Product planners, sometimes also called research analysts, research markets to determine interest and demand in particular products, and then update or create new products to meet consumer needs. This position requires a great deal of research and statistical analysis based on data about trends, demographics, and buying habits from sources such as market studies, literature reviews, and focus groups. Product planners must also keep track of what competitors are doing and planning in a given market. Other common tasks for product planners include projecting costs, demand, and revenue for potential products, planning and coordinating product releases, and interdepartmental project planning and management. Product planners will also meet periodically with upper and executive management to discuss research findings and organizational goals.