Final answer:
The first step of the systematic marketing research approach is defining the problem, setting the stage for the research plan, data collection, finding development, and taking actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step of the systematic marketing research approach is defining the problem. This initial phase is crucial as it lays the groundwork for the entire research process by identifying the core issues that need to be addressed. The subsequent steps in the sequence typically include developing a research plan, collecting relevant information, developing findings, and finally taking marketing actions based on the insights gained through the research. It's important to note that the steps provided in the question align with the broader principles of the scientific method, which begins with asking specific research questions and moves on to hypothesizing, data collection, and drawing conclusions.