Business Finance - Operations Management 6-3 Assignment: 24-month Pro Forma
BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS
JACOB WRIGHT
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
BUS-400: DRIVING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
PROFESSOR WINKELHAKE
COMPANY: WALMART
LAST UPDATED: 29 SEPTEMBER 2023
UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION
Walmart's unique value proposition leverages the Blue Ocean Strategy by offering an expansive and cost-effective product assortment in physical stores and online stores. This strategy allows Walmart to cater to price-conscious consumers of all demographics. By providing a one-stop shopping destination with low prices, Walmart gains a strategic advantage in the marketplace, attracting a broad customer base and fostering customer loyalty.
1: KEY BUSINESS MODEL QUESTIONS: THE CUSTOMER
- Customer Acquisition: Walmart acquires customers through a multi-channel approach, including in-store foot traffic, online shopping, and marketing campaigns (Jindal et al., 2021).
- Delivery Channels: Walmart delivers products and services to customers through its extensive network of physical stores, an efficient supply chain, and a user-friendly e-commerce platform (Jindal et al., 2021).
- Customer Relationship Management: Walmart maintains customer relationships through various means, including personalized shopping recommendations, loyalty programs, and responsive customer service to enhance the overall shopping experience.
1(A): KEY BUSINESS MODEL QUESTIONS: THE CUSTOMER, CONTINUED
- Walmart employs a pricing strategy that offers competitive, low prices to its customers, catering to price-conscious consumers (Wood & Wood, 2023). Its revenue model relies on high-volume sales with thin profit margins.
- While specific revenue calculations require more data, Walmart's financial reports and sales data analysis enable it to estimate revenues for the next month, quarter, and year.
- Key activities for delivering value include efficient supply chain management, inventory control, customer service, and marketing to ensure the availability of affordable products and a seamless shopping experience.
2: KEY BUSINESS MODEL QUESTIONS: ASSETS, PARTNERS, AND COST
- Walmart's assets include a vast network of physical stores, e-commerce infrastructure, a well-established supply chain, and a strong brand reputation(Walmart, 2023).
- Key partners for Walmart encompass suppliers, logistics companies, technology providers, and various stakeholders in the retail ecosystem (Walmart, 2023).
- Cost structures entail operating expenses related to store maintenance, staffing, and logistics. Additionally, procurement costs are associated with sourcing products, while technology investments are made in e-commerce and digital initiatives to enhance the customer experience.
3: CREATE YOUR OWN BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS CHART
Key Partners
- Partnerships with a diverse range of suppliers, including local and international, to ensure a robust supply chain.
- Collaborations with technology providers for e-commerce and digital capabilities.
- Partnerships with logistics companies for efficient distribution and delivery.
- Engagement with community organizations to support DEI and CSR initiatives.
Key Activities
- In-store and online sales operations will require significant workforce.
- E-commerce platform maintenance and development.
- Regular inventory management and restocking.
- Marketing and advertising campaigns to promote the new product/service.
Key Resources
- Retail Stores
- E-commerce Platform
- Supply Chain
- Human Capital
- Supplier Relationships
- Financial Capital
Value Proposition
Value Proposition:
- Broad product assortment
- Competitive pricing
- Convenient shopping experience
- Multichannel accessibility
Risks to Business Model:
- Supplier relationships
- Competitive market
- Regulatory challenges
Strengthening the Business Model:
- Diversify supplier base
- Continuous market analysis
- Regulatory compliance measures
Customer Relationship
- Walmart will maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Utilizing digital channels for customer engagement and support will be a priority.
- Data analytics will be key in understanding and catering to customer preferences.
- A robust customer feedback mechanism will be in place to address concerns and improve offerings.
Channels
- Leveraging Walmart's extensive physical store network and e-commerce platforms as distribution channels.
- Utilizing online and offline advertising and promotions to drive customer traffic.
- Leveraging existing partnerships with suppliers and logistics providers for efficient inventory management and order fulfillment.
Customer Segments
- Diverse customer segments, including price-conscious consumers of all demographics.
- The product/service caters to a broad customer base seeking affordability and convenience.
Cost Structure
Operating Costs: Efficient store operations and supply chain management will help control operating costs.
Procurement Costs: Strong supplier relationships and bulk purchasing can minimize procurement expenses.
Technology Investments: Investment in e-commerce and digital initiatives can optimize technology-related costs.
Revenue Streams
- Revenue will primarily come from product sales both in physical stores and online.
- Additional revenue may be generated through subscription-based services like premium memberships.
- Advertising and promotional partnerships could contribute to revenue through sponsored content and placements.
- Strategic collaborations with other brands or retailers might result in revenue-sharing opportunities.
- Potential revenue from data monetization may exist, utilizing customer insights for targeted marketing and partnerships.
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4: CONSIDER YOUR BUSINESS MODEL
- Proceeding with this new product/service aligns with Walmart's core strategy of offering affordable products and expanding its customer base.
- The BMC chart indicates strong potential for revenue generation, particularly through the vast existing customer network and supply chain capabilities.
- Leveraging Walmart's existing assets, partnerships, and market presence enhances the feasibility of this endeavor.
- Risks to the Business Model:
- Risks include potential supply chain disruptions, especially if there are dependencies on specific suppliers (Gurtu & Johny, 2021).
- Competition from other retailers or e-commerce giants could impact market share and profitability.
- Changing consumer preferences and market dynamics may affect the success of the new product/service.
- Strengthening the Business Model:
- Establishing relationships with multiple suppliers can mitigate supply chain risks.
- Regularly analyzing market trends and adapting the product/service to evolving customer preferences can reduce risks associated with changing consumer behavior.
- Continuous monitoring of the SWOT analysis and proactive adjustments to the business model will help in risk reduction and long-term sustainability.
5: CLARIFY YOUR BUSINESS MODEL ASSUMPTIONS
| BMC Chart Item in Question | This Is a Fact. Here Is My Evidence: | This Is an Assumption |
| Collaborations with technology providers for e-commerce and digital capabilities. | Walmart can gain more from collaboration with technology providers and e-commerce. For example, the company can streamline its costs and supply chain. | |
| Potential revenue from data monetization may exist, utilizing customer insights for targeted marketing and partnerships. | X | |
| Investment in e-commerce and digital initiatives can optimize technology-related costs. | Walmart invests in e-commerce and digital initiatives to optimize technology costs. | |
| Efficient store operations and supply chain management will help control operating costs. | Walmart emphasizes efficient operations to manage its operating costs effectively. | |
| Revenue will primarily come from product sales both in physical stores and online. | Walmart derives most of its revenue from product sales through its retail channels. | |
| Partnerships with logistics companies for efficient distribution and delivery. | Walmart partners with logistics companies to ensure efficient distribution and delivery. | |
| Collaborations with technology providers for e-commerce and digital capabilities. | Walmart invests in e-commerce and digital initiatives to optimize technology costs. |
6: PREPARING TO MEET CUSTOMERS: MATERIALS AND SALES PROCESS
- Website (✔️ Highlighted)
- Customer presentation
- Marketing plan (✔️ Highlighted)
- Sales process description
- Acquisition of customers (✔️ Highlighted)
- The sales process (for example: website sales)
- Pricing options: single-priced product or service versus multi-tier pricing
7: UPDATE YOUR DOCUMENTATION
- The product/service is targeted at price-conscious consumers of all demographics.
- The type of value our product/service delivers is affordable products and a convenient shopping experience.
- Our product/service is unlike others because of Walmart's vast product assortment and low prices, which make it unique in meeting the needs of budget-conscious shoppers across various demographics.
9: UPDATED BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS CHART
Key Partners
- Strong partnerships with diverse suppliers, including local and international, ensure a robust supply chain.
- Collaborations with technology providers for e-commerce and digital capabilities are in place.
- Partnerships with logistics companies support efficient distribution and delivery.
- Engagement with community organizations is established to support DEI and CSR initiatives.
Key Activities
- Workforce for sales operations.
- E-commerce platform maintenance.
- Inventory management.
- Marketing campaigns.
Key Resources
- Retail Stores
- E-commerce Platform
- Supply Chain
- Human Capital
- Supplier Relationships
- Financial Capital
Value Proposition
- Broad product assortment to cater to diverse customer preferences.
- Competitive pricing strategies to attract price-conscious consumers.
- A convenient shopping experience across both physical and online channels.
- Multichannel accessibility allows customers to shop in-store and online seamlessly.
Customer Relationship
- Walmart's commitment to customer satisfaction remains a top priority.
- Leveraging digital channels for enhanced customer engagement and support.
- Data analytics will be utilized for better understanding and catering to customer preferences.
- A robust feedback mechanism will address concerns and improve offerings.
Channels
- Leveraging Walmart's extensive physical store network and e-commerce platforms as distribution channels.
- Utilizing online and offline advertising and promotions to drive customer traffic.
- Leveraging existing partnerships with suppliers and logistics providers for efficient inventory management and order fulfillment.
Customer Segments
- Diverse customer segments, including price-conscious consumers of all demographics.
- The product/service caters to a broad customer base seeking affordability and convenience.
Cost Structure
- Operating Costs: Efficient store operations and supply chain management will help control operating costs.
- Procurement Costs: Strong supplier relationships and bulk purchasing can minimize procurement expenses.
- Technology Investments: Investment in e-commerce and digital initiatives can optimize technology-related costs.
Revenue Streams
- Primary revenue source: Product sales through physical stores and online channels.
- Supplementary revenue: Subscription-based services (premium memberships).
- Additional revenue: Advertising and promotional partnerships (sponsored content and placements).
- Revenue sharing: Potential from strategic collaborations with other brands or retailers.
- Data monetization: Possible revenue stream through customer insights for targeted marketing and partnerships.
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10: REFERENCES
- Gurtu, A., & Johny, J. (2021). Supply Chain Risk Management: Literature Review. Risks, 9(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/risks9010016
- Jindal, R. P., Gauri, D. K., Li, W., & Ma, Y. (2021). Omnichannel battle between Amazon and Walmart: Is the focus on delivery the best strategy? Journal of Business Research, 122, 270–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.08.053
- Walmart. (2023). Climate change. Climate Change. https://corporate.walmart.com/purpose/esgreport/environmental/climate-change
- Wood, R., & Wood, R. (2023, February 12). How Walmart’s Pricing Strategy Has Made It A Dominant Force As The World’s Largest Retailer | Pricing Insight Australia. Pricing Insight Australia | Start generating profit by using advanced data science methods to optimise your pricing. https://pricinginsight.com.au/walmarts-pricing-strategy/#:~:text=Walmart's%20core%20strategy%20is%20low,products%20at%20everyday%20low%20prices.