Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PROJECT REPORT
ON
“WALMART”
SUBMITTED TO
SAVITRIBAI PHULE PUNE UNIVERSITY
SUBMITTED BY
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
T.Y.B.B.A.(IB) SEM- VI ( 605-A SERVICE MARKETING SPECIALISATION)
CERTIFICATE
This is to clarify that Mr/Ms. Pragati Suresh Hinge of T.Y. B.B.A (IB) Seat No.9976 having
specialization in SERVICE MARKETING has successfully completed her project on "
WALMART" as per the norms of Savitribai Phule University under the guidance of Asst.
Prof. Rashmi Bhaik for the academic the year 2024-2025.
Date: - / /2024
Place: - [Chinchwad]
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to express my sincere thanks to Pratibha College of Commerce and Computer Studies,
Chinchwad-Pune (Affiliated to SavitribaiPhule Pune University - SPPU) for giving me a
chance to be a part of this project on the topic Walmart
I thank all teaching and non-teaching staff of Pratibha College of Commerce and Computer
Studies, Chinchwad-Pune for providing access to valuable information, library books,
computer labs and other resources gracefully. I take this opportunity once again to thank all the
supporting stakeholders who are not mentioned above, but have contributed directly or
indirectly to complete this project with great success.
Sincerely,
INTRODUCTION
in the bustling landscape of retail, few names carry as much weight as Walmart. Founded in
1962 by Sam Walton, Walmart has grown from a single discount store in Rogers, Arkansas,to
a global retail behemoth with a presence in nearly every Origins and Founding Principles:
In 1962, Sam Walton, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for retail, opened the doors to
the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas. With a simple yet revolutionary concept of
offering everyday low prices to customers, Walton laid the cornerstone of what would evolve
into the world's largest retail corporation.
Central to Walmart's ethos were Walton's founding principles: prioritize the customer,
empower associates (employees), and constantly innovate to drive efficiency and savings.
These principles not only shaped the company's culture but also set Walmart on a trajectory
of unprecedented growth and success.corner of the world. With its iconic blue and yellow
logo adorning thousands of storefronts, Walmart has become synonymous with affordability,
convenience, and sheer scale.
In 1962, Sam Walton, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for retail, opened the doors to
the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas. With a simple yet revolutionary concept of
offering everyday low prices to customers, Walton laid the cornerstone of what would evolve
into the world's largest retail corporation.
Central to Walmart's ethos were Walton's founding principles: prioritize the customer,
empower associates (employees), and constantly innovate to drive efficiency and savings.
These principles not only shaped the company's culture but also set Walmart on a trajectory
of unprecedented growth and success.
Fuelled by Walton's ambition and a commitment to his founding values, Walmart embarked
on a journey of relentless expansion. From rural towns to bustling urban centers, Walmart
stores began dotting the American landscape, bringing affordable goods within reach of
millions.
The introduction of the Walmart Supercenter concept in the late 1980s marked a significant
milestone, integrating groceries with general merchandise under one roof. This innovation
not only catered to the diverse needs of consumers but also solidified Walmart's position as a
one-stop shopping destination.
As the 20th century drew to a close, Walmart set its sights beyond U.S. borders, venturing
into international markets with strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Today, Walmart
operates in multiple countries, serving diverse communities with tailored offerings while
staying true to its core values.
Moreover, Walmart embraced the digital revolution, leveraging technology to enhance the
shopping experience. From pioneering online retail to deploying cutting-edge logistics
solutions, Walmart continues to innovate, ensuring it remains at the forefront of an ever-
evolving industry.
Beyond its commercial endeavors, Walmart is deeply committed to corporate citizenship and
social responsibility. Through philanthropic initiatives, environmental sustainability efforts,
and community engagement programs, Walmart strives to make a positive impact on the
world around it.
OBJECTIVES
Our company's mission is to save people money so they can live better. By running an every
day low cost company, we deliver every day low prices on great merchandise — and help
customers around the world provide for their families.
The main goal of any company is to obtain a consistently high return on invested capital. For
investment profitability to be higher than that of competitors, the competitive advantage over
them must be stable; in other words, the quality of goods and services provided to consumers
must be higher. Walmart’s strategy depends on defining objectives, a competitive advantage,
the resources, and production capabilities that ensure sustained excellence in this changing
world.
The organizational mission is the following: “helping people around the world save money
and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores and through eCommerce” (Cuofano,
n.d., para. 1). Walmart’s vision statement is “making every day easier for busy families”
(Cuofano, n.d., para. 1). The long-term objective of the company is expressed in its mission
and vision.
Walmart aims to sustain a low-priced strategy to serve busy families and save money for
them while being presented anytime and anywhere across the US and leveraging
knowledgeable employees to help customers. Among other long-term goals are enhancing
economic opportunities, expanding sustainability measures, and strengthening local
communities (Walmart, 2018). The Walmart Great Value product line long-term strategy
should also be built on general long-term objectives.
The company’s short-term goals are the adjustment of market strategy due to COVID-19, the
development of the plan for the Great Value product line, stretching the supply chain, and
emphasizing e-commerce channels (Souza, 2020). To survive the competition and increasing
pressure from online retailers, Walmart aims to support its employees’ well-being during a
challenging time in the US and ensure that prices of its products are affordable and of good
quality. Thus, the company should have a flexible strategy to connect short- and long-term
goals.
The 5 S Model of Walmart
To address the company’s objectives and compete against other companies, Walmart should
have a clear marketing plan for its product lines and services. The 5 S model helps to identify
five main areas the organization to focus on creating a value chain for customers. The first
area is “sell” which reflects companies’ objectives to grow market share and sales. Here,
Walmart aims to sell almost everything near customers and achieve affordable prices in the
future. The short-term aim is to reduce the GReat Value product prices of products by 5%
while retaining the existing profit margins during COVID-19.
The second main area is “serve” which aims to add value through customer service. Walmart
is focused on the customer and provides buy-online-pickup-in-store and delivery services,
training employees to help clients choose goods and sustainability value that contributes to
customer experience (Petro, 2020). The third area is “sizzle,” which implies that a company
should have a wow factor to amaze clients. Walmart continues to expand its online service, e-
commerce shop, and express delivery options with the combination of low prices have a wow
effect on customers. Moreover, the diversified portfolio of services, including grocery
shopping, gas stations, online retail stores, and a loyalty program that provides discounts,
boost customer amazement (Walton, 2020).
The fourth main area is the “speak” aim that implies the necessity to get closer to customers
through frequent communication and the spread of news. Walmart continuously implements
different advertising and communication campaigns for new and existing customers with
emails, offline banners at stores, co-branding activities, and other activities (“About Us,”
n.d.). The fifth goal is to “save” aimed to make time and cost savings. Walmart improves its
supply chain management, which is one of the core management areas of the company. The
organization revises its operating costs and negotiates with suppliers the price of goods to
relocate financial resources and achieve marginal activities (Hyde, 2019).
The strategy helps Walmart identify how to get from the current situation to the long and
short‐term objectives. Here the areas of segmentation, targeting, and positioning (STP),
online value proposition (OVP), sequence (credibility before visibility), integrations, and
tools should be reviewed. The segmentation of Walmart is primarily based on customer
income lever as the organization aims to sell everything anytime and compress various
products in a single location. Thus, the segmentation includes four types of stores: discount
stores, Walmart Supercenters, Sam’s Club warehouses (selling bulk items), and
neighborhood markets (Hyde, 2019).
Walmart utilizes an undifferentiated targeting strategy to serve the market globally despite
highlighting the focus on busy households. The positioning of the organization is specific: its
focus is on providing the lowest price for customers and using a pricing advantage in
comparison to competitors (Bhasin, 2017). Walmart’s online value proposition is based on
delivery and pick-up in-store services with specific loyalty programs and discounts.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- Advertisers use effective services marketing strategies to build trust with their
customers and show them how their service can benefit them. Businesses may base
their services marketing strategies on the promotion of ideas, benefits and promises to
help them sell their services.
- For example, a company that provides wellness coaching may promote the benefits of
adopting a healthier lifestyle, the promise that they can help their customers achieve
their fitness goals and the idea that incorporating an effective wellness routine is
easier with the help of a certified coach.
Walmart is a multinational giant corporation that operates retail stores in the form of
hypermarkets. It was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton. Today the company has more than
10,000 stores and clubs in 24 countries. The Walton family controls the company. The
billionaires of the Walton family include Jim Walton, Alice Walton, S. Robson Walton,
Lukas Walton, Ann Walton Kroenke, Nancy Walton Laurie and Christy Walton.
Walmart's Marketing strategy makes it successful in the competitive retail business. The
competition in the retail business is immense, and many companies have failed to survive in
this business. Walmart's marketing strategy has also helped the company to face the
onslaught of the e-commerce giant Amazon. The way Walmart is run is stable because of its
management procedures. The Walmart Marketing Mix is why the big store has been so
successful.
Walmart Report contains the application of the major analytical strategic frameworks in
business studies such as SWOT, PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces, Value Chain analysis and
McKinsey 7S Model on Walmart. Moreover, the report contains analyses of Walmart’s
business strategy, leadership and organizational structure and its marketing strategy. The
report also discusses the issues of corporate social responsibility.
Walmart 7Ps of marketing comprises elements of the marketing mix that consists of product,
place, price, promotion, process, people and physical evidence.
Product. Walmart sells a wide range of products belonging to the following categories:
groceries
entertainment
health and wellness – including pharmacy
hardlines – including stationery, auto spares, and accessories
hardware
apparel
home furnishings
household appliances
Despite the low prices, Walmart attempts to position its products as quality and this message
is integrated into company’s marketing strategy. For example, in China Walmart utilizes
“Worry Free Fresh” program to provide a money-back guarantee if its produce and meats
don’t meetcustomer expectations. Wallmart.com offers about 8 million items in the US and it
is duly considered to be one of the largest online stores in the world.
Place. With more than 11,000 stores, websites and mobile apps, customers can access
Walmart via multiple channels.During the fiscal year of 2016, Walmart is planned to expand
by approximately 15 to 16 million total net retail square feet, representing between 240 and
270 units. Walmart stores are operated in the following four formats:
Walmart has launched its dedicated e-commerce websites in 11 countries and the proportion
of online sales compared to the traditional offline sales has been consistently increasing for
the past 10 years.
Price. Walmart has based its competitive advantage on cost leadership. Accordingly, the
retailer aims to offer the lowest price possible according to its motto ‘everyday low prices’.
Walmart Price Match Policy formulated on its website states the following:
“We’re committed to providing low prices every day, on everything. So if you find a lower
price from an online retailer on an identical, in-stock product, or the item purchased from
Walmart.com is now listed at a lower price, tell us and we’ll match it”
Importance of Price in Competitive Retail Business
Price determines how successful and long-lasting a product will be in the future. It tells how
much money will be made from the sale and how competitive the product will be on the
market. If you charge a high price, the sales volume will decrease. On the other hand, if you
charge a very low price, the volume will increase. All companies strive to achieve the correct
mix between the price and volume. Walmart has perfected its pricing strategy via the
following methods:-
Instead of charging too much for the products, Walmart maximises its income by making
prices customer-friendly and focusing on bulk sales.
Walmart is known for its superior procurement methods in negotiating prices to keep the
costs low.
Diversification makes sure that if one product doesn't get enough attention, other products
that go well with it can help boost sales of other products.
Universal barcoding and stock-keeping unit (SKU) systems make the supply chain run more
smoothly, letting prices go down.
Walmart allows the financing of big-ticket items like appliances and furniture. This keeps the
initial outlay of the consumer law.
Product Marketing
There are a lot of things for sale at Walmart stores. They give the market what the people
want. It is easier to sell and promote a product that people want than to bring something new
to the market. Walmart chooses what products to sell by using the following methods:
• They have a huge number of items in almost every category. Some of these are food,
tools, furniture, appliances, health and wellness products, and fun things to do.
• They buy bulk to save money and take advantage of economies of scale.
The methods an organization uses to get people interested in or learn about its product are
known as promotions.
The store uses phrases like "Save money, live better," "lowest price store," "worry-free
fresh," and "everyday low pricing" to get the consumer excited.
Walmart uses many different ways to advertise, such as commercials on TV, billboards,
social media, and eCommerce websites.
They offer safe shipping options that give online customers the best quality of service.
Walmart backs up most of their products with reliable warranties and replacement policies,
which gives customers peace of mind.
Store Location
Location is important for every business. Customers care a lot about where a business is and
how easy it is to get to. Walmart uses several strategies to make sure that all aspects of
location, which is part of the marketing mix, are effective and efficient:
A powerful eCommerce platform lets people buy things without going to a real store.
A well-organized network of distribution centers that makes it easy for businesses to pick up
orders and send products straight to customers.
The company can keep track of whether they are on the way or in stock.
Walmart stores, mostly in the U.S., are strategically placed in places that are good for
business.
A fleet of delivery trucks makes it easy to get things from door to door.
Getting people to buy something is all about setting prices right. Businesses must know
where to put their items and how much to charge for them based on who they want to sell to.
When intermediaries are taken out of the supply chain, merchants can save money and pass it
on to their customers.
New age businesses need to connect with the consumers with the help of their customer
service. Promotions form an important part of putting out the message. For example, Walmart
allows the return of its products, which induces consumer confidence.
A digital presence is now nearly as crucial, if not more important, than a physical presence.
Walmart's marketing strategy is successful as it has built a brand based on trust. The
confidence the consumers have while purchasing at Walmart allows it to stand ahead of the
competition. With the right price, place, promotions and product, the company has been able
to differentiate itself from the immense competition. The Walmart marketing strategy
includes the other P's like people, process, etc. Their hiring strategy of choosing the right
employees gives it an advantage, especially against Amazon, which is used to getting roiled
up in controversies regarding the labor conditions.
METHODOLOGY
All companies have equal project management opportunities to lead teams, understand
organizational goals, and produce results per clients’ needs. Walmart managers are free to
implement any methodology, depending on their purposes, circumstances, and resources.
Scrum is a methodology that allows employees to work together through detailed and
restrictive planning and intervals where customer feedback is obtained and analyzed. This
method is based on three pillars: transparency (a clear understanding of goals and
responsibilities), inspection (empirical processes to control and evaluate work), and
adaptation (an ability for managers to get ready for changes) (Malakar, 2021). Scrum is a
highly prescriptive framework with small tasks for three accountabilities, namely, product
owner, scrum master, and development team. If the company does not want to establish
specific roles and regulate change, another methodology, Kanban, may be recommended.
The main idea of Kanban is to visualize work, limit progress, and improve efficiency. As
well as Scrum, Kanban has a simplified form of control and easy adaptation (Malakar,
2021). Their differences lie in cadence (Scrum is sprint fixed, and Kanban is continuous),
focus (customers for Scrum, and quality for Kanban), and roles.
The comparison of Scrum and Kanban proves certain advantages and disadvantages for
the Walmart IT project. The company offers its technologies and capabilities to other
businesses and chooses Adobe for further collaboration to meet customers’ needs and
introduce better services for differentiated experiences (Walmart to offer technologies and
capabilities, 2021). Walmart would benefit from Scrum in this case due to its high
planning capacities and the possibility to control performance speed. Various Walmart
leverage technologies require workflow that could be changed anytime, which is
Kanban’s priority. Although Kanban attracts attention by its commitment and continuous
observations, Scrum makes it possible to learn what customers presume to get from this
partnership and divide team responsibilities.
Waterfall vs. Agile
On the other hand, there are enough reasons to continue comparing Waterfall and Agile, and
the Walmart IP project is ambiguous. For example, the company has one specific goal to
establish commercialization relationships with Adobe (Walmart to offer technologies and
capabilities, 2021). Thus, it is necessary to gather information about a new partner, evaluate
the situation, and deploy the process, and it is a part of a perfect Waterfall plan. At the same
time, a variety of services offered by Walmart cannot permit the selection of one project
manager for all processes, which plays an essential role in a linear approach. The Agile idea to
neglect the choice of a dedicated manager is more attractive to Walmart in its current IT
project. Both methodologies are grounded on strong principles, and Walmart may succeed
with both options.
However, the company should not ignore drawbacks before sharing final decision-making.
Tools
Gantt Chart
In addition to a properly chosen project management methodology, Walmart’s business
project developers must understand what tools to use and manage all working processes
effectively. This choice determines the quality of information about the project clearly
and comprehensively, and many project managers prefer charts. A Gantt chart is one of
the most prominent charts in today’s business management. Its creator, Henry Gantt, used
the form of a bar chart where the vertical axis identifies the tasks, and the horizontal axis
represents the time span (Mall, 2018). In this chart, shaded parts show the length of time
for each task, and unshaded parts indicate the lax (flexible) time (Mall, 2018). Walmart
managers are able to observe the completion of each process and relate all tasks.
Gantt charts make it possible to review project tasks and understand when final results
should be achieved. In the Walmart IT project, there are many areas for improvement,
including the integration of Walmart’s Marketplace, the implementation of the Adobe
Commerce platform, and the combination of available technologies (Walmart to offer
technologies and capabilities, 2021). A Gantt chart is a unique overview of all tasks to
manage resources, track changes, balance employees’ responsibilities, and set realistic
deadlines.
Work Breakdown Structure
Work breakdown structure (WBS) is another practical way for Walmart to manage its IT
project. If the decision to break down the commercialization process into milestones is
made, WBS can be properly implemented in this case. Although there are no statistics,
figures, and time-frames in this tool, the users get a chance to represent all activities and
sub-activities as per their hierarchical levels (Mall, 2018). WBS is characterized by
increased productivity, accountability, and transparency in project management. Walmart
employees will find it hard to track the connection between tasks and deal with unclear
deadlines, unplanned changes, and unstable delivery requirements.
PERT Chart
The project evaluation and review technique, or a PERT chart, is one more popular project
management tool for scheduling and monitoring tasks. Walmart enhances the shopping
experience for customers by using various technologies and resources (Walmart to offer
technologies and capabilities, 2021). As there are no specific deadlines for this goal, the
duration of activities does not matter. PERT charts are activity networks with boxes and
arrows to guide the team and prove each task’s dependency (Mall, 2018). Sometimes, project
managers are confused about parallel activities to be taken simultaneously, but problems
disappear as soon as some experience is obtained.
SERICES PROVIDED BY WALMART
-Payment methods
-Money services
-Product warranties
-Home services
-Gifts and registries
-Auto services
-Health and pharmacy services
PHARMACY
HEALTH AND WELLNES
CUSTOM CAKES
UPLOAD PHOTO
The findings section of a project on Walmart typically presents the results of research,
analysis, and observations related to various aspects of the company. Here are some potential
findings that could be included in such a project:
2. Market Dominance: Research indicates that Walmart is the largest retailer in the world by
revenue, with a significant market share in various product categories, including groceries,
apparel, and consumer electronics. Its extensive network of stores and distribution centers
gives Walmart a competitive advantage over its rivals.
3. Supply Chain Management: Examination of Walmart's supply chain practices highlights its
efficient inventory management, just-in-time delivery systems, and strategic partnerships
with suppliers. By leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics, Walmart minimizes
costs, reduces lead times, and ensures product availability across its vast network.
6. Customer Satisfaction: Surveys and customer feedback suggest that Walmart's value
proposition of offering low prices and a wide selection resonates with a broad demographic
of consumers. However, some customers express concerns about issues such as store
cleanliness, employee morale, and product quality, indicating areas for potential
improvement.
7. International Expansion: Examination of Walmart's international operations reveals mixed
results in different markets. While Walmart has achieved success in some countries by
adapting its business model to local preferences and market conditions, it has faced
challenges in others due to regulatory issues, cultural differences, and competition from local
retailers.
These findings provide insights into Walmart's performance, strategies, and impact on
various stakeholders, offering valuable information for stakeholders, researchers, and
policymakers interested in understanding the dynamics of the retail industry.
SUGGESTIONS
Conclusion
The science behind AI-based proposals could be a complex preparation involving machine
learning calculations, information analysis, and natural language processing.
Once the information has been collected, it is analyzed utilizing machine learning algorithms
that are trained to distinguish designs and make forecasts around what items a client is likely
to be curious about. These calculations utilize various procedures, such as collaborative
filtering and content-based filtering, to produce personalized recommendations that are
custom-fitted to each customer's preferences.
Collaborative filtering may be a strategy that compares a customer's behavior to that of other
comparable clients in order to distinguish items they may be inquisitive about. For
illustration, on the off chance that two clients have similar browsing and buy histories, and
one of them has acquired a product that the other has not, the proposal motor might suggest
that item to the moment client based on the behavior of the primary.
Conversely, content-based filtering looks at the properties of the items themselves to create
suggestions. For illustration, if a client has acquired a combination of running shoes, the
recommendation engine might recommend other running-related items, such as a workout
dress or wellness extras.
At last, natural language processing is utilized to analyze client questions and search for
terms to supply more accurate and important suggestions. By understanding the setting and
expectation of a customer's look inquiry, the proposal motor can give more exact proposals
that coordinate the customer's needs and inclinations.
CONCLUSION
In the annals of retail history, Walmart's legacy shines brightly as a testament to innovation,
resilience, and customer-centricity. From its modest beginnings in a small Arkansas town to
its global prominence, Walmart has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in
retail. By embracing technology, pioneering new business models, and prioritizing the needs
of its customers, Walmart has not only transformed the retail landscape but also redefined the
expectations of consumers worldwide. As we look to the future, Walmart's legacy of
innovation serves as an inspiration for businesses across industries, demonstrating that with
vision, determination, and a relentless focus on the customer, even the loftiest of goals can be
achieved.
Beyond its role as a retail juggernaut, Walmart has emerged as a global force for good,
leveraging its resources and influence to drive positive change in communities around the
world. Through philanthropic initiatives, sustainability efforts, and community engagement
programs, Walmart has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to corporate citizenship and
social responsibility. Whether supporting disaster relief efforts, championing environmental
conservation, or empowering underserved communities, Walmart's impact extends far
beyond the aisles of its stores. As we reflect on Walmart's journey, we are reminded that
business success and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are
intrinsically linked, with each reinforcing the other to create a brighter, more sustainable
future for all.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, Walmart remains at the
forefront of change, poised to adapt and thrive in the face of new challenges and
opportunities. With a legacy built on a foundation of innovation, efficiency, and customer
satisfaction, Walmart is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of an increasingly
digital world. By embracing emerging technologies, exploring new markets, and staying true
to its core values, Walmart is writing the next chapter in its storied history, one marked by
continued growth, expansion, and relevance in an ever-changing marketplace. As consumers,
employees, and stakeholders alike, we eagerly anticipate the next phase of Walmart's journey,
confident that its legacy of success will endure for generations to come.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
https://www.scribd.com/document/184816442/wallmart-project-report
https://www.almabetter.com/bytes/articles/introduction-to-walmarts-personalized-product-
recommendations
https://www.totalassignmenthelp.com/free-sample/operations-management-assignment-case-
analysis-of-walmart-and-project-management