Which of the following is included in market research planning?

Market research planning is a critical step in the procurement process, allowing organizations to gather information that aids in making informed decisions. One fundamental aspect of this planning involves assessing the availability of commercial services. This ensures that the organization understands what products and services are available in the market, which can help in identifying potential suppliers, understanding pricing, and determining the feasibility of various procurement strategies.

Understanding the availability of commercial services enables the organization to build a solid basis for ensuring that its procurement needs can be met effectively and efficiently. By knowing what is available in the marketplace, the organization can better align its requirements with what suppliers can provide, thus optimizing its buying power and improving overall procurement outcomes.

Other aspects like identifying unnecessary expenditures or developing a marketing strategy might not directly relate to the objectives of market research planning in procurement. Training of procurement officers, while important, focuses on enhancing skills rather than researching market conditions. Hence, the emphasis on availability of commercial services stands out as a key element in the market research planning process.