Sustaining higher education using Wal‐Mart's best supply chain management practices

Abstract

Purpose The costs in higher education are increasing and need to be controlled. This paper aims to demonstrate what lessons higher education could learn from Wal‐Mart's reasons for its financial success with its focus on efficient and effective supply chain management (SCM) best practices. Design/methodology/approach Wal‐Mart's best practices in SCM were investigated through a secondary data literature review. Findings Wal‐Mart's best practices in SCM can be categorized into four segments: strategic concepts, logistics and distribution, information technology, and supplier collaboration. The company's technology, outsourcing, and collaboration practices are particularly useful in higher education. Research limitations/implications The adoption of Wal‐Mart's best practices was investigated for only one service industry (higher education). Future research could apply these practices to other service industries, such as hotels and transportation. Practical implications Higher education is looking for best practices to help control costs and can learn from Wal‐Mart's best practices. Originality/value Past research has focused on applying the best practices of other colleges and universities to higher education. Benchmarking Wal‐Mart's best practices can add further value to the sustainability of higher education.

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