Learning Activity-Marketing 2150 Spring 2020 Chapter 10- Distribution The Smart Way In this learning activity, we will develop skills related to discussing supply chain and logistics management and how they relate to marketing strategy. A supply chain is a series of firms that perform activities required to create and deliver a good or service to consumers or industrial users. It differs from a marketing channel in terms of the firms involved. A supply chain includes suppliers who provide raw material inputs to a manufacturer as well as the wholesalers and retailers who deliver finished goods. The goals to be achieved by a firm's marketing strategy determine whether its supply chain needs to be more responsive or efficient in meeting customer requirements. Use the following mini-case study to answer the supply chain questions below. For decades, the impact of vehicle emissions on our environment has been a concern. Many businesses have used the reduction of greenhouse emissions in their business as a key focus of their corporate social responsibility. In 2013, the SmartWay program was introduced in Canada. Natural Resources Canada and Supply Chain & Logistics Association Canada partnered to bring this program across the border from the U.S. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency originally launched the program, which shares industry best practices on supply chain transportation with its members. The SmartWay program boasts a tool that allows its members to benchmark supply chain fleets. It then measures its progress with respect to various emissions categories. This year-over-year analysis provides feedback to transportation companies and elicits accountability of each company's carbon footprint. Now, program members that can potentially have a negative impact on our environment can work together to create a greener process within the supply chain. The SmartWay Transport Partnership helps improve environmental performance each year. The tools offered help truck carriers to benchmark operations and track fuel consumption. SmartWay helps its partners to find SmartWay shippers, reduce operating costs, and reduce their companies' carbon footprint. By joining SmartWay as a SmartWay Partner, organizations send a message to stakeholders that their company is committed to clean freight. The SmartWay program boasts a tool that allows its members to benchmark supply chain fleets. It then measures its progress with respect to various emissions categories. This year-over-year analysis provides feedback to transportation companies and elicits accountability of each company's carbon footprint. Now, program members that can potentially have a negative impact on our environment can work together to create greener process within the supply chain. Questions 1. What are the main benefits that organizations receive from being members of SmartWay? 2. What is the impact of the SmartWay program on the supply chain? 3. How can SmarktWay partners influence other companies to become SmartWay partners? 4. What Canadian companies do you believe need to join SmartWay if they have not already?