To set the foundation for this assignment, it$$s important to understand needs assessments. According to Indeed: Needs assessments are tools you can use to gain valuable insights into a company$$s actions or processes to determine efficiency. This assessment can be part of a company$$s planning process to determine gaps or needs and how to address areas for improvement. $($Indeed Editorial Team, $2022,$ para. $1)$

The results of a needs assessment can not only provide managers with direction, but also provide justification of recommended solutions and initiatives.

As a manager and developer of your business plan, it is necessary to re$-$examine your selected business$$s current consumer base to ensure that your recommended solution $($e$.$g$.,$ the introduction of a new or updated process, product, or service$)$ is aligned with consumer preferences and needs. Strategic managers use problem$-$solving based on research to determine the accuracy of target markets and make necessary adjustments based on their customers$$ needs.

Preparation

Gather research for your selected business to develop a consumer needs assessment.

Review the Week $4$ summative assessment instructions, as the research you gather now will be used to develop your Week $4$ summative assessment deliverable.

Assignment Deliverable

Create a $1-$ to $2-$page outline in which you organize research on consumer needs for your selected business. Include the following:

Detailed relevant information to be gathered on your selected business$$s target market consumer

How and when the information about your selected business$$s target market will be collected

How the target market information to be gathered aligns with the impetus for change in your selected business, addresses identified challenges, and aligns with strategic management principles

Why you decided to gather this specific information.

Incorporate at least three properly cited sources with in$-$text citations $($you will likely need more than three$).$ Peer reviewed references not required for this assignment.