Final answer:
A literature review is the process of conducting a comprehensive search of previous studies and information on a topic which typically involves contacting knowledgeable individuals and performing thorough online searches.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a marketing manager, calling people who are knowledgeable in the designated problem area and performing Internet searches may constitute the research required to conduct a useful literature review. A literature review involves examining previous research and background information about a topic. It often includes looking through trade publications, academic journals, conducting interviews with subject matter experts, and consulting existing studies or research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. When you must show awareness of the research already done in the field, a literature review is an essential component of this process. It enables marketing managers to connect their findings with previous work and to formulate their marketing strategies based on both qualitative and quantitative data gathered from existing sources.