[FRONT COVER QUOTE] "Wal-Smart is the business strategy book for the 21st century. It is essential reading for any leader facing the daunting challenges of this global economy."-Mark Hansen, Former President and Chief Executive Officer, SAM's Club [BACK COVER] Wal-Mart created a new economy that touches every business on the planet. To survive and thrive in a world ruled by giants, you need to make smart choices. You need to be... Wal-Smart "Wal-Smart reminds me why I have hired and worked with Bill over many years. He and his book are focused on the right business DNA."-James B. Adamson, Former Chairman/CEO, Kmart "This book is not just about how to compete as a retailer, but how to win in any competitive business environment. As an insider, Bill Marquard does an excellent job revealing strategies to make this a reality."-Corey A. Griffin, Chief Executive Officer, The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC "Full of deep insights from Wal-Mart that will help any company rethink how it can approach and dominate its market." --Jeffrey K. Liker, Ph.D., author, The Toyota Way "Compelling insights powerfully expressed. Wal-Smart offers the best guide yet for any business facing the daunting challenge of a dominant competitor."-Hank Meijer, co-chairman of Meijer, Inc. "Wal-Mart is the case study. Wal-Smart is the answer key!"-Chris Fisher, Partner, Ducker Worldwide [FRONT FLAP COPY] THE SECRET OF WAL-MART'S SUCCESS-AND YOURS No matter what industry you work in, Wal-Mart influences the way you do business. In providing a new level of convenience, low price, and efficiency, Wal-Mart has substantially changed the rules of the global economy, the customer expectations for every business-and the ways your organization must deliver to keep up. Is it even possible to thrive in a world ruled by this, and other, industry giants? Yes, it is possible-if you're "Wal-Smart," says Bill Marquard. The architect of Wal-Mart's first-ever strategic planning process, Marquard takes you on a rare tour of what's really driving Wal-Mart's success, from its prowerful process disciplines to its hidden management "DNA" to its simple, but elegant, productivity loop. Wal-Smart then answers our most gut-wrenching question as business leaders in any industry: Now that we're immersed in the Wal-Mart world, what are we going to do about it? Marquard prescribes the smart choices you need to make in every aspect of your business: as competitors, suppliers, employers, and community members. Throughout are stories of triumph-and of defeat-that distill the critical strategic choices you must make to win in the shadow of any giant of industry . . . or to become the giant ourselves. Wal-Smart is not just a book about Wal-Mart. It is a book about the principles of leadership in a Wal-Mart economy. It equips leaders, managers, and anyone in the business community with the essential strategies that really work to survive and thrive in this brave, new Wal-Mart world.