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SWOT ANALYSIS OF WAL-MART

STRENGTHS

* POWERFUL RETAIL BRAND

The company possesses a strong brand name in the retail industry that represents both value and quality. This strength emphasizes Wal-Mart’s capability to attract new customers and maintain customer loyalty.

* GLOBAL EXPANSION Wal-Mart has grown substantially over recent years, and has experienced global expansion (for example its purchase of the United Kingdom based retailer ASDA).It has also created a joint venture with bharti in India.

* FOCUSED HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY People are key to Wal-Mart's business and it invests time and money in training people, and retaining a developing them.

* THE COMPANY HAS A CORE COMPETENCE INVOLVING ITS USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT ITS INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS SYSTEM For example; it can see how individual products are performing country-wide, store-by-store at a glance. IT also supports Wal-Mart's efficient procurement.

WEAKNESS

* PRESENCE IN RELATIVELY FEW COUNTRIES

Though the company is already operating globally, however the number of its international branches are only limited to a few countries.

* CUSTOMERS SOMETIMES ARE CURIOUS ABOUT THE QUALITY OF PRODUCTS.

Although customer agrees that Wal-Mart provides the goods at lower prices but on the other hand they are also concerned about the quality of the goods.

* SUPPLIER PROFIT MARGIN IS VERY LOW

Suppliers are always under pressure with regard to price and their ability to supply when required.

* WAL-MART FACING DIFFICULTIES OUTSIDE USA SUCH AS COUNTRIES LIKE CHINA.

* Despite its IT advantages, it is weak in some areas due to the huge span of control.

OPPORTUNITIES

* JOINT VENTURES TO INCREASE MARKET SHARE IN INTERNATIONAL MARKET

To take over, merge with, or form strategic alliances with other global retailers, focusing on specific markets such as Europe or the...