« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 »

Articles & Case Studies:
Home Depot case study: technologies the company has relied on.

The ability to keep up with advances in technology has been a major contributing factor for Home Depot?s dominant position in the home improvement retail industry.
Home Depot?s challenge in the late nineties was finding a way to invest in the growth of their business, while minimizing risks. By implementing new technologies in response to demands for growth, certain inherent risks are presented, primarily:
Home Depot performed an extensive process, as well as systems analysis of their operations during this period. What resulted was that Home Depot realized that they must expand into new markets and improve operating efficiency to be able to maintain future growth.
Meeting these challenges lead Home Depot to improve their operating efficiency through the implementation of new technology in several key areas, specifically;
Home Depot utilized CMI?s (Corporate Microsystems) Mlink Advanced Communications Software in response to the challenge of improving operating efficiency while minimizing inherent risks.
Other technologies that Home Depot has implemented are;
What information does the company's website (www.homedepot.com) provide about their business directives?
Home Depots Website www.homedepot.com identifies a number of key objectives in respect to their business directives, several that seem to be the cornerstone of their success are:

I was not able to find much specific information regarding particular areas of focus and direction the company would be taking regarding issues such as technology, and strategic acquisitions.(Which doesn?t come as a complete surprise ? as their competition would be very much interested in this in formation as well!
I think the most comprehensive general representation of their business directives might be found in a letter by Co-founder, Bernie Marcus.
The following is an excerpt from Mr. Marcus? letter that truly illustrates how Home Depot?s commitment to community, is their Number One business directive.
?My mother taught me that every challenge brings an opportunity. Twenty-four years ago, I received a golden opportunity by being fired as president of what was then the nation?s largest home improvement company. A door opened to a new vision of retailing, in which warehouse merchandising, contractor pricing and knowledgeable service would enable customers to take control of their home improvement needs. ..
From the beginning, The Home Depot has marched under two standards. First, we set out to build a sound business, one that would create value for our customers, employees and shareholders while transforming the industry. I believe in the free enterprise system and am grateful that my parents settled in a country that makes it possible. The extent to which the company has achieved the first goal is a matter of financial record.
The second goal involves a different kind of value. One cannot see all that a company is by examining the bottom line. When we drew up our initial business plan, we talked about culture. Having seen a culture destroyed, we were determined to build our principles into the company?s foundation and under gird it every step of the way.
Something special emerged, a culture in which employees were given the freedom, training and motivation to act as entrepreneurs, in which listening to customers improved us, in which vendors became partners in growth, and in which shareholders gained wealth by trusting in our abilities. ?
I believe Mr. Marcus? letter neatly sums up Home Depot?s primary business directives ? building a sound business and listening to what their customers want.
Do you believe their website is effective?
Home Depot has created a very user-friendly Website that truly represents the level of commitment to the customer that Home Depot prides itself on. There are enough site areas to meet the various topical demands, and a plethora of information contained in each. Home Depot?s Website produces pages that are quick (thanks to some JSPs) and simple to navigate. The information was presented to assist the viewer in understanding the make up and operation of Home Depot with specific categories detailing the many facets of the company.
I believe Home Depot has a very effective website that users will find inviting as well as informative.
References: Home Depot: Home Depot: