"IS WAL-MART GOOD FOR AMERICA" - Assignment Example

IS WAL-MART GOOD FOR AMERICA? IS WAL-MART GOOD FOR AMERICA? I noticed that Wal-Mart shareholders meeting are different from other stakeholders meetings. It involved a mammoth of people in a stadium, entailed chants from across the divide. I also noticed team Wal-mart and the participation of different celebrities. It is an exciting experience with an upbeat atmosphere (Frontline 2004). Wal-Mart tracks its inventories through own satellite system and Telson. It also keeps a record of history of products, prices, and trending costs.

The approach ensures timely generation of orders, faster delivery, and constant flow of products of goods in the market.The decline of Rubbermaid in the period of 1994 to 2004 began when price of resin increased, and Wal-mart could not afford the new prices. In addition, reductions for products in the market influenced sale of Rubbermaid assets to Newell and the subsequent loss of jobs. Opening price point is the inexpensive product in a particular line. It attracts customers and facilitates decision making in regards to the purchases that are not necessarily low (Boone 2012).

President Clinton’s decisions about free market in America enabled merging and acquisition of Chinese and American firms.The comparison of Five Rivers Electronics and Thomson Firm after the president’s directionProblems Thomson Five Rivers ElectronicsThomson manufactured glass portion of the televisionManufacturing firms began to close operations even before the beginning of the competition by the Chinese competition. The products produced by Chinese companies for the American market were substandardThe company lost Sanyo contract in 2003 because of unfair competitionThe free market leads to the importation of about 11% components from China.

The company further filed complaint against Wal-mart firms for the substandard goods exported to America. Results Thomson Five RiversThomson closed major plants in May 2003. Main reasons include cheaper glass in Chinese Market, uncertain future prospects. In turn, more people lost their jobs.In response, Wal-mart attested against Five Rivers. However, the company won the case. The outcome made Five Rivers more competitive and facilitated reevaluation of import duties that resulted in increased Chinese prices.

I am surprised to discover the aggressiveness of Wal-mart in production and distribution of low-cost products. Specifically, I am perplexed about the innovative ideas of global sourcing concept and how the firm manages to influence prices of other commodities in America.Wal-mart strategies are fair yet they adversely affect other producers. However, in the context of buyers the tactics avail cheap goods for everyone. It is providing a broad range of products at rock-bottom cost taking into consideration the prevailing economic situations (Boone 2012)The documentary has not influenced my purchasing decisions because I believe in quality products at affordable prices.

I will keep my regular routine.Wal-mart should embrace a collaborative management approach and diversify its production mechanisms to balance the needs of different stakeholders and workers. Wal-mart should train and involve workers in supply chain management.ReferenceFrontline. (2004). is Wal-mart good for America? [Television interview]. USA: PBS.Boone, L. (2012). Contemporary marketing, 2013 update. s.l.: Cengage learning custom p.