Logistics Discussion Questions

Please answers questions following the numbers. Your entry should be at least 10 sentences (or more). You can use articles, videos, etc. If you use outside source please write citations too.

1. Discuss how infrastructure development relates to the facilitation of trade. Do you think development promotes trade, or follows the development of trade?  Try to do this at the component level.  (IE: Institutional development vs. Physical development) Support your statements with relevant data and articles.

2. Go shopping. Look at products and their packaging. Measure packages or case bottoms or try and estimate the measurements.  Sometimes online shopping sites will give you package dimensions. How do these measurements compare to container sizes?  How has the container influenced packaging?

3. Some companies will use a trucker designated by their forwarder, customshouse broker, or warehouse. Other companies will directly engage a particular company to move their cargo from port to warehouse.  Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

4. Learning Objectives:
5. To get a glimpse of Wal-mart’s world power
6. To see how they work with their suppliers
7. Understanding their major strategy, low costs and go global

Frontline did a great documentary about Wal-mart, titled, “Is Wal-mart Good for America?” Please click the link below and view all five short videos.

1. Wal-marts Revolutionary Power
2. Muscling Manufacturers
3. The Strategy Low Costs and Go Global
4. China’s view of Wal-mart-Big Partner c
5. Taking the Hits

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/view/

1. After viewing the video, ask yourself the following five questions:

Wal-mart’s Revolutionary Power- How has Wal-mart and other giant chains reversed 100 years of history, and made mass global retailers more powerful then manufacturers?

Muscling Manufacturers- When Rubbermaid had to raise their prices, due to the increase in cost of raw materials, most retailers accepted the price increase. Wal-mart complained and eventually dropped Rubbermaid as a supplier. Do you feel this was ethical on Wal-marts part?

The Strategy-Low Cost & Go Global- Why is the opening price point so important to Wal-mart?

China’s View of Wal-mart-Big Partner- In what ways has China benefited from all Wal-mart’s business?

Taking the Hits- Is it fair that due to Wal-mart’s increase in imports, that American companies like Thomson Consumer Electronics, go out of business?

2. After thinking about the above five elements, Find/read a recent article and/or video on Walmarts operations and A) post your opinion regarding “Is Wal-mart Good for America?” and B) support your position by including some of your thoughts regarding the above five elements and the findings of your recent article.