Chapter 1: Understanding the Manager's Job

Complete set of links to companies

Organizations differ considerably in the way they utilize management theory, as they confront contemporary management challenges. Here are two firms that present widely differing viewpoints: Accenture, a management consulting firm, and Wal-Mart, the giant retailer. (On the Wal-Mart web site, select "About Wal-Mart.") View their web sites and then answer these questions:

1. Based on the information at each web site, which perspective on management seems most representative of each organization?
2. To which contemporary challenges are these organizations responding, based on the information you can locate at their web sites?

Internet Exercise

The opening incident in Chapter 1 (found on page 4 of your text) focuses on recent managerial activities at The Limited stores, which includes many well-known retail brands. View the firm’s web site. Examine the company and all of its activities and operations, but focus in particular on the organization and the activities associated with its operation. Then answer the following questions:

1. What can you determine about the extent of The Limited’s operations?
2. What areas of management can you identify from its web site?
3. How does this information relate to that presented in the text?

Explore Further

Examine the web sites of The Limited’s competitors and compare their operations and activities. For example, how does The Gap compare to The Limited? Compare the companies’ histories, management styles, products, and operations. What do you think is the cause of the differences you find?