Final answer:
The first step in any marketing research project is problem definition (option B), where the needs are assessed and the scope is determined.
Step-by-step explanation:
The important first step in any marketing research project is problem definition. During this initial phase, it is essential to understand the customer's needs, identify potential competitors and their positions in the market, recognize government and technological constraints, and ascertain the available resources such as personnel, time, and budget. A well-defined problem leads to a clear problem statement, which sets the stage for the entire project and ensures that the research will be directed towards solving the most important issues faced by potential customers.