Conclusion

Target’s mission: “Our mission is to make Target the preferred shopping destination for our guests by delivering outstanding value, continuous innovation and an exceptional guest experience by consistently fulfilling our Expect More. Pay Less. Brand promise.”

Target was created by the Dayton Company which as founded by George D. Dayton. They had their first grand opening in Roseville, Minnesota on May 1. 1962. Target has now expanded across the country, opening stores in 2008 in Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska and in 2009 in Hawaii on the islands of Oahu and the big island. Today, Target operates nearly 1,750 stores in 49 states, including 240 SuperTarget stores that include an upscale grocery shopping experience. Target combines fashion, quality, and service, which are the best features of the best department stores, with the low prices of a discounter. Since May 2008, Gregg W. Steinhafel has been the CEO of Target. He is also the Chairman of the Board and President of Target.

Since 1962, Target has committed 5% of its income to support communities. Today, that totals more than $3 million in giving every week. Target is committed to funding programs that support the basic needs of families and provide disaster relief. Target House provides 98 free, fully-equipped apartments for families and patients receiving long-term treatment as St. Jude's Children's research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Target has partnered with Feeding America since 2001 in their fight to end hunger in the United States. Target donates millions of pounds of food each year, providing millions of meals to families in need.

Target is a smart company who designed a security method not only to reduce theft but also to protect their shoppers and team members. Target's approach is called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). This strategy includes exterior and interior security devices.

Target's slogan of "Expect More. Pay Less." focuses on the narrow market scope and unique competency. The company expects more from its self than anyone else and takes pride in the low prices for name brand products. Customers are always Target's number one concern. Target is always trying to reach out to new customers to offer new and complementary products as well as great service. This is called top-line initiatives.

Database technology solutions include internal and cross team initiatives. Target uses SWOT analysis as a source for top level company data and information. Jeff Mader has been the Database manager for Target since 2005. Target has adopted the Microsoft.NET framework-based technologies within its nearly 1,750 stores in 49 stated. The type of computer network that Target uses is called a WAN or Wide Area Network. Target Corporation uses a switch network device that connects computers and passes messages by repeating each computer's transmission to the intended recipient. Target connects to the internet through DS3, a high speed business network that runs at 44,736 Mbps. This connection type is important for Target since they need to have 24/7 access to not only their Target.com website but also to their suppliers and delivery companies.

Technology

Networks

The type of computer network that Target uses is called a WAN or Wide Area Network, it is a set of connected networks serving areas or buildings that are not in immediate proximity to each other. This allows multiple computers to be connected with each other and share information, software and processing power. Target Corporation uses a switch network device that connects computers and passes messages by repeating each computer’s transmission to the intended recipient. Therefore, several computers can have different conversations at the same time which is why it is used by Target because it allows orders to be submitted by customers immediately and also simultaneously, they are then able to send that order to the supplier or to their inventory system. Target uses the wireless communication media through satellites which is cost effective when moving large amounts of information, such as when there is a large number of receiving sites, allowing each Target store to transmit information to the customers and suppliers. Target connects to the internet through DS3, a high speed business network that runs at 44.736 Mbps. This connection type is important for a business like Target because of the necessity to have a fast and reliable system in order to better serve customers. Another reason this internet connection is crucial is that Target needs to be connected 24/7 to not only its customers but also to the suppliers and delivery services. The DS3 system not only allows all the stored across the country to be connected to an intranet, which is accessible only to employees and Target executives, but it also connects them to the extranet, where they can access the official Target website that customers access. Voice over IP is not used by Target.

Target’s Four Principles of Network Security:

Confidentiality: information can only be obtained by those authorized to access it. Target strives to keep customer, employee, and company information as safe as possible. They utilize an encryption system to protect the information shared among the different stores across the U.S.

Authenticity: Target encourages their new users to choose a secure and unique user name and a strong password to protect them from identity theft. Their system actually measures the strength of the password the new customer is setting up and advises of the strength or weakness of the password they chose.

Integrity: Target’s mission is to ensure the safety of customers while using the store website either to obtain information or to make purchases. The use of security enhancing systems allows customers to trust the website and also builds a reputation that Target is committed to the safe handling of their customers’ personal information.

Availability: Target Corporation’s IT department assures efficient network operations. If the server were to be unavailable for a period of time, Target could lose a large amount of sales, but more importantly the negative effect that being unavailable would have on Target’s reputation. It is a priority of Target to maintain and service the network.

Target’s domain name is  http://www.target.com

Hardware and Software

Target has adopted the Microsoft.NET framework-based technologies within it 1,400 stores in 47 states. They migrated the systems within each store to the Microsoft.NET Framework 2.0, Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft SQL Server 2005, core technologies that deliver on the Microsoft Smarter Retailing strategy for connecting people, information, systems and devices. “We selected Microsoft .NET Framework based technologies to allow us the ease of integration, flexibility, reliability and manageability required for our existing systems, with the scalability to meet our future plans for growth, innovation and use of consumer technologies,” said Steven Stephan, director of store development at Target.  Target’s decision to build solutions on the .NET Framework 2.0, Windows Server 2003 and SQL Server 2005 is a great example of Microsoft Smarter Retailing, an initiative designed to help retailers improve how they sell and operate. At the core of Smarter Retailing is a technology architecture that consists of the interoperability and integration advantages of the .NET Framework combined with standards-based software products that have been designed and built to tightly integrate with each other, eliminating the need for a complex services model and allowing retailers to focus on the issues that drive value.

             

Databases and Database Warehouses

Database technology solutions include internal and cross team initiatives. Target uses the SWOT analysis as a source for top-level company data and information. Jeff Mader has been the Database Manager for Target since 2005. The database manager has to check that the in depth design of data structures and databases fulfill with data policy, standards, and principles and meets the level of service goals for the organization. He also has to manage the production databases in our environment. Target records of corporate responsibility are sturdy but they realize that there is always room for improvement. Their approach focuses on continuous improvement, consistent with the strategy they pursue all through their business in their merchandising, their stores, systems, and supply chain. They issue a Corporate Responsibility Report which presents their social, economic, and environmental initiative information. Target will continue to update its progress. An example of what they include in their reports:

·    CEO Letter                                                                           

·    Overview: Company History, Corporate Governance Profile, and Business Conduct Guide.

·    Social Responsibility: Community Giving, Education, Arts, Social Services, Law Enforcement/Federal Government Partnerships, Vital Community Partnerships, Volunteerism, Support of Veterans, Commitment to Team Members, Diversity/Equal Opportunity ,Training and Development ,Health and Safety ,Benefits and Compensation, Union Philosophy, Policies Regarding the Sale of Certain Products at Target , Mature-Rated Video Games, Guns / Toy Guns, Tobacco and Cigarettes, Pseudo Ephedrine ,Global Compliance ,Philosophy and Practices, Compliance Organization ,Vendor Contracts & Vendor Education, Vendor Selection and Quality Assurance, and Global Sourcing Agents.

·    Environmental Responsibility: Environmental Management Program, Metrics and Measurements, Regulatory Compliance, Sustainable Real Estate Development & Design, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Energy Conservation, Waste Reduction and Management, Recycling and Re-use, Asset Recovery, Environmentally-Friendly Products, Import Packaging Reduction Education, and Partnerships.

·    Economic Responsiblity: Financial Performance Highlights, Locations and Market Share. 

·    Appendices: Awards and Details of this report, Injury and Illness Information, Standards of Vendor Engagement, GRI Guidelines Cross Reference.   

   Target solves coupon calamity
Target recently fixed a problem that was brought to attention back in August. When customers would use coupons the registers were not properly giving the proper credit to the customer. It took so long for the issue to be resolved because of the fact that coupons are a complex issue. They worked as quickly as they possibly could and in the mean time they had instructed cashiers to verify that the coupons were registering the proper amount. "It's a technology fix that we've implemented in all stores nationwide to fix this coupon issue," Erika Svingen, a spokeswoman for the Minneapolis-based discount chain. Mommy bloggers and coupon websites wrote about the problem in August and it started online petitions including one that was titled "Target Corporation: Fix your register software!" Customers were feeling like criminals by using coupons because of the hassel involved. Although public reaction attacked Target for being too slow and secretive for dealing with the problem, a Target official says that Target always wanted their customers to get their full discounts and encouraged customers to check their receipts.


http://www.twincities.com/business/ci_16568711

Business Strategy

“Expect More Pay Less” focuses on the narrow market scope and unique competency.  The company expects more of its self than anyone else and takes pride in the low prices for name brand products. 

“Target Corporation is a growth company focused exclusively on general merchandise retailing. Our principal operating strategy is to provide exceptional value to American consumers through multiple retail formats ranging from upscale discount and moderate-priced to full-service department stores.”
The Five Forces Model helps the business people understand the attractiveness and competitive pressures in the industry.  The Providers of produces and services want to reduce buyer power so they create a competitive advantage by making it more attractive for customers to buy the products from them instead of their competition.  Competitors respond to this by creating similar products. Buyer and supplier are the opposite.  When the buyer power is lower the supplier power is high and when the supplier power is low the buyer power is high. 

Target uses system, operating and utility software. Things like technology management, job coordination, Windows, Mac OS, Linux, anti-virus software, and disk optimization. All of the software helps run Target’s corporation.  Whether it is used for making a website, scheduling employees, marketing products, or payroll. Technology is an important part of a business.
Target is always trying to reach out to new customers to offer new and complementary products as well as great service. This is called top-line initiatives. Customers are always Target number one concern.

IT uses the front office systems which are the primary interface to customers and sales channels.   They collect data which they send to all of their customers.  Also used, the back office systems where customers orders are fulfilled and processed.  This also sends customers information on their database. Then there is the CRM system that analyzes and gives out the customer’s information to the organization with all their purchases and experiences. Examples of organizations that use this are Clarify, SAP, and Siebel Systems.E-Business is used all over the world. It helps reduce communication, transaction, and agency costs. There is faster distribution of knowledge because of this. Internet business models used for Target would be B2C also known as business to consumer. Targets website has virtual storefronts including products catalog database, shopping cart technology, web server, and client browser. It is an online marketplace which is easy to click on products to add to your cart. Your payments are electronically put into the system. Online and Pop-up ads help market their products.

Target Reports September Sales Results
While September sales where on the lower side of their expectations, Target was pleased with the results of their Back-to-School and Back-to-College season sales. The categories of grocery, beauty and healthcare are continuing to be a strong area for sales. With the launch of the new REDcard rewards program in October, which offers guest the opportunity to save 5% when they use one of their Target cards, they are expecting to increase their guest traffic. Also in October, the 2010 remodel project will be completed which will allow Target to enter the 4th quarter with no stores under construction. 

"We believe these strategic sales-driving initiatives will help Target to continue delighting our guests while gaining market share profitably in the upcoming holiday season."

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/target-reports-september-sales-results-2010-10-07?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Social and Ethical Responsibilities

The Alliance to Make US Healthiest is a new association that is trying to make the U.S. the healthiest nation in the world. Also they are attempting to help citizens to become healthier. Target is a founding member of this movement.

Their future goal is to promote happiness and good health all through the local communities.

“We firmly believe that healthy team members create a more successful business and vibrant communities,” said Jodee Kozlak, Target’s executive vice president of human resources. “We want all team members and their families to focus on prevention—the key to access and affordability.”

Security and Risk Management

Target is a smart company who designed a security method not only to reduce theft but also to protect their shoppers and team members. Target’s approach is called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). This strategy includes exterior and interior security devices. The Target team sets up the stores with an approach to keep the customers safe while meeting their shopping needs.

The external security devices that Target uses are mobile security vehicles (Segways), surveillance camera systems, and strategic parking lots. To add more visibility to the lots, lighting and landscaping are put in to prevent crime. Inside the store many security devices are highly visible. Target installs surveillance camera systems around the store and public restrooms. Also, they have limited backroom access cameras to protect their team members.