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Define marketing research and explain the importance of marketing research in making business decisions. Conduct a short research project following the basic marketing research process: (1) define the problem to be researched, (2) design a survey instrument, (3) collect and tabulate data, (4) interpret findings, and (5) make recommendations for solving the identified problem. Draw on data generated from the survey to supply evidence for the proposed recommendations; demonstrate the ability to use and manipulate pivot tables to illustrate different ways of presenting and grouping data. Prepare a chart to be utilized in a mock marketing management meeting, displaying data in a graphic format based on one or more of the tables, and present as evidence alongside recommendations. Example projects include determining the demand for an expanded school lunch menu, or gauging interest in the development of a new neighborhood park.