Discussion Post
In order to be successful in today's rapidly changing business landscape, company leaders must consider how best to position their organizations in order to gain and maintain a competitive advantage. Strategic planning is a critical component of achieving that competitive advantage. For retail giants like Wal-Mart, in particular, strategic planning provides crucial insight into the current and potential success of their diverse operations.
To prepare for this Discussion, review "Case: Wal-Mart Stores" in Dyer, Godfrey, Jensen, and Bryce (2016) and consider the fundamental principles of strategic planning. Be sure to consider strategies for leveraging competitive advantage within a crowded industry.
Post an analysis of the role of strategic planning in establishing competitive advantage. Your analysis should include the following:
a) An assessment of the phase of the strategic planning cycle that might be the most useful for Wal-Mart's competitive advantage
b) An explanation of competitive differentiation as it relates to Wal-Mart and similar retailers like Target and Dollar Tree. Be sure to address how Wal-Mart's choice of market focus contributes to its competitive advantage.
c) An assessment of Wal-Mart's value proposition, including why customers choose Wal-Mart and whether advertised low prices are accurate.
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.