Analysis & Assessment of Target

DeVry University

HRM420: Training & Development

Analysis and Assessment of Target

16 March 2014

Abstract

Target is a large ever growing corporation that provides consumers with goods from clothing to food. This corporation was started in 1962, and has spread across the United States and into Canada with more than 1900 stores. This paper is set to identify some strengths and weaknesses within the company, possible threats to the company financially, and complete a training needs assessment. By doing this, it should bring some new information to the CEO and give them some possible solutions to internal issues and ways to improve their already thriving company.

Company Information

The first Target store was opened in Roseville, Minnesota. The focus of this store was to offer convenient shopping at a competitive price. Currently there are 1,797 stores across the United States, and 127 stores across Canada; along with these stores there are also 37 distribution centers. On an average, Target employees 361,000 team members worldwide, with an increase during the fourth quarter. Over the last year, Target stock has had a high of $73.50 per share and a low of $54.66 per share; this is an average price of $63.38 per share. Target has continually donated to disaster relief efforts throughout the last year.

SWOT

Strengths

- Stores typically stay clean and well organized

- Sell many products that are sold exclusively by Target

- Requiring all vendors to comply with applicable safety laws (10-K, 2012, p.1)

Weaknesses

- Not as many stores nationally as their competitors

- Prices are not always competitive with other comparable companies

- By maintaining a low overhead cost, products can be out of stock quickly

Opportunities

- Offer a loyalty rewards program not linked to a credit card

- Continue to look for new locations to build and expand current stores

- Continue to offer employee benefits; search for new incentives to offer employees...