Wal-Mart China Sustainability
Executive Summary
The following case will analyze the Wal-Mart China’s Sustainability efforts. Wal-Mart China is in the begging stages of becoming sustainable, in an ecological sense, and faces some key issues. First the case will provide background information on Wal-Mart Global and Wal-Mart China to ensure the reader is aware of the circumstances. Then the case will analyze Wal-Mart China based on the 4Rs, recycling, resource, regulations, and reputation, described in Operations Management by Heizer, and how their efforts correlate with them. The case will then address key issues, such as questionable logistics practices, and price sensitive customers, and weary stakeholders.
Background Information
Wal-Mart Global
Sam Walton “our customers are the reason we’re in business, so we should treat them that way. We offer quality merchandise at the lowest prices, and we do it with the best customer service possible. We look for every opportunity where we can exceed our customers’ expectations. That’s when we’re at our very best” (2011, Wal-Mart Culture). Sam Walton opened his doors in 1962, Arkansas, with the promise of offering the highest quality merchandise for the lowest prices while maintaining the best customer service. The company then sprinted to the top becoming a Fortune 500 and one of the largest retail companies in only four decades. Wal-Mart soon took on public scrutiny for being too powerful and with that came the realization of how much power Wal-Mart used. It was in 2005 when CEO Scott decided to change Wal-Marts image to one that was ecofriendly, and would show Wal-Mart in a positive light. Scott announced in November of 2005 that Wal-Mart would invest $500 million towards sustainability projects and set three goals; to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, to create zero waste, and to see products that sustains the world’s resources and the environment.
Wal-Mart in China
In 1996 Wal-Mart opened its doors in Shenzhen and
The following case will analyze the Wal-Mart China’s Sustainability efforts. Wal-Mart China is in the begging stages of becoming sustainable, in an ecological sense, and faces some key issues. First the case will provide background information on Wal-Mart Global and Wal-Mart China to ensure the reader is aware of the circumstances. Then the case will analyze Wal-Mart China based on the 4Rs, recycling, resource, regulations, and reputation, described in Operations Management by Heizer, and how their efforts correlate with them. The case will then address key issues, such as questionable logistics practices, and price sensitive customers, and weary stakeholders.
Background Information
Wal-Mart Global
Sam Walton “our customers are the reason we’re in business, so we should treat them that way. We offer quality merchandise at the lowest prices, and we do it with the best customer service possible. We look for every opportunity where we can exceed our customers’ expectations. That’s when we’re at our very best” (2011, Wal-Mart Culture). Sam Walton opened his doors in 1962, Arkansas, with the promise of offering the highest quality merchandise for the lowest prices while maintaining the best customer service. The company then sprinted to the top becoming a Fortune 500 and one of the largest retail companies in only four decades. Wal-Mart soon took on public scrutiny for being too powerful and with that came the realization of how much power Wal-Mart used. It was in 2005 when CEO Scott decided to change Wal-Marts image to one that was ecofriendly, and would show Wal-Mart in a positive light. Scott announced in November of 2005 that Wal-Mart would invest $500 million towards sustainability projects and set three goals; to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, to create zero waste, and to see products that sustains the world’s resources and the environment.
Wal-Mart in China
In 1996 Wal-Mart opened its doors in Shenzhen and