Lead Questions for Seven Eleven of Japan, Walmart & Zara

Lead Questions for Seven Eleven of Japan, Walmart & Zara

Seven Eleven of Japan:         Questions given in the case.

Half Century of Supply Chain Management at Walmart

1. As Neuhausen, what is your analysis of Walmart’s supply chain?  Are the company’s supply chain capabilities still a source of competitive advantage?
2. How is Walmart?  How does it compare to its competitors?
3. Compare and contrast Walmart and SEJ’s supply chains.
4. What recommendations would you make for changes in Walmart’s supply chain?  

In developing your recommendations for Walmart and SEJ, please consider the two cases together.  However, your recommendations should address the concerns described in the two cases.  Also, make sure that your report is comprehensive and covers both the cases, rather than two independent reports on each case.

Zara: Fast Fashion

1. How doe’s Inditex’s performance compare with that of its competitors listed in the case?  What do comparisons indicate about Inditex’s relative operating economics? Its relative capital efficiency?
2. How specifically do the distinctive features of Zara’s business model affect its operating economics? Specifically, compare Zara with an average retailer with similar posted prices.  In order to express all advantages / disadvantages on a common basis, you may find it convenient to assume that on average, retail prices are twice as high as manufacturer’s selling prices.
3. What are the linkages between Zara’s choices on how to compete, particularly those connected to its quick response capability, and the ways in which they create competitive advantage?
4. Why might Zara fail?  How sustainable is its competitive advantage relative to those typically pursued by other apparel retailers?