Founder Fred Smith and executives running companies controlled by FedEx say they are planning a monumental shift in the FedEx mission. They are accelerating plans that focus on information systems that track and coordinate packages. They are seeking to "morph" themselves from being a transportation company into an information-based company. FedEx already has one of the most heavily used websites on the internet. Company management claims to have 1,500 in-house programmers writing more software code than almost any other non-software company does. To complement package delivery, FedEx designs and operates high-tech warehouses and distribution systems for big manufacturers and retailers around the world. For almost two decades, FedEx has been investing massive amounts to develop software and create giant digital network. FedEx has built corporate technology campuses around the world, and its electronic systems are directly linked via the internet or otherwise to over 1 million customers worldwide. That system now allows FedEx to track packages on hourly basis, but it also allows FedEx to predict future flow of goods and then rapidly refigure the information and logistical network to handle those flows. "Moving an item from point A to point B is no longer a big deal." Say James Barksdale, CEO of Netscape and early architect of FedEx's information strategies.

Questions:

1. Explain in your language what is the case about? 3 marks

2. What are the 'Values' here (in case) and how did FedEx achieve these values? 3+6 marks