Learning Activity 5.3: Web Discussion ––Distribution Logistics

As you learned in this module, successful supply chain strategies and tactics can lead to lower product costs and competitive pricing for consumers. Walmart (http://www.walmart.com/) makes a promise to its consumers through its slogan: “Save money. Live better.” There are numerous supply chain strategies and/or tactics Walmart employs to keep its promise to its consumers. Identify these strategies and tactics.

Review any earlier student postings, and then in your discussion:

Select one strategy or tactic not previously discussed by another student and talk about how Walmart uses it to keep its promise to its consumers.

Is this strategy or tactic a competitive advantage or sustainable competitive advantage for the organization?

Explain the reasons for your answer.

Review the postings of other learners. Post to other students’ discussions and comment on their selected strategy or tactic and whether or not it is a competitive advantage or sustainable competitive advantage.

Learning Activity 5.4: Web Discussion ––Retail Life Cycle

Select a retailer that has not already been talked about in the Discussions a brief description of this organization. Analyze the retailer and in your discussion, answer the following questions:

Where is the retailer in its retail life cycle? Explain why you think it is in that particular stage.

How flexible do you think the retailer is in dealing with changing markets, customers, and competition?

What do you think the retailer needs to do to remain viable and profitable?

Review the postings of other learners. Post to other students’ discussions and comment on the retail organization they choose and the stage it is in in the retail life cycle.

Learning Activity 5.6: Web Discussion ––Retail Online Strategy

Go online and examine the websites of two online retailers of your choice. Compare and contrast their online strategies as evidenced by their websites, using concepts from your course materials. Post your findings to Discussions.

What conclusions can you draw about a retailer’s online strategy?

Review and comment on the postings of other students.

If you are the first to post to the discussion, return later to read what others have said and respond to their postings.