Business Plan on "Project Management Walmart"

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Tiffan (2014) stated that the first thing necessary in establishing a leadership style is to be cognizant of a common purpose that individuals in the group can buy into. If what Tiffan states is true, then leadership consists of knowing what is best for the group, and then getting enough individuals who are members of the group to buy into that purpose. Of course, being a good leader often depends upon the person's leadership style and how well the individual implements that style in his/her environment. Azar, Asiabar, (2015) concluded that there is a correlation between how effective and ready to lead a leader is with the leader's style of leadership. Based upon the Azar and Asiabar (2015) study it would seem that leaders who are ready and effective likely have already established a leadership style that works well for that particular individual. In other words; to become an effective leader a complementary leadership style must first be established.

The Project

WalMart recently announced that it was shutting 154 stores across the United States (Petersen, 2016). Petersen (2016) states that most of the stores (102) are the smaller Walmart Express stores that are unprofitable. According to Kim (2012) the average size of the stores is between 12,000 and 15,000 square feet. Closing 102 stores across the United States displaces over 10,000 employees and leaves a hole in the local economies that are affected by these closures. An action such as this is not undertaken lightly by management, and a variety of factors are considered; chief among those factors is how the local population will perceive the actions taken by management.

In order to address that concern, WalMart has decided to turn the WalMart Express buildings into community athletic and cultural centers that are leased to the city and/or local groups and entities interested in providing easily accessible centers and activities for youth and adult citizens. The project is to turn these express store locations into small and viable cultural centers for local usage.

Project Viability

One of the first principles of project management is to determine whether the project is even viable. Viability of the project is often determined in terms of financial commitment which often includes such considerations as return on investment (ROI), return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). For this particular project the need to determine what is viable and what is not viable must also be weighed against the goodwill that can be established in each community. Oftentimes when closures like this take place, negative perceptions against WalMart run high and the bad publicity generated by such events can lead to the remaining stores becoming less profitable. The financial aspects of the building closures (based on dollars and cents -- or sense) from a business viewpoint might be entirely good business, but the negative perceptions are something that can last for a long, long time. The question must still be asked though; what will the overall project cost and can those expenses be justified? A complete budget analysis is included in Appendix A -- Budget Detail Worksheet

What is needed

To accomplish a goal such as the project suggested herein takes an efficient application of project management principles.

The first thing to do is hire a leader that can "rally the troops" and use a collaborative approach to ensuring the success of the project. Since the project is going to be national in scope, a Project Manager who has the ability to travel extensively is a must. The Project Manager must also be able to implement one of the key principles of project management (communication) through establishing a method for communicating with those individuals and groups that will take an interest in this type of project. Electronic communications through a well-maintained and accessible website would most likely make the most sense in this type of project. Because each closed WalMart location will have differing capabilities and likely will be used for a variety of purposes, a plan to control procedures for progress will have to be created and communicated in a well-written manner using the advantages of website communications to do so. In order to ensure that communications are trouble-free and efficient, an Information Technology Specialist will have to be hired. he/she will be responsible for creating a viable website, maintaining email and other communications, and establishing a social media presence. This individual will report directly to the Project Manager. A third employee is needed to ensure that the financial viability and integrity of the project is monitored and maintained. This person will be required to have a financial background; preferably an accountant with experience in analysis. This person should also have a management background based on the fact that he/she will be responsible for managing a number of underlings who will be responsible for ensuring the long-term viability of the various locations. One other specialist that will be needed is an Engineering Specialist.

The Project Manager will work closely with the local groups and entities interested in using the former WalMart Express stores as cultural or athletic centers in an effort to determine how to best utilize the buildings with minimal costs and refurbishing. Each of the three specialists will be expected to complete WBS charts for any employees hired to assist them in their duties and responsibilities.

Project Hierarchy Chart

Project Timeline

As based on one of the principles of project management, a timeline to accomplish the project, as well as guideposts to confirm events throughout the timeline will be created and adhered to. One of the primary responsibilities of the Project Manager is to ensure that each area of concern is addressed in an ongoing and consistent manner. The project timeline is created to allow the Project Manager the capabilities to ascertain whether the goals and objectives of the project are being met in a timely and efficient manner.

Timeline Chart

Hiring - Three Employees

Project Manager (PM) - Jan 4, 2016

Accounting Manager (AM) -- Jan 8, 2016

Information Technology Specialist (IT) -- Jan 15, 2016

Engineering Specialist (ES) -- Jan 15, 2016

Team Meeting -- Jan 18, 2016

Reports Due -- Jan 29, 2016

Budget Analysis and Feasibility Report -- AM

Website Design and Expense Report -- IT

Reconstruction Report - ES

Rollout begins -- February 1, 2016

Texas 20 stores -- 5 cities February 1-5 PM, ES

Oklahoma 6 stores -- 3 cities February 8-10 PM, ES

Texas financial and IT reports February 12 AM, IT

Arkansas 10 stores -- 4 cities February 14-17 PM, ES

Oklahoma financial and IT reports February 19 AM, IT

Louisiana 8 stores -- 3 cities February 23-25 PM, ES

Arkansas financial and IT February 26 AM, IT

Mississippi 6 stores -- 3 cities February 29 -- Mar 2 PM, ES

Louisiana financial and IT reports Mar 4 AM, IT

Team meeting -- Status Updates Mar 4 PM, AM, IT, ES

Georgia -- 7 stores -- 3 cities Mar 8-10 PM, ES

Mississippi financial and IT reports Mar 11 AM, IT

Florida -- 3 stores -- 2 cities Mar 15-16 PM, ES

Georgia financial and IT reports Mar 18 AM, IT

Tennessee -- 4 stores - 2 cities Mar 22-23 PM, ES

Florida financial and IT reports Mar 25 AM, IT

South Carolina -- 2 stores -- 1… READ MORE