Using Teams in Production and Operations Management

Wal-Mart’s slogan is “Saving people money so they can live better.” Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is a retail corporation, which serves customers and members more than 208 million times per week, with more than 8,600 retail stores under 59 different banners in 15 countries. Wal-Mart has three different entities, Wal-Mart stores comprised of supercenters and discount stores, Wal-Mart International, and Sam’s Club. Wal-Mart sales a verity of products from grapes to snow shovels. Wal-Mart Stores also provide automotive services as installing new tires, oil changes, and other services. In the Electronic department, Wal-Mart has a delivery and installation service of TV’s and other audio video equipment purchased. Wal-Mart has added new services where a customer can purchase an item on line and pick it up from the closest Wal-Mart store. Alternatively, have the item shipped. With fiscal year 2010 sales of $405 billion, Wal-Mart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. The increase of people unemployed has given Wal-Mart a greater market share, by lowering it prices. Being able to give its customers what they need and want at an affordable price. Sam Walton said, “If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone. We’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.”

Broken down, Wal-Mart stores did, $206 billion in sales, with 3,804 retail stores, and 617 million total square feet. Wal-Mart International did, $109 billion in sales, with 4,557 retail stores, and 287 million square feet. Sam’s Club did, $49 billion in sales, with 609 retail stores, and 81 million square feet.

Wal-Mart has a "Plan, Do, Check, Act" framework, which the Environmental Management System (EMS) establishes associates responsibility and accountability by developing an understanding of regulatory obligations through routine training and the creation of standardized operating procedures. They then employ auditing and data analysis to...