Final answer:
A research plan informs the marketing manager of existing information and identifies additional information that must be acquired.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Research plan not only informs the marketing manager of existing and accessible information regarding a problem area but also highlights additional information that must be acquired. It is a systematic approach that outlines steps and strategies for conducting research and collecting data.
For example, if a marketing manager wants to understand consumer preferences for a new product, a research plan would detail how the manager can gather existing data from market research reports and surveys, but also identify the need for conducting focus groups or interviews to acquire additional insights.
A research plan helps ensure that all necessary information is gathered to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the problem area and supports evidence-based decision making.