Communication Technology

by: Kimberly Wylie

Table of Contents

Abstract 2

Communication Technology 3

References 7

Abstract

Throughout a variety of industries, advances in communication technology have changed the way organizations do business. Some organizations, such as retailing giant Wal- Mart Stores, Inc. and their subsidiary Wal-Mart.com, are utilizing this technology to open new distribution channels for its customers. Some are utilizing this technology to build its business from within, facilitating team building and productivity. No matter how it is used, when communication technology is utilized effectively and efficiently it provides a competitive advantage for the organization.

Communication Technology

Throughout a variety of industries, advances in communication technology have changed the way organizations do business. Some organizations, such as retailing giant Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and their subsidiary Wal-Mart.com, are utilizing this technology to open new distribution channels for its customers. Some are utilizing this technology to build its business from within, facilitating team building and productivity. No matter how it is used, when communication technology is utilized effectively and efficiently it provides a competitive advantage for the organization.

As mentioned above, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has found a use for the advancements of communication technology, in the offering of its products to consumers via the Internet and improving their business practices. Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer, with more than 4,800 stores. Although approximately 75% of its stores are in the United States, they have been expanding into other regions, such as Canada and Mexico, where Wal-Mart is the #1 retailer, South America, Asia, and Europe. (Biesada, 2004a)

Wal-Mart has been a trendsetter throughout its corporate history, taking advantages of opportunities that other retailers passed over. ‘Just in time’ inventory control was made popular in the United States thanks to Wal-Mart’s demonstrated success with the concept. Volume discounting has taken on a whole new meaning in the industry, thanks to Wal-Mart. Supercenters, warehouse clubs, and more are all ways Wal-Mart has managed to take advantage of opportunities that were presented to them. With this in mind, it is not so surprising that they would see the advancement of communication technology as another valuable opportunity to seize utilize.

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