After reading this chapter, you should be able to do the following: Discuss the changing global landscape for businesses and other organizations and the external forces that are driving change in the global economy. Understand the special nature of transportation demand and the influence of transportation on companies and their supply chains operating in a global economy. Appreciate the role of transportation in the movement of people and the influence such movement has on population centers and businesses. Gain insight into the challenge of developing appropriate metrics for transportation output. Discuss the economic concept of price elasticity as it relates to transportation demand. Explain the concept of derived demand as it applies to transportation movements. Discuss how transportation service adds value to a product. Explain the importance of the components of transportation service that relate to the movement of freight and their impact upon supply chain costs. Appreciate how transportation affects the development of economic activity for companies and other organizations Understand the development of supply chain management and the importance of transportation to supply chains