Which should be the primary basis for formulating strategy
Before answering this discussion question you will need to conduct a review of the Walmart Stores, Inc. Case on pages 487-501 of the course textbook and any additional resources necessary to conduct an industry analysis on retail sales industry.
Before writing your response, using the textbook and knowledge you have about the Walmart, complete their industry analysis.
- Identifying the principal resources and capabilities
- Assessing their strategic importance in terms of the two major determinants of imitability: transferability and replicability
- Assessing the strength of the company in these resources and capabilities relative to competitors
- Linking the resource analysis to the strategy being pursued
- Assessing the sustainability of the firm’s competitive advantage
Once you have conducted your analysis provide your research and also answer the following questions:
- Which should be the primary basis for formulating strategy: the external market (customer requirements in particular) or the firm’s resources and capabilities. Please explain.
- In which market segments, are Walmart’s capabilities and strengths likely to be most effective? What are the implications for how the firm should compete?
Please respond to the initial question by day 5 and be sure to post two additional times to peers and/or instructor by day 7. The initial post by day 5 should be a minimum of 150 words. If you use any source outside of your own thoughts, you should reference that source. Include solid grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and spelling.
| Grading Criteria | Maximum Points |
| In your initial post, clearly present well-reasoned ideas and concepts. | 25 |
| Post to at least two additional students or the instructor reflecting on the other participants’ postings. You should actively participate in the discussion. (5 points per response) | 10 |
| Total | 35 |
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