5. Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, has perfected a

“just-in-time competitive strategy.” This retail giant relies on barcodes for instant inventory, distribution centers that purchase supplies at the last minute and deliver only when needed, a small core of suppliers that Walmart can pressure for large discounts, routinized work that requires on average seven hours of training, and part-time workers who often work full-time hours without getting corresponding benefits. How does this “just-in-time” approach change the mix of fixed and variable costs to the advantage of Walmart? (Radical)