The Challenge Case “Wal-Mart Plans to Have What You Want” was written to help you better understand the management concepts contained in this chapter. Answer the following discussion questions about the Challenge Case to better understand how principles of planning can be applied in a company like Wal-Mart.

1. What special challenges would Wal-Mart face in automating its planning by using a distribution resource planning (DRP) system? What steps would you take to meet these challenges?

2. Would you have Wal-Mart’s chief executive officer or an appointed planning executive do the planning for Black Friday? Why?

3. List three criteria that you would use to evaluate Wal-Mart’s planning for Black Friday. Explain why you chose each criterion.