Market research is a key responsibility for the marketing department. Research helps the company identify market opportunities and gain a better understanding of customer needs. It also helps them understand competitors’ strengths and weaknesses so they can take action to protect business with existing customers or win business from weaker competitors. The department can carry out its own research by studying industry reports, market data on websites, or by contacting customers and prospects to survey their needs and attitudes. Alternatively, they can brief a market research firm to carry out the research.