Zappos Faces Competitive Challenges

Case A. Zappos Faces Competitive Challenges (Textbook p. 62-64). 1) Prepare a Case Summary: In a narrative format, discuss the key facts and critical issues presented in the case. 2) Case Analysis: Zappos seems to be well-positioned to have a competitive advantage over other online retailers. What challenges discussed in Chapter 1 pose the biggest threat to Zappos’ ability to maintain and enhance its competitive position? How can human resource management practices help Zappos meet these challenges? Do you think that employees of Zappos have high levels of engagement? Why? 3) Executive Decisions: Which of Zappos’ 10 core values do you believe that human resource practices can influence the most? The least? Why? For each of the core values, identify the HR practices that are related to it. Explain how each of the HR practice(s) you identified is related to the core values. Case B. Home Depot’s Bumpy Road to Equality (Textbook p. 151-152). 1) Prepare a Case Summary: In a narrative format, discuss the key facts and critical issues presented in the case. 2) Case Analysis: a. If Home Depot was correct in that it was not discriminating, but simply filling positions consistent with those who applied for them (and very few women were applying for customer service positions), given your reading of this chapter, was the firm guilty of discrimination? If so, under what theory? 3) Executive Decisions: b. How does this case illustrate the application of new technology to solving issues that have never been tied to technology? Can you think of other ways technology might be used to address diversity / EEO / affirmative action issues