Gb520 Unit 6 Case Analysis

What are the HR Strategies that management must undertake and support to create a successful global presence to insure the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission?

Case Analysis: Wal-Mart Stores

What are the HR Strategies that management must undertake and support to create a successful global presence to insure the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission?

GB520 - Strategic Human Resource Management

Kaplan University

Abstract:

This document involves an analysis of the Wal-Mart stores as it relates to the Human Resource Strategies that management must undertake to create a global presence to guarantee the success of the organization.

Overview:

In 1962 Sam Walton opened his first Wal-Mart in Rogers, Arkansas, creating a low price approach to retail which soon became a model all of its stores would follow: "Sell brand merchandise at low prices." During the same year, Kmart and Target also started operations. Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart took advantage of the opportunity and established a discount retail company. In its commencement the stores opened in small towns the south, in areas where other large retailers did not even think to establish operations.

Sam’s goal was to have an everyday low price discount retail store. Five years after opening business, Sam felt that he needed to expand before his competitors out ran him. During the 1970s, the retail industry became extremely competitive, but in addition, the economy became weak due to inflation. Sears was the leading retailer in the nation during the 1970s, however, the recession of 1974-1975 and inflation affected Sears unfavorably. While, Sears targeted middle class families and expanded its overhead, Wal-Mart's competed with its rivals and lowered overhead expenses.

Wal-Mart has grown throughout at an alarming rate since their inception in the 1960’s. Wal-Mart has proven to be a retailer of the future and it is currently the largest retailer in...