Levi's at Wal-Mart
1. Conduct a SWOT analysis of Levi's. Identify at least three items for each category. You can use tables or bullet points, but make sure to explain and support each item.
2. Based on the generic strategy framework described in Chapter 5 (p.148), how would you classify Levi's strategy at the time of the case? Analyze using the framework, and explain why you made this choice, using data and evidence from the case. Draw a conclusion about the
strategic problem Levi's faces based on the analysis.
3. Answer the question implied by the case title. Should Levi's sell products at Wal-Mart? Defend your answers using data and evidence from the case. Refer to the Southwest Airlines case questions for examples of weak & strong recommendations.
Written Case Assignments
When preparing a written case analysis it is important to be thoroughly familiar with the case. This means that you should read the case for both general impressions and for specific facts.
In writing a case analysis you are required to provide evidence from the case to support your assessments. Only data taken from the case may be used in supporting your answers. No outside sources may be used.
Each written assignment has a specific purpose. They are designed to help you develop skills at sifting through lots of data about a company and its industry, and finding that information which can help you understand why the company is or is not successful.
Once you understand what drives company's performance, only then can you see what needs to be done to correct strategic deficiencies and ensure future success.
Information on written case assignments
• Use single-spaced, 1" margins, Times New Roman, 12-point font with a maximum of 2 pages per assignment.
• Do not overuse bullet points. Elaborate and support your answers.
• Location of Cases. All cases are found in the course pack, which must be purchased separately as an e-book. The questions for each case are found under the Case Assignments tab in the Connect Course Page.
• Stay in the time frame of the case. Written assignments should present the situation as it exists at the time of the case, i.e., only use the information and data available from the case, not what you know now about the company. No outside research is necessary.
• No pre-review. Instructors will not review cases prior to submission.
• Answer the questions provided. In your answer, include both the logic you used and evidence from the case to support your answer. Number your answers to correspond to the question you are answering.