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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Sam has created a unique culture at Wal-Mart where managers meet ________.

2. Sam eventually returns to Newport, Arkansas, and opens a Wal-Mart near ________.

3. What does Sam think is a trade-off?

4. He has had the time of his life running Wal-Mart, but has been wondering _________.

5. The feeling of excitement about the work environment is called ___________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Wal-Mart's run-in with Kmart.

2. How does the increase in re-urbanization benefit Wal-Mart?

3. What has been Sam's behavior toward technological advances?

4. Who has been involved the most in the advancements in technology for Wal-Mart?

5. Why is Sam able to write this book?

6. Describe the annual stockholder meetings.

7. How does Sam counter the argument that Wal-Mart has destroyed the small shops in rural towns?

8. What is the "whistle while you work" mentality? How does this benefit the employee and the company?

9. What is Sam's motto that he frequently repeats?

10. Describe the reason why Wal-Mart succeeds?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This book is written to clear up misconceptions about Sam Walton, his family, and his business.

Part 1) What misunderstandings does Sam discuss in this book? How have these misunderstandings occurred? Why does Same feel it is important to clear up these misunderstandings?

Part 2) What does this desire to clear his name reveal about Sam Walton? What ideas did you have regarding Sam Walton and his business prior to reading this book? How did you come about these beliefs?

Part 3) Has Sam been able to alter your opinion of him? Why or why not? What have you learned from reading this book?

Essay Topic 2

Sam credits the success of the business to the relationship between managers and their associates.

Part 1) Describe how Sam creates this type of relationship. How did this relationship evolve and develop over time? How was it improved over time?

Part 2) How does this relationship benefit business? How does it reflect the relationship between the business and the customer?

Part 3) How has the public been involved in Wal-Mart's growth? How does this benefit all involved? Why are unions not required, according to Sam? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Competition is important to Sam.

Part 1) How does Sam show that competition is important? Why is it important to Sam? Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Would he feel this way about competition if it started to hurt his company? Why or why not?

Part 2) How does Sam argue that competition and evolution are good? Do you agree with his argument? Why or why not?

Part 3) How is competition found in you own life? How have you benefited from competition?

(see the answer keys)

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