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Case
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Reference no. 803-047-1
Subject category: Entrepreneurship
Published by: IBS Center for Management Research
Published in: 2003

Abstract

This case discusses the entrepreneurial skills and visionary leadership of Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart. It examines his contribution in accelerating the growth of the retailing industry. It explains how Walton transformed Wal-Mart, a start-up in the 1950s, into a multibillion dollar global retailing industry giant. The case details the beliefs, philosophies and value system of Walton. The case examines the best practices initiated by Walton for Wal-Mart in providing excellent customer service, pricing its products and managing human resources. Finally, the case examines Walton''s management style and discusses the growth of Wal-Mart until mid-2003. This case is designed to enable students to: (1) understand the role of an entrepreneur in transforming a retailing start-up into a global leader in the industry; (2) analyse the leadership qualities of Sam Walton and identify his philosophy, beliefs and value systems that contributed to the success of Wal-Mart; (3) understand the role of a leader in developing a vision, core values and a strong culture for an organisation; (3) examine the innovative practices introduced by highly successful entrepreneurs and leaders; and (4) examine the role of a leader in recognising and emphasising the importance of customer service. This case is aimed at MBA/PGDBA students, and is intended to be part of the entrepreneurship curriculum.
Location:
Industry:
Size:
Very large
Other setting(s):
1918-2003

About

Abstract

This case discusses the entrepreneurial skills and visionary leadership of Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart. It examines his contribution in accelerating the growth of the retailing industry. It explains how Walton transformed Wal-Mart, a start-up in the 1950s, into a multibillion dollar global retailing industry giant. The case details the beliefs, philosophies and value system of Walton. The case examines the best practices initiated by Walton for Wal-Mart in providing excellent customer service, pricing its products and managing human resources. Finally, the case examines Walton''s management style and discusses the growth of Wal-Mart until mid-2003. This case is designed to enable students to: (1) understand the role of an entrepreneur in transforming a retailing start-up into a global leader in the industry; (2) analyse the leadership qualities of Sam Walton and identify his philosophy, beliefs and value systems that contributed to the success of Wal-Mart; (3) understand the role of a leader in developing a vision, core values and a strong culture for an organisation; (3) examine the innovative practices introduced by highly successful entrepreneurs and leaders; and (4) examine the role of a leader in recognising and emphasising the importance of customer service. This case is aimed at MBA/PGDBA students, and is intended to be part of the entrepreneurship curriculum.

Settings

Location:
Industry:
Size:
Very large
Other setting(s):
1918-2003

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