To help you become more familiar with the decision support systems, marketing research and how they impact the marketing plan process. By the end of the discussion, each of your will have fully developed responses to the questions posted.

In this discussion forum you will identify, reflect and discuss the application of Module $5$ and $6$ concepts regarding marketing research, decision support systems and the marketing plan.

Read the Modules $5$ and $6$ fully, access the additional links and review the learning activities to prepare you fully for a class discussion. Next kick off the discussion with your response to the following questions $($don$$t forget to include a link to any resource you use besides those given here or in the lesson$)$:

Tell us why marketing research is needed and explain its importance to marketing decision making

Explain the concept and purpose of a marketing decision support system

Discuss the profound impact of the Internet on marketing research

Describe the difference between Primary and Secondary marketing research and explain which of these will be most important to you in this course and why.