1 Running Head: INFORMAL REPORT INFORMAL REPORT-WORKING FOR WALMART INC AFTER COLLEGE Student’s name Institutional affiliation INFORMAL REPORT 2 Company The company that I will use is Walmart Inc., which is an American company and the leading retail store in the United States. Executive summary Walmart Inc. is one of the leading retail stores worldwide. This report will look at the retail industry background, Walmart’s history, some of its strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities available for its growth. There is also a brief view of the potential recommended opportunities, the risks that will be encountered, and how to mitigate them. Introduction Walmart Inc. is an incorporated company in the United States that has its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. The U.S. is majorly involved in the retail industry worldwide and has several retail stores that are distributed globally. The company brags of being the world’s largest company by revenue and the leading private employer worldwide with an n estimated 2.2 million employees. Walmart publicly trades its shares in the New York stock exchange. Industry background The retail industry is quite a massive industry, especially in the United States. Retailers provide the final consumers with the final product is reduced and desired quantities at reduced costs. This saves the consumers the burden of purchasing unnecessary large quantities of products directly from the producers. Retailers are the link between the customers and the producers. Retail markets have been in existence since prehistoric times. Some of the archaeological proof of trade can be dated back to 10000 years, and they were mainly in the form of barter trade. As years passed by, barter trade was replaced by retail trade, which involved coinage. People began establishing markets where they could display their goods and offer them for sale; in medieval Greece, there existed the agora, an open space where there was the display of goods on mats and stalls during market days. By the 17th INFORMAL REPORT 3 century, the leading retail outlets were cultured by permanent shops that had longer operating hours and a variety of goods than the stalls, which only operated during the market days and had limited products. Fast-forward into the 21st century, the retail sector has undergone a massive transformation and is characterized by new technology advancements. The American retail sector plays a vital role in its economy, indicating how important the industry is. The retail industry in America is very competitive and is dominated by Walmart Inc., which owns a majority of the retail stores in the country. Company background History In 1945 Walmart’s founder Sam Walton acquired a branch of ben franklin stores from the butler brothers. His main plan was to offer the consumer products at a lower cost to realize higher sales with a lower profit margin. Due to higher lease and branch purchase prices, he experienced quite some setbacks. He was eventually successful in finding cheap suppliers as compared to the ones used by other stores. He was able to edge out competition due to lower prices, this strategy impacted the sales volume, and by his fifth year, he recorded $250,000 in revenue. After the expiry of his lease, Walton couldn’t come into an agreement on a new lease term with the lessors, and he opened a new store branding it ‘Walton’s five and Dime.’ The year 1962 witnessed the opening of the first Walmart store at 719 W. Walnut Street in Rodgers, Arkansas. The year 1969 saw Walmart’s incorporation as Wal-Mart Inc., and later on, it changed its name to Wal-Mart stores Inc. in the year 1970, it began trading its stock in the New York stock exchange. That same year Walmart was able to open a home office and its first supply center in Bentonville, Arkansas. In the 1980s, Walmart witnessed massive growth in its portfolio, and by its 25th anniversary, it had 1198 stores that recorded sales worth $15.9 billion. Today, Walmart has grown to be the world’s largest retailer and is INFORMAL REPORT 4 considered one of the world’s most profitable companies, with an estimated revenue of $523.96 billion. Strength Walmart’s success in the retail sector can be attributed to its strengths in the retail industry. Being the largest retailer globally, with an incomparable scale of operations and strong market power over its competitors and suppliers. Walmart can maintain a competitive advantage over its rivals and increase its consumer confidence. Walmart’s international presence is also one of its strengths. The ability to operate various stores across different locations means that they can reach a wide range of customers, thereby maximizing their sales. International presence also boosts the consumers’ confidence in the retail store. Weakness Walmart also has some little weaknesses in its business model. One fundamental weakness is its profit margin. By offering goods at lower prices, there is a need to maximize the profits, which will involve maximizing the sales revenue to realize profits. This business model is easily affected by macroeconomic factors such as an increase in inflation rates, leading to losses by the company. Another weakness is that it has a competitive disadvantage against high-end specialty sellers. Walmart’s competitive advantage is on its price, meaning they cannot attract consumers who are low sensitive to price. High-end specialty stores can quickly edge them out by providing quality seeking buyers with desired products at high prices. Opportunity for growth Various opportunities are available to Walmart in the retail industry. They can easily penetrate emerging and expanding economies. Such economies are characterized by rapid growths, high production levels, and attraction to foreign investment. Consumers under such economies are susceptible to price; Walmart can use this characteristic since its business 5 INFORMAL REPORT model is based on providing goods at lower prices. Another opportunity is deploying some changes in their business model to incorporate consumers whose sensitivity to price is low. This may entail coming up with high-end specialty stores to tap such consumers. Recommended opportunity Potential The recommended opportunity for Walmart would be to expand into countries with emerging and expanding economies. Such economies’ characteristics are favorable to their business model, and such an expansion will be reflected positively on their revenues. Risk The risk associated with such an opportunity is that emerging economies are highly volatile and unstable. Emerging economies face challenges of capital outflows and financial market losses. This may turn out to play negatively on Walmart’s revenue suppose they seize the opportunity in such markets. How I can help I can help Walmart by conducting a feasibility study, which will show the emerging economies that are highly volatile and unstable, and less volatile. The management can then decide whether to undertake the opportunity or note based on the information from the study. Growth opportunities In the next two to three years, Walmart’s growth opportunity improves their online retail sector, which their rival company, amazon, currently dominates. Schedule Assignment due date Read different chapters Conduct research on formal report Week 2 6 INFORMAL REPORT Work on formal report Week 3 Writing center appointment Week 3 Continue working on the formal report. Week 3 Finalize the report Week 4 Submit assignment Week 5

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.