Introduction: The assignment is designed to develop and use knowledge and skills in understanding key strategic issues relating to FOOD RETAIL INTERNATIONALISATION. All outcomes below will be assessed: 1. Demonstrate critical understanding and application of relevant theories associated with global corporate policies and strategies. 2. Understand the holistic nature of strategy and apply analytical techniques to solve complex problems in real life organizations 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the strategic decision making process through critical analysis of how strategic decision making enables an organisation to relate to its global business environment. 4. Critically evaluate and monitor the business mission, objectives and policies of international organisations. 5. Use critical reflective skills to reflect on the impact of their understanding on the problem solving process Assessment Criteria: The assessment should focus on the level of ANALYSIS carried out. This is, application of THEORETICAL CONCEPTS in other words its should proceed beyond a DESCRIPTION of the company and its actions. Its should be analysing WHY rather then WHAT Question One: Wal – Mart, Carrefour, Tesco, Metro and Kroger are among the top five food retailers. Using examples from any WTO of those five food retailers, critically examine the main arguments for and against globalization in the food retail industry in terms of: 1. Strategic Alliances, Merger and Acguisition activity 2. Threat of new entrants and substitutes 3. Bargaining power of suppliers and buyers The answer should be based on critical analysis of developments in the global food retail supermarket industry over the past 12-18 months. Question Two: Critically evaluate the global food retail market dynamics since the year 2000 and discuss how Wal-Mart or Tesco continues to invest into food retail facilities in order to secure future profitability, with particular focus on their innovation strategies. Question Three: Using McKinsey’s 7S framework for identifying core competencies and capabilities, discuss the ability of Lee Scott as the current Wal-Marts President and Chef Executive Officer to quickly improve Wal-Marts products and customers perception by the year 2010