Prepare an in-depth analysis of four case studies during the semester. Here are some guidelines:

• This is an individual assessment, which is a part from your course score. It requires effort and critical thinking
• This assignment will worth 25 mark (Case Study Questions 15 Marks/ Presentation 10 Marks)
• Answer all the questions listed below for each case.
• The ‘answers’ to the questions are best formulated by reviewing the case and the reading materials up and including the current week in the course.
• The questions are worded to help you apply the readings to the case, so don’t limit yourself to the case’s terminology and perspective. The best analysis will abstract the case content by applying the reading materials to draw broader lessons about the material
• As for the Presentation you should summarize your analysis of only one case study in a set of PowerPoint slides

Case Study 3 : Walmart

• How IT and IS may be used to help the company operate and achieve its objectives. (1 Mark)
• Discuss the challenges faced by the CIO – which are the most important and why? (1 Mark)
• What role does information technology play in the business? How is it helping Walmart refine its business strategies? (1 Mark)
• Summarize the main purposes of information systems in organizations (1 Mark)

Case Study 3 : Walmart

With the advent of science and technology, technological innovations have become a pre-requisite to achieve operational and strategic excellence. Organizations by using state-of-the-art systems, are striving for their best to achieve sustainable and long-term competitive advantage. It has become sine qua non to use modern tools for the effective achievement of goals and objectives. Its importance can also be observed from the increased spending on Research & Development in order to pace up with the todays dynamic business environment.

Wal-Mart, founded by Sam Walton in 1962, is the world’s largest retailer that employs about 2.1 million associates worldwide, in more than 8,400 stores, including 8, discount stores, 3,100 combination discount and grocery stores. Wal-Mart is serving its customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,613 retail units under 55 different banners in 15 countries. Wal-Mart has ranked first among retailers in Fortune Magazine’s 2010 Most Admired Companies survey with fiscal year 2010 sales of $405 billion. Sam Walton’s belief was to build an empire by providing value to its customers and empowering employees, also known as associates. The way the Wal-Mart operates is so fascinating and impressive that Jack Welch, CEO of General Electric once said: “Many of our management teams spent time there observing the speed, the bias for action, the utter customer fixation that drives Wal-Mart.”

The use of high-tech Information technology has always been an essential ingredient for Wal-Mart’s growth. Since its inception, it has used the IT systems well enough for the Inventory, administrative, customers and suppliers management.