7-2 Case Study: "The Wal-Mart You Don't Know"

Assignment

Read the following article. Consider its subject matter and do a little extra research on this subject. Answer the discussion questions below.

1. Describe the problem faced by Vlasic. Why were they unable to oppose the sales plan put forth by Wal-Mart? Ultimately, how did responding to Wal-Mart affect their business?
2. Was this an ethical supply chain decision on the part of Wal-Mart? Also, highlight any sustainable ethics that was involved here.
3. What does this case tell you about how much influence a business can have with regard to its suppliers' decisions and behaviors? What does this say about the conventional notions of the responsibility of firms for the practices of their suppliers (both in terms of individual firms and collectively)? Is it reasonable for consumers (or even regulators) to hold firms accountable?

• Article is 12-01-03

The Wal-Mart You Don't Know