Answer:
A. Market Research
Step-by-step explanation:
Market research is the process of gathering information about a market, its customers, and its competitors. It involves the collection and analysis of data related to various aspects of the market, such as customer needs, preferences, and behaviors, as well as market trends, competition, and potential opportunities.
Market research is an essential tool for businesses, as it helps them to make informed decisions about product development, marketing strategies, and other key aspects of their operations. By gathering data through market research, businesses can better understand their customers, identify areas for growth, and stay competitive in the marketplace.
Market orientation and market segmentation are related concepts, but they are not specifically focused on data gathering. Market orientation refers to a business strategy that prioritizes the needs and wants of customers, while market segmentation refers to the process of dividing a market into distinct groups of customers with similar needs and characteristics.
Marketplace is a term used to describe a platform or venue where buyers and sellers come together to exchange goods and services, and is not related to the process of data gathering for business purposes.