Federal Express Corporation, now known as FedEx, was started in 1971 by Frederick W. Smith, an entrepreneur who recognized the need for a company that could deliver documents overnight. The company is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and it maintains a workforce of more than 290,000. The company provides transportation, e-commerce, and business services in more than 220 countries through a portfolio of businesses including FedEx Express, TNT Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Services. FedEx’s main competitors include UPS and DHL along with various smaller, local delivery providers. The company is known for being a great place to work at, as it has frequently made Fortune magazine’s list of the Best Companies to Work For. It accomplishes this through the use of annual employee surveys (The Survey Feedback Action Program), evaluations of leadership potential (The Leadership Evaluation and Awareness Program), and a Reward and Recognition Program (e.g., Golden Falcon and Bravo Zulu! Awards).

The mission of the company is as follows:

FedEx Corporation will produce superior financial returns for its shareowners by providing high valueadded logistics, transportation and related business services through focused operating companies. Customer requirements will be met in the highest quality manner appropriate to each market segment served. FedEx will strive to develop mutually rewarding relationships with its team members, partners and suppliers. Safety will be the first consideration in all operations. Corporate activities will be conducted to the highest ethical and professional standards.......

Discussion Questions 

1. How does FedEx engage in both strategic and operational planning?
2. Conduct a SWOT analysis of FedEx. Based on this analysis, what can you conclude about the company?
3. What is FedEx’s competitive advantage?
4. What are the human resources functional strategies used at FedEx?
5. Do you think it is beneficial for organizations to engage in a strategic planning process? Why or why not?
6. Think about a student organization you have been involved with or a part-time job or internship you have held. Did this organization have a competitive advantage? If so, what was it?