business in the Chinese market.

How is the political and business environment in China both conducive and detrimental to large Western companies like Walmart?

Recommend essential components of a global sourcing implementation plan for your client that adhere to ethical and legal principles.

What lessons were learned from the Walmart experience?

What cultural differences exist and how do they impact the design of a global supply chain management system?

How could supply chain components be maximized for optimum stability?

Additional Requirements

Length: 3–4 pages, including any charts, graphs, tables, and references.

References: Provide a minimum of five references from reputable sources to support your positions. Integrate the references into the report where appropriate. When you compile data from multiple sources to create a table or graph, cite your references at the bottom of the graphs or charts.

Communication: Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics, and correctly format citations using APA style.