Identification should include conducting market research using primary data (e.g., survey, observation, focus groups) and/or secondary data (e.g., government reports and other published sources) to determine school or community needs that an entrepreneur could satisfy.

Process/Skill Questions:

Why is marketing research important prior to starting a business venture?
How can a business ensure the validity of marketing research?
Who uses marketing research?
What is the difference between primary and secondary data? How can each be useful to entrepreneurs?
What research methods can be used to assess the needs of the community? Of the school?
How can research data be analyzed to develop a business idea?
How has technology changed the way marketing research is done?
What are the limitations of marketing research?
How is marketing research like scientific research?
How can marketing research be used to develop a marketing strategy for a new venture?
Why is researching industry data an important component of the research process?
Why is customer privacy important in marketing research?

Teacher Resources:

DECA Event: School-Based Enterprise
DECA Event: Business Services Operations Research
Market research and competitive analysis, U.S. Small Business Administration