Select a retailer that you are interested in.

Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:

1. Outline and describe the basic configurations, flows of products and information, and typical participants in marketing channels.
2. Identify the three (3) most influential channel participants for the retailer that you selected.
3. Describe the role of marketing channels in the overall marketing strategy of the retailer you chose.
4. Conduct an environmental scan for your particular retailer. Describe how each environmental variable (demographic changes, economy, etc.) affects the marketing operation.
5. Research a new technology that will aid in communication between marketing channels that may eliminate conflict and power in the marketing channel.
6. Research how the marketing channel for your selected retailer is designed. Critique the design of the marketing channel for your selected retailer.
7. Use at least three (3) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Explain the role of marketing channels in the overall marketing strategy of an organization.
• Outline and describe the basic configurations, flows of products and information, and typical participants in marketing channels.
• Analyze the major environmental variables in markets and explain how these affect marketing channel operations.
• Examine the importance of defining roles and communication in regards to conflict and power in the marketing channel.
• Analyze markets and formulate effective marketing channel strategy and designs to support the channel activities.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in business logistics management.
• Write clearly and concisely about business logistics management using proper writing mechanics.