{"id":41428,"date":"2021-09-06T10:59:05","date_gmt":"2021-09-06T10:59:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.msmehub.org\/?p=41428"},"modified":"2021-09-06T10:59:05","modified_gmt":"2021-09-06T10:59:05","slug":"creating-a-sustainable-competitive-advantage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/msmehub.org\/staging\/6671\/creating-a-sustainable-competitive-advantage\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating a Sustainable Competitive Advantage"},"content":{"rendered":"

To win in the marketplace on a sustainable basis, you have to choose a game plan (from among the many options) by matching the external opportunities with your distinctive internal competencies. One must, however, not take \u2018\u2019exploiting distinctive competencies\u2019\u2019 as an end in itself \u2013 it is only a means to an end.<\/p>\n

\u2018\u2019The real essence of business is to find and keep customers.\u2019\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wal-Mart\u2019s Sources of Competitive Advantage<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

A behemoth like Wal-Mart derives its competitive advantage from various sources.<\/p>\n

First, its low cost and efficient operations. It does a lot of little things extremely well and they all add up to a tremendous cost advantage.<\/p>\n

Second, its market position. Its small-town rural strategy has evolved into a network of stores with a relatively large number of \u2018\u2019local monopolies.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

Third, its culture and human resources management. It’s empowered and committed associated \u2018\u2019live to work for the glory of Wal-Mart.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

Fourth, its founder \u2013 Sam Walton \u2013 is Wal-Mart\u2019s biggest enthusiast and cheerleader. He provided value by having a vision, setting the strategy, and creating the culture that drove the entire strategy.<\/p>\n

Questions for Your Business:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n